- September 6, 2024
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A citizen watchdog group has challenged every candidate running for office in Sarasota County to sign a pledge to refrain from mudslinging and accepting money from “Dark Money” PACs.
Citizens for Sarasota County unveiled the pledge in a news release July 11.
“The pledge will raise voters’ awareness of negative campaigning and focus discussion on issues of real concern to the voters of Sarasota County,” said Susan Schoettle, a member of the CSC Steering Committee.
In the release, CSC founder Tom Matrullo said outside influence has hijacked the political process: “For more than a decade, we have witnessed Dark Money PACs and hired political operatives from outside Sarasota County turn our local elections into mud-slinging free-for-alls that ignore local issues.”
The CSC believes holding candidates accountable can affect elections, noting two incumbents in Venice city elections in 2023 refused to sign a similar pledge and lost their seats.
The pledge reads:
"To do my part to ensure an honest, fair election that focuses on the issues facing Sarasota County voters, I pledge to: