The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Darlings’ trip to nationals

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The Wesley Chapel Darlings all-star team participated in the Dixie softball World Series July 29 to Aug. 1 in South Carolina.

The squad, which is part of the Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA), went 1-2 at the double elimination event. The 7- to 9-year-olds end the all-star season 9-2.

The Darlings defeated event host South Carolina 23-2 on June 29, but lost to Louisiana 14-4 and to Alabama 9-3 in a doubleheader the following day.

“In both games we started off behind and were having to play catch-up,” said coach Mike Garrison. “This is something that the girls were not familiar with. In almost all of our previous games, we were able to jump on our opponents and continue to score throughout the entire game.”

Wesley Chapel did claim district and state championships en route to qualifying for nationals. The girls outscored their opponents 96-42 in postseason play.

“Overall, it was a great experience for the girls to be able to travel out of state for a shot at the World Series title,” Garrison said. “Although we didn’t win, all of the coaches and parents were very proud of the girls. Being the best team in the state is quite an accomplishment.”

—Kyle LoJacono

Paul Barrett’s power of persistence

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By Kyle LoJacono

Recent Gaither High graduate Paul Barrett illustrates how important determination and perseverance is, even through tumultuous times and uncertain futures.

The 6-foot-1.5, 180-pound Barrett signed a full-ride scholarship on June 19 to run track at the University of South Florida (USF). It was one of several offers he had to compete in college.

Gaither boys track coach Jeff Ditman examines Paul Barrett’s state championship medal won this May in the 300-meter hurdles. (File photo)

Rewind about two months and the freshly inked Bull had zero offers. That was at the Class 3A state track meet, where Barrett ran away with the 300-meter hurdles championship by posting a time of 37.29 seconds, breaking his own school record.

It didn’t take long for USF to take notice.

“It was maybe a week or two after when they called my coach at Gaither (Jeff Ditman),” Barrett said. He added, “He told me USF was really interested. That’s actually one of the first colleges I saw when I came here and I really wanted to go there from the start.”

Division I men’s track programs like USF can only give 12.69 full scholarships, so coaches tend to split them up to attract more athletes. In comparison, football teams have 85.

“We kept telling him it’ll happen because he’s too good of a runner to not get signed,” Ditman said. “He kept working every day at practice and kept his grades up.”

Barrett, who also played football and soccer, said he never got down because of the lack of scholarship offers.

“I was just doing what my coaches were telling me to do,” Barrett said. “I thought whatever happened would happen, so I just kept working hard because that’s what I could control. … Sports kept me working hard, really. I’m still just a little kid who wants to play. The way I grew up, being able to play organized sports was always the best part of the day.”

…

Barrett was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and moved to the United States at age 11 because his parents, Aedinne McNeil and Paul Barrett Sr., thought it would be a better opportunity for him. He bounced around to different residences, living first with his aunt through his freshman year.

Barrett transferred from Alonso to Gaither as a sophomore when he moved in with his grandmother, Pernel McFarlan. He lived with her for two years before she died.

Besides the blow of losing his grandmother, Barrett also worried about what school he would attend his senior year. He wanted to remain at Gaither, so he moved in with his football teammate Mikhail Reece.

“He actually offered for me to stay with him when he heard I’d have to go back to Alonso,” Barrett said. “I was always over at his house anyway.”

Reece appears more excited about the signing than the laid-back Barrett.

“If anyone deserved this, it’s Paul,” Reece said. “He never wavered. A blow would come his way, and he’d just let it roll off his shoulder. I’m happy for him, but in the back of my head I knew it was going to happen for him. I saw what he was doing and how fast he was. It was just a matter of time.”

The new residence benefitted both young men.

“It was pretty interesting because he really pushed me to get stronger in the weight room,” Barrett said. “I think that really helped me my senior year. I tried to be as strong as him, and he told me he tried to be as fast as me.”

Reece, who signed to play football at Yale University, said he’d given up trying to run faster than Barrett. Instead, he’s settled for winning in a less physical activity.

“I know I can always beat him in Super Smash Brothers video game,” Reece said. “I got him in that.”

The competition, both physical and electronic, helped prepare Barrett to have one of the most successful senior seasons in the history of Gaither athletics

…

Barrett only knew the postseason as a senior.

He caught five passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns for a Gaither football team that went 9-4 and made the regional finals for the second time in the program’s 27-year history. As a midfielder/forward in soccer, Barrett had six goals and seven assists to help the Cowboys (20-5-1) make consecutive state final fours.

Barrett also earned district and regional track titles in the 300 hurdles before claiming the state championship. He was not only named All-Laker/All-Lutz News Track Athlete of the Year, but also the overall Boys Athlete of the Year.

