Metro I-4 News http://www.metroi4news.com Highlighting the News from Florida's Central Corridor Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:24:52 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en MetroI4Newshttp://feedburner.google.com MetroI4News.com - In Case You Haven’t Read It Yet… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/81UBXeo6LYA/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/in-case-you-havent-read-it-yet/#comments Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:24:52 +0000 Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3223 There are a couple of interesting bits from the world of local politics…

First, it seems as though the Republican Party of Florida is clearly playing favourites in the race for Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

The Orlando Sentinel political blog Central Florida Political Pulse notes today that the RPOF has put out more than $146,000 for the campaign of Congressman Adam Putnam campaign on a variety of expenses compared to only $11,466 on ” consulting services” for GOP primary opponent State Senator Carey Baker of Eustis.  Putnam has a clear advantage in fundraising, having raised $744,900 in five months, while Baker — who was prohibited from fundraising in April and early May during the legislative session and and who did not raise funds while on Army National Guard training duty last month — has only $381,000 in donations.

Oh, the sacrifices one makes…

Meanwhile, the St. Petersburg Times political blog The Buzz is reporting that the more conservative Democratic group Blue Dog Coalition has endorsed Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards in her campaign to become the 12th Congressional District’s next representative.  Congressman Allan Boyd (D - Monticello) said that “We know a little bit about Lori’s recod we know that she will be a great fit with the Blue Dogs”.  The two were members of a similar group while both served in the Florida Legislature.  Mrs. Edwards will face Navy veteran Doug Tudor in the Democratic primary.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at In Case You Haven’t Read It Yet…]]> There are a couple of interesting bits from the world of local politics…

First, it seems as though the Republican Party of Florida is clearly playing favourites in the race for Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services.

The Orlando Sentinel political blog Central Florida Political Pulse notes today that the RPOF has put out more than $146,000 for the campaign of Congressman Adam Putnam campaign on a variety of expenses compared to only $11,466 on ” consulting services” for GOP primary opponent State Senator Carey Baker of Eustis.  Putnam has a clear advantage in fundraising, having raised $744,900 in five months, while Baker — who was prohibited from fundraising in April and early May during the legislative session and and who did not raise funds while on Army National Guard training duty last month — has only $381,000 in donations.

Oh, the sacrifices one makes…

Meanwhile, the St. Petersburg Times political blog The Buzz is reporting that the more conservative Democratic group Blue Dog Coalition has endorsed Polk County Supervisor of Elections Lori Edwards in her campaign to become the 12th Congressional District’s next representative.  Congressman Allan Boyd (D - Monticello) said that “We know a little bit about Lori’s recod we know that she will be a great fit with the Blue Dogs”.  The two were members of a similar group while both served in the Florida Legislature.  Mrs. Edwards will face Navy veteran Doug Tudor in the Democratic primary.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as In Case You Haven’t Read It Yet…
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/in-case-you-havent-read-it-yet/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/in-case-you-havent-read-it-yet/ MetroI4News.com - Religion in the City: The First 13 Columns http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/gMC-n4APBBk/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/religion-in-the-city-the-first-13-columns/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:54:01 +0000 Chris Craig - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3219 As a service to the reader, here are Cris Craig’s first 13 Religion in the City columns from our sister publication, Lakeland Local:

April 11, 2009: Religion in the City
April 18, 2009: The Routine
April 25, 2009: Sacred Spaces

May 2, 2009: The Dance
May 9, 2009: Wu Wei - Friend
May 16, 2009: By Their Fruit
May 23, 2009: Defeatist Faith
May 30, 2009: Integrity of the Word

June 6, 2009: Mythos
June 13, 2009: The Stories We Hold
June 20, 2009: Abba Father
June 27, 2009: Choose a Box

July 4, 2009: Perspective

(Ed. note: Chris Craig’s columns are easily bookmarked at: http://bit.ly/CafeChaplain and you can find him on Twitter @cafechaplain )

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at Religion in the City: The First 13 Columns]]> As a service to the reader, here are Cris Craig’s first 13 Religion in the City columns from our sister publication, Lakeland Local:

April 11, 2009: Religion in the City
April 18, 2009: The Routine
April 25, 2009: Sacred Spaces

May 2, 2009: The Dance
May 9, 2009: Wu Wei - Friend
May 16, 2009: By Their Fruit
May 23, 2009: Defeatist Faith
May 30, 2009: Integrity of the Word

June 6, 2009: Mythos
June 13, 2009: The Stories We Hold
June 20, 2009: Abba Father
June 27, 2009: Choose a Box

July 4, 2009: Perspective

(Ed. note: Chris Craig’s columns are easily bookmarked at: http://bit.ly/CafeChaplain and you can find him on Twitter @cafechaplain )

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as Religion in the City: The First 13 Columns
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/religion-in-the-city-the-first-13-columns/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/religion-in-the-city-the-first-13-columns/ MetroI4News.com - Ultimately, All Politics is Personal http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/mJUvbidfuig/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/ultimately-all-politics-is-personal/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:06:53 +0000 Billy Townsend - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3201 Last week, I quite publicly labeled a letter-to-the-editor written by a Medicare recipient as the “dumbest letter ever written to The Ledger.” The author had railed against the supposed liberal takeover, blah, blah, blah, of US health care (I only wish) while simultaneously praising his own Medicare coverage and insisting that he’s worked all his life and nobody better screw with it. I’m paraphrasing, go see it for yourself.

Surprisingly enough, most of the commenters seemed to agree with me, which doesn’t always happen. But one person in particular took me to task pretty thoughtfully in a pair of long comments he or she must have spent some time composing. For the purposes of this post, here’s key passage:

And Mr. Townsend I wonder if it would not be too much trouble to disagree with people without making it personal. Is the “you people” to which you refer “Baby Boomers” in general? Or just the elderly who disagree with your political position? To suggest that Mr. Feuer’s was “The Dumbest Letter Ever Written to the Ledger” is offensive on its face. if one takes the time to write out of concern, should not the concern be addressed without throwing them under the bus? No , that’s not the way we do things anymore, we need to berate, and castigate them until they are silenced. Not everyone has the ability to make a point without writing a book, but you know that. So when a concern is raised, could just a little latitude be offered.

This is a point worth discussing, I think, if just for the sake of the commenter. (If the rest of you find this entirely too much narcissism, feel free to eject at this point.)

My first reaction was to emphasize that I attacked the author’s letter, not him. But that’s disingenuous. Clearly, I stuck it to an elderly man I don’t know to make a point, complete with a couple of turns of phrase seeking malicious laughs at his expense. It was not, as my mother might say, Christian behavior. And yet I stand by it fully and regret nothing. Why?

It has to do with the relationship between the abstract and the real, or the “personal”, as the commenter says. More and more, I see this as the key divide among citizens and the institutions - public and private - we allow to govern us. Far too many citizens of all parties are ignorant of the basic consequences of their beliefs - or at least the talking points they’ve heard other people say - and are unwilling to learn about them. This letter provides a beautiful example of that. The author repeats the talking points he’s heard — “The big government takeover has to stop. Ever since liberals claimed power, it’s been one bureaucratic scheme after another.” — while demonstrating utter obliviousness to the fact that his beloved Medicare is, in fact, next to the military and social security, the largest “bureaucratic scheme” in the history of the United States. If we did away with these dreadful big-government-takeover-liberal-bureaucratic-schemes, the author would suddenly experience what it means to be old and “conservative.” Doctors and pharmacies don’t take IOUs.

So here I am, reading this letter in The Ledger. What to do? Easiest thing is to ignore it. But these types of letters, ignorant as they are, repeat, perpetuate, and help establish longterm abstract narratives that harden into political realities which have no bearing on actual reality and prevent us from taking common sense action.

Here’s a good example: the carbon tax. Such a thing could long ago have helped spur alternative energy and transit investment and development - such as the Europeans enjoy - and helped us move away from Saudi oil. But because so-called conservative Republicans over the years so successfully turned the word tax, out of all relation to its meaning in the real world, into an abstraction roughly equivalent to child molester, we never grappled with the pernicious realities of foreign energy dependence. Remember, Bill Clinton wanted to institute an energy tax at the onset of his administration. Who filibustered that to death, I wonder?

