Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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.

Name: Elizabeth Belcher

Age: no response

Residence: Seffner

Occupation: retired, federal law enforcement officer, Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service

Political affiliation: Democratic

Political experience: none

Office being sought: Florida Senate District 24

 

Why are you running for this office?

After 14 years with the Republicans in power, I look at the state of affairs in Florida and find the situation appalling and unacceptable. I cannot sit idly by and allow the Republicans have a free walk to Tallahassee in Florida state Senate District 24.

 

What are your top three priorities?

I have four priorities I must address.

1. Ethics: Florida is finally ranked number one in something. Unfortunately, it is No. 1 in political corruption. That is not only shameful, but totally unacceptable.

2. Economy: Florida needs to support small businesses and farmers. Small businesses are the engine of our growth. In the past two decades, two out of every three jobs that were created were from small businesses. Farmers are essential to our well-being. If you believe we are in trouble by being dependent on foreign oil, what will happen if we become dependent on foreign food?

3. Education: There should be no profit motive in education. I believe that teachers are the solution, not the problem.

4. Environment: We must protect our environment now, or your children and grandchildren will not have clean air to breathe or water to drink.

 

Why should voters choose you?

It is time that voters had a choice between candidates. On one hand, there are candidates who must follow the party line and blindly follow the dictates of a few powerful, connected politicians and moneyed lobbyists. On the other hand, I am the candidate to address the issues in the context as to what is most beneficial for the citizens in my district and my state.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

As a federal employee, I could not become involved in politics. However, I was involved in my community by being the treasurer for the special tax district of my subdivision and past president of the Friends of the Library,  Seffner/Mango Library. I also became involved in local zoning issues, which led to my involvement in creating the Seffner/Mango Community Plan. I was involved from the inception to the final approval by the Board of County Commission (BOCC). I, along with a few other dedicated citizens, fought to preserve Cone Ranch. Cone Ranch is 12,800 acres of the last undeveloped tract of land that is essential for Hillsborough drinking water. We were up against very powerful, very wealthy developers. We fought and won. Cone Ranch was saved. This is the action that taught me that one person can make a difference.

Name: Kim Bogart

Age: 60

Residence: New Port Richey

Occupation: owner of Bogart & Associates Consulting and Training

Political affiliation: Democrat

Political experience: none

Office being sought: Pasco County Sheriff

 

Why are you running for this office?

The fundamental mission of a law enforcement agency is public safety. For too long, the administration of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office has placed politics and political paybacks above public safety. I am running for Sheriff because I have the experience and knowledge to implement time-tested programs to ensure citizens feel safe in their neighborhoods, and I will eradicate the political atmosphere permeating the sheriff’s office. I will focus on the safety and security of the residents, visitors, and businesses of Pasco County, and return the sheriff’s office to its fundamental mission — public safety.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Stop the Exodus of Employees. Employees leave organizations for four reasons: lack of leadership, reputation of the organization, lack of advancement opportunities and pay. From 2008 through 2011, 125 deputies resigned, voluntarily, from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. There is a tremendous cost associated in screening and training deputies. To watch them leave is a failure of leadership.

2. Make the Sheriff’s Office Transparent. Transparency enables the public to hold the Sheriff accountable for how tax dollars are spent. As your Sheriff, I will provide a comprehensive annual report to the public.

3. Increase Focus on Drugs Problems. The most serious problem facing our county is the epidemic of synthetic drugs. Until laws are in place to ban synthetic drugs — public awareness, education, and prevention are the most powerful tools available in the fight these drugs. As Sheriff, I will take an active role in promoting collaboration to fight them.

 

Why should voters choose you?