“I had a great senior year,” Barrett said. “Most kids don’t get to do what I did, and I don’t take it for granted. Sports wise, it was great to make it to the football regional finals, soccer made it back to the final four and then ended it all with a state title. It could have been better, but I think that’s good.”

Barrett said remaining at Gaither was important for his success because of the support system from people like Reece and his coaches, which are Jason Stokes in football, Eric Sims in soccer and Ditman and assistant Ed Moore in track.

“All they had to do was just be here for me, honestly,” Barrett said. “All I really needed was someone telling me to be at practice and to want me on the team, and they all did that for me.”

Ditman, who is also an assistant for the football team and a teacher at Gaither, said Barrett’s nature benefits any group he’s a part of.

“He just always has a smile on his face and takes things with the right perspective,” Ditman said. “Whenever I’d see him in the hall he’d look so happy. He would say ‘What do I have to be unhappy about?’ That’s the right attitude, and he brought that to the field every day.”

Barrett said watching his parents gave him an appreciation for what he has.

“Growing up, my mom would have three jobs to feed the family, and so did my dad,” Barrett said. “It was really easy just going to school and doing sports. I had it easy.”

…

Barrett’s parents sacrificed getting to see him grow up to give him a better life. They were understandably pumped about the scholarship.

“They were psyched,” Barrett said. “They knew I could do it, but they were still pretty excited.”

Barrett will have to change track events as the 300 hurdles isn’t a recognized NCAA race. He expects to run the 400 hurdles and in the relays.

As for the classroom, Barrett has already made the most of his education, graduating with a 4.5 weighted grade point average. He plans to study architecture while pursuing a master’s degree at USF.

“Architecture is something I’ve just started looking at,” Barrett said. “Officially I’m undecided, but looking at it over the summer it seems like what I want to do. I’m better at math, and I can draw pretty well.”

Another long-term goal is qualifying for the Olympics in four years.

“It’s going to take a lot to get there, but it’s something I’ll be going after,” Barrett said.

Ditman has no question Barrett will be great in whatever he does.

“He’s such a great role model,” Ditman said. “People can see what he’s been able to do and understand it doesn’t matter what your socio-economic background is. If you work hard you can succeed.”

Rushing toward history

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CDS running back Robert Davis prepares for senior campaign

By Kyle LoJacono

Robert Davis is chasing history.

The Carrollwood Day School (CDS) running back stands within striking distance of the Hillsborough County record for career rushing yards. He is 1,966 yards from the all-time mark, which is owned by Riverview’s Avious Steadman and stands at 5,320.

The 5-foot-7, 174-pound senior knows what is in his reach, but Davis isn’t concerned with individual achievements.

CDS senior running back Robert Davis is 1,966 yards away from breaking the Hillsborough County record for career rushing yards. (File photo)

“I’m just focusing on helping my team get better,” Davis said. “If we go to a more passing offense, I’m down for that if it helps us win.”

He racked up 1,832 yards on 138 carries last year, 13.28 per attempt, to help CDS go 6-4. He also scored 30 total touchdowns. Add in the 1,523 rushing yards on 124 carries and 15 scores as a sophomore, and Davis is at the doorstep of the county record.

Davis said no one would believe he’d be in this position while a freshman at Freedom High, including himself.

He started playing football at age 7 while with the Tampa Bay Youth Football League (TBYFL) Packers. Davis played cornerback because he was one of the smallest players.

“In my final two years of little league football, they decided to give me some carries because I was always working hard,” Davis said. “The second year they found out I was a running back and not a defensive player, and they kept giving me the ball. … I always wanted to run the ball. Coming into my last two years of youth football, I really wanted that big man role carrying the ball.”

Davis stayed in TBYFL during his freshman year.

“I weighed only about 150 pounds, if that,” Davis said. “Probably closer to 140 pounds really, so I wanted to play in little league that one more year as I got bigger and stronger before playing in high school.”

Davis had low expectations when trying out for the Patriots entering his sophomore year.

“When I first came here, I didn’t think I’d get much playing time,” Davis said. “We had some good players, and I came here expecting to play mostly defense. Playing running back has been a privilege.”

Sixth-year CDS coach Lane McLaughlin said it didn’t take long to identify Davis’ talent.

“His speed is on another level,” McLaughlin said. “He averages more than 13 yards when he runs the ball. If he gets a first down every time he touches the ball, you’re not looking at too many second and longs.”

McLaughlin said Davis is also a huge weapon as a decoy.

“There was one play last year where we faked it to Robert and pitched to Andy (Embody),” McLaughlin said. “There were 10 guys running after Robert, and Andy was going into the end zone. When you have a guy like that, it opens things up.”

McLaughlin said Davis puts the squad in good situations even when he doesn’t touch the ball.

