Newcomer, Dr. Avanese Taylor managed to out raise incumbent school board member Matthew Susin in the first quarter of 2024 for School Board District 4.
School Board Member Matt Susin harasses opponent’s donors demanding explanation for not supporting him
Reports are Susin has expressed concern and frustration to his supporters.
Dr. Taylor is an active duty Senior Navy Chief, an instructor for the Department of Defense, earned a PhD in psychology, and is the mother of the victim of the Viera hazing incident that Susin is accused of grossly mishandling.
The first quarterly report for the 2024 election reveals more than just total dollars raised. Traditionally, campaigns demonstrate grassroots support by the total number of donors and a low average dollar amount. It indicates a candidate is talking to the people they are seeking to represent and are inspiring people to donate even if what they can contribute may not be much.
That difference is glaringly obvious in this race.
From a total of 59 donors, made up of teachers, parents, and community leaders, Dr. Taylor raised $6,480 and posted an additional $2,451 of in-kind donations.
From a total of 9 donors, made up of lobbyists outside of Brevard and the owner of Space Coast Daily, Susin raised only $5,000.
According to the individuals, Susin has called multiple donors who have donated to Taylor’s campaign when her report became public, angry he has lost their support.
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Perhaps it’s because of Susin’s own remarks.
During his advocacy for the redistricting of school board districts that led to unseating current members Katye Campbell and Jennifer Jenkins, Susin publicly stated multiple times he wouldn’t run another campaign for school board.
But, grassroots donors may not have been the only support Susin has lost. It has been reported that Susin was fundraising with hopes to switch his candidacy to run for State House 32, currently held by Thad Altman, until the Brevard Republican Executive Committee tapped former Congressman Dave Weldon to run for the seat instead. It has been stated that Susin’s support to remove Superintendent Mark Mullins caused the shift in support.
In a report which showed a disproportionate number of black students facing higher discipline numbers than ever before, Susin called it an “incredible success.”
“Mr Susin cares about Mr Susin. He manages to mention himself and things he has done at every moment during board meetings, even when those moments are meant to celebrate students and teachers.”
It has been reported that Susin also made phone calls to Weldon’s donors seeking financial support for his campaign.
A third candidate for the District 4 seat, Max Madl, a senior from Viera High School, reported $200 in contributions for Quarter 1.
