My mission is to ensure that the residents of District 2 are no longer an afterthought in the growth of Manatee County. I am running to be a tireless advocate for our neighborhoods, ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with development and that every family has a seat at the table. Together, we will build a community that works for everyone.
I am dedicated to delivering efficient, accountable government to the citizens of District 2. I will work to streamline county services, enhance public safety, and invest in the critical infrastructure projects that have been delayed for too long. I'm not just asking for your vote; I'm asking for the opportunity to deliver results.
Edward Bailey was born in District 2, raised in District 2, and educated in District 2 where he still currently resides. He is a lifelong resident of Manatee County, in District 2. At a young age, he volunteered with the Kiwanis, handing out hot dogs and bookbags to the Community, volunteering to serve food to the homeless and veterans, and is a frequent speaker at organizations like Manatee Tiger Bay.
He has worked on campaigns for the State House, County Commission, School Board, and Supervisor of Elections. He will be the youngest elected Commissioner in Manatee County history. Prior to this election, the Manatee County Commission was traditionally composed of individuals established in their careers, typically in their 40s, 50s, or older.
Ed has the knowledge, abilities, and experience necessary to successfully handle the problems and difficulties that Manatee County and District 2 are facing. Ed had become an expert as the vital bridge, serving as the main liaison between Commissioner McCann, the public, and the many Manatee County departments, making sure that projects progressed from planning to completion.
Ed is aware that listening is a Commissioner's main responsibility, regardless of the office's formalities. Ed served as a trusted advisor providing timely briefings and updates on county issues, community concerns, and placing agenda items to allow the public to be heard at Commission meetings.
Ed performed complex, highly responsible administrative, technical, and research duties demonstrating initiative, independent judgment, and a thorough awareness of county-specific issues, policies, and constituent concerns. Ed represented Commissioner McCann professionally at meetings, events, and letters and acts as the Commissioner's primary point of contact for constituent services. He has a special grasp of the inner workings of the Manatee County government to guarantee the success of a Commissioner.
Ed is running for County Commissioner District 2 because he recognizes that Manatee County is at a turning point. He is a "People First" candidate! He will fight for a reformed and responsive County Commission, home rule, stopping urban sprawl, and responsible water management. Edward will return the Manatee County Government back to the people when he is elected to the team.
The Voting Ballot will read "Edward Bailey", and I humbly request your vote.
The Issues My Solutions
I am dedicated to delivering efficient, accountable government to the citizens of District 2.
01
Home Rule
The state and a number of commissioners are attempting to disregard home rule and deny the residents of Manatee County a voice. On one side of the argument, Rahn, Kruse, and Ballard concurred that switching from a dependent to an independent special district might give the authority members with more experience than commissioners, suppressing the voice of Manatee County residents and altering a source of funding. The vote failed in a 3 to 3 ties in a Meeting that was rescheduled to a time when the County was previously informed that Commissioner McCann would be on vacation. His vote was a solid "NO!" Despite the Port's governing body's lack of majority support, Authority Chairman Rahn and lobbyist Ramba attended the Manatee County Legislative Delegation meeting to push for the presentation of a measure altering the authority's charter during the legislative session. The state delegation and their former commission colleagues, including Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Vanessa Baugh, and James Satcher, were then urged by Rahn, Kruse, and Ballard to move forward with state preemption against the BOCC's wishes.
My Solution: I will work to restore and maintain home rule giving the Manatee County Government Back to the People of Manatee County.
Public Comments (published):
"Clearly Ramba and Rahn are working for the developers and not for the good of its citizens. When you list past corrupt commissioners who want and support an independent district bill for the port what is that saying? Turning over the port to developers will completely destroy our area. This is not in the public's best interest."
"The tie vote was at the county level. If this is passed by the state and signed by DeSantis, the state will supersede anything the county voted and that vote becomes irrelevant. This is another attack on home rule."
In this legislative session, the “Port bill got eighty-sixed, but our work is far from over! make no mistake, the more than 10,000 citizens who answered the calls to action, signed petitions, and contacted your representatives once again demonstrated that, if used correctly, the power of the vote can be greater than the power of the purse, which is to say the river of special interest money that has dominated politics in the post Citizens United era. However, that is just the start. This August, you will once again have the opportunity to make more meaningful changes at the ballot box.”- Bradenton Times
"Florida bill would give Benderson Development its own taxing district at UTC." This Bill includes part of Manatee County. Another assault on home rule, this law gives one of the most powerful developers in the area the authority to impose new taxes and set rules in a territory that includes both Sarasota and Manatee counties. This is a "power-grab" and goes way beyond what is needed to address any infrastructure or stormwater issues that may exist giving the developer its own local government. Manatee county government would have no say in the proposed district. How long would it take for the special district to ask the Mantee County Commissioners who are trying to give up home rule (I.E., Ballard), to form public-private partnerships and use your money to support their responsibilities ?
