Former New York security expert Rob Rominiecki is running for the Sarasota City Commission, with an eye toward fresh energy in local government to solve problems and ensure a thriving and inclusive community.
He’s also hyperfocused on affordability issues.
“Sarasota is one of the most vibrant communities in the nation, but if teachers, police officers, hospitality workers, and the artists who fuel our cultural life can’t afford to live here, then Sarasota as we know it will cease to exist. I believe we can fix this,” Rominiecki said.
He blamed inaction for the ongoing affordability crisis, particularly on housing.
“Too many opportunities have slipped away,” he said. “In fact, countless affordable housing units proposed in recent years were rejected by certain commissioners. I’m running because we can do better. We can clear obstacles, streamline approvals, and make real progress. It’s not about what we can’t do — it’s about what we will do together.”
Attacking affordability, Rominiecki believes will help solve other ancillary issues.
“Arts and culture are Sarasota’s heartbeat. They enrich our lives, power our economy, and attract people from around the world,” he said. “But we cannot sustain this without making it possible for the very people who create that vibrancy — musicians, actors, museum staff, and hospitality workers — to live here.”
A Brooklyn native, Rominiecki was a guitarist and illustrator in his youth, a passion he worked to pass along to his two sons, who are both active in music and the arts.
After moving to Sarasota in 2015, Rominiecki became a stay-at-home dad, supporting his children and his wife, Jennifer. She serves as President and CEO Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where she is leading a major $100 million transformation of the local cultural gem into a national attention-grabbing attraction.
But the growth has faced controversy, including in surrounding neighborhoods, and the project’s preliminary masterplan was initially shot down. While a new Commission has since come around, Rob Rominiecki’s candidacy will likely face questions about his views on growth and protecting neighborhoods.
Rominiecki serves on the School Advisory Committee at Southside Elementary, where he works to strengthen public schools.
Rominiecki previously served as Head of Security and Safety at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.
“I’ve seen how art expands horizons, creates community, and gives people hope,” he said. “That’s the kind of vision I want to bring to Sarasota’s future.”
Rominiecki worked security at the Guggenheim on Sept. 11, 2001, where he made the decision to close the museum to protect visitors. It was one of the first museums in the city to close.
“That experience taught me the importance of decisive, informed leadership in moments of crisis,” he said. “It’s the kind of judgment Sarasota needs as we face more frequent severe weather events and other community challenges.”
The Sarasota City Commission race is on the ballot next year. Rominiecki is seeking an at-large seat.
“We don’t have to accept gridlock or delay,” he said. “Sarasota’s best days are ahead of us if we have the courage to plan, the discipline to execute, and the spirit to dream big. I believe in this city, I believe in its people, and I believe we can build a Sarasota that works for everyone.”