For me, law enforcement is not just a profession, it’s a calling. My duty, my mission is to see Pasco County protected every day. Our community should be a safe and desired destination for individuals to raise their families, run their businesses and see their hopes realized. As a 28-year resident of Pasco County, my commitment to our community runs deep. As a community leader and public servant, I’ve experienced the best in our area and I understand the challenges facing us. Together we can transform our neighborhoods — and together we can build a legacy and transform our communities.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

With over 30 years of law enforcement experience, I am a recognized and committed leader in fighting for a safer Pasco County. I have dedicated my life to fighting for your family’s safety and for promoting a strong criminal justice system. One of my exclusive qualifications is my years of experience in assessing agencies. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing many excellent community-oriented programs and evidence-based solutions for the problems that every law enforcement agency faces. For the last 10 years, I have assisted over 100 public safety agencies in Florida resolve the vulnerabilities in their agencies to become transparent and accountable to their citizens. I have a solid plan and the needed experience to make your community safer. When you review my record, you will see a lifetime of law enforcement experience that is rooted in dedication to the criminal justice profession, and a deep commitment to our community.

 

Name: Roger Fortney

Age: 59

Residence: Elfers

Occupation: retired

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: no response given

Office being sought: Pasco County Sheriff

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am tired of the political atmosphere that surrounds the sheriff’s office and the way that it affects the staff. It is my belief that Tallahassee politicians are greatly influencing choices made at the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. I believe the sheriff should only have to answer to the citizens who elected him, thus giving him more time and motivation to focus on the issues at hand. I chose to run for sheriff to take state politics out of the picture and make the necessary changes to run the sheriff’s office as efficiently and effectively as possible.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Drugs: We need to continue working on the drug problem in this county, focusing on neighborhoods plagued by drug issues. While campaigning across the county, several residents complained about drug houses in their neighborhoods. One example is a woman in Hudson who has been harassed by a drug house for four years. An agency with an $86 million budget and 1,200 employees should be more effective in protecting citizens.

2. Gangs: When I started working at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office in 1986 there were only one or two known gangs. Today, we now have six or more. Historically, little has been done concerning this serious issue.

3. Traffic: I have heard numerous complaints concerning chronic traffic violators. Our traffic units have been understaffed for years. It seems some sheriffs are afraid of losing votes by issuing too many citations. I will direct my staff to enforce the law consistently.

 

Why should voters choose you?

I would like to reiterate that I’m not a politician and I have no friends in Tallahassee. Because I am not politically connected, my focus would be on the problems that face Pasco, not promoting the agenda of other politicians. I would not be using this position as a stepping stone to further my career or ambitions. My family has resided in Pasco for approximately 30 years and my only motivation is to do what’s best for the county. I would devote my time in making this a better and safer place for both my family and yours.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I am currently Florida State Certified as a Law Enforcement and Corrections officer. There are only a few dual certified sheriffs serving in Florida’s 67 counties. This dual certification and the experience it brings means that I am well versed in the challenges faced by both our patrol and corrections divisions. I have the ability to address the issue of crime in the county, as well as the issues faced when alleged criminals are housed within our jails.

I served Pasco County residents for 23 years working in several areas of the Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy, corporal, field training officer, in property crimes and the community policing unit. My experience working in these diverse areas has given me a vast amount of hands-on knowledge about the problem areas within Pasco County. This knowledge will allow me to address those problems in the most efficient and effective ways possible.

 

Name: Chris Nocco

Age: 36

Residence: Trinity

Occupation: Pasco County Sheriff

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: none

Office being sought: Pasco County Sheriff

 

Why are you running for this office?

We, the members of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, are building a world class law enforcement agency. As we look to the future of Pasco, your Sheriff’s Office needs to be professional, on the cutting edge and a source of pride for our community. In the past year, as your Sheriff, we have made tremendous strides and are heading in the right direction. With the support of our citizens, we will continue to reinvent the Sheriff’s Office, and I look to forward to how great we can become.

 

What are your top three priorities?

Modernizing our policing strategy – In the past year we have transformed to a proactive agency that employs Intelligence Led Policing that emphasizes crime prevention and targeting career criminals by working with fellow law enforcement agencies and sharing information.