My Solution: I will work to fight for home rule and for responsible use of taxpayer funds.
02
Water
"Is growth draining Manatee's drinking water? Officials look to tap new sources." At a recent meeting, staff told commissioners that Manatee County's water demand could exceed supplies in just a decade — sooner than previously expected.
Public Comment:
"East Manatee County resident Mark Van De Ree blamed overdevelopment for impacting local water supplies." "If we don't have water, Peace River's not going to have water," Van De Ree said. "Don't allow the county to overextend its ability to support life."
My Solution: I will fight to stop approving developments until Manatee County can catch up with its infrastructure! I pledge to restore local government to a body that is truly representative of the people in our community instead of a limited cabal of special interests.
"Cruise Port Developer Wants to Build Major Hub in Manatee County." Public Comment: "This would be a cash cow for the developers. At the same time, it would be the death of Tampa Bay ecologically. Manatee County, the north county area in particular is light years behind in infrastructure. Fishing in Tampa Bay would be a memory. The massive environmental impact, due to dredging, commercial buildings, roadways, and massive infrastructure, water pollution that will destroy that area." Zoning and permit approvals, as well as public hearings before the Manatee County Planning Commission and the County Commission, would be necessary for the project.
My Solution: I will work to fight for the environment and the water needed to support Manatee County.
03
Stop the Urban Sprawl
We must protect Florida's natural beauty and heritage including our wetlands and wildlife habitats. In October 2023, Amanda Ballard voted with the majority (5–1) to reduce wetland buffer requirements in Manatee County and began approving development past the future development area boundary. (The flip -flop) - The Reversal (September 2024)
Following intense public outcry, Amanda Ballard curiously joined the unanimous vote to bring the higher protections back pandering for votes. In contrast to her voting record and official pronouncements, observers observed that Ballard is trying to align with public feeling in the approaching 2026 elections, where she is on the ballot.
My Solution: I'll fight to get back the 50-foot wetland buffer that the current Board took away and stop approving developments until Manatee County could catch up with its infrastructure!
04
Address Traffic Congestion
We must make investments in vital infrastructure and technology to maximize traffic flow and minimize stop-and-go traffic, before approving any further building and development that affects roadways. Potholes, lengthier commutes, health and safety issues, accidents, and increased insurance costs are all consequences of congested roads.
My Solution: In order to maintain and repair roads, control storm drainage, and lessen bottlenecks, I will push to create necessary infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, walkways, water and sewage systems, and traffic flow enhancers.
05
Be Accountable to Voters
As YOUR Commissioner, I will advocate for the people of District 2 and take Manatee County's future into consideration. As seen by her first two years of votes, her current membership in the 4-3, and her attacks on home rule with little regard for the consequences for constituents, some developers are funding my opponent's campaign and want her rubber stamp. McCann, Carol Felts and Jason Bearden regularly find themselves on the short end of 4-3 votes in favor of the developers and outside of our District, with George Kruse, Tal Siddique, Amanda Ballard and Mike Rahn having been on the usual side of key votes.
"Commissioner Amanda Ballard is up for reelection in District 2 and had hired Anthony Pedicini as her consultant previously. This time around, Ballard is going to follow Kruse's lead and run her own campaign." Kruse was marginalized in a 6-1 vote because he claimed to have voted for the people rather than the developers. Ballard's voting records demonstrate that, in contrast to her waging a campaign like Kruse's, she constantly supported the developers with few exceptions in order to appease the people. In contrast to her, my consultants will be the people of District 2.
My Solution: Stop the Greedy Developers, Stop the Home Rule Steal (including Special Districts and SB180), Stop the Deceptive Politics in Manatee County, Vote for Edward Bailey!
Understanding your local government and what a County Commissioner does for you.
Where is District 2?
Manatee County is governed by a seven-member Board of County Commissioners. District 2 represents a specific geographic area of Manatee County, and its commissioner serves as the voice for all residents within its boundaries.
Commissioner Responsibilities
As your District 2 Commissioner, Edward Bailey will ensure that YOUR voice is heard at every commission meeting and that the needs of our community are prioritized.
Under Florida law, County Commissioners are responsible for:
Adopting the county budget and setting tax rates
Approving infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and utilities
Land use and zoning decisions that shape our community
Developing policies that affect public safety and quality of life
Protecting natural resources and managing growth responsibly
Representing constituents and addressing community concerns
