They cut the rate. They collected $64 million more.
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In the newsBy SCF Staff · November 8, 2022

373 VOTES — NOW $876M LATER

Smith won by a margin you could fit in one precinct. He set his own four-year standard on election night — then voted yes on every record budget and bond.

The story

The Herald-Tribune reported Mark Smith defeated Democrat Fredd Atkins 50.5% to 49.5% in District 2 while Joe Neunder won District 4. On election night Smith said he'd be out in four years if he didn't produce. Four years later the audited record shows $876 million in new spending and debt obligations — with Smith voting yes throughout.

Key quotes

If I don't, then in four years, I'll be out.

Mark Smith · Election night, Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Nov. 8, 2022

By the numbers

  • 373 votes

    Smith won District 2 by 373 votes — 19,148 to 18,775 certified.

    Mark Smith won his seat by 373 votes. Your turnout decides this.

  • +$876M

    Between FY2022 and FY2025, Sarasota County added $876 million in new spending and debt — Smith and Neunder voted yes on every record budget and bond that produced it.

    $876 million added to your tab in three years.

Read all 28 facts →

Sarasota County Facts is a project of Local Government Accountability (LGAI), an independent Wyoming 501(c)(4) social-welfare organization that conducts forensic analysis of local-government finances. LGAI begins every investigation open-minded, applies a consistent multi-lens method, and lets the public record decide. As a 501(c)(4) LGAI exercises the full range of First Amendment rights available under the law. LGAI has made no endorsement of any candidate to date and expressly reserves the right, strictly on the fiscal record and in its sole discretion, to communicate with candidates and campaigns, to endorse candidates, to state clearer positions, or to take any further lawful action when the facts warrant. LGAI accepts no funding from candidates, political parties, or government. Our only client is the citizen.

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