GAZETTE Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian News

By Stephanie Bashein Emerson
SARASOTA-If you live in the city of Sarasota, Ken Shelin wants your vote. He is no stranger to the local political arena, having run a vigorous, but ultimately unsuccessful, campaign for State House representative in 2002. Shelin is now running for the Sarasota City Commission's At-Large seat, and he believes he can do the job to keep the city on track, in terms of density, livability and affordable housing.

Shelin supports an elected mayor (the position is now mostly ceremonial, with Commissioners taking turns at the job) but not a "boss" mayor. "I sometimes feel let down by the lack of leadership exhibited by our current Commission," Shelin stated. "If we can't get better leadership on the Commission, we need to start looking at the possibility of a carefully designed checked and balanced Charter amendment that would include an elected mayor."

Affordable housing is also high on his priority list. He advocates using a technique called "inclusionary zoning," which gives developers "density bonuses" for including affordable housing in their projects. This technique has been used successfully in different counties around the country, most notably in Montgomery County, Maryland, where it has resulted in the construction of thousands of affordable housing units in the last ten years.

Shelin also believes that the City Commission should be more proactive than reactive. He feels that the City Commission should have very clearly defined objectives as to what kind of city their constituents want, and then work with the business community to make it happen. "We are blessed with a beautiful geography that has brought many people to our city and has produced major assets that often mask the fact that we don't have meaningful goals," Shelin said in a statement. "[However,] there is little 'middle class' here and a significant gap between rich and poor, and black and white. This shouldn't be a city just for those who can afford expensive bay-front condos."

Shelin is no stranger to the civic processes of Sarasota County. He is a member of the City of Sarasota Planning Board, the Sarasota County Arts Council, the Downtown Umbrella Group (consisting of downtown Sarasota residents, commercial landowners and businesses), the Sarasota Police Chief's Citizen Advisory Board, Selby Gardens and the Sarasota County Democratic Club. He has lived in Sarasota year-round for the last seven years.

Among his many civic participations, Shelin is currently the president of the board of ALSO Out Youth, Inc. He feels strongly that young people, especially GLBT youth, need the support of the community to find their own place in the world in an affirming, positive way. Shelin's partner of 28 years, Steve Stockwell, is a retired educator who can be seen at many of Shelin's public appearances, showing his support with strength and quiet dignity.

Ken Shelin has a long history of civic service and community awareness. His campaign for the Sarasota City Commission stresses vision, leadership and accountability. He is asking for the support of all residents of the city of Sarasota who would like to see a vibrant, diverse and safe downtown, more affordable housing and effective planning for sustainability.

For more information contact the Ken Shelin Campaign, 16 S. Orange Ave., Sarasota FL 34236.

Author's note: VOTE on March 8. Make your voice heard!

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