Drugs – We have implemented a three prong approach to address drugs. First, we offer our youth more opportunity through our Police Athletic League, drug prevention classes, and informing parents of the new drugs in our community. Second, we proactively arrest drug dealers and pill mills. Third, we have partnered with our faith based community to incorporate Celebrate Recovery in our jail and our community.

Creating Efficiency and Effectiveness – We have developed a strategic plan for our future and are currently upgrading our technology to establish efficiencies that will allow us to become more effective in serving our citizens.

 

Why should voters choose you?

During the past year we have implemented Servant Leadership in the Sheriff’s Office. We understand that our citizens are our priority. Whether it is a town hall meeting where we listen to the concerns of a community, seeking innovative ways to protect our youth from the ever increasing threats they face, or proactively arresting career criminals who have terrorized a neighborhood, your Sheriff’s Office is modernizing to the needs of today and tomorrow. Pasco is no longer going to be a sleepy bedroom community and as Sheriff, I will ensure we continue to move in the right direction.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

My professional background is diverse which allows me to look at issues from different angles. My heart is still as a front line police officer. I was with the Philadelphia Public School Police, Fairfax County Police Department, where I was a first responder during 9/11 and the Sniper Incident. I was a Broward County Deputy, Chief of Staff at the Florida Highway Patrol, along with a Captain and Major in the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. In addition, I worked in the Florida Legislature on criminal justice, domestic security, transportation and economic development and was responsible to oversee issues at the state emergency operations center. I completed my B.A. and M.P.A while playing college football and have a certificate in emergency management. Most importantly, I am a husband and father of small children. I know how important it is to protect our families and future. To learn more go to www.votenocco.com.

 

Name: Maurice Radford

Age: 50

Residence: Wesley Chapel

Occupation: retired law enforcement officer

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: none

Office being sought: Pasco County Sheriff

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for Sheriff to ensure Pasco citizens and businesses have the highest level of safety they deserve. As longtime residents of Pasco, my wife and I have spent many years here raising our family, working, going to church and being involved in this great community. As the chief law enforcement offficer, it is imperative that our elected Sheriff be a person of integrity, strong moral character and a competent lawman with wisdom garnered from years of proven leadership, experience and dedicated service.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Drug addiction is endangering the lives of our youth and is motivating thefts and acts of violence. As Sheriff, your deputies and I will work to protect our citizens and businesses through education and enforcement.

2. The Sheriff must enhance the service the citizens deserve while reducing taxes. I will prohibit costs that are not critical to the law enforcement mission. The Interim Sheriff is seeking a $2.9 million increase in funding despite other officers reducing budgets.

3. Pasco deputies are accepting jobs with other agencies. The Sheriff must reduce the high attrition. It is estimated the Sheriff’s Office expends $100,000 to hire and pay a first year deputy. A reduction in this trend can be accomplished by ensuring a positive work environment where staff is rewarded for performance.

 

Why should voters choose you?

Voters can be confident I have the requisite knowledge, training, experience and dedication to serve as their Sheriff. I will save tax dollars and improve services by:

—Top-down changes ensuring all deputies are fighting crime and illegal drugs.

—New technology to predict and prevent crime.

—Reducing the size and cost of the Sheriff’s executive staff.

—Abolishing jobs, consultants, and contracts generated from politics.

—Implementing a fully transparent and accountable budget process.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I am a veteran law enforcement officer with 25-plus years of service and leadership experience. As the former commander of the Sheriff’s Patrol Operations Bureau, my job was leading the deputies that stand guard within Pasco’s communities and business districts to prevent crime and improve our quality of life. During the previous eleven years, I have implemented and managed the modern policing initiatives that proactively prevent crime, reduced response times to emergency calls, and increased on-scene apprehensions of suspects for in-progress crimes. My record of leadership and innovations include lower crime rate, proactive patrol deployment, intelligence-led policing, crime prevention, citizen’s service unit and street crime suppression teams. I am a fiscal conservative that has used best management practices to save taxpayers millions of dollars during my tenure as third in command of their Sheriff’s Office.

