Islander announces bid for county board
John R. Chappie, a resident of Bradenton Beach since 1974, has completed the necessary paperwork and announced his candidacy for Manatee County Commission District 3 seat, currently held by Jane Von Hahmann.
“Chappie has long been known as an environmentalist and a fiscal conservative,” according to his press release. “Elected officials have a responsibility to serve their constituents,” he said. “We need to plan ahead and develop a strategy for change that will improve our quality of life.”
Born in 1951 in Dayton, Ohio, Chappie received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1974 and, following graduation, moved to Florida. Chappie worked in construction for many years. He and his family also own vacation apartments in Bradenton Beach and he operates a lawn maintenance business.
His political career spans more than a decade. He was elected to the Bradenton Beach City Commission in 1997 and served until being elected mayor in 2001. He served the three-term limit as mayor and, in 2007, he ran unopposed for city commissioner a one-year term remainder in Ward 4. He currently serves as the city’s vice mayor.
“I am honored by the number of people who have encouraged me to run,” he said. “I want to bring the common sense, business-like approach to county government that, as mayor, I was able to use in reviving Bradenton Beach. We need smart growth that protects our quality of life and that encourages economic development. Our economy is hurting right now and we need to concentrate on turning it around.” |
