A lawsuit in Manatee County could put one more School Board race on the ballot this year. Former School Board member James Golden in a legal complaint raises interesting questions about execution of Florida’s resign-to-run rules, even if his legal argument feels like a longshot.

Still, the suit if nothing else turns a critical spotlight on Golden’s one-time political nemesis, Manatee School Board member Rich Tatem. The schadenfreude may justify Golden’s legal fees alone.

Tatem in 2022 successfully unseated Golden from his School Board seat. The conservative activist won a three-way race that year, his 50% of a vote crushing Golden’s underwhelming 33% support in a three-way race. 

But in April, Tatem announced he would run for state House in District 72. Before qualifying for the ballot, Florida’s resign-to-run law required he quit his School Board job less than halfway through his term, whether he wins or not.

Now, Golden wants voters to decide who serves out Tatem’s term. The law requires a special election if a School Board member leaves office with more than 28 months before the end of their term.

But in a widely misunderstood aspect of Florida’s resign-to-run law, resignations to run for another office don’t require posts be vacated until politicians would theoretically be sworn into their new jobs. Thus, Tatem informed the state he will pack up his school district office in November, around 24 months from the end of his term. That means his successor will be appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican ally who endorsed Tatem’s candidacy in 2022.

Golden argues that violates the spirit, if not the letter, of Florida’s resignation requirement. He sued Manatee County Supervisor of Election James Satcher, himself a DeSantis appointee after a well-timed retirement by former Supervisor Mike Bennett, to a special election. While Satcher never called one, Golden submitted paperwork during same qualification period as School Board seats scheduled for election this cycle.

To be fair, Satcher appears to be following Florida law. He said a new law passed by the Legislature makes it more clear no election should be called. A circuit court judge agreed, dismissing Golden’s lawsuit in Manatee County.

Golden appealed that ruling. Regardless of statute, his attorneys argue the state’s constitution compels that Tatem’s successor be chosen by voters.

From a practical perspective, it’s difficult to imagine an election taking place this cycle. Manatee’s other School Board races appear on the Aug. 20 ballot. While the Second District Court of Appeal expedited the case, it appears impossible for judges to rule before August. Also, Golden’s pursued remedy may require tossing state law as unconstitutional, likely requiring the Florida Supreme Court to have final say. 

Of course, that doesn’t stop a Special Election at a different time. Elected officials resign, face suspension or die at politically inconvenient moments. That doesn’t mean the public should remain unserved for extended periods.

But Golden’s argument raises counter concerns as well. While Tatem announced his plans in April, do the most ardent good government people believe he should quit now.

I, for one, never judge politicians too harshly for seeking higher office before their terms end. Political career tacitly list ambition as a job requirement. And no one predicted District 72 would become an open seat; state Rep. Tommy Gregory would have sought re-election if State College of Florida didn’t hire his as president in April.

But it’s a legitimate criticism when candidates seek public office only as a stepping stone. Indeed, the other four candidates for Gregory’s seat would be foolish not to drag Tatem for his lack of commitment to his School Board duties.

Whether Golden gets the chance this year to run for School Board, he can at least relish the chance to fuel those attacks against the man who forced him from office four years ago.

Jacob Ogles is Contributing Senior Editor for SRQ MEDIA. 

Photo: James Golden.

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County has undergone a remarkable transformation this year, displaying growth and progress in various ways. As I reflect on completing my first year as President & CEO, I am pleased to announce that the organization is wrapping up its successful 20th anniversary year on a high note. We are currently in the strongest position we have been in two decades.

This year has been marked by exciting developments, such as the addition of new talented team members, the expansion of our Board of Directors leadership, and a surge in enthusiasm among our private Investors. These positive changes have contributed to the organization's renewed energy and enhanced capabilities.

