Six Questions for Charter Review Board Candidates

Sarasota's Charter Review Board is an elected body of 10 members, two members from each of the five county commission districts, who serve staggered terms of four years. The Board reviews and proposes changes to the Sarasota County Charter which are submitted to referendum in accordance with the provisions of Article VI of the Charter.

The 11 candidates running for the Board in November were invited to answer these questions:

1. ​Why do you think you’re particularly well suited for the Charter Review Board? 
2. Do you think the Charter Review Board should be changed from an elected board to an appointed board? Please explain. 
3. What are three issues that have been suggested for the CRB’s consideration that you feel are worthy of further inquiry? For each one, please explain why you think it’s important. 
4. What is your position on single-district elections? 
5. Do you believe citizen petition charter amendment drives should be subject to a time limit on gathering signatures? 
6. Do you believe advisory boards should be subject to a rule that aims to balance them by geography, areas of expertise, and relevant experience in advocacy? (For example, for the Planning Commission, at least one member with experience in advocating for affordable housing.)​

We have asked each candidate to provide their written responses by Noon,  Thursday, Sept. 29. We'll share their responses verbatim.

***Candidates are invited to provide photos and links to their sites.***

Six Questions for Sarasota Hospital Board Candidates

Last Monday's Hospital Board forum presented by the League of Women Voters of Sarasota County offered those who attended many superb insights into the health issues affecting Sarasota County residents, and the candidates proffered a range of positions on those issues. 

By the end of the forum, it was clear to all that the questions facing Sarasota Memorial and the task of public healthcare are large, complex, and highly significant to our residents. To make what's at stake more available to our voters, each candidate has been invited to respond to the questions below. More about the Hospital Board here. A description of the Board's responsibilities is here.

1. What are the major pros and cons of privatizing Sarasota Memorial Hospital and what is your position? 

2. Regarding the expansion of Sarasota Memorial Hospital: please expand upon why you agree or disagree with the current expansion?   

3. How would you like future expansion to proceed?

4. The failure of the State of Florida to expand Medicaid increases the hospital's uncompensated costs. What is your position on accepting the Federal Medicaid Funds? 

5. Moral and financial reasons for accepting Federal Medicaid Funds which were presented to the past Legislature did not work. How can the taxpayers encourage the Legislature to accept the federal Medicaid funds?

6. Mental health services are currently poorly funded; the low income working poor and some elders could benefit from the expansion of the federal Medicaid funds. How do you feel the hospital can be instrumental in providing the proposed expansion of mental health services that may be funded under the Affordable Care Act?

We have asked each candidate to provide their written responses by Noon Friday, Sept. 30. We will share their responses verbatim.

***Candidates are invited to provide photos and links to their sites.