 

Name: Sharon Calvert

Age: 54

Residence: Lutz

Occupation: resigned as business analyst to focus on campaign

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: co-founded Tampa Tea Party and NoTaxForTracks.com, Citizens Advisory Committee to County Commission, Board Member of Florida Alliance

Office being sought: Hillsborough County Commission District 2

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am a citizen, not a politician, who believes it is time for new ideas to be brought to the County Commission. I am a native of Florida and a 35 year resident of Hillsborough County where my husband and I raised our 2 daughters and enjoyed our community. My active leadership in grassroots efforts to limit the size and scope of government led to my decision to run for County Commission. We need dynamic thinking and new solution modeling aimed to make ALL of Hillsborough county the most robust, competitive and business friendly county in the region.

 

What are your top three priorities?

Jobs and Smart Economic Development – the most important issue we face. Building an environment for businesses to start, prosper or relocate should be our first goal. Increased transparency, reduced fees, less red tape and low taxes will enable us to produce greater economic growth, resulting in more prosperity for ALL of Hillsborough County.

Fiscal Responsibility AND Accountability – let’s truly “put the checkbook online” down to the individual transaction level providing access to actual expenditure documents – the grant, contract, purchase order, check. Citizens have a right to know where their money is spent and to whom the checks are written. I believe in zero based budgeting to help eliminate waste and keep our wants within our means. All contracts should be procured through a transparent bid process.

Think in the long term – a balanced budget today does not necessarily translate into a balanced budget tomorrow.

 

Why should voters choose you?

I qualified to be on the ballot by petition which demonstrates I am getting out there in the community, listening to the concerns of voters and meeting the electorate. I believe that citizen legislators can represent Hillsborough County better than career politicians. I seek this opportunity with a pledge to serve you, and I do not seek this office as a career. I strongly support Free Market policies to create private sector jobs. I am an advocate for small business and entrepreneurship that has always been the engine of our economy. I do not have ties to special interests.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

My degree from USF is in finance and I have 30 years of private sector business experience. I co-founded, led and built the local Tea Party in Hillsborough County. I led a citizen coalition in 2010 to educate voters and successfully defeat a sales tax referendum for light rail. I have been a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the County Commission for 1 1/2 years. I am currently on a subcommittee team that has proposed and gained approval by the County Commission to implement reforms to the nonprofit funding process. As a Board member of the Florida Alliance, I facilitate communication and collaboration across a coalition of grassroots organizations in Florida. I am a taxpayer advocate and was honored to be invited to testify at the House Congressional Transportation Stakeholder Hearing in DC last year representing for the first time, the taxpayer.

 

Name: Victor Crist

Age: 55

Residence: Tampa

Occupation: advertising agency owner

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: 2010-present Hillsborough County Commissioner District 2; 2000-10 State Senator, 1992-2000 State Representative

Office being sought: Hillsborough County Commissioner District 2

 

Why are you running for this office?

During these challenging times, Hillsborough County Commission needs an honest leader that has the experience, knowledge and drive to get the job done. I have a strong proven track record of integrity, working with the community and cultivating partnerships to achieve efficient and effective results. As a small business owner, I understand how hard it is to succeed. I would work to improve government efficiency, protect our financial stability, grow our economy and sustainable jobs, while ensuring public safety. I am the only candidate in District 2 with a proven record of reforming government and cutting taxes.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Stimulate economic and job growth. I would work to improve collaboration with the chamber of commerce, Tampa Bay Partnership, USF and our municipalities to create effective public/private partnerships. I would work to bring emerging industries into the county, such as biotechnology and the opportunities surrounding USF.

2. Improve government efficiency. I would work to protect our financial stability, i.e. our AAA bond rating while ensuring public safety. I am opposed to new taxes and favor strategic cost cutting where possible. We need to focus on the county’s core mission and the critical services needed to achieve our primary objectives.

3. Require accountability and results from every county program and position. I will work to establish policy that requires every county budget line item be tied to reaching our primary goals. We need to establish a scorecard with a time line to track our progress.

