Name: Margaret Iuculano
Age: 45
Residence: Tampa
Occupation: founder, Angels for Foster Kids
Political affiliation: Republican
Political experience: Never run for office before, but involved in the political arena lobbying and advocating for Child Welfare Reform
Office being sought: Hillsborough County Commissioner District 6
Why are you running for this office?
I am running for this countywide seat because I sincerely believe that the government closest to the people is local government. The mood of our country begins with our attitude about jobs, economic development, public safety and all decisions that create a “sense of community.” I believe my experience as a businesswoman, my faith in the exciting future of Hillsborough County and my strong desire to make a positive difference in local government are the most compelling reasons for me to want to give back and serve my community as a county commissioner.
What are your top three priorities?
1. The creation of jobs by embracing new technologies and aggressively pursuing industries such as biomedical research companies. Also, additional jobs can be created by establishing an expansive “Free Trade Zone” at The Tampa Port Authority.
2. Streamlining regulations to allow the private sector to implement expeditious completion of projects to increase our tax base.
3. As a commissioner, to always be accessible to our citizens and community by establishing an open door policy.
Why should voters choose you?
I am vying for the Republican nomination for the countywide representative on the County Commission. If I am successful in attaining this nomination, I will be facing the incumbent Democrat, Kevin Bechner. The county voters should vote for me because I am totally committed to promoting jobs and our local economy. I strongly support managed growth and the protection of the environment. I believe strongly in smaller and more efficient government and in personal responsibility, so as a county commissioner managing a three billion dollar budget, I know I can exert my expertise having operated a business and having a business acumen toward accomplishing these goals.
I am pro family and I adamantly believe strong families are the foundation of a thriving community. Finally, I believe in setting a strong moral compass for our citizens and our children.
What qualifications do you bring to the job?
No response given.
Name: Don Kruse
Age: 52
Residence: Tampa
Occupation: president/CEO Beauty and Health Institute
Political affiliation: Republican
Political experience: third time running for Hillsborough County Commissioner
Office being sought: Hillsborough County Commissioner District 6
Why are you running for this office?
I was motivated to seek political office as a young man; for me it has always been very difficult to stand by the sidelines and do nothing while knowing that I could make a difference.
What are your top three priorities?
1. Jobs: I am proposing a 24-month plan to spur construction job growth by incentivizing property improvement for homeowners, businesses and investors. The PIWA PLAN (Property Improvements Without Assessments) would allow improvements, of up to 50% of the current assessed property value, without an additional tax assessment for as long as the property remains in the owner’s name. It’s a mechanism for putting people back to work, while increasing property values.
2. Housing: using the PIWA PLAN to make owning a home more affordable within Hillsborough County.
3. Crime: High unemployment plays a major role in crime and the PIWA PLAN is a big step in the right direction to getting people back working again.
Why should voters choose you?
As president and CEO of the Nationally Accredited Beauty and Health Institute, I will bring experience from the business world to provide the Hillsborough County Commission greater fiscal responsibility to taxpayers through smaller, more efficient county government, boosting job creation, and reducing excessive regulation that impedes business growth.
What qualifications do you bring to the job?
Active in the Tampa Bay community, I am proud to be serving as the 2012 event chair for American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in Town N’ Country. I am a past president of the board of directors for Wheels of Success, a nonprofit which provides cars to needy individuals and families. I also served on the board of directors of the Veterans Day Parade Group, which hosts the annual Tampa Bay Veterans Parade to honor military veterans for their valiant service to our country.