Instead, we allowed reality, in the form of religious terrorists, corrupt regimes, and opportunistic participants in energy markets to provide the tax for us last year - on their terms. It took $4 gas about six months to kill the SUV culture in this country. A sensible carbon tax might have kept it from ever developing - and left us with viable solar energy like they have in Germany or fantastic public transit and high speed rail like France. Think we’d be better off, right now? Because of the lasting power of the tax bogeyman abstraction and big economic interests to cower politicians, we can’t even do a simple carbon tax now, which leaves us with this Godawful corporate grab-bag of a cap and trade plan to fight global warming.

In the case of health care, all those people talking in the abstract about the horrors of a “government takeover” seem completely unable to even consider that the entire private health care system depends on the willingness of employers to pay for its ever-increasing cost, as I laid out here. They want to stay with a model that is almost certainly doomed if it doesn’t change. And they give no thought to the consequences of that.

You could make an argument that the tax/government takeover abstraction would be legitimate if conservatives actually embraced the consequences of treating taxes as evil. But they don’t, because that would mean real, substantive, death enducing cuts in the services those dreaded taxes buy, such as Medicare and the military. That’s where the money is, folks. Nowhere else.

And that brings us to this “ever since liberals claimed power” nonsense. It is a fact that George W. Bush, in his first term in office, backed by a mostly Republican congress, launched two wars and created the Medicare prescription drug plan, the most expansive and expensive government entitlement program since the Great Society. He did all of this while slashing taxes. He then proceeded to account for all of this by keeping the costs of Iraq and Afghanistan off budget and by pretending that his tax cuts would sunset at the end of his term in office, thereby assuring that his successor - whoever it might have been - would have to either keep up the dishonesty or acknowledge a much larger US deficit than Bush was willing to acknowledge. This is breathtaking in its irresponsibility, dishonesty, and shamelessness. Throw out the value or morality of these policies for a second and just consider their budget impact. I know of no failure of US financial governance by a president of any party that remotely compares to this massive unfunded mandate on the American people. And while a number of craven, gutless Democrats helped, this was Bush’s agenda, fully backed by the institutional Republican party and helped along by a debt and housing bubble. I’d like my commenter to either acknowledge this or tell me why I’m wrong.

It is incredibly difficult, as a political opposition, to wrestle with opponents willing to engage in this level of shamelessness. Run on actually paying for all this government action, and you’re an income confiscating socialist tax-and-spend liberal. Run on ending the Iraq War or the Medicare prescription drug plan because we can’t afford them, and you’re an America-hating senior killer. Run on some messy combination of the two, and you’re all of the above plus a wishy-washy flip-flopper. That was John Kerry in 2004.

My commenter writes: “I am not a big fan of the previous administration either.” Really? See, I hear this a lot now. Oh, I couldn’t stand Bush. Not a real conservative. Really? Who did you vote for in 2004, when all of this was well-known? Put your money where your mouth is. John Kerry, for all his many problems, actually ran on trying to pay for some of Bush’s government. Bush did not. Nor did he run on cuts. Did you vote to repudiate this most unconservative of approaches to government?

I didn’t think so. And nothing changed in the next four years.

Now that we have a president who is trying to actually address these problems (getting out of Iraq, trying to reform health care in a way that restrains cost growth, and yes, borrowing money to nudge the economy away from bubbles while preserving public education and other services), letter-to-the-editor conservatives suddenly have rediscovered the principles they claim to hold, but don’t even understand.

And therein lies the problem. It isn’t the policy; it’s the political shamelessness behind the abstractions that lead to the policy and the grassroots willful ignorance that enables it.

And that’s why I went after this letter and its writer. I hate to say it, because it’s harsh, but he’s the problem. I want all my services, but I don’t want to pay for them because I’m an anti-government conservative - or something. And he is not alone. There’s an old saying that “all politics is local.” That could just as easily read: “All politics is personal.”

If I ignore his letter, it’s just another log on the fire of a wrongheaded, but powerful narrative. If I treat this letter’s repetition of talking points as a legitimate argument, I legitimize it. I have no interest in doing that. The author’s not making an argument or even asking a question, so there’s nothing to engage with in good faith. (In contrast to my commenter.) By calling him out, and by mocking that other old saw about how much better educated the previous generations were, I hoped to discredit him and the ignorance to which he contributes.

And, ultimately, I hope that I’ll discredit him effectively enough to protect him from himself. There’s another saying I’ve come to love, “Those who will not learn will be made to feel.” Let this letter-writer get his wish, and if he lives long enough, and he may get to feel what it’s like when government bureaucratic schemes that help millions of people stay alive fall prey to cynical abstractions.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at Ultimately, All Politics is Personal]]> Last week, I quite publicly labeled a letter-to-the-editor written by a Medicare recipient as the “dumbest letter ever written to The Ledger.” The author had railed against the supposed liberal takeover, blah, blah, blah, of US health care (I only wish) while simultaneously praising his own Medicare coverage and insisting that he’s worked all his life and nobody better screw with it. I’m paraphrasing, go see it for yourself.

Surprisingly enough, most of the commenters seemed to agree with me, which doesn’t always happen. But one person in particular took me to task pretty thoughtfully in a pair of long comments he or she must have spent some time composing. For the purposes of this post, here’s key passage:

And Mr. Townsend I wonder if it would not be too much trouble to disagree with people without making it personal. Is the “you people” to which you refer “Baby Boomers” in general? Or just the elderly who disagree with your political position? To suggest that Mr. Feuer’s was “The Dumbest Letter Ever Written to the Ledger” is offensive on its face. if one takes the time to write out of concern, should not the concern be addressed without throwing them under the bus? No , that’s not the way we do things anymore, we need to berate, and castigate them until they are silenced. Not everyone has the ability to make a point without writing a book, but you know that. So when a concern is raised, could just a little latitude be offered.

This is a point worth discussing, I think, if just for the sake of the commenter. (If the rest of you find this entirely too much narcissism, feel free to eject at this point.)

My first reaction was to emphasize that I attacked the author’s letter, not him. But that’s disingenuous. Clearly, I stuck it to an elderly man I don’t know to make a point, complete with a couple of turns of phrase seeking malicious laughs at his expense. It was not, as my mother might say, Christian behavior. And yet I stand by it fully and regret nothing. Why?

It has to do with the relationship between the abstract and the real, or the “personal”, as the commenter says. More and more, I see this as the key divide among citizens and the institutions - public and private - we allow to govern us. Far too many citizens of all parties are ignorant of the basic consequences of their beliefs - or at least the talking points they’ve heard other people say - and are unwilling to learn about them. This letter provides a beautiful example of that. The author repeats the talking points he’s heard — “The big government takeover has to stop. Ever since liberals claimed power, it’s been one bureaucratic scheme after another.” — while demonstrating utter obliviousness to the fact that his beloved Medicare is, in fact, next to the military and social security, the largest “bureaucratic scheme” in the history of the United States. If we did away with these dreadful big-government-takeover-liberal-bureaucratic-schemes, the author would suddenly experience what it means to be old and “conservative.” Doctors and pharmacies don’t take IOUs.

So here I am, reading this letter in The Ledger. What to do? Easiest thing is to ignore it. But these types of letters, ignorant as they are, repeat, perpetuate, and help establish longterm abstract narratives that harden into political realities which have no bearing on actual reality and prevent us from taking common sense action.

Here’s a good example: the carbon tax. Such a thing could long ago have helped spur alternative energy and transit investment and development - such as the Europeans enjoy - and helped us move away from Saudi oil. But because so-called conservative Republicans over the years so successfully turned the word tax, out of all relation to its meaning in the real world, into an abstraction roughly equivalent to child molester, we never grappled with the pernicious realities of foreign energy dependence. Remember, Bill Clinton wanted to institute an energy tax at the onset of his administration. Who filibustered that to death, I wonder?