In addition to our progress, we have witnessed and continue to foresee an economic transformation in Sarasota County. Our County is swiftly gaining recognition as a key economic hub in the Tampa Bay region. It is an exciting opportunity because of the region’s strong brand image, which helps us attract growing companies. With a population of 4.3 million residents and a GDP of $234.1 billion, the region offers a solid foundation for economic growth. We strategically focus on targeted industries, including Manufacturing, Corporate Headquarters, Life Sciences, and Technology and Creative-Tech, leveraging our robust economic assets to drive success within Sarasota County.

Would you like to learn more?

I invite you to the EDC’s 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 12th, at The Ora. You will gain insights into Sarasota County’s economic future and celebrate the achievements in diversifying and growing the County’s economy. Ringling College of Art and Design President Dr. Larry Thompson will host an informative panel discussion, sharing insights into local innovation and the transformation I previously highlighted. We are thrilled to have join us Vladimir (Vlad) Ljesevic, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, CMPSE; Rick Severance, Division President at Wellen Park, Mattamy Homes, USA; Dr. Alex Beavers, Chief Innovation Officer, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Each panelist offers a unique perspective of what the future looks like regionally in tech, real estate, and the Blue Economy. 

We will also honor this year’s Clyde Nixon Honoree – a Sarasota County leader who embodies the personal and business values demonstrated by Nixon, who was chairman of Sun Hydraulics. The honor was established in 2007 when Nixon was recognized posthumously.  The event will be a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry and government professionals. Networking will begin at 11:00 a.m., and the event follows promptly at Noon. 

To purchase tickets, click here. If you are interested in having a more significant impact through a sponsorship, please contact Anna Eger at aeger@edcsarasotacounty.com or (941) 893-0277. 

Our 2024 Annual Meeting is not an event to be missed. I hope to see you there!

Erin Silk is President & CEO of  Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County. 

Pictured: Erin Silk, EDC President and CEO. Photo by Lori Sax Photography.

At the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange, we are proud to be the premier trade association representing the Commercial Contracting Industry in the region since 1952. The Commercial Contracting Industry in the region employs over 50,000 workers. At GCBX, 63% of our members have been in business over 20 years and 24% have been in business 11–20 years, so they are an important part of the community and have been an economic engine in the economy for a long time.

GCBX has accomplished a lot for its members over the years to help keep this sector robust and to support those local businesses in the industry. These local businesses build hospitals, libraries, fire stations, police stations, the places where you go to work, where you shop and where you take your family to eat along with many other commercial buildings in the area.

GCBX was proud to support the industry during the pandemic, especially during the early days of uncertainty. The GCBX Board of Directors made the decision that the organization would not apply for any funding through the Paycheck Protection Program, which would have had us potentially competing with GCBX members as well as other local businesses for those funds. We tightened our belts, took care of GCBX members and staff and through strategic management decisions made it through better and stronger.

As a result of the success of the GCBX members, when there is a need in the community the organization and its members step up to fill that need. Every year we work with local high schools in Manatee and Sarasota counties and spend a day at Suncoast Technical College and Manatee Technical College introducing students to careers in the trades. Each year, many of these students are provided opportunities for internships and apprenticeships to jump start a career in the trades. 

We were able to further introduce students to an education in the Trades and by doing so address future workforce needs of GCBX members by working with the Sarasota School Board and Riverview High School in starting the Construction Trades Academy, which has been hugely successful. Again, we did not seek government assistance, but reached out to GCBX members and through their generosity and commitment we were able to get this program off the ground.

Recently, the GCBX Political Committee committed to support “North Port Rising” to help the fastest growing area of the county meet the demands of the community. North Port is not only the fastest growing area of the county, but it is where many of the employees of GCBX members live, so supporting this effort is the right thing to do.

GCBX isn’t just about “business” but it is also about community. GCBX and its members prioritize our employees, the needs of the community and a desire to keep the region economically diverse and sustainable.

GCBX and its members are among the strongest supporters of non-profit organizations in the community and our local school systems. We pride ourselves on leading by example and building not just with brick and mortar but by building a stronger community.

Mary Dougherty is Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Builders Exchange. 

Photo courtesy GCBX: GCBX 72nd Annual Installation and Awards Dinner.