“On kick returns, no one kicks to him anymore,” McLaughlin said. “They either squib it and we get good field position, or they kick it to Andy (Embody), who’s as good as anybody returning kicks. He forces them to do things to give us good field position because nobody in their right mind would kick to Robert Davis.”

Davis isn’t one to rest on his laurels. He is working like never before this summer to ensure his senior year is his best.

“Right now I’m doing a lot of squats to get my legs huge,” Davis said.

Davis can squat 475 pounds, which has added to his speed. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds while at the University of Georgia and was also clocked at 4.38 at another camp.

He is also working to improve his catching ability.

“That’s something I’ve always wanted to do, is be part of the running and passing game,” said Davis, who caught four balls for 78 yards and a touchdown last year. “I feel as if I can line up out wide or go in the slot, then that opens up things for us.”

Davis is mostly thought of as an offensive force, but he also makes big contributions to the Patriots as a free safety. Last season, he picked off two passes and totaled 72 tackles.

Davis has become synonymous with CDS football, but he moved from Freedom to take part in the private school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

“The classes are harder than (Advanced Placement) classes, and I think it’s getting me prepared for college,” Davis said.

And speaking of college, Davis has eight official football scholarship offers.

Davis had offers to play on scholarship at Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Bowling Green, Ball State, Middle Tennessee, Holy Cross and Presbyterian, but committed to Cincinnati, a Division I program in the Big East Conference, on July 30.

He isn’t focusing on the rushing record, but Davis said the possibility helps bring attention to the Patriots, which is worth the microscope he finds himself under.

“I wanted to be one of those people who create a foundation at a place that can become a powerhouse in the coming years,” Davis said. “If I’m able to put a stamp on this place to help kids want to come to Carrollwood Day for the football and the educational aspect, then I feel I’ve done a lot.”

—Stats as recorded to Maxpreps.com by coaches

Spurred Warriors out for more in 2012

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The Boss Cross poised to regain state form

By Kyle LoJacono

Two years ago the Steinbrenner boys cross team was the Class 2A state runner-up in the program’s second season.

Hopes ran high entering 2011, as the returning athletes expected to stay right at the top when the Warriors moved up to 3A.

It wasn’t that easy.

Steinbrenner slipped to 12th at states last season, and the average time in the 5-kilometer race increased by nearly 3.5 seconds from the year before.

Steinbrenner senior Matt Magee runs in the Class 3A state cross country meet last season.

“It basically was a shock to finish as state runner-up, and it made us think that we were better than we were,” said senior Chris Cerreta. “We just thought we’d win it all when we moved up in classification, but 3A was like a whole other world. There are some really good teams, and last year showed us we need to get serious if we want to get back.”

The Warriors did come away with a district title last season, their second straight, but were upstaged at regionals by a squad just to the north

Wiregrass Ranch captured the regional championship, the program’s fourth in a row, while Steinbrenner finished fourth.

“It was a humbling experience,” said senior Zach Lima. “It really gave us a dose of humility. There are a lot of good teams in this area. Last year we finished fourth in the region, and Wiregrass Ranch beat us. They also beat us at the Mitchell Invitation. They’re a very good team up there, and we’re just trying to get better to run with the best teams in the area.”

Fortunately for the fourth-year program, all of its runners return for 2012. The top five are all seniors and include Zach and his twin brother Tyler, Cerreta, Tanner Biles and Matt Magee.

“Hopefully that means that everything is lining up for this senior year,” Zach said. “We’ve been training all of our lives for this one year. You don’t have another senior year of high school, so this is our last chance with these five guys. It’s great because we’ve all come up together, and we’re like brothers now. We’re running for each other.”

Cerreta said the team has been meeting three times a week during the summer to run, followed by work in the weight room.

“We didn’t cancel summer vacations, but we shortened them so we can practice as much as possible,” Cerreta said. “There’s been so much dedication this summer, and it’s been something really amazing to see. We’ve been doing it for four years, and we know if we’re going to do anything we have to do everything right in the summer to be at top form in November.”

Cerreta added they’ve been doing things to become a closer group.

“We’ve also been engaging in team activities and going to places and running with other teams,” Cerreta said. “Last year, we attempted to do those things, but this year we really did it, and now we’re one whole team with the same vision. … We definitely have a more structured environment, and we have a better vision of how to win a state championship. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen, but we’ve got that plan. Last year it was more about let’s train and see if we get back to where we were.”

Zach said they also have a new approach in competitions.

“We’re being smarter,” Zach said. “Last cross country season we weren’t really that smart during the state meet. We went out too fast. We’re going to let everyone else go out fast and be stronger for longer and smarter.”

Along with that focus, the team has come up with a new moniker to unite the program — The Boss Cross — which pays homage to the nickname of the late former owner of the New York Yankees, George Steinbrenner, for whom the school is named.

