After 20 years, Pasco County commissioner Pat Mulieri is retiring from elected office, a decision that has pulled four candidates — including three Republicans — into the race.
Mulieri, a Republican herself, knows there’s a primary coming up in August that will allow voters to choose from former state Rep. Ken Littlefield, Wesley Chapel entrepreneur Mike Moore and Zephyrhills financial analyst Bob Robertson.
And her choice? Bob Robertson.
Mulieri told The Laker/Lutz News that she first met Robertson through his work with the homeless, and later learned his wife was an outreach coordinator at a church in Zephyrhills.
“He believes, like me, in giving a hand up to those in need,” Mulieri said.
The commissioner said she was impressed with the fact that he walked the precincts collecting signatures to get on the ballot, talking to people and knocking on doors. And he’s done what he could in county government, spending time with the library board and even attending Pasco’s first Citizens Academy.
“Being a commissioner is a steep learning curve,” Mulieri said. “Bob has done his best to prepare himself for the job. I believe he will listen to citizens, study the issues and work to bring opportunities home to Pasco.”
Mulieri went public with her support on Sunday when she wished Robertson a happy birthday on Facebook, adding that “I support you 100 percent. You will be a great commissioner.”
Moore, who has by far raised more money in his campaign than Robertson and Littlefield combined, picked up an endorsement of his own this past week from state Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes.
“Mike Moore has spent his career building businesses and creating jobs,” Corcoran said, in a release. “He knows what it takes to operate a business and make payroll. It’s vital to have more leaders who can help make government more accountable and more efficient.”
Republican voters will decide their nominee in August, the winner facing Land O’ Lakes Democrat Erika Remsberg in the November election.
