Charter Review Board District 1: William Van Allen Jr.

Age: 72

Current occupation: Self-employed musician and floral sales

Resident of Sarasota: 37 years

Why are you running for election? 

It is the responsibility of every citizen to protect the freedoms we often take for granted, and a charter amendment that was approved by voters in 2022 defies common sense, I believe largely because its ballot summary contained a misleading statement in violation of Florida Statute 101.161.

What qualifies you to be a Charter Review Board member?

I have been interested in the unique structure of American government since high school. I have run twice for the Florida House, and I have been active in Sarasota politics for more than 20 years, including chairing the Libertarian Party of Sarasota County.

I am currently a vice chair of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Sarasota County; a member of the Florida Republican Assembly of Sarasota County; and a precinct committeeman for the Republican Party of Sarasota County. 

My goal is to protect the voice of Sarasota voters in their county government, using a logical mind and a working understanding of Robert’s Rules of Order.

What makes you a better candidate than your opponents?

I will say generally, most charter Review Board meetings disregard the rules of parliamentary procedure that are standard in public bodies.

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

It is practically impossible for citizen initiatives under the home rule powers of a charter county to meet the standards required for a voter-initiated referendum.

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

There is italicized wording that is factually incorrect, and other wording that invalidates the exercise of home rule, which is the fundamental function of a charter county.

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

Preserving the right of Sarasota County voters to have a voice in the operation of county government; requiring the board to follow its own bylaws, the Florida Constitution and Florida statutes; requiring that any proposed charter amendment place a truthful and accurate summary on the referendum ballot.

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?

Both. However, I have always opposed autocratic bureaucracy in government that governs for their own benefit, so I will not simply vote for business as usual. 

My standard for judging issues is whether a proposition increases arbitrary government control over the populace or whether it protects citizens’ rights, which is the just reason that governments are instituted among men.