Sarasota City Commission, At Large: Carl Shofstall

Why should people vote for you?

Experience, leadership and dedication to the city. I have a track record of successfully fighting for the interests of our neighborhoods: 10 years Lido Key Residents Association President; seven years on the Executive Committee of Coalition of Community Neighborhood Associations (CCNA), three as chair; 12 years on the Parks, Recreation & Environmental Protection Advisory Board (PREP); and recently asked by the City Commission to serve and ultimately chair the Surtax IV (Penny Tax) Ad Hoc Committee whittling down over $440 million of community requested projects to fit the projected $191 million estimated tax revenue, which was reviewed and approved by the City Commission. My dedication to the city, so far, is exemplified by the Lido Beach Renourishment Project, where as President, our Lido Key Residents Association team prevailed in a series of lawsuits filed by a group of Siesta Key residents, enabling the Corps of Engineers to move forward with a major renourishment. As a commercial pool and playground contractor, I have worked professionally with all the major developers in this community. Their respect puts me in a unique position to bridge the communication gap that exists between developers and residents which will result in better neighborhood friendly development.

What was the tipping point in your deciding to run for this office?

I have an extensive community service resume, but I have so much more to contribute. I am adequately prepared and ready to take that next natural step.

Discuss what goals you have for your term in office.

To be successful in business, serving on a public board or commission or in everyday relationships with friends and family, you must listen and understand different perspectives and points of view. My number one goal is to listen. Also, from my career in commercial pools and playgrounds and the years I served on the PREP Board, my vision is to make Sarasota a "canopy" city supported by an urban forestry program and create more green spaces for environmental, health and aesthetic purposes.

Was there a decision made by the current board that you would have changed if given the chance?

I respect the current boards and the decisions of these volunteer residents and do not choose to either "armchair”’ or “Monday morning” quarterback their decisions. If there is new information that would make sense to revisit a decision, then I would review both the original and updated facts and seek public input.

What kind of city should Sarasota be?

Our legacies and traditions are our community’s foundation. All growth and modernization need to keep where we came from and how we got here forefront. We are one of the leading cultural and art centers in Southwest Florida. Protecting. preserving and enhancing our environment is essential. Maintenance of those attributes requires growth. This means both supporting our tourism industry and building toward reasonable economic development. One of the ways we can accomplish this is with clean jobs that include new tech industries and workers.