Home remodeling contractor Mark Hawkins files for Sarasota County District 4 seat
SARASOTA COUNTY — Home remodeling contractor and previous Sarasota County Setting up Commission Vice Chairman Mark Hawkins is the first to file for general public place of work for the 2022 normal election.
Hawkins has lived most of his everyday living in Sarasota County and will seek the District 4 seat now held by Alan Maio. Hawkins, 68, claimed he hopes to convey frequent perception and accountability back into hands of the constituents.
“Right now, we’re missing that in the district,” Hawkins said. “Common sense claims you just can’t set a mega-constructing advanced on Stickney Issue and U.S. 41 and say it will not affect targeted visitors and the neighborhood.”
Hawkins was referring to the Benderson Development Corp.’s Siesta Promenade challenge. The large mixed-use improvement approach was authorized in 2018 and hotly contested by place residents largely because they felt it would lead to greater targeted traffic turmoil.
“Thousands pleaded for common feeling,” Hawkins said. “The people’s desires had been overlooked and that occurs time and time all over again.”
Hawkins also said he won’t acknowledge money from PACs or from area developers who generally bankroll Sarasota County Fee candidates.
Developers “regulate what is actually heading on,” Hawkins claimed. “I want the people today of Sarasota County to control what is heading on.”
Hawkins ran for the County Commission in 2010 as a Democrat, dropping to previous commissioner Nora Patterson. He switched to the Republican Celebration and won a seat on the county Constitution Overview Board two yrs later. He was appointed to the county’s volunteer advisory setting up panel in 2015.
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As a Republican prospect for the County Commission, Hawkins supports retaining the single-member districts technique of electing commissioners.
The majority of county voters authorised the single-member districts referendum in 2018, shifting to a program that elects commissioners by district relatively than countywide. The County Fee has produced it a legislative priority this yr most likely dismantle the program.
Hawkins owns Hawk’s Nest Development. He hopes to make inroads with functioning course individuals. As a commissioner, he vows to enable foster a much better ecosystem to raise a loved ones.
He also explained he desires the county to establish a small county business advisory board.
“What we located out during the pandemic is that smaller businesses carry the tax stress for Sarasota County,” Hawkins mentioned. “Go to Gulf Gate and talk to business enterprise persons. They will tell you the influence of the governing administration using away the means to make a residing and generate a right wage.”
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To get far more cash to enhance the street network, Hawkins is floating the plan of altering the effect fees developers pay back. He mentioned the county could also incorporate a “transfer fee” that all householders would pay back when they obtain a residence. Hawkins reported persons who move into current residences even now have a huge influence on roadways and educational facilities.
Hawkins is a married father of two youngsters. He has seven grandchildren and life on Phillippi Creek. His household is about 5 minutes from the house he lived in when attending Riverview Superior School.
Timothy Fanning covers Sarasota govt for the Herald-Tribune. Arrive at Timothy at [email protected] or on Twitter: @timothyjfanning. Aid the Herald-Tribune by subscribing today.