Instead, we allowed reality, in the form of religious terrorists, corrupt regimes, and opportunistic participants in energy markets to provide the tax for us last year - on their terms. It took $4 gas about six months to kill the SUV culture in this country. A sensible carbon tax might have kept it from ever developing - and left us with viable solar energy like they have in Germany or fantastic public transit and high speed rail like France. Think we’d be better off, right now? Because of the lasting power of the tax bogeyman abstraction and big economic interests to cower politicians, we can’t even do a simple carbon tax now, which leaves us with this Godawful corporate grab-bag of a cap and trade plan to fight global warming.

In the case of health care, all those people talking in the abstract about the horrors of a “government takeover” seem completely unable to even consider that the entire private health care system depends on the willingness of employers to pay for its ever-increasing cost, as I laid out here. They want to stay with a model that is almost certainly doomed if it doesn’t change. And they give no thought to the consequences of that.

You could make an argument that the tax/government takeover abstraction would be legitimate if conservatives actually embraced the consequences of treating taxes as evil. But they don’t, because that would mean real, substantive, death enducing cuts in the services those dreaded taxes buy, such as Medicare and the military. That’s where the money is, folks. Nowhere else.

And that brings us to this “ever since liberals claimed power” nonsense. It is a fact that George W. Bush, in his first term in office, backed by a mostly Republican congress, launched two wars and created the Medicare prescription drug plan, the most expansive and expensive government entitlement program since the Great Society. He did all of this while slashing taxes. He then proceeded to account for all of this by keeping the costs of Iraq and Afghanistan off budget and by pretending that his tax cuts would sunset at the end of his term in office, thereby assuring that his successor - whoever it might have been - would have to either keep up the dishonesty or acknowledge a much larger US deficit than Bush was willing to acknowledge. This is breathtaking in its irresponsibility, dishonesty, and shamelessness. Throw out the value or morality of these policies for a second and just consider their budget impact. I know of no failure of US financial governance by a president of any party that remotely compares to this massive unfunded mandate on the American people. And while a number of craven, gutless Democrats helped, this was Bush’s agenda, fully backed by the institutional Republican party and helped along by a debt and housing bubble. I’d like my commenter to either acknowledge this or tell me why I’m wrong.

It is incredibly difficult, as a political opposition, to wrestle with opponents willing to engage in this level of shamelessness. Run on actually paying for all this government action, and you’re an income confiscating socialist tax-and-spend liberal. Run on ending the Iraq War or the Medicare prescription drug plan because we can’t afford them, and you’re an America-hating senior killer. Run on some messy combination of the two, and you’re all of the above plus a wishy-washy flip-flopper. That was John Kerry in 2004.

My commenter writes: “I am not a big fan of the previous administration either.” Really? See, I hear this a lot now. Oh, I couldn’t stand Bush. Not a real conservative. Really? Who did you vote for in 2004, when all of this was well-known? Put your money where your mouth is. John Kerry, for all his many problems, actually ran on trying to pay for some of Bush’s government. Bush did not. Nor did he run on cuts. Did you vote to repudiate this most unconservative of approaches to government?

I didn’t think so. And nothing changed in the next four years.

Now that we have a president who is trying to actually address these problems (getting out of Iraq, trying to reform health care in a way that restrains cost growth, and yes, borrowing money to nudge the economy away from bubbles while preserving public education and other services), letter-to-the-editor conservatives suddenly have rediscovered the principles they claim to hold, but don’t even understand.

And therein lies the problem. It isn’t the policy; it’s the political shamelessness behind the abstractions that lead to the policy and the grassroots willful ignorance that enables it.

And that’s why I went after this letter and its writer. I hate to say it, because it’s harsh, but he’s the problem. I want all my services, but I don’t want to pay for them because I’m an anti-government conservative - or something. And he is not alone. There’s an old saying that “all politics is local.” That could just as easily read: “All politics is personal.”

If I ignore his letter, it’s just another log on the fire of a wrongheaded, but powerful narrative. If I treat this letter’s repetition of talking points as a legitimate argument, I legitimize it. I have no interest in doing that. The author’s not making an argument or even asking a question, so there’s nothing to engage with in good faith. (In contrast to my commenter.) By calling him out, and by mocking that other old saw about how much better educated the previous generations were, I hoped to discredit him and the ignorance to which he contributes.

And, ultimately, I hope that I’ll discredit him effectively enough to protect him from himself. There’s another saying I’ve come to love, “Those who will not learn will be made to feel.” Let this letter-writer get his wish, and if he lives long enough, and he may get to feel what it’s like when government bureaucratic schemes that help millions of people stay alive fall prey to cynical abstractions.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as Ultimately, All Politics is Personal
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/ultimately-all-politics-is-personal/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/ultimately-all-politics-is-personal/ MetroI4News.com - We’re Less Than 16 Months From The Election, But… http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/nWUTp-g0sqs/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/were-less-than-16-months-from-the-election-but/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:41:28 +0000 Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3212 While adjusting my digital “rabbit ear” television antenna (too cheap for cable or satellite), I happened to come across the signal of WPBF-TV from West Palm Beach, an achievement in itself.  But what amazed me was that although we are still 16 months from the election, at least one candidate is running TV ads…in this case for a legislative candidate.  It is the first such advertisment I have seen this season.

It seems at least some candidates are beginning to spend money to get their names out there earlier to gain name recognition.  I just didn’t think that any smart political consultants would encourage buying ads this early in the game.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at We’re Less Than 16 Months From The Election, But…]]> While adjusting my digital “rabbit ear” television antenna (too cheap for cable or satellite), I happened to come across the signal of WPBF-TV from West Palm Beach, an achievement in itself.  But what amazed me was that although we are still 16 months from the election, at least one candidate is running TV ads…in this case for a legislative candidate.  It is the first such advertisment I have seen this season.

It seems at least some candidates are beginning to spend money to get their names out there earlier to gain name recognition.  I just didn’t think that any smart political consultants would encourage buying ads this early in the game.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as We’re Less Than 16 Months From The Election, But…
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/were-less-than-16-months-from-the-election-but/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/were-less-than-16-months-from-the-election-but/ MetroI4News.com - The 2010 Election - Federal And Statewide Races (UPDATE 5) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/7bDWoguQeoo/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-2010-election-federal-and-statewide-races/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:37:02 +0000 Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=2972 Here is the latest updated listing of individuals who have either filed with the Florida Division of Elections to run for federal and statewide office in 2010 or have publically announced they would do so, according to media outlets along the I-4 Corridor.  Many of the candidates have launched their campaign Web sites; there are links to those as well as other sites which include biographical or other pertinent information so you can learn more about the men and women who want to be our representatives in Washington or Tallahassee.  This posting will be updated occasionally to include new candidates or links.  Of course, I strongly encourage everyone to learn as much as possible about the candidates before making a decision on who you will support.

UNITED STATES SENATOR
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Mel Martinez, who has chosen not to seek re-election.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Tyrone K. Brown, Sr. (Minister / Daytona Beach):  Campaign Web Site.  Pastor of Cathedral of Faith Ministries in Daytona Beach.  Previously ran for the District 2 seat on the Volusia County Council last year, failing to make the primary cut with less than five percent of the vote.

Kevin A. Burns (Real Estate Broker / North Miami):  Campaign Web Site  Mayoral Web Page  Serving his second term as Mayor of North Miami (2005-Present).  Chairman, Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce.   Serves on the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Task Force.  Has lived with his gay partner of 24 years; they have a five year old daughter.

Chuck Lynch (Fort Walton Beach):  Ran for the Okaloosa County School Board in 2002, earning only 11.4% of the vote to be eliminated in the Democratic Primary.  In 2001 he was defeated with 23.2% in the Democratic Primary against Steve Briese for the 1st Congressional District seat after incumbant Joe Scarborough resigned.  Briese had been a Republican until he launched his campaign. 

