Sarasota County Commission District 1: Alexandra Coe

Age: 60

Current occupation: Applied anthropologist

Resident of Sarasota County: 30 years

What are the three top priorities/issues facing the county, and how should the commission address them?

The top three issues consistently highlighted by our community are growth, flooding and affordable housing. As a county commissioner, I would address these core concerns as follows:

1. Growth: We need to adhere strictly to the 2050 Plan and respect neighborhood agreements. It’s crucial to stop approving variances that allow excessive density, which strains our infrastructure and alters the character of our communities.
2. Flooding: The funds from Hurricane Ian should be used judiciously to enhance resilience in our existing neighborhoods. Instead of diverting these resources to unrelated projects, we should focus on fortifying our communities against future flooding, with special attention to the needs of our senior citizens.
3. Affordable Housing: We must support diverse land uses and lifestyles to accommodate residents of various ages, incomes, and family sizes. This includes ensuring that housing remains affordable for those earning at or below the median income for Sarasota County.

Why are you running for office?

I am running for Sarasota County commissioner to ensure that our government remains responsive to the needs of its residents. Ultimately, I want to represent the will of the people and work toward a government that truly serves its community.

Have you ever run for public office before? If so, for what office?

Yes, I was elected to the Sarasota County Charter Review Board in 2020. Since then, I have proudly served my community as an elected member of the board, actively participating in efforts to review and improve the county’s charter. My experience on the Charter Review Board has provided me with valuable insights into the workings of our local government and has further fueled my commitment to serving the people of Sarasota County

What makes you more qualified than your opponents for this office?

I am uninfluenced by developer money and will place the needs of current residents over attracting new ones for tax revenue. My approach to governance emphasizes inclusive and participatory decision-making, ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard and valued.

Affordable housing — what can the Sarasota County Commission do to increase the supply of workforce housing?

If we had adhered to the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, we would not be facing the current affordable housing shortage. The provisions of this plan should have guided the decision-making of all county commissioners elected after its adoption. Now that we are in this situation, there are successful redevelopment models we can follow. The key is to make development decisions that benefit the people, not just increase developers’ profits.

It’s concerning that we often rely on out-of-state developers who may not fully understand our community’s unique needs and character. Prioritizing local developers who have a vested interest in the long-term success and sustainability of Sarasota County could lead to better, more thoughtful redevelopment projects that align with our community values and needs.

What is your philosophy toward zoning?

In Sarasota, we might say we don’t have zoning. I think the best approach is outlined in our 2050 Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes community-driven planning over rigid mandates or variances. I support zoning policies that protect property rights and focus on preventing nuisances. It’s essential for zoning to be flexible enough to address public safety needs while also being responsive to the evolving needs of our community.

Growth — What is your philosophy on how population growth should be addressed in Sarasota County — particularly east of Interstate 75?

First of all, we should establish a target population for 2050 and plan development and budgeting to meet the needs of that population. Constant, endless growth is the wrong development model.

There should be a newly defined urban-rural service boundary, and unfortunately, this previous delineation has been ignored by the government at the taxpayers’ expense. Maintaining this boundary is crucial to preserving the character of our communities east of 75.

For Sarasota, it’s essential to protect our natural resources and agricultural lands from unchecked development. Growth should be managed in a way that respects our environment and enhances the quality of life for current residents. This includes prioritizing infrastructure improvements and public services that can accommodate growth without overwhelming our existing communities.

By sticking to a well-thought-out plan, such as the 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and ensuring that any development east of I-75 aligns with these principles, we can create a balanced approach to growth that benefits everyone in Sarasota County. This approach not only supports responsible development but also respects property rights and promotes public safety.

Roads/Transportation — What should the County Commission’s strategy be to address the county’s road needs?

To effectively address Sarasota County’s road needs, we need a multifaceted strategy that goes beyond merely halting increased density. When a property is zoned for 400 houses, it should not be allowed to balloon to 4,000 houses through variances. This unchecked increase in density puts an unsustainable strain on our infrastructure, leading to traffic, perpetual construction zones and inadequate road capacity.

We should focus on upgrading and maintaining existing roads rather than continually expanding. We should build real walkable communities. By implementing just these strategies, we can better manage our county’s road needs and ensure that infrastructure development keeps pace with population growth without compromising the quality of life for our residents.

What is your position on impact fees?

I firmly believe that new developments should generate enough revenue to support all the necessary infrastructure, including roadways, sewers, water systems, police, fire services and schools. Impact fees are essential in ensuring that the costs associated with growth are not unfairly borne by existing residents. If a development cannot generate the required revenue through these fees to support the infrastructure it demands, then it is not the right project for the area.

What is your position on land acquisition for conservation and preservation?

I believe that private landowners, particularly cattle ranchers, have a strong track record in conserving and preserving land. However, the temptation to sell land for profit to developers has contributed significantly to the loss of farms across our country. This presents a conflict, because while private land stewardship is often effective, market pressures can lead to the loss of valuable agricultural and natural landscapes.