 

Why should voters choose you?

I am the only candidate in this race who has an effective, proven track record of cutting taxes, reforming government, improving services and creating jobs. Like my neighbors in District 2, I am concerned about the future of Hillsborough County. From proposed tax increases to multi-billion dollar budgets, there is a lot at stake. I believe we need effective leadership with valuable experience and proven results on our commission now more than ever. I will bring common sense, practical solutions to create jobs, grow the economy, improve government efficiency and keep our communities safe.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I graduated from USF with degrees in communications and business. For 30 years, I have owned a successful small business and been a resident of our district. As the long time president of the USF Area Community Civic Assn., I have worked with citizens and successfully fought for road improvements, storm water improvements, transportation improvements, crime reduction, neighborhood services, economic and job development and parks and recreation, among many others. I have a long proven track record of working with and servicing our communities. As a part time State Representative and State Senator I fought for and established meaningful major reforms like “10 -20-Life” the “3 Strike Violent Felony Offender Act,” requiring insurance companies to cover screening for cancer in annual medical exams, lowering taxes, downsizing government and creating jobs. As your current County Commissioner I have continued the good fight of improving our quality of life in Hillsborough County.

Name: Ronald E. Oakley

Age: 66

Residence: Zephyrhills

Occupation: citrus owner and dealer

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: chairman of the board for the Southwest Florida Water Management District

Office being sought: Pasco County Commissioner District 1

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for this office because I am tired of the same old, same old. We need CHANGE. We need leaders more concerned about creating jobs than protecting their own. I have lived in Pasco County my whole life. I am a father, grandfather and businessman. I hired folks, made payroll and created jobs. I can make a difference in Pasco County government.

What are your top three priorities?

Taxes – It is imperative we stimulate the local economy by reducing the taxes on citizens and businesses. It is time we quit putting the tax burden on the citizens of Pasco. The Penny for Pasco sales tax helps do just that by distributing the burden equally to all citizens because it is based upon purchases throughout the county. Also, the rollback rate keeps commissioners from making good decisions on cutting taxes.
County leadership – Mr. Gallagher will be retiring soon and I believe a nationwide search should be undertaken for a new county administrator with experience in a county with a population 750,000 to 1,000,000. We are at approximately 470,000 people and are growing. In addition, it is imperative that Mr. Gallagher’s successor has outstanding people skills.
Mobility fees – I do not understand the reasoning behind replacing impact fees with mobility fees, which don’t cover the entire cost of infrastructure.

Why should voters choose you?

Voters should choose me because I am the right choice for Pasco County citizens. As a lifelong resident, I am aware of the issues facing this county. I listen, gather the facts and ask questions, then make an educated decision and take action. I am connected to the people of this county and can improve the way our hard earned money is used to support our government.

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I have over 40 years of business experience and an accounting degree from Carson-Newman College. I have successfully owned and operated varied businesses including citrus caretaking, harvesting and marketing, cemetery and funeral home, liquid food transportation, real estate and cattle ranching. The past four years, I represented the people of Pasco at the Southwest Florida Water Management District Board. The last year, I served as the chairman.  During my tenure on the board, we worked as a cohesive unit and reduced the budget by 58 percent, resulting in a millage reduction of 43 percent. We reduced the number of employees through attrition, by 8.6 percent. My combined business and professional experience has prepared me to represent Pasco County citizens as a custodian of their trust and tax dollars.

 

Name: Rachel O’Connor

Age: 27

Residence: Zephyrhills

Occupation: no response given

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: regional field representative for the Republican Party of Florida, Republican Executive Committee Member

Office being sought: Pasco County Commissioner District 1

 

Why are you running for this office?

I have lived in the county for almost 20 years and have seen the same status quo mode of operation and mainly the same individuals in office. Pasco is facing many challenges and we cannot accept status quo. It’s time for new leadership. It’s time for a new approach. The good ole boy system doesn’t work. The only agenda the good ole boys have is their own. It is time to elect officials whose only agenda is serving the people of Pasco. We cannot continue to elect the same individuals, or the same type of individuals, and expect different results.

