Charter Review Board District 1: Jay W. Riley

Age: 52

Current occupation: Senior director of Special Projects and External Affairs at the University of South Florida

Resident of Sarasota County: 29 years

Why are you running for election? 

Since moving to Sarasota out of college, I have been engaged with the community, serving on boards of non-profit, civic and business organizations. Serving on the Sarasota County Charter Review Board is another opportunity to serve this amazing community. 

I currently serve on the Payton Wright Foundation board, supporting children and their families battling brain cancer; My Breast Friends 941, which provides support services to breast cancer patients; Nathan Benderson Park Conservatory; Community Advisory Board for HCA Sarasota Doctors Hospital; and have served as the co-founder and co-chair for the Sarasota Firefighters Benevolent Fund Chili Cook-Off for 24 years.

What qualifies you to be a Charter Review Board member? 

I have lived and worked in Sarasota for more than 29 years and have the professional background and education, combined with my many years of being engaged in the community to make a positive impact. I also understand what the role and mission of the Sarasota County Charter Review Board is and is not. 

What makes you a better candidate than your opponent? 

I don't know my opponent. I believe my continued service in this community and professional experience in external and government affairs will serve well in this position. 

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

I was appointed in December by Gov. DeSantis and have served in this role since that time and have attended two meetings. I don't see anything that needs to change in the charter at the moment.

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

My top three priorities would be to take time to meet with citizens to listen to their concerns and ideas of possible changes to the charter; serve this role with integrity; and be an active member who works with the nine other members to serve the citizens of Sarasota County.

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? 

The board has 10 members, and I am excited to work with all of them and learning from them to represent the citizens in Sarasota County. I look forward to hearing Sarasota Citizens’ recommendations and reviewing any proposed changes.