Name: Edward (Ed) Blommel
Age: 63
Residence: Dade City
Occupation: retired from Tampa Electric Co.
Political affiliation: Republican
Political experience: none as a candidate, but many years working in government relations
Office being sought: Pasco County tax collector
What separates you from your competitors(s)?
Open inviting management style that encourages leadership development from the ground up, sharing ideas and offering ideas for creative problem solving.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first six months in office?
Hands on learning the ins and outs of the office and earning the trust of the current employees. Establish a plan to address future demands. Work toward a collaborative effort with the Constitutional Officers and glean ideas via participation in the Florida Tax Collectors Association to provide the most effective delivery of services at the lowest possible cost to the taxpayers.
What do you hope to accomplish by the end of your term?
To have the Tax Collector’s Office recognized as a model of service, accountability and professional development for which all of us can be proud – the employees and the citizens.
List your political endorsements:
State Representative (Florida House Speaker Designate) Will Weatherford, State Senator Elect John Legg, State Representative Richard Corcoran and The West Florida Women’s Conservative Republican Network.
Name: Mike Olson
Age: 67
Residence: Elfers
Occupation: Pasco County tax collector
Political affiliation: Democrat
Political experience: county commissioner 1974 – 1980, Pasco County tax collector 1981 – present
Office being sought: Pasco County tax collector
What separates you from your competitors(s)?
I have a proven track record of managing the Tax Collector’s office effectively and efficiently. As a former banker I have utilized my experience to bring state of the art computer technology and customer service to the office. We continually upgrade our systems and services to provide the best possible experience for our customers.
I am responsible for the collection of over $500 million each year and the processing of over one million transactions by mail, lobby and Internet. My management skills have resulted in the return of $70 million in unspent revenues to the county commission and other taxing authorities, a total unmatched by any other local governmental entity.
Programs I have implemented include new branch offices, extended and Saturday office hours, driver license issuance, voter registration, Internet and debit/credit card payment and overnight processing of mailed auto renewals and other transactions. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, this year we offer delivery of 2012 tax notices and receipts via the Internet, a fiscally and environmentally friendly option.
What do you hope to accomplish in your first six months in office?
I have a proven track record of implementing new processes and procedures to enhance our effectiveness and efficiency. I will continue to do so during the next four years.
During the current economic slump I have provided a steady and experienced hand at the helm, successfully steering the office through increased demand for services during a time of governmental cost constraints. As the economy improves and growth resumes, the demand for driver license, auto registration and other services will increase dramatically, requiring creative solutions to continue our high level of service to the public. I can and will provide these solutions.
In summary, I have the education, experience and proven ability to continue providing professional, courteous service to the public.
What do you hope to accomplish by the end of your term?
Taking over the issuance of driver licensees from the state has changed the requirements for our facilities. Rather than build a number of shopping center storefronts, it is now more advantageous to provide larger full service regional centers.
It is more cost-effective for the taxpayers to own — not rent — their governmental facilities. With a low, locked-in interest rate, short-term debt to build a facility is good business. Additionally, conducting a driving examination for a nervous driver is not without risk. I intend to build fenced-in driving courses, similar to those used for high school driver education classes, on the grounds of the regional offices for the protection of the applicant, the examiner, and the public.
Replacing the inadequate Land O’Lakes Office, and providing another for the Wesley Chapel – Zephyrhills area, will enable me to keep my commitment to provide first-class service to our citizens.
List your political endorsements:
United School Employees of Pasco County
