Local Dark Money - Flipbook - Page 99
running for Congress. Candidates with huge
war chests and PAC support had the
advantage vying for this important local
position.
When a Commissioner voted against his
districtÕs interests (like Mike Moran supporting
a waste transfer facility next to the Celery
Fields, or Al Maio approving increased density
for BendersonÕs Siesta Promenade) it was
diûcult for voters in that district to Òthrow the
bum outÓ at the ballot box, because each
district accounts for only 20% of the electorate.
Voters in other Sarasota County districts may
be unaware of, or unconcerned by issues that
are important to one particular district.
Newtown voters may not follow what is
happening in North Port, and vice versa.
Limiting the electorate to the voters in the
district that the County Commissioner
represents heightens accountability. Grassroots, door-to-door campaigns can be eûective
against candidates supported by special