Kendrick B. Meek (Congressman / Miami):  Campaign Web Site  Congressional Web Site  Representing the 17th Congressional District since 2003.  Previously served in the Florida House of Representatives 1995-1998, and in the Florida Senate 1999-2002.  Is the son of the late Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, succeeding his mother in a special election after her death in office.  Former Captain in the Florida Highway Patrol, the first African-American to hold that rank.

—– REPUBLICAN —–
Bob Coggins (Auto Assembly Engineer / Orlando):  Campaign Web Site  Most of his adult working career has been in the automobile industry.  United States Marine Corps veteran.  During his college years worked as an intern in Senator Bill Nelson’s office.  Native of Flint, Michigan.

Charlie Crist (Governor, Attorney / St. Petersburg):  Campaign Web Site  Gubenatorial Web Site  Elected Governor in 2006 after serving one term as Florida’s Attorney General.  Previously served as the state’s last Commissioner of Education 2002-2006, appointed by then Governor Jeb Bush as Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in 2000.  Elected to a seat in the Florida Senate in 1992 and 1996. 

Gwyn McClellan (Educational Consultant, Minister / Sarasota):  Campaign Web Site  CEO of Valuable Quality Publishing Company of Sarasota. Senior Consultant for the Australian-based Malian Foundation and is an At-Large Director for the organization Good Deeds International, USA. Ph.D. majoring in education administration and minoring in higher education administration from Wichita State University. She opened a campaign account to run for this seat in 2004, but the Florida Division of Elections does not show her as appearing on the primary ballot.

Belinda G.Q. Noah (Attorney, Adjunct Law Professor / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  Better known as writer/producer of the cable television programme “Legal Notes” while practicing entertainment, immigration and international law.  Candidate for Congress in 1992 and the United States Senate in 2006 as an independent, finishing third in that eight person race.  Lived for a time early this decade in Wilmington, Delaware where she worked as a legal consultant and Adjunct Law Professor

Marco Rubio (Attorney / Coral Gables):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Is serving his fourth two-year term in the Florida House of Representatives and is thus term limited.  Was Speaker of the House 2006-2008, previously serving as Majority Leader 2002-2004.  Was also Florida Chairman for GOPAC, 2008.  Prevoiusly elected as City Commissioner in West Miami.  Authored the book 100 Innovative Ideas For Florida’s Future.

Robert Clinton “Bob” Smith (Real Estate Agent / Sarasota):  Campaign Web Site  Served two years in the U.S. Navy (1965 - 1967) during which time he served a tour of duty during the Vietnam War.  Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for five years (1986 - 1990) and in the U.S. Senate 1990 - 1992, both times from the state of New Hampshire.  Announced as a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in January, 1999.  After that campaign failed to gain any ground, he left the GOP and said he would seek the nomination of the U.S. Taxpayers Party, only to leave that group one month later and announced as an independent before leaving the race altogether in October.  Moved to Florida after being defeated for reelection to his New Hampshire Senate seat in 2002.  Began a campaign for the U.S. Senate from Florida in 2004 but dropped out soon afterward after failing to gain any significant fundraising.  Also endorsed Democrat John Kerry’s presidential campaign that year.

Shawn M. Teeters (Naples):   Campaign Web Site  Owner of Cheecorp, Inc, d/b/a Cheeburger Cheeburger, Inc., a restaurant franchise location.   Native of Ohio.  No other information currently available for this candidate.

Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. (Doctor / Bal Harbour):  Campaign Web Site  Graduated from Duke University.  Previously ran in 2008 as the Republican nominee for the 23rd Congressional District seat.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

Tom Walsh (Real Estate / Naples):  Exploratory Committee Blog Site  Candidacy announcement statement  Moved from Ohio, where he ran a garden center and served two four-year terms in the State Senate.

— CONSTITUTION PARTY OF FLORIDA —
Marshall Louis DeRosa (College Professor, Inventor / Wellington):   Campaign Web Site  Political Science Professor at Florida Atlantic University.  Previously taught at Louisiana State University and Davis and Elkins College.  Adjunct faculty member of the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Salvatori Fellow of the Heritage Foundation, and member of the Philadelphia Society.

— NO PARTY AFFILIATION —
Bobbie Bean (Commercial Printer / Sebring):  Best known for promoting an anti-bullying bill in the Legislature after his son was severely beaten at school in 2002.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

Bennie DeCastro (Activist / Ocala):  Campaign Web Site   Founder, Florida Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition.  Prevously ran for Governor in 2006 (did not get ballot access) and the Florida House of Representatives in 2008 (eliminated in the GOP primary).  Spent nearly 19 years in Florida’s prison system on mostly drug-related charges, culminating in a life sentence in 1976 for a series of drug store robberies.  Paroled in 1984 and pardoned by then-governor Lawton Chiles ten years later.  Activist for faith-based programmes to help current and former inmates live productively as law-abiding citizens.

Todd Montgomery Oifer (Davenport):  Campaign Web Site  No information is currently available regarding this candidate.

Alexander Andrew Snitker (Apopka):  No information is currently available regarding this candidate.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 5
All of Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties; portions of Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Polk counties
—DEMOCRATIC —
H. David Werder (Hudson): Campaign Web Site Ran previously for this seat as a Democrat in 2006 and 2008, being eliminated in the primary both times, and as a write in candidate in 2002 and 2004. Best known locally as “The Flagpole Sitter” for staying atop a Clearwater flagpole 439 days in 1982 to protest the price of gasoline.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 7
All of Flagler and St. John’s Counties; portions of Orange, Putnam, Seminole and Volusia counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Heather Maurine Beaven (Organizational President, CEO / Palm Coast):  Campaign Web Site  CEO/President of The Florida Endowment Foundation for Florida’s Graduates.  U.S. Navy Veteran, serving in Operation Desert Storm.  Appointed Command Training Petty Officer.  In 1998 was appointed by Kansas Governor Bill Graves (R), to oversee many of the state’s employment-related programmes.

Peter Silva (Banker / St. Augustine): Campaign Web Site   Facebook Public Campaign Web Site  Native of Fort Lauderdale.  Has been a Vice President of Retail Banking for six years.  No other biographical information available on this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
John L. Mica (Incumbant / Businessman / Casselberry): 2010 Campaign Web Site  Congressional Web Site  2008 Campaign Web Site  Has served this district since 1993.  Has had business ventures in several industries including real estate, communications, international trade consulting and governmental affairs firms.  Brother Dan Mica formerly served as a Congressman from South Florida.

— NO PARTY AFFILIATION —
Stephen J. Bacon (DeBary):  No information currently available on this candidate.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 8
Portions of Lake, Marion, Orange, and Osceola counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Alan Grayson (Incumbant / Attorney, Businessman, Orlando) Campaign Web Site Congressional Web Site  Harvard Law School Graduate.  After beginning his career in law, he was the first President of the telecom/internet company IDT Corporation.  Later returned to law before defeating then-Republican incumbant Ric Keller in the 2008 election.

 — REPUBLICAN —
Albert Guy Kerr (Orlando):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

— NO PARTY AFFILIATION —
Thomas L. Gregory (Enviromential  Project Manager / Winter Garden):  Received only 110 votes (28%) in his previous campaign, for a seat on the Winter Garden City Commission in 2009. 

Marvin T. Hutson (Orlando):  No information on this candidate currently available.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 9
Portions of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Arthur E. Richardson, III (Vice President, CFO / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  Ran for Mayor of Tampa in 2007.  Formerly a Branch Manager and Loan Officer for a mortgage firm.  Is now the Vice President/CFO of Undiscovered Records in Tampa

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 10
Portions of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Charlie Justice (Incumbant / Academic Advisor / St. Petersburg): Congressional Campaign Site Senate Web Page Currently Minority Leader Pro Tempore . Is seeking his second term in the Senate according to the Florida Division of Elections Website. Previously served six years in the State House, where he was Democratic Whip (2004-2006). Is an academic advisor at the University of South Florida.

