Charter Review Board District 1: Nicholas R. Altier

Age: 37

Current occupation: Owner of Altier & Co., real estate brokerage; formerly an employee benefits consultant and commercial insurance analyst.

Resident of Sarasota County: 37 years

Why are you running for election?

I have been serving our community since I was a child. I have served the Historical Preservation Board of Sarasota County; the Future Builders of America Foundation; Sarasota Young Republicans (finance chair); Habitat for Humanity, recognized as Goodwill Ambassador of the Year; chairman of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation (Sarasota Chapter); served Suncoast Charities for Children; sat on the committee of the Sarasota Christmas Parade for five years.

What qualifies you to be a Charter Review Board member?

I have lived my entire life in Sarasota County, and I am a multigenerational resident. I love my home and have watched it grow into a flourishing city. 

In my lifetime professional and personal experience, I bring a strong perspective of what our citizens’ wants and needs are. I believe multigenerational representation is very important and believe in a sensible approach to protect future generations to come.

What makes you a better candidate than your opponents?

I don’t subscribe to negative campaigning. All I can say is I have no monetary interest in this pursuit, just the honor of serving the community that has given so much to me.

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

Nothing, with the exception of members resigning early and using it as a stepping stone for higher office.

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

There is always room for improvement. However, as of now, I have no agenda to make any major changes, especially those that would negatively impact our community. Any changes that I would support would be those which protect jobs, boost our local economy and provide a path to improve our infrastructure.

Where do you stand: Should the Charter Review Board be proactive initiating changes to the charter, or should the board make recommendations based on voter desires and ideas brought to the board?

We are representatives of the people and elected by the people, and all recommendations should be taken with serious consideration as we are public servants. As far as being proactive, we should, but with very mindful and careful consideration.