 

What are your top three priorities?

Establish A Long Term Vision. We must formulate a vision for Pasco will serve as a guide for the investment of infrastructure and in tourism.
Demand Fiscal Responsibility. Our county is a microcosm of our federal government- it is full of wasteful spending and special interests. While the economy continues to nosedive and our citizens continue to struggle, our county budget grows. We have underfunded our fire rescue, the sheriff’s office and parks and pools, while spending frivolously in other areas.
Make Pasco A Place Where People Want To Do Business. We need to create an environment that is conducive to business growth. Traditionally Pasco has had the highest impact fees in the region. Business owners and commercial builders consistently express frustration with the County’s permitting process and murky regulation. It is imperative that Pasco looks to create competitive and reliable impact fees, straightforward regulation, and a streamlined permitting process.

Why should voters choose you?

What differentiates me the most from my opponents is my ability to serve only the people. Both of my opponents are the owners or agents of anywhere from 10-20 businesses. Putting in the hours at this quantity of businesses or interests does not leave ample time for an individual to dedicate the time and effort that Pasco county taxpayers deserve. Both are the owners and agents of land development and realty corporations. Considering one of the roles of a county commissioner is guide the planning and growth management, their ownership of such businesses is a serious conflict of interest.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

There are several reasons why I am more prepared than my opponents to lead Pasco in a new direction. I am equipped with a strong education, earning a Master’s degree in International relations and a Bachelor’s in Political Science. My experience as an employee of the Republican Party of Florida afforded me with the opportunity to manage a five county region of Republican Party of Florida offices, contracts, leases, and coordinated hundreds of volunteers. Most importantly, I had the opportunity of working with legislators, senators, and cabinet members. Not only do I have the education and experience that has prepared me for serving the public as a county commissioner, but I am the only candidate that is willing and able to be solely committed to serving Pasco County residents, put in fulltime hours and have no conflict of interests.

Name: Randy Evans

Age: 48

Residence: Elfers

Occupation: U.S. Coast Guard chief warrant officer

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: none

Office being sought: Pasco County Commissioner District 3

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for County Commissioner because it is an extension of my 27+ years of results-driven, proven leadership and dedicated public service. As a retired military officer, I bring a unique perspective to the Board of County Commissioners. We need a commissioner who will put children and citizens first, instead of someone looking out for their business or property interests. Veterans will have a true veteran advocate; county employees will have someone looking out for them; and the citizens will have a commissioner looking to create good-paying jobs, eliminate park fees, and keep pools and libraries open.

 

What are your top three priorities?

My top three priorities as your next County Commissioner are to create good-paying jobs, maintain county services without fees and keeping taxes low, while eliminating wasteful spending.
The Pasco Economic Development Council (PEDC) is working to bring good-paying jobs to Pasco. If the proposed 2014 Penny For Pasco funding is approved, the PEDC will receive additional funding to attract businesses to Pasco County. This, coupled with the new Mobility Fee structure, is a recipe for success and should bring much needed jobs to Pasco.
I am for eliminating park fees and keeping pools and libraries open. Citizens without jobs need access to libraries to seek employment opportunities. Citizens and visitors should be able to enjoy Pasco’s parks without being charged a usage fee (tax). Closing pools and libraries only further leads to the increase in crime. I will fight to keep taxes low and eliminate any wasteful government spending.

Why should voters choose you?