— REPUBLICAN —
C.W. “Bill” Young (Incumbant / Indian Shores):  Campaign Web Site  Congressional Web Site  Currently serving his 20th two-year term in Congress.  In regards to tenure, he is the senior member of the Florida congressional delegation, and the senior Republican in the House.  Previously served ten years in the Florida State Senate.  Nine year veteran of the Florida National Guard, as well as six years as a reservist.   Best known for his work on defense and health/medical issues.  The C.W. “Bill” Young Marrow Donor Recruitment Programme is named for him.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 11
Portions of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Manatee counties
—REPUBLICAN —
Steven Craig Stanford (Plant Sales, Leasing / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  Owns a Tampa based plant sales and leasing company since 2004.  Previously worked in the landscape and golf business as well as in the software development industry.  Florida Certified Pest Control operator.  President, Palma Ceia Little League.  First political campaign. 

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 12
Most of Polk County, Portions of Hillsborough and Osceola Counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Adam Putnam, who has chosen not to run for re-election and is seeking the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services post.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Lori Edwards (Elections Supervisor / Winter Haven): Campaign Web Site Elections Supervisor Web Site  Served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives 1992-2000.  Has served as elections supervisor since 2000 after term limits forced her out of the House.

Douglas David ”Doug” Tudor (Retired Navy / Riverview):  Campaign Web Site  Democratic nominee for this seat in 2008.  Retired after 20 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Master Chief Yeoman and serving as Flagwriter for three heads of Central Command:  U.S. Army Generals Tommy R. Franks and General John P. Abizaid, and Navy Admiral William J. Fallon.

— REPUBLICAN —
John W. Lindsey, Jr. (Business Development Manager / Winter Haven):  Filed intent to qualify by petition method.  No other information on this candidate available at present.

Dennis Ross (Attorney / Lakeland):  Candidate Web Site  Served in the Florida House of Representatives, 2000-2008 until term limited.  In 1996, ran for the Florida Senate but lost to then-Democratic incumbant Rick Dantzler.  Founded the law firm Ross Vecchio, P.A. in 1989 after having worked for Holland & Knight and as in-house counsel for Walt Disney World handling workman’s compensation matters.

Randy Wilkinson (Real Estate Agent / Lakeland):  Commissioner Web Page  Is serving his third term on the Polk County Commission, but is barred from reelection due to term limits.  Previously served three-plus years (1995 - 1998) on the Polk County School Board, resigning to run for the Florida State Senate, losing in a special primary to John Laurent.  Former news/sports writer. 

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 13
All of Sarasota, DeSoto, and Hardee counties; most of Manatee County, portion of Charlotte County
No candidates have currently filed to run for this seat.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 15
All of Indian River County, most of Brevard and Osceola counties, and a portion of Polk County
No candidates have currently filed to run for this seat.

GOVERNOR
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Charlie Crist, who has chosen to run for the U.S. Senate.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Joe Allen (Author, Retired Teacher / Key West):  Campaign Web Site  Has run for public office three previous times, once for the Key West City Commission and twice for the Monroe County School Board (2006).  Is the author of “Santa’s Key West Vacation”.

Michael E. Arth (Artist, Urban Designer / Deland):  Campaign Web Site  Personal Web Site  Born in Liverpool, England, he holds dual American and British citizenship.  Best known for his work as a landscape and urban designer who founded a new form of New urbanism which would be known as “New Pedestrianism” and champions the idea of driverless vehicles in the future.  In 2007 he proposed a national solution to homelessness which would involve building “Pedestrian Villages”, and suggested a prototype near Daytona Beach.

Phillip J. Kennedy (Panama City):   No information on this candidate currently available.

Farid A. Khavari (Economist, Author / Miami):   Campaign Web Site  Born in Iran, he moved to the United States in 1977.  His father was killed after refusing to renounce his Baha’i faith following the Islamic Revolution.  He is the author of several books, most recently Enviromics.  Runs the Institute for a Zero-Cost Economy in Miami.

Marc Shepard (Substitute Teacher / Hillsboro Beach):  While living in Boca Raton, he ran for the Florida House District 89 seat (Part of Palm Beach County) and was eliminated in the first primary.  Previously ran for a seat on the Palm Beach County School Board during the 1990s.   Former aide to State Representative Barry Silver, 1996 - 1998.  Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1985.

Alex Sink (Incumbant / Banking Executive / Thonotosassa):  Campaign Web Site  Department of Financial Services Web Site  Former President of Bank of America’s Florida operation. Served as Vice Chair of Florida TaxWatch. Native of Mount Airy, NC. Spouse is attorney and 2002 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill McBride.

 — REPUBLICAN —
Tim Devine (Kissimmee):   Previously ran twice for Osceola County Sheriff, in 2006 as a Republican and two years later as a write-in candidate, both times losing easily to Democratic incumbant Bob Hansell.

Ed Heeney (Plant Nurseryman / Boynton Beach):  2008 Campaign Web Site   Ran a State Senate campaign in 2008, but was disqualified due to writing a bad check to cover his qualifying fee.  Four years earlier, after an unsuccessful State House race, he was involved in a nine hour standoff with Broward County sheriff’s deputies over an eviction issue.  Has been known to run on an anti-gay platform.

Josue Larose (Fort Lauderdale):  Campaign Web Site  No information is currently available regarding this candidate, but he has also filed to run in 2012 for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democratic incumbant Bill Nelson as well as for President in 2016.

Bill McCollum (Attorney General / Orlando):  Campaign Web Site  Attorney General Web Site  Elected Attorney General in the 2006 General Election, suceeding Charlie Crist, who was elected governor.  Previously served Florida’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Represntatives 1981-1993, and the 8th Congressional District 1993-2001.  During that tenure was selected one of 15 congressmen to serve on the Committee to Investigate the Iran-Contra Affair, and during 1998-1999 was one of the House Managers (read: prosecutors) of then President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial.  Left the House in 2000 for an unsuccessful run for U.S. Senator.   Is President & Chairman of the Healthy Florida Foundation.  In 2008 was Florida Chairman for the Rudolph Guiliani presidential campaign.

— INDEPENDENCE PARTY OF FLORIDA —
Peter L. Allen (Electrical Contractor / Riverview):  Campaign Web Site  Founded the Independence Party of Florida in 2001.  Owns two businesses, an electrical services company and a certified PIC services company.  Former President, Riverview Chamber of Commerce.  Dropped out of high school but earned his GED in 2000 at the age of 50.

— LIBERTARIAN —
John Wayne Smith (Businessman / Leesburg):  Campaign Web Site  Is CEO of 1000Planets, Inc., whose goal is to develop colonies on Mars and other planets.   He was the Libertarian candidate for governor four years ago, but was listed as an independent and only received just under 16,000 votes statewide.   He announced his running mate as Staci Henegar of Winter Haven, who is Chairwoman of the Polk County Libertarian Party and has a background in management and human resources.   Served in the U.S. Army 1965-1967.    Has already said he would run for the District 42 State House seat. 

— NO PARTY AFFILIATION —
C.C. Reed (Businessman / Miami): Campaign Web Site   This would be his fourth attempt to run for Governor, having lost in 1994, 2002, and 2006, receiving less than 100 votes statewide each time. He only received 5.5 percent of the vote in a run for Mayor of Miami in 1996

ATTORNEY GENERAL
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Bill McCollum, who is vacating this office to run for Governor
— DEMOCRATIC —
Dave Aronberg (Attorney / Greenacres) —  Campaign Web Site  Senate Web Page  Currently serving in the Florida State Senate, chairing the Military Affairs and Domestic Security Committee and as Minority Whip.  Harvard Law School graduate with honours, 1996.  Previously served as Assistant Attorney General in the Economic Crimes Division on two occasions (1999-2000 and 2001-2002).  Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury, 2001-2002.  White House Fellow during the Clinton and Bush II administrations, 2000-2001. 