If we are going to involve the government in conserving and preserving valuable landscapes, Sarasota County should establish a Rural Heritage Advisory Board. This board would develop a concrete strategy for protecting sensitive lands, while focusing on creating and maintaining wildlife corridors and eco-tourism spaces. Such a strategy should include identifying key parcels of land that are critical for conservation and even put some parcels to a public referendum, allowing the people to decide if they want to invest in these lands for future use and preservation.

This approach balances the strengths of private land stewardship with the need for strategic public intervention to ensure that our most valuable landscapes are protected for future generations. By involving the community in these decisions, we can foster a shared sense of responsibility and investment in our natural heritage.

What is your position on using tax increment financing around the Bay Park to fund 50% of a new performing arts hall?

In the case of using TIF to fund 50% of a new performing arts hall around The Bay Park, my position is as follows:

1. Misalignment with TIF Goals: The primary purpose of TIF is to stimulate economic development in underdeveloped or blighted areas. The renovation of a Bayfront property, which includes the still unknown fate of the historic Van Wezel building, a retail component, and a park with a unique structure extending into the ocean, does not align with these goals. This project is not addressing underdevelopment or blight but rather enhancing an already affluent area.
2. Lack of Community Benefit: The proposed project seems to serve the interests of the wealthy residents living in the new high-rises rather than addressing broader community needs. A more equitable use of TIF funds would involve projects that directly benefit underprivileged or underserved communities, fostering economic development where it is most needed.
3. Existing Venues and Facilities: Sarasota already has the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and other major performing arts and concert venues are a short distance away. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining and improving Sarasota’s existing performing arts facilities that are core to Sarasota’s cultural heritage.
4. Fiscal Responsibility: Using TIF funds for this project diverts money from other critical needs. TIF should be used judiciously to ensure that projects have a clear and substantial public benefit. In this case, it appears the funds are being used for a “fancy park” rather than essential community infrastructure.
5. Alternative Locations: If there is indeed a need for a new performing arts center, it should be developed in a location that minimizes traffic impact and maximizes accessibility, such as near the University Town Center with immediate access to I-75.

In conclusion, while TIF can be a powerful tool for revitalizing blighted areas and stimulating economic growth, its use for funding a new performing arts hall at The Bay Park does not align with these objectives. Sarasota County should focus TIF funds on projects that address genuine community needs, promote equitable development and ensure the efficient use of public resources.

What grade would you give the County Commission on managing the county’s tax dollars? What needs to be changed in the county fiscal management?

I would give the county commission a C+. While Sarasota County has received recognition for its financial reporting excellence from the Government Finance Officers Association, there are significant areas of concern, particularly regarding debt management and spending priorities.

Although the county maintains a strong credit rating of AA+ from Fitch Ratings, indicating solid financial health, this rating is heavily dependent on ongoing development. The failure to diversify the economic base beyond construction is already having serious consequences for our community’s long-term sustainability.

Can you identify any area where you think the county’s spending should be cut, or any area where more needs to be spent?

The county needs to re-evaluate its fiscal priorities to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively and efficiently. One significant change should be to stop subsidizing growth for the construction of new single-family homes on the periphery of the county. Instead, we should focus on maintaining densities within the urban core. Subsidizing peripheral growth leads to sprawl, strains our infrastructure and diverts resources from essential services.

The foremost duty of government is to protect the rights and safety of the people it serves. A critical area where spending needs to be increased is in community safety.

For years, I’ve heard that our firefighters lack adequate hazmat gear and that stations are often understaffed. It’s recommended that there be four firefighters per engine, with a minimum of three, yet many Sarasota stations operate with only two. This is a violation of the government’s duty to its citizens.

When residents see their tax bills, they expect that the line item for public safety ensures all needs are met. However, this is not always the case. Ensuring that our firefighters, police officers and other first responders have the resources they need is paramount. This includes not only proper staffing but also up-to-date equipment and training to safely and efficiently address the needs of our growing population.

In summary, the county should cut spending on subsidies for new peripheral developments and redirect those funds to bolster our public safety infrastructure. This will ensure that as our community grows, we can maintain a high standard of safety and service for all residents.

What is your position on the county’s current millage rate — is it satisfactory? Too high? Too low?

I believe property taxes are an infringement on property rights. Without reconsidering and overhauling the property tax assessment system, I would support lowering the millage rate.

Lowering the millage rate would help reduce the financial burden on property owners, especially seniors, and make housing more affordable, which is a crucial issue for Sarasota. This approach would align with my commitment to protecting property rights and ensuring that our tax system is fair and equitable for all citizens.

How would you describe your philosophy on the role of government and on taxation?

I believe the function of local government should be limited to the delivery of essential services. Taxation should be directly tied to the cost of providing these services to the people.

Government should not overly burden our labor or our land with excessive taxes. Instead, it should strive to be efficient, transparent and focused on serving the needs of its citizens without infringing on their financial freedoms.