Sarasota, FL—The Sarasota County Democratic Party has recently raised concerns over what it perceives as unfair treatment and favoritism from the nonpartisan organization Sarasota Tiger Bay.
According to the Democratic Party, repeated exclusions from Sarasota Tiger Bay events, refusal to accommodate candidate schedules, and cherry-picking contended seats have shown that the organization may have ulterior motives.
Furthermore, the Democratic Party points to current Tiger Bay board member Kevin Cooper remaining on the board and planning committee while facilitating a panel for the Hospital Board race, for which he is also a candidate.
Another board member and frequent panel moderator, Morgan Bentley, an attorney, has also taken on the Republican Club of South Sarasota County as a client. The RCSSC is legally battling with Mike Flynn's America First Southwest Florida Caucus.
"Board members are actively running for office and representing the local Republican Party while making decisions to benefit themselves and their clients," said Daniel Kuether, Chair of the Sarasota County Democratic Party.
In a phone conversation with Bentley, when asked why Tiger Bay was rushing these Hospital Board panels, even ahead of the candidate qualifying date, Kuether was informed that Bentley wanted to 'expose' Flynn's sister (Mary Flynn O'Neill candidate for Hospital Board At Large, Seat 3) as an extremist well ahead of the primary.
When pushed further to allow Democrats equal representation, Kuether was told, 'Do Democrats even participate enough (in Tiger Bay) to be asking for that kind of allowance?' by Bentley.
The Sarasota County Democratic Party believes that Sarasota Tiger Bay's alleged actions have impacted the overall political landscape in Sarasota County. They argue that the organization must provide a nonpartisan forum on current political issues and equal time to leaders from both sides of the aisle.
Most recently, Sarasota Tiger Bay held legislative updates from Florida legislators and Congressman Greg Steube on April 4th and April 18th without any representation from the Democratic Party. The organization has also appeared to randomly select primary races to hold panels, notably excluding this year's Democratic primary for Congressional District 17.
Kuether added, "It's plain and straightforward: Sarasota Tiger Bay is not following the policies and guidelines laid out on its website, which states, 'No matter what the subject, there will always be a pro/con or a Democrat/Republican.'"
To address these concerns, the Democratic Party of Sarasota County has repeatedly asked Sarasota Tiger Bay to reschedule events, to include all candidates, and to provide community members from all sides of the political aisle. These latest infringements are extremely concerning and unacceptable no matter where you sit on the political spectrum.
The Sarasota County Democratic Party hopes that by bringing attention to these issues, a fairer and more inclusive political environment will develop in Sarasota County. Until then, the SCDP recommends that Democratic candidates not participate in Sarasota Tiger Bay panels and that Democrats refrain from attending Tiger Bay events.
The Sarasota County Democratic Party (SCDP) is the local committee of the Florida Democratic Party. The mission of the SCDP is to encourage the fullest participation by all voters who believe in true freedom and fairness in our society. We stand up for justice, equality, and opportunity for our citizens and support qualified candidates who will promote these goals.
Learn more at www.sarasotadems.org. Contact Information: daniel.kuether@sarasotadems.org 941-330-9400
