Jerry Wells Ready To Move From Advisory Board To Commission

Todays News

Photo courtesy Wells campaign.

Jerry Wells has enjoyed Sarasota for 30 years, ever since his parents started traveling here. After six years of calling the city home, he’s ready to become a leader.

Already a member of the Sustainability and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Boards with the city, Wells, has filed to run for Sarasota City Commission in District 2.

“I’ve been very active in the community here,” he said. “I kind of think we need to take a more business like approach to run the budget.”

A Wall Street veteran who previously worked at Goldman Sachs, he sees an importance in keeping taxes and fees low, especially with a real estate market exploding property values.

When it comes to growth, he notes the city for the most part sees redevelopment. “I’ve seen a lot of change on Main Street 30 years ago, that once was run down, and is now very vibrant,” he said. “So I’m pro-expansion, but we just need to control it a little bit.”

Talk about changing administrative review processes in the city and Wells grows concerned about hurting the value of properties and engaging in de facto taking of development rights. “You have to let people know what they can build before they buy,” he said.

But he counts himself an active member of neighborhood associations. He’s been a member for years of the Lido Key Residents Association, and of late, has attended meetings in nearby St. Armands Circle.

As for priorities, Wells wants Sarasota city officials more engaged in fighting red tide and improving water quality.

As the city prepares for the first time in years to hold a City Commission election concurrent with state elections, in the fall of an even-numbered year, Wells for one feels enthused. “I’m glad we moved the election cycle,” he said. “It will get bigger turnout when we match it with a bigger election.”

Wells faces incumbent Liz Albert, former Sarasota City Commissioner Terry Turner and activist Martin Hyde.

Photo courtesy Wells campaign.

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