I am a Christian, citizen candidate and never previously held or ran for public office. As a life-long Republican, being fiscally conservative is in my nature. I am the only candidate in my race who both qualified by petition and resided in District 3, prior to running for office. No other candidate possesses a Master’s degree or has proven leadership as an Eagle Scout. Citizens can find the same confidence and trust in my 27+ years of military/public service that my superiors placed in me to be in charge of three Coast Guard Investigative Service offices and two multi-state regions.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I possess the life experience, proven leadership and a graduate education you expect from your next County Commissioner. My 27 years of experience in the military and law enforcement gives me a unique perspective to look at things the way they affect the citizens. After living all over the country and traveling all over the world, I have seen many different ways of accomplishing things in government. I have seen both what works, and what does not work. Over the course of my career, I had to make some difficult decisions based on limited information.  Commissioners cannot please everyone and must make decisions based on what is the “greater good” for the citizens of Pasco. I have no property or business interests to protect; therefore, I have the best interests of the citizens in mind. The District 3 Commissioner’s seat is the people’s seat and I will not forget that.

 

Name: Chris Gregg

Age: 42

Residence: New Port Richey

Occupation: executive manager for AHA Laboratories Florida

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: member of Republican Executive Committee

Office being sought: Pasco County Commissioner District 3

 

Why are you running for this office?

I am running because the trends of increased debt and job losses keep getting worse. The county is planning on spending more money than we can afford. This will lead to increased taxes and more debt. No one is addressing spending less and prioritizing our budget. I’m the only candidate that recognizes that state and federal grants create debt for our children and grandchildren and is unsustainable. We need leadership that will address this issue and reverse current trends.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Increase jobs in Pasco County: County Commissioners don’t create jobs they are to regulate businesses to keep people safe and to embrace a free market where competition lowers costs and quality increases. We need to streamline our permitting office. This can be done by having workshops that business leaders and developers can provide input into how to fix a process that is too burdensome.

2. Eliminate park fees.

3. Less government spending: We need to stop buying swampland (30 plus million) and spending millions of dollars planning to spend billions on county redevelopment projects (per Richard Gehring, county growth management administrator).
Why should voters choose you?

Voters should vote for me because I understand the problems Pasco County faces today and in the near future. I have viable solutions to the problems we face. With a federal government increasing its debt on a daily basis and a state government that faces budget shortfalls annually, Pasco County is no different. I will help lead Pasco County into a future that embraces a sustainable county government that doesn’t overspend and mortgages our kids’ future.
What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I have owned my own business and understood how to make a profit and spend money wisely. I served eight years as a flight medic in the U.S. Air Force where I completed  their Total Quality Management Training. Currently, I manage two laboratories in the State of Florida with over 80 employees. I will use the past 20 years of private sector experience and military leadership skills to lead this county into a better economy.

 

Name: Karen King

Age: 62

Residence: Holiday

Occupation: retired

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: served on committees by appointment

Office being sought: Pasco County Commissioner District 3

 

Why are you running for this office?

I moved to Pasco over 20 years ago from New Jersey and became very involved in our community. I have done countless hours of volunteer work and would like to utilize my talents and experience to better serve Pasco. Pasco County is a wonderful place to live, and I would like to be a part of the solution to the issues facing Pasco County.

 

What are your top three priorities?

Pasco County faces issues to do with the economy, public safety, quality of life and bringing new business to Pasco County, just to name a few.

I believe the top three priorities facing the person winning our race are learning about Pasco County and the issues we face, determining solutions and working with others to implement a plan for success.

 

Why should voters choose you?

My plan is to identify community needs, research issues and find solutions to move Pasco County forward. I am a self-starter with proven leadership abilities and a history of getting things done. I listen, I am accessible and I care. I will represent the residents of Pasco County and promise to do my best.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I have been involved with Pasco organizations for over 20 years. As a member of the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, I have served on the Board of Directors and been chairperson for several committees. This involvement in the chamber has given me an insight into what local businesses need to help grow. I have been a member of Rotary for many years and live by the motto of “Service Above Self.” I have worked with the elderly through the Pasco Aging Network and volunteered to help our youth. I am vice chair for the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and have been a true champion for Veteran’s causes and issues. I have been a captain and volunteer for teams with the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Relay For Life. I listen to others and help resolve issues by partnering. I work on solutions, not problems.