“We’ve used it for awhile, but we really started referring to the program as Boss Cross during the track season,” Cerreta said. “It’s on our T-shirts and our cross country and track uniforms. It’s kind of like a rallying cry you could say.”

Along with the new nickname, the track season also witnessed renewed success for the Warriors’ distance runners.

Tyler and Zach reached the 3A state meet in the 3,200-meters, or two-mile, where they finished seventh and 10th, respectively. Magee took 11th in the 800.

The trio, along with Biles, also set a school record in the 4×800 relay by finishing in 7 minutes 57.82 seconds to take fourth at states.

“(Track season) was a strong confidence boost that what we’re doing is right,” Zach said. “We are getting better. We got better all year in the two-mile and the 4×800, and that put us out there so people know about Steinbrenner.”

Track success and revived drive have lifted the Warriors’ spirits that were damaged last November at states, but one thing remains different about the 2012 squad.

“We’re just focused on making ourselves better this year,” Cerreta said. “Last year we were looking at what other teams were doing compared to us. We’re just worried about being as good as we can be. That’s all we can control, and that’s how we’re going to measure ourselves.”

The Boss Cross opens the season at the Lecanto Invitational at Lecanto High on Sept. 8 at 8 a.m.

—Results as recorded by the Florida High School Athletic Association

 

Steinbrenner schedule

Event Location Date Time

Lecanto Invitational Lecanto High Sept. 8 a.m.

West Hillsborough Meet Al Lopez Park Sept. 15 8 a.m.

North Port Invitational North Port Sept. 22 8:10 a.m.

Seffner Christian Invitational Dover Trails Sept. 29 8 a.m.

FSU/Pre-State Appalachee Regional Park, Tallahassee Oct. 6 8 a.m.

Freshmen Sophomore Meet Al Lopez Park Oct. 9 5:30 p.m.

USF Armwood Invitational* USF Golf Course Oct. 12 5:30 p.m.

Bartram Trail Invitational Bartram Trail High, St. Augustine Oct. 13 8 a.m.

Hillsborough County Championship Lake Park Oct. 19 5:30 p.m.

Class 3A-Disrict 8 Meet Al Lopez Park Nov. 2 4:30 p.m.

Regional Meet Lecanto High Nov. 10 10:10 a.m.

State Meet Appalachee Regional Park, Tallahassee Nov. 17 TBA

*Junior varsity only

Born for the gridiron

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Max Stepanets’ journey to the football field

By Kyle LoJacono

Max Stepanets was born in a country that loves football, but it isn’t the same game played here on Sundays in the fall.

The Academy at the Lakes sophomore was born St. Petersburg, Russia and moved to the United States five years ago. Stepanets lives with his younger brother, Tiama, and returns to his native country each summer to visit the rest of his family.

Academy at the Lakes sophomore Max Stepanets prepares for the football season during a summer workout session. (Photo by Kyle LoJacono)

The 6-foot-5, 195-pound quarterback is thousands of miles from his parents, but he said he never feels lonely thanks to football.

“To me it’s not difficult at all because I’ve got my team,” said Stepanets, who lives with guardian Eric Wilson. “They’re my family.”

Stepanets’ journey stateside happened by complete chance.

“It’s kind of a crazy story,” Stepanets said. “My brother liked toys, and he went in this toy store with my mother when he was 5 years old I think. There was this random lady in the store who asked if my mom had any older children. She said she had me. The lady was this person who gave IQ tests, and I took them all and I did really well.”

The results helped his mom decide to send Stepanets to the United States for better educational opportunities.

Stepanets only played soccer while in Russia, a sport where his aggressive nature often hurt his ability to stay on the field.

“I was always physical in soccer,” Stepanets said. “I was getting penalties all the time and cards.”

What was a hindrance on the soccer pitch has been a boost on the gridiron.

Stepanets tried out for a middle school football team while living in Miami.

“I didn’t know the rules, but I just loved hitting,” Stepanets said. “I was aggressive. I just see the guy with the ball, and I hit him. … If you love the game, you’ll learn the rules. I watch it on TV and play it. It’s easy to learn the rules when you live around it.”

Stepanets came to the academy three years ago, spending the last two seasons on the Wildcats’ kick-return and kickoff teams but is now tasked with running the offense.

“He’s growing up and he’s maturing,” said academy third-year coach John Castelamare. “He’s stronger and he can throw the ball very good. Now if we can get him to make the right decisions all the time we’ll really have something.”

Stepanets is impressing teammates with his development.

“He can really develop into a leader, and I think he has more of the intangibles as a quarterback,” said junior offensive lineman Jack Fishman. “He’s also going to surprise a lot of people when he runs at them.”

