Sarasota Election: Pienkos Takes On Moran In District 1 Race

SARASOTA, FL — In the 2020 election, Sarasota-area voters will choose the winner of the Sarasota Board of County Commissioners District 1 race. Republican incumbent Michael A. Moran and Democratic challenger Mark E. Pienkos are vying for the seat.

How to vote

As the Nov. 3 election approaches, Sarasota-area voters can submit their ballots at early voting locations, at drop-off boxes and by mail. They can also vote at their local voting precinct on Election Day.

If voting in person, either early or on Nov. 3, voters must bring a current and valid ID with their name, photo and signature. Find a full list of acceptable IDs here.

Vote-by-mail ballots may be returned using the U.S. Postal Service. The return postage for a vote-by-mail ballot is two Forever stamps or $.70. They must be received by 7 p.m. Election Day. Additionally, they can be dropped off at any early voting location. Find a list of early voting locations here. The deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot has passed.

If you choose to vote in person on Nov. 3, you can look up your voting precinct online here. For your vote to count, you must vote in the precinct in which you reside. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Meet the candidates

Sarasota Patch recently sent out questionnaires to learn more about who these candidates are and where they stand on local issues. Below are the responses submitted.

Mark E. Pienkos, 70, lives in Sarasota with his wife, Ann. He’s a retired educator and school district superintendent. He earned his doctorate in education from the University of Southern California, and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in education from Northern Illinois University. He previously served as alderman for the city of Muskego in Wisconsin.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Pienkos: Accountability. The people in District 1 deserve a County Commissioner who will listen and act on their behalf. I pledge to do this. I will conduct periodic Town Hall Listening Sessions throughout the 15 precincts that comprise District 1.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Pienkos: My opponent is fighting for his political life. I am fighting for You!

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Pienkos: Not listening to constituents. Too often votes against people's concerns.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Pienkos: 1. "Keep the Country...Country." This should be the rallying cry for all in Sarasota County who are concerned about urban sprawl and its consequences. 2. Protect the environment. Example: Maintain our precious Celery Fields for generations to come. 3. COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on so many people's lives and businesses. It also will have a major effect on our tourist industry that effects our $1.4 Billion county budget. 4. I pledge to listen to the people in District 1. Single-member districts provide accountability for voters. I look forward to serving county residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Pienkos: Twenty-five of my 45-year career in education was spent serving as a school administrator. I worked closely with conservative school boards to insure spending decisions always focused on the welfare of children, while using taxpayer funds wisely. I will employ these same strengths in my responsibilities as a County Commissioner.

Why should voters trust you?

Pienkos: I am not running to build a political career. I have already enjoyed a successful career. I am running because I will use my talents and experiences to represent all of the people in District 1. I am also running because both my wife and I love Sarasota and am glad to call it home. We want to ensure that it will be a place for everyone to enjoy today and in the future.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Pienkos: I have emphasized the importance of "Thinking Local." Four years from now, I want to accomplish: 1. "Keep the Country...Country." Protect our environment. 2. Using my experiences, I will be a watchdog on your precious tax dollars. This will be made even more critical due to the pandemic and its impact on tax revenues. 3. I will use common sense while fighting for the people in District 1. Four years from now, I want voters to say, "Commissioner Pienkos did what he said he would do."

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Pienkos: As a fiscal conservative, I am very conscious of how important budgeting is, as well as being a watchdog on behalf of taxpayer's precious tax dollars. As a school superintendent, I worked with conservative school boards that expected getting the most bang for the buck. I will do the same in my role as County Commissioner.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Pienkos: I am for equality and justice. I am for the constitutional right of people to assemble and protest peacefully.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

Pienkos: I am opposed to defunding the police. Serving on the City of Lake Geneva Police & Fire Commission provided me with many opportunities to see firsthand the work of police, fire, and emergency services personnel. I learned that, "When we run from danger, first responders run towards it."

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

Pienkos: We should follow the recommendations from our medical and health professionals. Following their guidance will help defeat the coronavirus.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

Pienkos: No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Pienkos: Early in my education career, I was reminded to always ask the following question when making decisions: "What am I doing and how does it affect young people?" I followed this advice as an educator and school administrator. I will continue to do this as your County Commissioner. In other words, "What am I doing and how does it affect you, my constituents?"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Pienkos: My parents lived through the Great Depression. They taught my two brothers and me the importance of faith, family, ethnic heritage, and hard work. They also emphasized the importance of public service - to help others first. I will continue to follow their guidance as your County Commissioner, District 1.

Learn more about Pienkos at his website.

Michael A. Moran did not submit his questionnaire to Sarasota Patch. According to his campaign website, though, he has lived in Sarasota with his wife, Lori, and their two children since 2002. He also has more 34 years of experience in the insurance industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business and insurance from Michigan State University.

On his website, he calls himself “a common-sense, straight-talking conservative” as well as “a respected leader in the Florida business community…focused on making government accountable to taxpayers.”

Moran added that he “is committed to keeping Sarasota a world class community to raise a family, start a business or have a fulfilling retirement; all with as little governmental intrusion as possible.”

He is committed creating an environment in Sarasota that entices “our youthful, talented citizens to remain” there.

“I am a husband, father, resident and proud taxpayer of Sarasota County. I want my county to thrive. Key to Sarasota County’s continuing prosperity is an adequate supply of good-paying careers, economic diversity and the aggressive protection of our way of life here,” he wrote. “My daughter, Laina, recently graduated from the University of Florida, and my son, Mikey, is currently a senior at (the University of Florida) and soon to have a mechanical engineering degree. My wife, Lori (married 27 years), and I very much want them to return to Sarasota after completing their education. But to return home and contribute to this community they will need secure careers that pay an adequate wage. We want to watch our grandchildren enjoy one of the best places on earth…Sarasota, Florida!"

Additionally, Moran also said that he’s “a tireless advocate for the senior members of our community.” He also said that he recognizes the necessary “balance between protecting Sarasota’s gorgeous environmental landscape and developing our business community. A healthy balance is critical for the long-term success of our community.”

Learn more about Moran on his website.