We find the question about Baugh's residency -- she has rented in Lakewood Ranch since 2010 and owns a home in Sarasota, which is leased out -- a politically motivated distraction geared to muddle the minds of voters. Baugh, who has owned a jewelry store in Lakewood Ranch since 2005, is clearly qualified for this commission post -- as confirmed by county Supervisor of Elections Bob Sweat.

Furthermore, her connections to her community run deep, with service on the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund and membership in the Kiwanis Club of Lakewood Ranch, Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and the Main Street Merchants Association. On a broader scale, she has been involved with Meals on Wheels, the Boys and Girls Club, the Hope Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Baugh has also demonstrated a strong commitment to serve the county with her regular attendance at commission meetings over the past two years.

"It is my belief that you give back to the community and that you cannot lead a community unless you have served that community," she has stated.

Beyond economic and fiscal priorities, Baugh intends to increase communications between the public and the commission in order to listen to the people and build a stronger relationship with residents through town hall meetings.

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County Commission, District 5 - Vanessa Baugh-James Golden

These two candidates - Democrat James Golden and Republican Vanessa Baugh - have notably different philosophical perspectives on the role of government and on experience in the political arena.

Let's take them in reverse. Golden, 64, is a veteran of Manatee/Bradenton politics, having been elected to two four-year terms on the Bradenton City Council. Baugh, 54, is hoping to be elected for the first time to public office.

Baugh has owned and operated an East Manatee retail jewelry business for the past 13 years; she's wired to make decisions on financial and economic facts. Golden is a longtime Manatee lawyer and ordained Methodist minister. He's smart; he started college at age 14. He credits much of his education to having access to government subsidies.

Put the two of them side by side, and here's what you would see: experience and wisdom (Golden) versus (political) inexperience and business instincts (Baugh). Here's something else: With Golden, the Manatee County Commission would have one Democrat among the seven commissioners. With Baugh, seven Republicans.

Golden says his different point of view would be valuable to Manatee taxpayers. One size does not fit all, he notes.

Baugh says she may be Republican, but she doesn't always agree with Republicans. "The County Commission should be non-partisan," she says. "Get the politics out of it."

Truth is, Manatee taxpayers will not lose with either of these candidates. But at the core of our values is an unbending preference for candidates whose foundations are cemented in strictly limited government. On that score, Baugh has the edge.

Recommendation: Baugh.

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Date: May 4, 2011 by: Pam Eubanks | News Editor

LAKEWOOD RANCH - It's official: Lakewood Ranch businesswomen Vanessa Baugh will challenge incumbent Donna Hayes for the District 5 Manatee County Board of County Commissioners seat.

Baugh, who owns Vanessa Fine Jewelry with her husband, Don, announced her run for office on April 28 from her Main Street shop just hours after making her candidacy official with the Supervisor of Elections office.

"We are so excited about this race and what we think we can do to help Manatee County," Baugh said. "I'm really excited now to officially be a candidate. I feel so strongly about it."

Baugh is challenging Donna Hayes in District 5

Bradenton.com - HERALD STAFF REPORT

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Vanessa Baugh, a businesswoman and community activist in Lakewood Ranch, on Thursday launched a bid to unseat fellow Republican Donna Hayes from the Manatee County Commission in next year's elections.

Baugh, 57, said the commission and county government need a change.

"This means that we must have a commission that will look at the issues with a new pair of eyes, challenging and changing the way of doing county business," Baugh said at a news conference.

By JAMES A. JONES JR. - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Lakewood Ranch resident and businesswoman Vanessa Baugh announced Thursday that she is a candidate for the District 5 county commission seat.

Baugh, 57, will oppose incumbent Donna Hayes, 69, in the 2012 election. Hayes first won election in 2004 and was re-elected in 2008, trouncing two challengers with 67.5 percent of the vote in the Republican primary. Hayes announced in February that she would seek a third term.

"The one thing that I kept hearing is that we need change. We can't keep doing the same things we have done in the past," Baugh told a group of her supporters gathered for a press conference announcing her candidacy in the Lakewood Ranch jewelry store she owns with her husband, Don.