Dan Gelber (Attorney / Miami Beach):  Campaign Web Site   State Senate Web Page Currently serving his first term in the State Senate after being term limited (four two-year terms) in the State House.    Prevously worked in the U.S. Senate as Chief Counsel and Staff Director for the U.S. Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and as a federal prosecutor in the South Florida U.S. Attorney’s office beginning in 1986. 

 — REPUBLICAN —
Jim Lewis (Attorney / Fort Lauderdale):  Campaign Web Site  Has prevously run unsuccessfully for Mayor and City Commissioner in Fort Lauderdale, State Representative, Circuit Judge, and Broward County Public Defender.  In his most recent loss, he ran third in a four candidate field for District 4 on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission with just under 14 percent of the vote.  Previously served as Assistant State Attorney in Orlando, Special Prosecutor to the Statewide Grand Jury in Tallahassee, and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor in Fort Lauderdale for the Attorney General’s Office.  Is an Adjunct Law Professor at Nova Southeatern University’s Law School.  His campaign notes that fewer people should be sent to prison, especially for drug crimes, believing in focusing more on community settings, house arrest, and helping the defendant. 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
The eventual winner will replace Democratic incumbant Alex Sink, who originally had planned to run for re-election but decided to vacate this office to run for Governor.
— REPUBLICAN —
Jeff Atwater (North Palm Beach):  Campaign Web Site  2008 Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page   Serving his second term in the Florida Senate; was elected Senate President, 2008.  Previously served one term in the Florida House of Representatives, 2000-2002. 

Pat Patterson (Insurance Agent / Deland):  Legislative Web Page   Currently represents District 26 in the Florida House of Representatives, from which he will be term limited at the end of his term.  Previously served in the House 1998-2000.  Elected to the Volusia County Council 1995-1998, serving as it’s Vice Chairman 1996 and Chairman in 1997.  Served on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, 1995-1998.  Veteran, U.S. Navy 1969-1973 

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Charles Bronson, who is term limited.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Eric Draper (Policy Director / Tallahassee):  Public Facebook Campaign Site  Known as a long time conservationist and Democratic activist.  Lobbyist and Policy Director for Audubon of Florida.  Previously worked with The Nature Conversancy.  Political career began as an aide to then-Congressman George Sheldon of Tampa  Also served in 1994 as Staff Director in the State House Democratic Office during Jim Davis’ time as majority leader.

Thaddeus “Thad” Hamilton (Urban Conservationist / Sunrise):   Chairman, Broward Soil & Water Conservation District.   Previously of the state staff for the USDA’s Natrual Resources Conservation Service since 1994, serving as Urban Conservationist providing technical assistance for 16 South Florida counties.  Previously was District Conservationist for Broward County, 1980 - 1994. 

Randy Hatch (Branford):   Served the Fifth District on the Suwannee County Commission until losing his re-election bid in the 2008 vote with 38.2 percent.  Served as President of the Florida Association of Counties, 2008.  No other information currently available on this candidate.

O.R. “Rick” Minton, Jr. (Cattle, Citrus Grower, Realtor / Fort Pierce):  Campaign Web Site   State House Biography Site  Served eight years representing District 78 in the Florida House of Representatives (1992-2000) until term limited.  Previously served 17 years as a member of the St. Lucie County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.  Established his cattle herd in 1970 and started growing citrus in 1975.

— REPUBLICAN —
Carey Baker (State Senator, Gun Store Owner / Eustis):   Campaign Web Site  State Senate Web Site  Is serving his second term representing State Senate District 20.  Previously served four years in the State House of Representatives.  First Sergeant in the Florida National Guard, with which he served in Operation Iraqi Freedon I.

Adam Putnam (Congressman, Citrus/Cattle Grower / Bartow):  Campaign Web Site  Congressional Web Site   Completing his fifth term representing the 12th Congressional District.  Was selected Chairman of the Congressional Republican Conference, 2006-2008, and previously Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee.  Before going to Congress was elected two terms representing State House District 63 and worked in his family’s citrus and cattle business. Relatives include the late citrus/cattle mogul Ben Hill Griffin, Jr., State Senator J.D. Alexander, and former congresswoman and Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris.

— REAL FOOD PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA —
James Harlin Carter (Rancher, Optician / Live Oak): Ran for President in 2008, but did not actively campaign. His self-created Real Food Party seeks to revise existing regulations to allow the sale of non-pasteurized milk and other “food that is helpful.”  Moved to Suwannee County from California nearly six years ago.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at The 2010 Election - Federal And Statewide Races (UPDATE 5)]]> Here is the latest updated listing of individuals who have either filed with the Florida Division of Elections to run for federal and statewide office in 2010 or have publically announced they would do so, according to media outlets along the I-4 Corridor.  Many of the candidates have launched their campaign Web sites; there are links to those as well as other sites which include biographical or other pertinent information so you can learn more about the men and women who want to be our representatives in Washington or Tallahassee.  This posting will be updated occasionally to include new candidates or links.  Of course, I strongly encourage everyone to learn as much as possible about the candidates before making a decision on who you will support.

UNITED STATES SENATOR
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Mel Martinez, who has chosen not to seek re-election.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Tyrone K. Brown, Sr. (Minister / Daytona Beach):  Campaign Web Site.  Pastor of Cathedral of Faith Ministries in Daytona Beach.  Previously ran for the District 2 seat on the Volusia County Council last year, failing to make the primary cut with less than five percent of the vote.

Kevin A. Burns (Real Estate Broker / North Miami):  Campaign Web Site  Mayoral Web Page  Serving his second term as Mayor of North Miami (2005-Present).  Chairman, Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce.   Serves on the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Task Force.  Has lived with his gay partner of 24 years; they have a five year old daughter.

Chuck Lynch (Fort Walton Beach):  Ran for the Okaloosa County School Board in 2002, earning only 11.4% of the vote to be eliminated in the Democratic Primary.  In 2001 he was defeated with 23.2% in the Democratic Primary against Steve Briese for the 1st Congressional District seat after incumbant Joe Scarborough resigned.  Briese had been a Republican until he launched his campaign. 

Kendrick B. Meek (Congressman / Miami):  Campaign Web Site  Congressional Web Site  Representing the 17th Congressional District since 2003.  Previously served in the Florida House of Representatives 1995-1998, and in the Florida Senate 1999-2002.  Is the son of the late Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, succeeding his mother in a special election after her death in office.  Former Captain in the Florida Highway Patrol, the first African-American to hold that rank.

—– REPUBLICAN —–
Bob Coggins (Auto Assembly Engineer / Orlando):  Campaign Web Site  Most of his adult working career has been in the automobile industry.  United States Marine Corps veteran.  During his college years worked as an intern in Senator Bill Nelson’s office.  Native of Flint, Michigan.

Charlie Crist (Governor, Attorney / St. Petersburg):  Campaign Web Site  Gubenatorial Web Site  Elected Governor in 2006 after serving one term as Florida’s Attorney General.  Previously served as the state’s last Commissioner of Education 2002-2006, appointed by then Governor Jeb Bush as Deputy Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation in 2000.  Elected to a seat in the Florida Senate in 1992 and 1996. 

Gwyn McClellan (Educational Consultant, Minister / Sarasota):  Campaign Web Site  CEO of Valuable Quality Publishing Company of Sarasota. Senior Consultant for the Australian-based Malian Foundation and is an At-Large Director for the organization Good Deeds International, USA. Ph.D. majoring in education administration and minoring in higher education administration from Wichita State University. She opened a campaign account to run for this seat in 2004, but the Florida Division of Elections does not show her as appearing on the primary ballot.

Belinda G.Q. Noah (Attorney, Adjunct Law Professor / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  Better known as writer/producer of the cable television programme “Legal Notes” while practicing entertainment, immigration and international law.  Candidate for Congress in 1992 and the United States Senate in 2006 as an independent, finishing third in that eight person race.  Lived for a time early this decade in Wilmington, Delaware where she worked as a legal consultant and Adjunct Law Professor

Marco Rubio (Attorney / Coral Gables):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Is serving his fourth two-year term in the Florida House of Representatives and is thus term limited.  Was Speaker of the House 2006-2008, previously serving as Majority Leader 2002-2004.  Was also Florida Chairman for GOPAC, 2008.  Prevoiusly elected as City Commissioner in West Miami.  Authored the book 100 Innovative Ideas For Florida’s Future.