Stepanets, who also plays midfield/defense for the Wildcats’ soccer team, plans on becoming a doctor, which puts him in line with the rest of his family.

“I have a family full of scientists,” Stepanets said. “I have a sister (Maria) who’s a rocket engineer. Then my grandparents and great-grandparents were all scientists.”

Career decisions are years off. Right now Stepanets is mostly thinking about the football season, which is two weeks away.

“I can’t wait,” Stepanets said. “We’re going to do some things this year.”

 

Saint Leo basketball trio’s academics honored

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By Kyle LoJacono

The Saint Leo University (SLU) men’s basketball team is still racking up victories following the most successful season in recent memory.

A trio of Lions was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honors Court in recognition of their academic success. The three, who all just completed their junior years, are guard Marcus Ruh and forwards Tom Neary and Shaun Adams.

Saint Leo University guard Marcus Ruh had a 4.0 GPA last school year, earning a spot on the NABC Honors Court. (File photo)

“Marcus, Shaun and Tom exemplify the duality of academics and athletics that we hope to have in our men’s basketball program,” said SLU coach Lance Randle, who is entering his second year with the program. “Obviously they’re very good basketball players, and they are excellent students. They’re very bright young men and very hard working. They’re just the type of guys who are going to be successful in anything they do because of their talent, but more importantly because of their character and determination.”

The trio didn’t have to look far for encouragement to stay on top of their grades, as the three are roommates.

“We joke around that all we did at night was study and talk about what was going on at school with classes,” said Adams, who is majoring in history and secondary education.

All three were starters for the Lions last year, which was their first with the program after transferring from other schools. Both Adams and Neary came from the University of Loyola-Chicago, while Ruh last attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Ruh, a business major, led the way academically, achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA) for the 2011-12 school year while also earning Saint Leo Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors in April. He averaged 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and a team-high 2.7 assists last season.

Neary, who also studies business administration, posted 7.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a year ago, while Adams racked up 9.2 points, 1.3 blocks and team-high 5.3 rebounds.

Adams said he had only one B last year, which came in integrated arts during the first semester. He added that the coaches make grades a top priority.

“If you don’t have a 3.0 or better, than you have to go to the study tables and work on your grades,” Adams said. “They’re always keeping track and asking us what we’ve got going on in class. If we need any help, they’re always there for us.”

Randle added, “We expect more than the average Saint Leo student. We want them to sit in the first two rows in class and focus on school, but with those three guys it’s already ingrained in them. They’re from great families and academics means an awful lot. It’s why they’re here; it’s why they came to Saint Leo, to get the most of a great education.”

The entire squad shined in the classroom last year, as the 14 players had a combined GPA of just more than 3.1.

“Getting that team GPA over a 3.1 for the year is excellent,” Randle said. “At any level, to have an entire team over 3.1, that’s not par for the course with big-time basketball. I’m probably as proud of that as much of anything they’ve accomplished this year.”

The national academic honors come on the heels of Lions banner year. SLU made the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time in program history. The squad also reached the Sunshine State Conference tournament finals and picked up its first winning season in 14 years after compiling an 18-12 record.

“It’s easier to play together with smart players,” Adams said. “There isn’t anything that’s too hard to understand and everyone picks up on how the other team is trying to beat us pretty quickly. Of course you need to have talent, but being smart definitely helps.”

To be eligible for the Honors Court, a player must be academically a junior or senior with a 3.2 GPA or better. Students must also have advanced at least one year at their current school, and be a member of a Division I, II, III or NAIA program.

It is the second straight year the Lions have been represented on the national court following Matt Salay’s selection for the 2010-11 season.

The Lions start individual workouts the first week of September to prepare for the 2012-13 season. Full-team practice starts the second week of October.

Turner picks Florida Gulf Coast

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Steinbrenner senior baseball player Chase Turner has committed to Florida Gulf Coast University, Warriors coach John Crumbley announced June 30. Crumbley said Turner made the decision after attending a camp at the Division I program in Fort Myers.

Steinbrenner senior first baseman Chase Turner has committed to Florida Gulf Coast. (File photo)

Turner, a first baseman/outfielder, hit .354 last season, the second-highest on the squad, while scoring 17 runs, driving in nine and smacking five doubles. He played in all 24 of Steinbrenner’s games last season. The Warriors went 17-7 in those contests.

Florida Gulf Coast competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASC). The Eagles were 26-31 overall last year, but went 15-12 in ASC play and finished fourth in the conference.

—Jeff Odom

New look soccer program

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The Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCAA) has merged its competitive and youth soccer leagues into one program.

The new program is called the Wesley Chapel Soccer Club, which is run out of Wesley Chapel District Park.

