Sari Lindroos-Valimaki
Democrat Sari Lindroos-Valimaki of Palmetto is a native of Finland and a naturalized U.S. citizen with an MBA and a career in information technology, cybersecurity and infrastructure. She ran for the at-large District 7 commission seat in 2024 and says the 2021 Piney Point wastewater emergency near her neighborhood spurred that run. In 2026 she faces Republican Elizabeth 'Liz' Arnold and a write-in candidate in District 1.
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Positions on the major issues
Compare with opponents →Each entry describes what the candidate has said or done, and what they say they will do, in neutral terms with sources. The chip shows how that relates to the statement voters rate in the matching tool.
Taxes & spending Leans disagree· stated position
Supports a new dedicated stormwater utility fee based on impervious surface, and says the county must plan for lost revenue if the property-tax amendment passes.
"I support a dedicated stormwater utility fee structured equitably around impervious surface"
Housing affordability Strongly agrees· stated position
In a 2024 Manatee Chamber of Commerce questionnaire she called for upzoning in strategic locations, inclusionary zoning that mandates a share of affordable units in new developments, fast-track approvals, community land trusts on county land, tax abatements and low-interest loans for affordable housing developers, density bonuses and reduced impact fees for affordable projects.
"Inclusionary Zoning: Mandate that a percentage of new residential developments be designated for affordable housing to ensure a balanced housing market."
Environment & water Strongly agrees· stated position
In 2024 she called the commission's easing of wetland buffer protections its biggest mistake and said she would push to reinstate and strengthen them, citing biodiversity and climate resilience. At a June 2026 Tiger Bay debate she said she is 'passionate against Mosaic and phosphates' and stressed protecting farmland.
"As a commissioner, I would advocate for reinstating and strengthening wetland protections."
Growth & development Strongly agrees· stated position
Says the county must stop approving growth and then figuring out how to move everyone afterward; growth should pay its share and data-center rules should be set before applications arrive.
"We need to stop approving growth and then trying to figure out how to move everyone afterward."
No public position found on 3 issues
We searched campaign sites, questionnaires, interviews, votes and official actions and did not find a clear stance on: Property taxes, Crime & policing, Veterans. This is reported as unknown rather than guessed from party affiliation; these issues are excluded from this candidate's match score.
Other issues this candidate has raised
No additional issues found in public statements as of the last data review.