Robert Clinton “Bob” Smith (Real Estate Agent / Sarasota):  Campaign Web Site  Served two years in the U.S. Navy (1965 - 1967) during which time he served a tour of duty during the Vietnam War.  Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for five years (1986 - 1990) and in the U.S. Senate 1990 - 1992, both times from the state of New Hampshire.  Announced as a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in January, 1999.  After that campaign failed to gain any ground, he left the GOP and said he would seek the nomination of the U.S. Taxpayers Party, only to leave that group one month later and announced as an independent before leaving the race altogether in October.  Moved to Florida after being defeated for reelection to his New Hampshire Senate seat in 2002.  Began a campaign for the U.S. Senate from Florida in 2004 but dropped out soon afterward after failing to gain any significant fundraising.  Also endorsed Democrat John Kerry’s presidential campaign that year.

Shawn M. Teeters (Naples):   Campaign Web Site  Owner of Cheecorp, Inc, d/b/a Cheeburger Cheeburger, Inc., a restaurant franchise location.   Native of Ohio.  No other information currently available for this candidate.

Dr. Marion D. Thorpe, Jr. (Doctor / Bal Harbour):  Campaign Web Site  Graduated from Duke University.  Previously ran in 2008 as the Republican nominee for the 23rd Congressional District seat.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

Tom Walsh (Real Estate / Naples):  Exploratory Committee Blog Site  Candidacy announcement statement  Moved from Ohio, where he ran a garden center and served two four-year terms in the State Senate.

— CONSTITUTION PARTY OF FLORIDA —
Marshall Louis DeRosa (College Professor, Inventor / Wellington):   Campaign Web Site  Political Science Professor at Florida Atlantic University.  Previously taught at Louisiana State University and Davis and Elkins College.  Adjunct faculty member of the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Salvatori Fellow of the Heritage Foundation, and member of the Philadelphia Society.

— NO PARTY AFFILIATION —
Bobbie Bean (Commercial Printer / Sebring):  Best known for promoting an anti-bullying bill in the Legislature after his son was severely beaten at school in 2002.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

Bennie DeCastro (Activist / Ocala):  Campaign Web Site   Founder, Florida Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition.  Prevously ran for Governor in 2006 (did not get ballot access) and the Florida House of Representatives in 2008 (eliminated in the GOP primary).  Spent nearly 19 years in Florida’s prison system on mostly drug-related charges, culminating in a life sentence in 1976 for a series of drug store robberies.  Paroled in 1984 and pardoned by then-governor Lawton Chiles ten years later.  Activist for faith-based programmes to help current and former inmates live productively as law-abiding citizens.

Todd Montgomery Oifer (Davenport):  Campaign Web Site  No information is currently available regarding this candidate.

Alexander Andrew Snitker (Apopka):  No information is currently available regarding this candidate.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 5
All of Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties; portions of Lake, Levy, Marion, Pasco, and Polk counties
—DEMOCRATIC —
H. David Werder (Hudson): Campaign Web Site Ran previously for this seat as a Democrat in 2006 and 2008, being eliminated in the primary both times, and as a write in candidate in 2002 and 2004. Best known locally as “The Flagpole Sitter” for staying atop a Clearwater flagpole 439 days in 1982 to protest the price of gasoline.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 7
All of Flagler and St. John’s Counties; portions of Orange, Putnam, Seminole and Volusia counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Heather Maurine Beaven (Organizational President, CEO / Palm Coast):  Campaign Web Site  CEO/President of The Florida Endowment Foundation for Florida’s Graduates.  U.S. Navy Veteran, serving in Operation Desert Storm.  Appointed Command Training Petty Officer.  In 1998 was appointed by Kansas Governor Bill Graves (R), to oversee many of the state’s employment-related programmes.

Peter Silva (Banker / St. Augustine): Campaign Web Site   Facebook Public Campaign Web Site  Native of Fort Lauderdale.  Has been a Vice President of Retail Banking for six years.  No other biographical information available on this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
John L. Mica (Incumbant / Businessman / Casselberry): 2010 Campaign Web Site  Congressional Web Site  2008 Campaign Web Site  Has served this district since 1993.  Has had business ventures in several industries including real estate, communications, international trade consulting and governmental affairs firms.  Brother Dan Mica formerly served as a Congressman from South Florida.

— NO PARTY AFFILIATION —
Stephen J. Bacon (DeBary):  No information currently available on this candidate.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 8
Portions of Lake, Marion, Orange, and Osceola counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Alan Grayson (Incumbant / Attorney, Businessman, Orlando) Campaign Web Site Congressional Web Site  Harvard Law School Graduate.  After beginning his career in law, he was the first President of the telecom/internet company IDT Corporation.  Later returned to law before defeating then-Republican incumbant Ric Keller in the 2008 election.

 — REPUBLICAN —
Albert Guy Kerr (Orlando):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

— NO PARTY AFFILIATION —
Thomas L. Gregory (Enviromential  Project Manager / Winter Garden):  Received only 110 votes (28%) in his previous campaign, for a seat on the Winter Garden City Commission in 2009. 

Marvin T. Hutson (Orlando):  No information on this candidate currently available.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 9
Portions of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Arthur E. Richardson, III (Vice President, CFO / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  Ran for Mayor of Tampa in 2007.  Formerly a Branch Manager and Loan Officer for a mortgage firm.  Is now the Vice President/CFO of Undiscovered Records in Tampa

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 10
Portions of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Charlie Justice (Incumbant / Academic Advisor / St. Petersburg): Congressional Campaign Site Senate Web Page Currently Minority Leader Pro Tempore . Is seeking his second term in the Senate according to the Florida Division of Elections Website. Previously served six years in the State House, where he was Democratic Whip (2004-2006). Is an academic advisor at the University of South Florida.

— REPUBLICAN —
C.W. “Bill” Young (Incumbant / Indian Shores):  Campaign Web Site  Congressional Web Site  Currently serving his 20th two-year term in Congress.  In regards to tenure, he is the senior member of the Florida congressional delegation, and the senior Republican in the House.  Previously served ten years in the Florida State Senate.  Nine year veteran of the Florida National Guard, as well as six years as a reservist.   Best known for his work on defense and health/medical issues.  The C.W. “Bill” Young Marrow Donor Recruitment Programme is named for him.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 11
Portions of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Manatee counties
—REPUBLICAN —
Steven Craig Stanford (Plant Sales, Leasing / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  Owns a Tampa based plant sales and leasing company since 2004.  Previously worked in the landscape and golf business as well as in the software development industry.  Florida Certified Pest Control operator.  President, Palma Ceia Little League.  First political campaign. 

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 12
Most of Polk County, Portions of Hillsborough and Osceola Counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Adam Putnam, who has chosen not to run for re-election and is seeking the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services post.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Lori Edwards (Elections Supervisor / Winter Haven): Campaign Web Site Elections Supervisor Web Site  Served four terms in the Florida House of Representatives 1992-2000.  Has served as elections supervisor since 2000 after term limits forced her out of the House.

Douglas David ”Doug” Tudor (Retired Navy / Riverview):  Campaign Web Site  Democratic nominee for this seat in 2008.  Retired after 20 years in the U.S. Navy, achieving the rank of Master Chief Yeoman and serving as Flagwriter for three heads of Central Command:  U.S. Army Generals Tommy R. Franks and General John P. Abizaid, and Navy Admiral William J. Fallon.

— REPUBLICAN —
John W. Lindsey, Jr. (Business Development Manager / Winter Haven):  Filed intent to qualify by petition method.  No other information on this candidate available at present.

