Littlefield joins forces with Moore
They may have been foes during the primary, but former state Rep. Ken Littlefield has taken sides in the November election, joining the campaign of Republican candidate Mike Moore in his efforts to replace the retiring Pat Mulieri on the Pasco County Commission.
Moore, who faces Democrat Erika Remsberg in the November election, revealed the new team during a recent Conservative Club of East Pasco meeting.
“I am helping Mike in the general election,” Littlefield said, adding with a laugh, “I’m bringing back the (Moore political) signs that I stole.”
Littlefield and Zephyrhills financial analyst Bob Robertson were defeated in the August primary by Moore, who raised more than 10 times the money they did. Littlefield attacked Moore throughout the primary on a variety of topics, including the amount of money he was raising from people in the development community.
Moore has raised $10,500 in the first two weeks of September, bringing his campaign total to nearly $113,500. All but about $1,500 of it came from a group of development companies under common ownership, Lew Friedland of Tarpon Springs. Moore has a little more than $13,000 in cash available, according to campaign finance reports.
Remsberg raised $475 during that same time, bringing her total to just under $6,500. She has about $460 in the bank for her campaign.
Newlon, Bilirakis endorse Burgess
San Antonio mayor Tim Newlon has endorsed Danny Burgess in his run for state House District 38.
“Danny has always demonstrated dedication to our East Pasco communities,” Newlon said, in a release. “I am confident Danny will provide the leadership we need in our state capitol.”
Also endorsing Burgess is U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor.
“Danny is a dynamic and proven leader who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, unrivaled work ethic, and a fervent passion for public service,” Bilirakis said, in a release. “With a strong vision for how to leverage the strengths of our community in order to facilitate continued progress, I am confident Danny is the right candidate for this seat.”
Burgess faces Democrat Beverly Ledbetter in the November election. Both are seeking to replace Will Weatherford, who is stepping down because of term limits.
Federated Republican women meet in October
The Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club will meet Oct. 3 at 11:30 a.m., at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity.
The event will include a chance to meet some of the candidates for public office, including Danny Burgess for state House District 38, Chris Gregg for state House District 36, and Mike Moore for Pasco County Commission.
Cost is $15.
For information, call Fran Scerbo at (727) 597-3727, or email .
Ross wants to charter NAI
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross has introduced a bill to grant a federal charter to the National Academy of Inventors.
“I wholeheartedly believe that the key component of global competitiveness and economic development stems from those who are motivated and determined to succeed,” the Lakeland Republican said, in a release. “Determination drives innovation and encourages our society to develop new technologies and establish entrepreneurship.”
NAI is based at the University of South Florida, Ross said, which boasts 3,000 individual inventor members and fellows from more than 200 institutions.
The government does not provide funds to Congressional charters. However, a charter like this allows Congress to merit research.
Ross is up for re-election, facing Democrat Alan Cohn in November.
HART needs board members
The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking applications for the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, due Oct. 2.
Those who wish to serve must be registered voters in Hillsborough, live in the unincorporated part of the county, and be willing to serve in a voluntary capacity with no compensation. Those who serve also will be required to provide financial disclosure.
Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting of the county commissioners on Oct. 15.
Three three-year terms are expiring.
Necessary forms are available at HillsboroughCounty.org, and by clicking “government,” “board and committee,” and then selecting the forms related to HART.
For information, call (813) 272-5826.
Advocacy group offers voters guide
Florida TaxWatch is offering a voter’s guide through its TaxWatch Center for Florida Citizenship, which will inform residents on key issues the group advocates.
The voter’s guide will address proposed state constitutional amendments appearing on the November ballot, as well as provide opinions based on the group’s political position on those issues.
Among the members for the new TaxWatch Center board is Susan MacManus, a Land O’ Lakes native, and professor at the University of South Florida.
The guide can be found at tinyurl.com/TaxWatchGuide.
Ross gets farming award
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross has received the Friend of Farm Bureau award for being what the organization says is receptive to the needs of farmers in the state by sponsoring, co-sponsoring, and voting for legislation that will address high-priority agricultural issues.
“Florida’s citrus farmers supply about 56 percent of the orange juice consumed in the United States,” Ross said, in a release. “We must allow the livelihood of farmers and Florida agriculture to continue to flourish.
Ross voted for the federal Farm Bill in January, which included $125 million to help fight a deadly citrus greening disease. He also asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to take action to help keep diseased Florida citrus groves productive by providing short-term research initiatives.
Ross, who is facing Democrat Alan Cohn in November, was nominated by the Florida Farm Bureau, and was approved by the American Farm Bureau Federation’s board of directors.
