Sarasota City Commission, At-Large: Debbie Trice

Why should people vote for you?

My allegiance is to the people of Sarasota, not to any “special interests.” I will bring a new perspective to the Commission based on a lifetime of community service and management experience in both IBM and small entrepreneurial ventures. I will bring a reasoned approach to creative problem-solving, a focus on community, and attention to balancing priorities in all financial decisions. During my single term in office, I will mentor others in our community interested in serving in the future.

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

Although several groups encouraged me to run, I was eager to continue “building community” in my position as President of Rosemary District Association. Then media coverage of our dire housing shortage began. This issue affects everyone. Sarasota succeeds only if working families have homes and business owners can fill job openings. Raising the issue with our city government as an individual had no effect. As a Commissioner, I am prepared to keep the issue on the agenda as long as Sarasota’s working families and longtime retirees need homes.

Discuss what goals you have for your term in office.

A successful program providing housing for Sarasota’s low and moderate income residents. “Successful” means that a significant number of homes are completed and occupied with many more under construction and planned, and procedures to administer the program and working partnerships with not-for-profit groups are in place.

Establish a sense of “community” within the city, starting at the neighborhood level and extending to City Hall. City government should consider strengthened neighborhoods to be valuable partners in addressing local needs. 

A government that listens to “the people,” not “special interests.”

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

When four members voted on May 16 to send the massive Comprehensive Plan Amendment to Tallahassee for approval, they made an error with serious long-term consequences for the people of Sarasota. The problem isn’t only specific line-items which take away people’s rights to speak out on new development and limit the City’s flexibility to meet housing needs. The greater problem, in my opinion, is the process by which 170 pages of changes were presented unaccompanied by an overall plan. Both the Commissioners and the people deserve to be advised on and weigh in on staff’s concept of a “future Sarasota.” We also need a list of Comp Plan Amendments, Zoning Text Amendments and other changes needed to implement their concept instead of being asked to have faith that everything will fit together just fine.  

What kind of city should Sarasota be?

My vision is for Sarasota to be a city that works for everyone — where everyone has a voice and a place to live.