Tal Sadiq elected chair of Manatee County commission; Ballard, Cruz and Phelps fill vice chairs

Tal Sadiq was elected chair of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday following nominations and debate at the board’s Dec. 2 meeting. Sadiq won the chair contest by a 4‑3 split, receiving votes from Commissioners Ron, Sadiq, Cruz and Ballard; Robert McCann received the remaining three votes.

The board then filled the vice‑chair posts. Amanda Ballard was elected first vice chair, George Cruz was elected second vice chair and Carol Phelps was elected third vice chair. The new officers’ terms begin at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, as the clerk recorded for the public record.

The nominations and debate reflected differing views about what the chair’s role should prioritize. Supporters of Sadiq said the county needs an officer willing to represent the board year‑round at community events and with state and federal partners; supporters of McCann argued that his experience and perceived public alignment made him a better pick to lead the board. Several commissioners and members of the public made brief statements during the public comment period urging particular candidates.

Commissioners emphasized that the chair’s duties extend beyond running meetings to representing Manatee County at intergovernmental and community events throughout the year. The election also included votes to appoint leadership at two county authorities: Mike Ron was re‑elected chair of the Port Authority, and Amanda Ballard was chosen as the county’s representative and chair of the Tourist Development Council (with Carol Felts named alternate). The board completed the officer selections before adjourning.

The election was procedural: nominations were opened for each seat individually, commissioners debated briefly on the record, and the clerk recorded the raised‑hand votes. No ordinance or policy change occurred as part of the vote; the results set who will preside over board meetings and represent the county in 2026.