Charter Review Board District 3: Jim Coler

Age: 53

Current occupation: Facilities manager; former senior corporate quality engineer; owner of a spray foam insulation business

Resident of Sarasota County: Two years

Why are you running for election?

My opponent, Tom DeSane, stated that “he only votes the way the chairman votes!” And I feel I can bring Truth, Integrity and the People’s Voice to the board with real leadership! 

He has also lied to the public by publicly stating that he has been in this position for the past year and a half, but he was appointed less than 10 months ago. He has also misled his constituents by stating “Re-Elect Tom DeSane” but again, he was never elected, he was appointed! 

What qualifies you to be a Charter Review Board member?

My passion for the position, attention to the details, willingness to listen to public’s voice and searching for the Truth and Integrity! I’ve served on a number of boards in the past, I’ve written and instructed on a number of building codes, and I look at the pros cons and any other angle to come to a conclusion and propose moving forward.

What makes you a better candidate than your opponents?

I won’t lie, cheat or just blindly follow in this position! I will make my own decision based on the input from the people, common sense and a foresight for the future of our community! 

What, if anything, is wrong with the current charter? 

There are too many followers and not enough leaders! And this prohibits the board from accomplishing any goal and has repeatedly resulted in a tie vote which fails the motion. This accomplishes nothing!

What needs to be updated or changed in the county charter? Why? 

The charter currently states that it cannot “conflict with the Florida constitution, general law or the charter.” But what changes can be made to the charter that don’t conflict with the charter? This is one vote of my opponent’s that didn’t make sense and prompted me to run for his position.

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

Identifying my top three priorities is difficult, as my number one priority would be to listen to the people and provide votes that would continue the controlled growth of community and much needed infrastructure being implemented. This would include roadways, sewers, water and other utilities. 

I feel the infrastructure is our first priority as it will quickly become evident that it’s not sufficient to support the development that is being put into place.