About John Harshman
John Harshman has called Sarasota home for 51 years. Arriving at age 18 with only $20 and a dream, he built a life and a career here, founding Harshman & Co., Inc., a commercial brokerage in 1989. He is now ready to bring his decades of experience to the City Commission to serve the community he loves.
“I fell in love with Sarasota and have built my career and life here. After 51 years, I know that effective leadership begins with an open ear. It would be my privilege to serve on the City Commission, bringing a balanced approach that listens to our neighborhoods while applying decades of business experience to ensure a vibrant, fiscally responsible future for the town I dearly love.”
Why John is Running
After a 45-day listening tour with neighborhood, business, arts, and environmental leaders, John is committed to bringing a balanced perspective to City Hall. His platform focuses on:
Workforce Affordability
John supports innovative projects and public-private partnerships to make Sarasota affordable for our teachers, first responders, and service workers.
Fiscal Responsibility
John will apply his decades of private-sector experience to manage your tax dollars with transparency and care, so residents feel confident in our city’s financial decisions.
Preserving Our Heritage
John will balance the protection of our city’s unique history and precious environmental resources while responsibly planning for the Sarasota of tomorrow.
Prioritizing a Clean and Safe Sarasota
John will ensure that our residential neighborhoods and downtown are clean and safe for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors.
Honoring Sarasota’s Arts and Culture
John recognizes the essential role that arts and culture play in our Sarasota community, both as an economic driver and source of creativity, entertainment, and joy for all Sarasota
A Legacy of Service
John has dedicated countless hours to Sarasota through various leadership roles, including:
Community Growth
Sarasota Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Sarasota Alliance
Environment
Tree Advisory Committee
National Estuary Program Volunteer
Environmentally Sensitive Lands Board Member
Arts & Education
Sarasota Ballet Board
Ringling Museum of Art
Girls, Inc.
Pines of Sarasota Inc Board Chair
Local Government
Chair of Sarasota County Public Facilities Advisory Board
Chair of the City of Sarasota Community Redevelopment Advisory Board
A Leader Who Listens Before He Acts.