Name: Ed Blommel
Age: 63
Residence: Dade City
Occupation: retired
Political affiliation: Republican
Political experience: none
Office being sought: Pasco County Tax Collector
Why are you running for this office?
The Tax Collector position is truly a function of offering customer services to the residents of Pasco County. My 40 years of working for Tampa Electric Co. offered me the opportunity to learn and demonstrate some of the best business practices in the industry. My past 18 years in Pasco County I have shown my passion for people and my leadership ability to serve through both the professional and community environment.
What are your top three priorities?
1. Employee moral: I believe through open and honest communications that employees will see the benefits of creating an environment that encourages professional development, individual accomplishment and can draw on their creative ideas.
2. Growth/demand: Pasco is projected to have a population of 750,000 by 2025; a 50% increase. I would handle this increase in demand by expanding the talents of each employee to be multi-tasked. I would evaluate the need of additional locations. Should there be the need to add an office, I would lease the location as to not add long-term debt.
3. Collaboration: When you look at the people we serve, it is the same people at the county and state level they may require different types of services. I would work to become involved with the other county agencies to see where we could help each other enhance overall service of our residents.
Why should voters choose you?
I believe that I bring unique qualifications having worked in the private sector in customer service. I have the ability to motivate team members and create a working environment that will be positive for the customers and team members. I have a proven record of being fiscally conservative, and I have been involved throughout Pasco through different organizations to stay in touch with the needs of the residents. I realize that this is a position that belongs to the people and to serve the people of Pasco and not to any one individual.
What qualifications do you bring to the job?
A proven record of being fiscally responsible and 40 years of business leadership experience. My years of managing customer service functions and a solid understanding of how to deliver such service will give Pasco County an edge in the future. I know that with integrity and trust as priorities along with open communications, I can create a Tax Collector agency that will be the envy of other counties. The incumbent has served 32 years and the residents of Pasco County are deserving of new and fresh leadership. I will not lose sight of the fact that this position reports to and works for the residents of Pasco County. I would like for them to consider Ed Blommel as their option in November for Pasco County Tax Collector.
