Manatee County Commission District 7: Ed Hunzeker

Name: Ed Hunzeker

Age: 72

Family: Hunzeker lives in Lakewood Ranch with his wife, Sharon. They have three adult sons and five grandchildren.

Bio: Ed Hunzeker will bring his proven leadership skills, deeply rooted knowledge of Manatee County, and conservative principles to the commission. He is a strong supporter of President Donald Trump and a defender of the Second Amendment. Hunzeker served as Manatee County Administrator from 2007 until 2019. Hunzeker earned his Bachelor of Science and MBA degrees from St. Louis University.

Why are you running for office?​

I am running for Manatee County Commission District 7 at-large seat to ensure the county maintains its conservative approach to government: low taxes, less government, reduced regulations and an improved transportation network. I have the experience, knowledge and skills to help the board deal with, what I believe, is a pending recession in 2022-23. In 2008-09, as the county administrator I reduced county spending by $122 million and staffing by 300 positions in order to live within our means. In addition, I proposed and the board approved a $100 million infrastructure spending program completely privatized, without a tax increase.

If elected, what will be your top three priorities during your term?

1. Create job opportunities for the residents of the county whose jobs were lost as a result of the coronavirus;
2. Reduce government regulations impeding small businesses ability to grow; and
3. Propose funding needed for transportation projects through public, private partnerships as I did in 2009.

What role should the county play to increase the amount of workforce/affordable housing?

The way forward in the creation of a sustainable housing program for workforce/affordable housing is for the government to work with builders and operators of these housing units, in rewriting the Comprehensive Plan & Land Development Code eliminating those provisions impeding the financing of projects. For example, significant modifications to parking, setbacks, landscaping and fees charged could go a long way in reducing cost and making projects financially feasible.

What do you think the county’s role is in stimulating business in the aftermath of COVID-19​?

The county, in concert with the state and federal governments, using the funding from the coronavirus relief bill should work with the various Chambers of Commerce and the Economic Development Corporation to ensure every business in the county has equal access to funding/financing provided by the governments.

What is your position on impact fees? Should they be raised? Why? Why not​?

Impact fees are the only revenue source available to the county to fund the infrastructure needs required by new growth. If new schools, parks, public safety and roads are required as the result of new growth, then the fees should be adjusted. However, the fee adjustments need to be the result of a comprehensive, independent study wherein all affected parties participate.

In what areas of county government spending do you think the county could cut expenses without hurting services? Would you support an increase in the millage rate to provide more services for county residents​?

In 2016 the county commissioners appointed a Citizen’s Budget Restructuring Committee to look at county spending and associated revenues. As a result of the extensive cost reductions, I implemented in 2008-09, the committee, after spending months reviewing all departments, did not recommend any spending reductions. Perhaps another look is warranted. I would not support a millage increase.

The Legislature has enacted laws to reduce nutrient runoff. And local governments are expected to do their part. The county staff has introduced charging a new stormwater management fee to all property owners. What’s your position​?

I believe we can improve the quality of water entering the waterways of Manatee County without a fee increase to property owners.

If elected, what will be your priorities on roads and transportation? How should the county commission address road capacity to handle future growth​?

First, encourage (through incentives) new growth in the urban core where infrastructure currently exist. Second, encourage public/private partnerships with the development community for the construction of required roadways, as the county did in Parrish and Lakewood Ranch during the past 10 years.

Vacation rentals: How should they be regulated — locally, or by the state? And if locally, by the county or municipalities? How would you regulate them​?

I believe they should be regulated locally by the municipality that approved the zoning and construction plans for these units. I would ensure strict adherence to existing zoning, parking and noise ordinances.