Six questions for Manatee County Commission candidate Keith J. Green
Green is one of two Republicans challenging George Kruse for at-large District 7 seat
Keith J. Green, a member of the Bradenton Planning Commission, is one of three Republicans who have filed to run for the at-large District 7 seat on the Manatee County Commission. The other two are April Culbreath, chair of the Manatee County Republican Executive Committee, and the first-term incumbent, George Kruse.
If no Democrat, no-party-affiliated or write-in candidate enters the race, the winner of the GOP primary on Aug. 20 will take office. Otherwise, the race will be decided in the general election on Nov. 5, 2024.
Green, who previously served on the Manatee County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. was the first candidate to file for the seat.
“My goal as a county commissioner is to restore integrity to the office, something that is greatly needed,” Green said in a news release last November. “We deserve leaders who are virtuous in their decision-making. We deserve to have a county commissioner who will lead with both heart and mind.
Green said he has “had enough” of the current commission, especially Kruse, and is giving it his best shot to change it.
“I want to bring accountability back, Right now, we have a county government that doesn’t care about residents and its employees,” Green told the Bradenton Journal last year.
Green delivered a similar response to questions from The Bradenton Journal this month about his candidacy. His responses have been edited lightly for clarity and grammar.
The Bradenton Journal: Presuming you considered political and personal factors before deciding on whether to enter the race, what’s the one thing that most convinced you to run for the at-large District 7 seat on the Manatee County Commission?
Green: When making the decision to run for the at-large District 7 seat on the Manatee County Commission, it was a combination of both political and personal considerations that led me to this pivotal choice. However, if I were to pinpoint the one driving factor, it would be my unwavering belief in conservative principles and the immense potential they hold for driving economic growth and prosperity in our community. I am deeply committed to fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, job creation and responsible fiscal policies. This, coupled with my dedication to upholding a strong moral compass and ethical standards, ultimately solidified my resolve to step forward and serve the people of Manatee County.
The Bradenton Journa: Which issues will you emphasize as a candidate and as a commissioner, if you are elected?
Green: Once elected I will center my efforts on the issues that are paramount to the well-being and prosperity of Manatee County. My unwavering commitment to conservative values, coupled with my dedication to economic principles, will be the cornerstone of my approach. Here are the key areas I will emphasize:
Championing economic liberty: I am resolute in my belief that economic freedom is the engine that drives progress. I will tirelessly work to create a pro-business environment, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and empower our local entrepreneurs to flourish.
Advocating for development: Manatee County is experiencing growth, and we must ensure that our infrastructure and amenities keep pace. I will advocate for strategic development projects and essential infrastructure improvements that meet the needs of our expanding community.
Upholding fiscal responsibility and government efficiency: Prudent fiscal management is crucial for our county's long-term success. I will implement rigorous fiscal discipline and work to streamline government operations, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
Enhancing public safety and community engagement: A safe and engaged community is the bedrock of our prosperity. I will work to strengthen our law enforcement agencies, while also fostering open lines of communication between government, businesses and the community to ensure everyone has a voice in shaping our collective future.
Promoting education and financial Literacy: Our educational system must be aligned with the economic demands of our community. I will advocate for policies that equip our students with the skills they need to thrive in the job market. Additionally, I will prioritize financial literacy programs that empower individuals of all ages to make sound economic decisions. These are not just campaign promises, but a solemn pledge to the residents of Manatee County.
The Bradenton Journal: What would be your priorities when addressing issues related to growth and development in Manatee County?
Green: In Manatee County, our conservative values guide our approach to growth and development. We recognize that to foster a thriving community, we must actively support local businesses, stimulate job creation and drive economic prosperity. Consider the impact of well-maintained roads and updated utilities on the county's expansion. It's crucial that we prioritize these infrastructural enhancements to ensure they keep pace with our growing population. By doing so, we lay the foundation for sustainable progress. Moreover, I am deeply committed to preserving what makes Manatee such a great place to make home. This entails implementing smart growth strategies that harmonize new developments with our existing landscapes. In collaboration with businesses and developers, I am dedicated to streamlining processes and cutting through unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. By doing this, I hope to aim to expedite projects while maintaining the highest standards of accountability. My vision is clear: a thriving community where businesses flourish, families prosper,and every resident enjoys the benefits of a vibrant economy. By focusing on essential projects and responsible growth, we're building a future that reflects the core values of Manatee County.