Paul Batson, director of recreational soccer at the WCAA, said the merger was done to help the kids develop into better players.

Joshua Spaw recently moved up from the WCAA’s recreational soccer program to the competitive league. (Photo courtesy of Paul Batson)

“Recreational soccer has always been the feeder program to competitive, and with the help of Robert Bogus, who is our A-licensed head trainer for competitive, we discussed how we could better the quality of talent coming from recreational soccer to make our competitive teams local and state level champion quality teams,” Batson said.

Bogus is designing a skills program for the recreational league, which will focus on the European style of soccer to enhance ball control and teamwork.

Recreational coaches, who are primarily parents volunteering, will also learn from the more experienced trainers.

“Ultimately, this program will enhance the skills of each recreational player before they move into the competitive league if they so wish and create a better quality competitive program that we feel will be able to challenge any other program around the state,” Batson said.

Batson said the cost for the recreational league will remain $90 for U5, $135 for U6 to U12 and $190 for the oldest groups.

Practice for the recreational league begins the first week of November with games on Saturdays starting in December and running through Feb. 2. A postseason tournament follows the season.

Registration for players ages 12 and younger continues until Sept. 29, while the league for older kids ends Sept. 18. There will be a mandatory, 15-minute player evaluation in October in order to make the most balanced teams possible. To sign up, visit www.wesleychapelsoccerclub.com/.

—Kyle LoJacono

Florida’s 12th Congressional District

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Name: Gus M. Bilirakis

Age: 49

Residence: Palm Harbor

Occupation: lawyer

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: Florida House of Representatives1998–2006, U.S. House of Representatives 2007-Present

Office being sought: Florida’s 12th Congressional District

 

Gus Bilirakis

Why are you running for this office?

I was raised to appreciate public service. I have wanted nothing more than to serve the people of my district, to give back to my community, and it has been a distinct privilege to represent the Tampa Bay area in Congress. I believe my work ethic, integrity, even-tempered demeanor and deep-rooted passion for this nation has allowed me to work in a bipartisan manner to help not only my constituents, but all American citizens.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. We must help restore the American economy by ensuring an environment that allows the private sector to be productive. I have cosponsored and voted for legislation that gives entrepreneurial Americans the tools to start new businesses or expand existing ones. Businesses must be allowed to operate free of burdensome taxes and regulation.

2. Investments our seniors and soon-to-be-seniors made into Social Security and Medicare must be preserved. We must protect these services for future generations. It is unfair seniors who have contributed their entire lives might be shortchanged because politicians have a huge appetite for spending. One way to keep Medicare solvent is enhance transparency.

3. The size of the federal government must be kept in check. Raising taxes is not the answer. I support a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, which would prohibit the outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that year.

 

Why should voters choose you?

Because I am one of them. I live in our community and my children go to the same public schools. I know the needs of my constituents because my family and I share their values. I am exceedingly accessible and pride myself in the extraordinary constituent service that I have come to be known for.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

As Vice Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, the Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded a clinic in New Port Richey that provides mental health counseling and dental services to veterans; and middle-aged veterans are able to obtain educational opportunities at local community colleges. As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, federal, state, and local governments have made significant advancements in the levels of preparedness for disasters. And as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, conditions were placed on the expenditure of foreign aid to countries that wish us harm or violate the rights of their people.

 

Name: John Russell

Age: 56

Residence: Dade City

Occupation: nurse practitioner, hematology/oncology

Political affiliation: no party affiliation

Political experience: Democratic Nominee for U.S. House District 5 in 2006 and 2008

Office being sought: Florida’s 12th Congressional District

 

John Russell

Why are you running for this office?

I am running to return to the people “their voice in congress.” I have learned that unless a person has something to “trade” for political favors, such as 100 checks for $2,500 each, then your voice will not be heard. Citizens United has dramatically worsened this inequity, as unlimited funds from the ultra rich and powerful control the people’s “representatives” from BOTH major political parties. As a candidate, I have turned down such offers in the past and will again. This destructive paradigm offers the very clear reasoning behind my NPA registration status.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Reverse Economic Inequality: I will advocate for major economic/tax reform policies that will reverse economic inequality in this country. I would seek to accomplish this by advocating major reforms such as reinstating The Glass-Steagall Act and taking action to repeal The Commodities Futures Trading Act.

2. Medicare for ALL: As a nurse practitioner with experience in health care, I have pertinent knowledge that the incumbent does not, when it comes to understanding much less, developing/analyzing health care policy.

3. Campaign Finance/Election Reform: America must pursue dramatic Campaign Finance/Election Reform in order to once again return to the people their long forgotten “voice.” Corporate America owns our political system. The American Legislative Exchange Council advances candidates in state and local races who play ball with those who finance their campaigns. The ONLY way Americans can take back their democracy is demand money be diminished in importance in elections.

