Demtrius Petrow to run for North Port City Commission

NORTH PORT — Demetrius Petrow will run for seat 1 on the North Port City Commission.

The seat is held by Mayor Alice White.

Petrow is, currently, the only candidate running against her.

He has lived in the city for around five years. He was born and raised in Estonia and came to the United States from Europe. He became a citizen after a lengthy process where he spent time in Chicago and Syracuse.

Now, living in North Port, he is eying his first position as an elected official to be a voice for the people. This is his first run for office.

“I’m running for commissioner because I want to be the voice of our residents,” Petrow said, saying the next steps are crucial as North Port is the fastest growing small city in the United States.

He said he cares about all issues and all people across the city.

Specifically, however, tackling density, development and spending issues are his priorities.

Additionally, Petrow believes the city does not have enough resources for people with special needs. With a child who has special needs, he believes more has to be done by the city on that front.

“As far as my special needs child, there are not enough resources available,” Petrow said.

He wants a to form a city-run program for people with special needs and their families that are residents, too, he said.

Petrow’s ultimate goal is to change policy and the impression that the current City Commission leaves people with.

He said the current board does not listen to its public.

“I do not understand why,” he said.

He then cited the new police headquarters project, saying the current commission does not care what people think.

“There’s a clear reason why people don’t attend the meetings,” he said.

Petrow believes with his experience in white and blue collar jobs, he can help enhance the quality of life of the people in North Port.

He has financing experience, but is also a certified state building contractor. That culmination of skills would help him in what would be his first elected role, he believes.

“What’s the point if you represent people and do whatever you want? People do care,” Petrow said.

The primary election will take place Aug. 20, and the general election will be Nov. 5.