On The Campaign Trail
With School Board Candidate Megan Tennimon
Dear Bubbie is presenting a series of stories from candidates running for office in Sarasota County. In their own words, they’ll talk about a moment they experienced while on the campaign trail that moved them, made them laugh or simply made them think.
We’ve always believed there is nothing more compelling than real life. After reading their stories, we think you’ll agree.
by Megan Tennimon Sarasota School Board Candidate, District 4
I was running late to the March school board meeting. (My son choiced into McIntosh which means I provide transportation for him). McIntosh drop off is 9:20 and March is still peak tourist season so it took me forever to get to the Landings.
Needless to say, I was flustered as I rushed into the building with two minutes to spare. I quickly found a seat and when I looked at my neighbors, I realized they were all students I knew, friends of my own kids.
One teen’s face lit up and said, “Mrs. Tennimon! Will you sit with us? We need a friendly face here”. Several other students moved seats to sit near me. My mood changed immediately because I realized I was already becoming an adult these students trusted.
I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face and realized these students are part of my why.
Crrrunch time: These candidates are still in need of getting their petitions signed to qualify to be on the ballot. If you ever thought you didn’t make a difference, it’s times like this when you really do. Print out the petition, fill it out, sign it and get it returned to the Sarasota Democratic Office, located at 7358 S. Tamiami Trail. (Coral Cove Plaza)
If you can’t get there, your petitions can be picked up and delivered. (It’s a little late in the game to mail them.)
This is the link to Megan’s petition for her name to get on the ballot. ANYONE living in Sarasota County can fill out her petition.
For Sarasota County Commission, District 4, Petitions can only be signed if you live in the district. It’s easy - from Clark Road down to Nokomis and Osprey, fill the petition out, you’re most likely in the District.
If you live North of Bee Ridge Road, you’re in a different district. However, if you live south of Bee Ridge, you can sign it if you live on the east side of the trail and west of Beneva Road.
Why is this important? It appears that if a wrongdoing by the county commission is exposed to the public, they will remedy the problem or hope it goes away. Otherwise, regular people are hurting due to bad decision-making and lack of care towards the individual citizens who are their constituents. They want a choice on voting day.
The business owners at the Boatyard are an example of this. They were a community of friends and business owners that tourists flocked to for rental boats, mopeds and more. They were disregarded and disposed of like a dirty napkin after the county bought the property. (Their story is coming. . .)
Julie London is running for County Commission, District 4 and believes that with growth, we can’t lose the character of our town. She is not accepting any contribution campaign money from developers and is running on the premise of being a Community Watchdog.
Urgent: An incumbent shouldn’t be able to just skate their way through to another four years, but the only way that won’t happen is if everyone in District 4 signs a petition to get London on the ballot. Again, completed ballots will be picked up. The link is here. Less than one week to go.
Candidates can send their “On the Campaign Trail” story to DearBubbieFeedback@yahoo.com
Please make sure people realize everyone in Sarasota County can vote for the school board. You don't have to live in the specific district. You can vote for all the open seats. It's a non partisan election.