 

Why should voters choose you?

There is a crisis of integrity in government at every level. I am not a candidate because I need a career. I ask for your vote because I am sick of OUR interests being ignored or treated with sarcasm, by “name politicians” of BOTH major political parties who prefer to represent corporate interests to those of the voter. I offer in response to this problem my broad education, professional background in health care and finance as well as political experience. I offer solutions to OUR problems, and as YOUR representative, I can promise that I will not “Sell Out!”

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I ask the voters to compare the background and experience of the candidates, as well as the consequences to them regarding our varied positions on the issues. That is all I ask. I am not in need of a career. I offer a history of demonstrated academic/professional accomplishment that is transferable to being an effective congressman. It is significant to the role of being a congressman, that those who wish to be considered for the position have experience in making important judgments, working with a team, resisting coercion, remaining accountable, while possessing the wisdom to consider consequences broadly. I am truly interested in serving the interests of those who place me in office. As I stated earlier, the integrity of our political system is in need of repair. I humbly ask for your vote to begin the job of repairing it. Thank you very much.

 

Name: Jonathan Michael Snow

Age: 25

Residence: Tarpon Springs

Occupation: photo specialist

Political affiliation: Democratic

Political experience: None

Office being sought: Florida’s 12th Congressional District

 

Jonathan Michael Snow

Why are you running for this office?

It was President John F. Kennedy that said, “Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man.” I’m running to add my voice and ideas in an effort to help solve the many economic problems that Congressional Republicans created and have continuously refused to address or even acknowledge.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Strengthen the economy. I propose the America Works Again Program as a 21st century version of the New Deal. It is not a “Make Work” initiative. It focuses on employing people to do important work: building/repairing schools, fixing infrastructure, increasing broadband and wireless Internet access and updating the power grid.

2. Protect Social Security. Despite the facts that Social Security does not impact the federal budget, nor does it add one penny to the defici Congressional Republicans insist on cutting benefits and raising the retirement age. Working Americans have earned the right to expect Social Security.

3. Expand health care access. A National Health Insurance Program (NHI) is the only affordable universal option. President Obama’s health care act was an important first step toward attaining quality for all. NHI will expand access and reduce costs. It will squeeze out bureaucratic waste and eliminate perverse incentives that threaten quality care.

 

Why should voters choose you?

I believe the vast majority of Americans agree on a great deal of issues, and I want to be a part of uniting Americans behind common sense solutions to fix our problems. Together, we the people can, once again, work to put this country back on the right track. However, Congressional Republicans want to continue playing the politics of diversion and division! And, if they’re successful in this election, the programs Republicans propose will take us back to the same exact policies that got us into this economic mess in the first place! We can and must fix America NOW!

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

No response given

Florida Senate District 17

By

Name: John Korsak

Age: 40

Residence: Tampa

Occupation: no response given

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: worked on campaigns as a volunteer and operations director

Office being sought: Florida Senate District 17

 

John Korask

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for office because I believe that constitutional government needs to be implemented and protected at the state level. I believe that the number one job of the state legislature is to guard against intrusive federal policies that undermine the state’s authority and bankrupt the state’s treasury. Second to that, the state needs to allow public policy to be developed and implemented at the lowest jurisdictional level possible, not become to the county/city what the federal government has become to the state.
What are your top three priorities?

1. Develop a transparent tax policy by implementing an equal tax across all goods and services. In addition, I do not believe that government should pick winners/losers through taxation, and should not socially engineer behavior through a confiscatory tax system. I support the elimination of state excise taxes and other special taxes on specific goods and/or industries.

2. Build a pro-business environment, which would include:

—A single-filing system for new businesses where the state handles all initial licensure, tax, occupational and local filing processes

—Reining in government regulation, specifically at the state’s Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection

—Increase the cost of filing frivolous lawsuits and eliminate punitive damage awards

—Getting government out of the insurance business and opening the industry to market-based competition

3. Education reform, including the elimination of federal programs in Florida education, the elimination of FCAT and the implementation of a fair education choice/voucher program.
Why should voters choose you?

Voters should choose me for several reasons, but mostly because I am one-of-a-kind in my race. I am the only military veteran, the only person with public safety experience and the only one who has never been in Tallahassee politics! I am interested in keeping the friends and family that I have, not cozying up to new “friends” at Tallahassee lobbying parties. And I simply want a legislator that will actually put on the table new, sweeping legislation that reins in government spending and corrects our convoluted tax policy. That’s something everyone I know wants, but we have never gotten from politicians.
What qualifications do you bring to the job?

