Photo courtesy Manatee County government.

Regarding Jacob Ogles’ “Under the Hood” article published 8/24/24-it is clear that Mr. Ogles is sticking to his “Florida Politics” script, as dictated by (Anthony) Pedicini’s best buddy-the owner and employer of Mr. Ogles.

The reality is that people are becoming educated as to who these bought and paid for Commissioners in Manatee County actually represent. As a former 2-term Manatee County Commissioner who decided not to run for re-election in April, 2020 — hardly “bailing deep in the cycle” as reported by Ogles — I understand how this process works.

I was ecstatic with the results of the 2024 primary elections in Manatee County, as were thousands of other citizens who found a voice and used their voice to vote out the most corrupt Board of County Commissioners and Supervisor of Elections ever in office in Manatee County. You need to find another publication to sing the praises of your handler, people in our Community aren’t buying it.

Betsy Benac is a former Manatee County Commissioner.

Photo courtesy Manatee County government.