Red County is very proud to join the political dialogue in the Sunshine State. Our goal is to provide right-of-center insight and analysis of local political issues affecting the lives of people living in Sarasota County. Of course, we will give voice to statewide and national topics as they relate to, and influence, Floridians.

Red County has selected Dr. Richard Swier, editor of the Sarasota County blogsite. Dr. Swier brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position and we are very excited to have him as a member of the Red County team. He is an experienced blogger and Publisher of the From the Duke blog, an internationally read website focused on a strong national defense and personal responsibility.

Dr. Swier holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California, a Master's degree in Management Information Systems from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from Washington University, St. Louis, MO.

Richard is a 23-year Army veteran who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1990. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his years of service. Richard was also awarded the Bronze Star for Heroism in ground combat, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry while serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, and U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

In addition to Dr. Swier's extensive education and military service, he is an accomplished businessman and community leader. Richard was the Founder/CEO of Sarasota Online, a high technology company that was sold to Comcast Cable in 1996. He helped start Backsoft Corporation, an enterprise software development company in 1997 whose clients included Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Moen and Goodyear.

Richard twice chaired the Sarasota Better Business Council and sat on the Board of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the Board of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and on an advisory committee to the Sarasota County School Board.

Dr. Swier is President of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission, and has been appointed as Chairman of the Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee by Congressman Vern Buchanan.

Red County is quite confident that they have found the right man for the job! With the election season in full swing, issues and challenges to be addressed, Red County Sarasota will have plenty to cover. We encourage readers to weigh-in with thoughts and opinions. Please feel free to leave comments as often as you would like. You can link to our comment section under each post.