The Bradenton Journal: What do you think was the county commission’s biggest mistake since the incumbent District 7 commissioner, George Kruse, was elected?
Green: Commissioner George Kruse's tenure has been marred by a string of concerning incidents and questionable decisions. From confessing to an extramarital affair and even suggesting the term "blackmail" in a public setting, to his inconsistent stance on critical conservative issues, and his involvement in a DUI incident, these events have understandably unsettled constituents. His track record on vital matters such as pro-Second Amendment resolutions, the allocation of taxpayer funds for abortion providers and opposing the defunding of Planned Parenthood in Manatee County, starkly contradicts conservative values, rightfully drawing criticism. Moreover, the dismissal of the DUI charge, while legally determined, inevitably casts a shadow of doubt on how the case was handled in the eyes of the public. In sum, it's glaringly apparent that Commissioner Kruse's actions and positions have ignited not only controversy but genuine concern and discourse within the community. What we need is a commissioner who embodies unwavering principles and is steadfast in keeping their word. Someone whose tenure won't be overshadowed by scandal and allegations of impropriety. As your next County Commissioner, my commitment is to provide principled and sensible solutions for the betterment of our community.
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The Bradenton Journal: How would you address the traffic/parking issues that have caused so much conflict between some county commissioners and leaders in the city of Holmes Beach? Should the county build a parking garage on Manatee Public Beach over the city’s objections?
Green: Addressing the traffic and parking challenges in Holmes Beach is imperative for the well-being of our community. Constructing a parking garage at Manatee Public Beach is a sensible solution that I wholeheartedly support. This parking garage will play a pivotal role in alleviating traffic congestion. It has become increasingly difficult for non-island residents to find suitable parking spaces, which hinders their ability to enjoy the amenities, shops, restaurants and most importantly, our beautiful beaches. By providing ample parking near the beach, we discourage individuals from resorting to neighborhood streets, thereby ensuring the safety and tranquility of those areas. Furthermore, projections indicate a 25% surge in population over the next 30 years, with the beach being a primary attraction for visitors. To accommodate this growth, ensuring easy access to public amenities is a fundamental responsibility of government in our region. The parking garage is not only a practical solution but also a proactive step towards maintaining the appeal and accessibility of our beloved Manatee Public Beach for years to come.
The Bradenton Journal: Manatee County is nearly surrounded by and adjacent to water — the Gulf of Mexico, the Manatee River, etc. What should the county be doing to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes and tropical storms?
Green: Addressing issues related to rising sea levels, hurricanes and tropical storms primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the federal and state governments. Agencies like the EPA are tasked with overseeing and managing these concerns on a broader scale. It's crucial to acknowledge that while we value environmental stewardship, we also maintain the perspective that the impact of rising sea levels may not present an immediate and dire threat to life or property in Manatee County. Given this perspective, our focus should remain on implementing sound local policies that resonate with conservative values by prioritizing initiatives that promote prosperity and the wellbeing of our residents within our county.
For more about Green’s campaign, visit https://www.greenformanateebocc.com/
I read his responses. Sounds like he's leaning towards developers. KVO must like him. Kruse has made some mistakes but he's not voting the KVO party line all the time. He states that the issues of sea level rise, hurricanes and tropical storms fall under the jurisdiction of federal and state governments. If he's looking for them to bail out the county if a Hurricane Ian directly impacts us like it did Fort Myers, he is sadly mistaken. Local regulations are needed to protect the citizens beyond state and federal. Local government will be liable for much of the cost to repair any damages. Also was disappointed to hear that he was for the parking garage at the beach. There is plenty of other infrastructure more important than that, including parking garage downtown which is fast losing is effective life and could be a major safety issue. This is not an endorsement of any candidate but a critique of Green.
We definitely don’t need another extreme right-wing so called republican hater on the commission.