Central Florida Candidates Split on Property Tax Amendment

Candidates in Manatee-area legislative races offered sharply different views on Amendment 3, which would change property-tax rules. Lew Wasserman and Harvey Shifrin oppose it, warning that limits on local property-tax spending could threaten services and amenities and weaken local control; both say state funding cannot reliably replace lost revenue. Martin Hyde supports the amendment, arguing that property-tax relief is the goal, emergency services would be protected, and local governments should find savings before cutting services. Bill Conerly also supports property-tax relief, saying local governments should improve efficiency and receive flexibility and time to adjust. On environmental policy, Wasserman and Shifrin emphasize restoring local authority, Hyde highlights his opposition to excessive development, and Conerly points to legislation he has sponsored on PFAS and water management.