Most state legislators across the country have been unknowingly complicit in the destruction of America because they do not understand their job, which is to preserve and protect the constitution, and the peoples’ freedom and liberty, at the state level — guarding against intrusive federal policies that undermine the state’s authority and bankrupt the state’s treasury. But instead, state legislators have become to local governments what Washington has become to the state — the government nanny.

Understanding that, and having an understanding on how federal money (especially grants) works, makes me not just uniquely qualified, but the only one that is qualified to be District 17’s Senator.

 

Name: John Legg

Age: 37

Residence: Trinity

Occupation: administrator/educator

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: House member; speaker pro-temp

Office being sought: Florida Senate District 17

 

Why are you running for this office?

As a father of 5 children, I believe my children should have the same and greater opportunity for promising future that I had. As a lifelong Floridian, I know that Florida is indeed the land of opportunity. We need to protect our economic freedom and promote of conservative values by limiting the role of government and promoting free enterprise.

 

What are your top three priorities?

Economic Development, education and taxes are three critical issues that need to be address. All three are intertwined. Economic Development is dependent on an educated workface and being stifled by the lack of available and affordable property insurance. Our state and local agencies must do online one stop permitting and lower the red tape on our risk takes. We must lessen the burden overreaching regulation being handed down by bureaucracies to help create jobs. We must capitalize on the innovation and intellectual capital of USF community. We must increase our education standards and allow our best and brightest students in our state to excel. Our greatest assets are our future workforce. We hold the line and lower taxes on our families and small business. The government checkbook should not increase at the expenses of our families checkbooks decrease.

 

Why should voters choose you?

As a small business operator who employees over 120 people, I understand the risk and struggles it takes to make small business operator. I have been successful in standing strong against those up to who would threaten our economic freedom and our conservative ideas. We stood with Attorney General Pam Bondi to shut down the Pill Mills which plagued our Pasco and Hillsborough community. I encourage people to find out more about our record at www.electjohnlegg.com.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

As a graduate of USF with Masters in Public Administration, co-founder of one of the most successful school, Dayspring Academy, in Tampa Bay community, father of 5, employer of over 120 employees and Speaker Pro-Temp. of the Florida House, I believe we have the experience and success records to get Florida and Tampa economy moving. Our campaign has been endorsed by leaders such as Governor Jeb Bush, Speaker Designate Will Weatherford, Commissioner Adam Putnam, State Senator Mike Fasano, Former Gov. Bob Martinez and numerous other local leaders. To find out more about our campaign, please go to www.electjohnlegg.com.

 

Name: Rob Wallace

Age: 60

Residence: No response given

Occupation: professional engineer

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: Florida House of Representatives  1994-2001 Northwest Hillsborough and Tarpon Springs

Office being sought: Florida Senate District 17

 

Why are you running for this office?

We need jobs and to strengthen our economy. I have been a small business owner since 1979 and I know from experience there is value to having small business people voting  in Tallahassee. We need to help make Florida more business friendly to attract those that will invest in the soon to be 3rd largest state in the nation. We also need to help nurture our own businesses especially small business. Florida has many assets and we need to use all of them to the states advantage.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. We need to help the 2.2 million small businesses that employ almost 7 million in Florida. I propose that if a small business creates a new job with a salary of $30,000 or greater, and the job is occupied for a year, that a tax credit of $1,000 be issued for use against tax due.

2. We need to foster our production industries, namely agriculture, forestry, mining and manufacturing. We need to help these groups that can export goods out of the state or the country.

3. Tallahassee needs to exercise fiscal discipline. I propose the following plan. 10% of the new revenue goes to a rainy day fund. 10% goes to paying off bonds early. 10% to invest in job creation incentives. 70% of new revenue to help the needy hurt by the recent cutbacks and to pay for justifiable and cost effective programs.

 

Why should voters choose you?

I have been a homeowner with my homestead in the District since 1975. Having just turned 60, I have business and legislative experience that is needed to help lead in the things the state government can do to help our business environment. As a State Representative, I held 57 town meetings all over the district to stay in touch with my constituents and listen to their concerns for State government. As Chair of the Hillsborough Delegation, I led the way in the 2000 repeal of the useless Motor Vehicle Inspection Program which had long served its purpose.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I have run a small business for 33 years. During that time, we have employed over 100 persons who contributed to our success and who made their livelihood in our company. We currently employ 8 persons. I am a Professional Engineer and have been a working engineer for 38 years. I have a love of facts and figures, and in Tallahassee, I was a budget watcher that was taxpayer  friendly. In my 8 years in office, I worked hard on behalf of my constituents. When term limits applied to me, I did what the Founders envisioned, and I went back to the proverbial farm to renew my business and get my four kids through college. I am not a professional politician, but I am a seasoned citizen legislator. As a fiscal conservative, I believe that the government budget should not grow faster than the family budget.