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.
