The Issue: In 2019, Manatee County Commissioners unanimously confirmed Cheri Coryea as Manatee County Administrator.

Newly-elected commissioners Kevin Van Ostenbridge, James Satcher, and George Kruse joined incumbebt Vannessa Baugh to oust Coryea—the county's first female county administrator—without cause, just two days after the new board was seated.

It is no secret that developer Carlos Beruff wants Coryea fired and he has been extremely generous in his financial support of the newly-elected commissioners.

Silence is acceptance of the bully politics of Beruff. Signing this petition may not change the vote of the developer-funded commissioners. However, it will send a message that firing a county administrator that has worked her way up in our community and earned its respect is not acceptable.

Replacing the institutional knowledge, relationships and, above all, a competent professional who sincerely cares about our community cannot be done without unbudgeted cost, along with the irreversible damage that will be done to employee morale. Plus, what would be the message for a new administrator, that Carlos needs to get his way or he will get rid of you too? It is hard to imagine that these newly-elected commissioners, in just two days, have gained a significant enough understanding of county government operations to sack its top administrator.

Cheri Coryea has 30 years of experience working for this county, with 28 years of it in management. She became the deputy county administrator in 2017 after serving 10 years as director of neighborhood services. The county administrator is appointed by the board of county commissioners and is responsible for carrying out the policies and directives of the commission and for the development and management of the county's annual operating and capital improvement budgets.

The county administrator is also responsible for the supervision and management of department directors, and for ensuring that all agreements, leases and other contractual obligations of the commission are properly performed. The idea that a county administrator could be fired for simply carrying out the will of the board that sets policy, just because some people don't agree with the policies passed by our elected officials, sets a dangerous precedent.

The Petition: Manatee County Commissioners, by signing below we oppose the removal of the county administrator and urge the board to demonstrate professionalism. The county administrator is an important part of our community and has not shown any cause for termination. She has both our support and confidence.