Wilson makes it a race
It’s been said that lightning cannot strike twice, and even if it could in the political arena, it seems Pasco County commissioner Henry Wilson isn’t taking any chances.
The District 4 incumbent, who originally won his seat in 2010 despite being out-raised 19-to-1, has answered the fast fundraising of his opponent, Mike Wells Jr., with some big money of his own.
Wilson raised a little more than $11,000 during the first three weeks in June, more than the $8,700 his entire campaign pulled in four years ago.
That brings Wilson to $35,010, still a little more than half of what Wells has raised so far, $65,345.
Wilson is now looking outside of Pasco to bring in those dollars. More than $5,600 of his revenue came from places like Tampa, Largo and South Pasadena, and included $2,000 from Pat Gassaway and his company, Heidt Design, which contracts with the county. Wilson received an additional $3,000 from Scott Andreasan, Edwin Rogers and Christine Barreiro, who all are associated with Heidt as well.
Wells did a little better on the fundraising side in the first three months of June, however, picking up nearly $19,800. He also received donations from Heidt and some of its employees, and about $8,150 from outside the county.
The two will face off in an open primary Aug. 26, where all voters, no matter what their party affiliation is, will have a chance to choose.
Free rides to the polls
Pasco County Public Transportation will do its part to help get out the vote by offering free rides to the polls on election days for the upcoming cycle.
The deal was worked out between PCPT and county elections supervisor Brian Corley, and was approved by the Pasco County Commission last week.
On both primary day Aug. 26 and the general election day Nov. 4, voters who present their voter information card will ride free to their local polling location. The goal is to encourage and promote participation in the election process, while also introducing public transportation as a viable option for travel throughout the county, said PCPT director Michael Carroll.
In return, Corley’s office will use available media advertising and respective websites to inform potential riders and voters how to access and navigate the transit system.
Republican club invites candidates
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will host a Republican candidate meet and greet July 10 at 7 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Hyundai, 27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd.
Candidates will have a chance to speak for up to three minutes each beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Starkey wins award
Pasco County commissioner Kathryn Starkey was the local winner of the 2014 Florida Association of Counties Presidential Advocacy Award.
Starkey received the award for her work with the FAC, especially as it launched its new federal advocacy program, according to a release. Starkey’s interest and knowledge of flood insurance issues helped the association convey to Congress why flood insurance reform was needed.
As a result of this advocacy, Florida’s flood insurance story was told, and Congress ultimately passed legislation they say will help Floridians who were financially impacted by the previous law. President Barack Obama signed the bill on March 21.
The Presidential Advocacy Award is given each year to county commissioners who have shown exceptional leadership in partnering with FAC to advance the legislative agenda of counties. The Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of the state’s counties for the past 85 years, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule — the concept that government closest to the people governs best.
Bilirakis wants alternative medicine for vets
U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, recently introduced what he is describing as bipartisan legislation that will establish a commission to examine the Veterans Affairs’ current therapy model and the potential benefits in incorporating complementary alternative therapies.
The Creating Options for Veterans’ Expedited Recovery Act, will eventually allow veterans have a range of options available to them, Bilirakis said, including outdoor sports, hyperbaric oxygen, accelerated resolution and service dog therapies.
“It is vital that veterans receive the care they need, but it is important to recognize that one size does not fit all when discussing treatments for veterans the invisible wounds endured from their service to our great nation,” Bilirakis said, in a release. “While many veterans may thrive under evidence-based treatment plans, some may not be as responsive to this traditional medical care.”
