For Manatee County Commission District 6, We Recommend Reggie Bellamy

The Manatee County Commission District 6 (at-large) race will fill the seat being vacated by Commissioner Jason Bearden. It features former District 2 Commissioner Reggie Bellamy and Congressman Buchanan’s District Chief of Staff, Tara Poulton.

Bellamy is a 5th-generation Manatee County resident with deep ties throughout the community. He is an Army veteran who has mentored countless youths as a longtime high school and college basketball coach and as Executive Director of the Palmetto Youth Center. His relentless commitment to the betterment of the Manatee County community is beyond reproach.

Before his district was gerrymandered ahead of the 2022 election, which he lost to incumbent Amanda Ballard, Bellamy proved himself a studious, principled commissioner who worked hard for his constituents within the county's most economically challenged district.

As Bellamy recently detailed in our podcast episode, his four years on the board gave him unique insight into the machinations of Manatee County Government and its many shortcomings. We believe Bellamy is best suited to hit the ground running and make a meaningful impact on the county's near-term future at a pivotal time.

Poulton is a highly qualified candidate who, like Bellamy, brings an excellent resume to the race. However, the county commissioner role is complex, and while Poulton’s background may flatten the learning curve, Bellamy’s experience gives us confidence he is best suited to hit the ground running.

Poulton has also drawn heavy support from a who’s who of political operatives and PACs, suggesting she may face a thornier path as she learns the job. This next board will likely face major questions quickly, including the future of the county administrator role and several questionable big-ticket projects. We have much greater confidence that Bellamy will have the courage of conviction to take the bold actions that will likely be necessary if this county is finally to right the ship before it’s too late.

Reggie Bellamy has proven himself a man of tremendous principle and integrity over three decades of service to this county. We believe he has earned the opportunity to help steer it into the future.