 

Name: Matt Murphy

Age: 41

Residence: New Port Richey

Occupation: utilities project manager

Political affiliation: Democrat

Political experience: none

Office being sought: Pasco County Commissioner District 3

 

Why are you running for this office?

The decisions we make over the next several years on the commission will shape Pasco County’s future for generations. The county is in the process of building the infrastructure for our economic development, and I want to make sure we do what’s best for all of Pasco and not just what’s best for political party insiders or special interest developers. I’m putting Pasco first!

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Jobs – I will help diversify Pasco’s economy by bringing in the “right” new business and industry to Pasco. I will help provide more incentives to lure new business and enhance our existing business in Pasco.

2. Business Relationships – I will help Pasco become a great place to do business by providing the leadership necessary to revamp our permitting and customer service processes. Pasco will serve our current and perspective new business. Not the other way around. We need to be a place where people want to do business.

3. Financial Stability – I will work to streamline our budget and build reserves in the “good times” so that if a downturn in the economy takes place in the future, we will not have to raise taxes, charge park fees or sacrifice our public safety.

 

Why should voters choose you?

I will be a “hands on” and a “fulltime” commissioner. Pasco County needs a commissioner who has the business experience to work with the business community as well as understanding what needs to be done to build Pasco’s infrastructure for future generations. In this critical time, we need do what’s right for Pasco and not be influenced by party or special interests. I will be putting Pasco first.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I have worked in the utilities industry for the past 24 years. I started in the United States Air Force working in civil engineering, rebuilding and maintaining of the infrastructure on military bases. After my enlistment was over, I starting working for a multinational utility contractor rebuilding, installing and maintaining of infrastructure and electrical systems. I have worked in a dozen states working for numerous public utilities and city and county governments managing contracts in excess of 100 million dollars. I know business, budgets and infrastructure. I have degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Technology and in Business Management.

 

Name: Kathryn Starkey

Age: 54

Residence: Odessa

Occupation: senior advisor, Old Port Capital

Political affiliation: Republican

Political experience: two time Pasco School Board chairperson, state Greenways and Trails Council, state Humanities Council

Office being sought: Pasco County Commissioner District 3

 

Why are you running for this office?

Pasco is at a crossroads. We are transitioning from a rural community to a more urban one. I believe with the changes coming to the county administration, an experienced hand at local and regional government is greatly needed. I have spent 20 years as a community activist and volunteer and feel very qualified to lead. I am a dedicated and proven public servant.

 

What are your top three priorities?

1. Provide incentives for new and existing businesses to create jobs in our community. I am committed to building upon Pasco’s strengths and ensuring our community remains successful for future generations. Pasco has a reputation for being unfriendly to businesses. National companies have long complained that Pasco’s complex permit approval process is laborious and inefficient. I will devote time analyzing the process to find solutions.

2. Reduce our county budget and eliminate wasteful programs. As a lifelong Republican, I believe government should be lean and efficient. By increasing technology and improving our workflow, we can maximize the delivery of services by our county employees and avoid costly increases.

3. Protect our county’s natural resources and pristine environment. I believe it is our responsibility to assure future generations are able to enjoy the beautiful environment Pasco offers. I believe we need to continue protecting environmentally sensitive lands forever from development.
Why should voters choose you?

There is a clear difference between my resume and that of the other five candidates. I have successfully managed a large budget while on the school board, and a smaller one on the Pinellas Anclote River Basin Board. I am very familiar with the agencies the county works with: Tampa Bay Water, DEP, our legislators and the Tampa Bay Partnership. I have worked with these decision makers for 20 years. I have a proven track record of good public policy decision making. I do my homework and work hard.

 

What qualifications do you bring to the job?

I am a two-time elected school board member, with experience managing large public budgets. I have achieved relationships with key decision makers in local regional and state arenas. With a 20-year track record of policy work, I have an understanding of how local government works, from developing an ordinance through implementation. I have also acquired an understanding of the growth management and the development issues.

The traits I believe strongly in, honesty, integrity and hard work ethic, will guide me as a member of the county commission.