Educated voters make more informed decisions.
So it was encouraging to see extensive coverage of some of the lower ballot races in Sarasota County (particularly the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board) this election season in the lead-up to the August 20 primary. In a year when the winner could make an unprecedented difference, it has never been more important to know who you’re voting for — and what that person stands for.
Yet, according to my emails, few people know anything about the Charter Review Board (CRB) elections in Sarasota County. In fact, most people admit they don’t even know what the CRB is or what it does.
Sarasota is one of only 20 counties in Florida that has the home rule powers of a charter county, and the only one with a board elected by voters. Two members are elected (countywide) from each of the county’s five districts, who serve unpaid, staggered four-year terms.
The purpose of the board is to review the charter on behalf of the citizens and recommend changes. Along with the Sarasota County Commission, the CRB is the most important citizen body that can influence how county government handles such important issues as growth and development. A two-thirds majority of the CRB entitles citizen-initiated changes to the charter to a referendum vote in an upcoming election.
A key issue in this year’s Charter Review Board election is the candidates’ stance on an amendment (7.1a) added to the county charter following a referendum in 2022. The vaguely worded amendment was promoted by county commissioners and developers after they twice unsuccessfully tried to reverse voters’ decision to change commission elections from countywide to single-member districts.
Amendment 7.1a states that all new amendments must comply with Florida law. And the existing Charter. However, since an amendment – by definition “an amendment or addition” – would alter the existing Charter, this would seem to block any citizen-initiated Charter changes.
Another problem is the increasing restrictions on Florida’s home rule rights, which also serve to silence the voice of citizens and prevent local constitutional changes.
To help voters get to know the residents vying for six seats on the Charter Review Board this election cycle, I recently contacted all 14 candidates and asked for some basic information. Granted, these are typically solo campaigners; most have no websites, campaign staff or war chests. Still, it was disappointing to hear back from only four candidates — and only two of the six running in the Aug. 20 Republican primary that is the focus of this column.
(I’ll look at the other candidates before the general election on November 5.)
The information provided below was compiled from responses from the candidates (William Van Allen Jr. and James Coler), the League of Women Voters’ website VOTE411.org (where four candidates for the Charter Review Board have provided profiles), and local news. Since there is no Democrat running for the two-year District 1 seat recently vacated by Alexandra Coe (who resigned to run against Teresa Mast for District 1 County Commissioner), this primary will be the last election – so anyone can vote regardless of party affiliation.
District 1 (two-year term)
The candidates: William Van Allen Jr., Nicholas Altier
Van Allen is a self-employed musician and flower seller and has lived in the county for 37 years. He served as chairman of the county’s Libertarian Party for a decade. Van Allen was motivated to run for election by the “misleadingly worded” amendment on the 2022 ballot. He was convinced that “the only way to preserve the citizens’ right to amend the charter is to serve on the CRB.”
Van Allen believes that Section 7.1a was unnecessary because the prohibition of conflicts with the Florida Constitution or common law was already enshrined in the Charter and state statutes. Its effect was to “prevent future amendments… thereby effectively invalidating our status as a charter county.”
He also advocates improving election integrity and security, adding rules to the charter governing how vacant CRB positions are filled (questioning whether appointments by the governor violate the charter), and increasing the mandatory three CRB meetings per year “to facilitate voter participation.”
Altier is a Sarasota resident since birth and is the owner of Altier & Co., a real estate brokerage. He previously served on the county’s Historical Preservation Board and the Sarasota Young Republicans, and was a volunteer for several nonprofit organizations.
Altier has no intention of changing the current charter – but after careful consideration, he would consider supporting changes that protect jobs, boost the local economy and improve infrastructure. Altier believes cross-generational representation is important to protect future generations and believes his familiarity with the community gives him a strong perspective on the “wants and needs” of local citizens.
District 3
The candidates: William DeSane, James Coler
DeSane is a retired New York City police officer and eight-year county resident. He was appointed to the CRB by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023 to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of David Samuel.
He actively advocates for the interests of first responders.
DeSane is endorsed by Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, the International Union of Police Associations, the International Fire Fighters Association and the Sarasota Young Republicans. He advocates for a conservative approach to any charter changes, saying they require “serious thought and consideration” and should be made infrequently, free of personal or political agendas and not in conflict with state law.
Coler — a Sarasota County resident for two years — is a retired volunteer firefighter and fire inspector, a building manager and former owner of a spray foam insulation company. He says his top priorities are “listening to the people,” preserving the charter and home rule, and promoting “controlled growth” that includes necessary infrastructure.
Coler is in favour of “amending the wording of 7.1a” to clarify its intent. In his view, this currently blocks any changes to the statute and undermines the validity of changes made since the 2022 referendum.
District 4
The candidates: George Aiton, Gregory “Tex” Bukowski
Aiton is a retiree from Nokomis. Aiton has not responded to my request for comment, nor has he created a profile on VOTE411.org or been interviewed by local publications. Unfortunately, I cannot provide any further information on his candidacy.
Bukowski has lived in the county for eight years and owns a restaurant and wine bar in downtown Sarasota and a mold removal company based in his former home of Chicago. He is first vice president of the Sarasota Republican Club and a “proud America First conservative.” His priorities are protecting/preserving the charter from the “radical left,” protecting/preserving the charter from major changes, and improving the efficiency of county government when possible. Although Bukowski favors a “smaller and more local” government, he believes there are valid cases where local laws should be overridden by state law.
In a state where it’s becoming increasingly difficult for citizens’ voices to be heard and their initiatives to appear on the ballot, the Charter Review Board is a vital interface for local citizens. Now that you have some information, there’s no excuse to skip your participation in the upcoming primary election. And while you’re at it, don’t forget that all voters can and should also participate in the Sarasota County School Board election on August 20.
Contact Carrie Seidman at [email protected] or 505-238-0392.