Dennis Ross (Attorney / Lakeland):  Candidate Web Site  Served in the Florida House of Representatives, 2000-2008 until term limited.  In 1996, ran for the Florida Senate but lost to then-Democratic incumbant Rick Dantzler.  Founded the law firm Ross Vecchio, P.A. in 1989 after having worked for Holland & Knight and as in-house counsel for Walt Disney World handling workman’s compensation matters.

Randy Wilkinson (Real Estate Agent / Lakeland):  Commissioner Web Page  Is serving his third term on the Polk County Commission, but is barred from reelection due to term limits.  Previously served three-plus years (1995 - 1998) on the Polk County School Board, resigning to run for the Florida State Senate, losing in a special primary to John Laurent.  Former news/sports writer. 

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 13
All of Sarasota, DeSoto, and Hardee counties; most of Manatee County, portion of Charlotte County
No candidates have currently filed to run for this seat.

UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 15
All of Indian River County, most of Brevard and Osceola counties, and a portion of Polk County
No candidates have currently filed to run for this seat.

GOVERNOR
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Charlie Crist, who has chosen to run for the U.S. Senate.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Joe Allen (Author, Retired Teacher / Key West):  Campaign Web Site  Has run for public office three previous times, once for the Key West City Commission and twice for the Monroe County School Board (2006).  Is the author of “Santa’s Key West Vacation”.

Michael E. Arth (Artist, Urban Designer / Deland):  Campaign Web Site  Personal Web Site  Born in Liverpool, England, he holds dual American and British citizenship.  Best known for his work as a landscape and urban designer who founded a new form of New urbanism which would be known as “New Pedestrianism” and champions the idea of driverless vehicles in the future.  In 2007 he proposed a national solution to homelessness which would involve building “Pedestrian Villages”, and suggested a prototype near Daytona Beach.

Phillip J. Kennedy (Panama City):   No information on this candidate currently available.

Farid A. Khavari (Economist, Author / Miami):   Campaign Web Site  Born in Iran, he moved to the United States in 1977.  His father was killed after refusing to renounce his Baha’i faith following the Islamic Revolution.  He is the author of several books, most recently Enviromics.  Runs the Institute for a Zero-Cost Economy in Miami.

Marc Shepard (Substitute Teacher / Hillsboro Beach):  While living in Boca Raton, he ran for the Florida House District 89 seat (Part of Palm Beach County) and was eliminated in the first primary.  Previously ran for a seat on the Palm Beach County School Board during the 1990s.   Former aide to State Representative Barry Silver, 1996 - 1998.  Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1985.

Alex Sink (Incumbant / Banking Executive / Thonotosassa):  Campaign Web Site  Department of Financial Services Web Site  Former President of Bank of America’s Florida operation. Served as Vice Chair of Florida TaxWatch. Native of Mount Airy, NC. Spouse is attorney and 2002 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Bill McBride.

 — REPUBLICAN —
Tim Devine (Kissimmee):   Previously ran twice for Osceola County Sheriff, in 2006 as a Republican and two years later as a write-in candidate, both times losing easily to Democratic incumbant Bob Hansell.

Ed Heeney (Plant Nurseryman / Boynton Beach):  2008 Campaign Web Site   Ran a State Senate campaign in 2008, but was disqualified due to writing a bad check to cover his qualifying fee.  Four years earlier, after an unsuccessful State House race, he was involved in a nine hour standoff with Broward County sheriff’s deputies over an eviction issue.  Has been known to run on an anti-gay platform.

Josue Larose (Fort Lauderdale):  Campaign Web Site  No information is currently available regarding this candidate, but he has also filed to run in 2012 for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democratic incumbant Bill Nelson as well as for President in 2016.

Bill McCollum (Attorney General / Orlando):  Campaign Web Site  Attorney General Web Site  Elected Attorney General in the 2006 General Election, suceeding Charlie Crist, who was elected governor.  Previously served Florida’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Represntatives 1981-1993, and the 8th Congressional District 1993-2001.  During that tenure was selected one of 15 congressmen to serve on the Committee to Investigate the Iran-Contra Affair, and during 1998-1999 was one of the House Managers (read: prosecutors) of then President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial.  Left the House in 2000 for an unsuccessful run for U.S. Senator.   Is President & Chairman of the Healthy Florida Foundation.  In 2008 was Florida Chairman for the Rudolph Guiliani presidential campaign.

— INDEPENDENCE PARTY OF FLORIDA —
Peter L. Allen (Electrical Contractor / Riverview):  Campaign Web Site  Founded the Independence Party of Florida in 2001.  Owns two businesses, an electrical services company and a certified PIC services company.  Former President, Riverview Chamber of Commerce.  Dropped out of high school but earned his GED in 2000 at the age of 50.

— LIBERTARIAN —
John Wayne Smith (Businessman / Leesburg):  Campaign Web Site  Is CEO of 1000Planets, Inc., whose goal is to develop colonies on Mars and other planets.   He was the Libertarian candidate for governor four years ago, but was listed as an independent and only received just under 16,000 votes statewide.   He announced his running mate as Staci Henegar of Winter Haven, who is Chairwoman of the Polk County Libertarian Party and has a background in management and human resources.   Served in the U.S. Army 1965-1967.    Has already said he would run for the District 42 State House seat. 

— NO PARTY AFFILIATION —
C.C. Reed (Businessman / Miami): Campaign Web Site   This would be his fourth attempt to run for Governor, having lost in 1994, 2002, and 2006, receiving less than 100 votes statewide each time. He only received 5.5 percent of the vote in a run for Mayor of Miami in 1996

ATTORNEY GENERAL
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Bill McCollum, who is vacating this office to run for Governor
— DEMOCRATIC —
Dave Aronberg (Attorney / Greenacres) —  Campaign Web Site  Senate Web Page  Currently serving in the Florida State Senate, chairing the Military Affairs and Domestic Security Committee and as Minority Whip.  Harvard Law School graduate with honours, 1996.  Previously served as Assistant Attorney General in the Economic Crimes Division on two occasions (1999-2000 and 2001-2002).  Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury, 2001-2002.  White House Fellow during the Clinton and Bush II administrations, 2000-2001. 

Dan Gelber (Attorney / Miami Beach):  Campaign Web Site   State Senate Web Page Currently serving his first term in the State Senate after being term limited (four two-year terms) in the State House.    Prevously worked in the U.S. Senate as Chief Counsel and Staff Director for the U.S. Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and as a federal prosecutor in the South Florida U.S. Attorney’s office beginning in 1986. 

 — REPUBLICAN —
Jim Lewis (Attorney / Fort Lauderdale):  Campaign Web Site  Has prevously run unsuccessfully for Mayor and City Commissioner in Fort Lauderdale, State Representative, Circuit Judge, and Broward County Public Defender.  In his most recent loss, he ran third in a four candidate field for District 4 on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission with just under 14 percent of the vote.  Previously served as Assistant State Attorney in Orlando, Special Prosecutor to the Statewide Grand Jury in Tallahassee, and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor in Fort Lauderdale for the Attorney General’s Office.  Is an Adjunct Law Professor at Nova Southeatern University’s Law School.  His campaign notes that fewer people should be sent to prison, especially for drug crimes, believing in focusing more on community settings, house arrest, and helping the defendant. 

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
The eventual winner will replace Democratic incumbant Alex Sink, who originally had planned to run for re-election but decided to vacate this office to run for Governor.
— REPUBLICAN —
Jeff Atwater (North Palm Beach):  Campaign Web Site  2008 Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page   Serving his second term in the Florida Senate; was elected Senate President, 2008.  Previously served one term in the Florida House of Representatives, 2000-2002. 

Pat Patterson (Insurance Agent / Deland):  Legislative Web Page   Currently represents District 26 in the Florida House of Representatives, from which he will be term limited at the end of his term.  Previously served in the House 1998-2000.  Elected to the Volusia County Council 1995-1998, serving as it’s Vice Chairman 1996 and Chairman in 1997.  Served on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, 1995-1998.  Veteran, U.S. Navy 1969-1973 

COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER SERVICES
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Charles Bronson, who is term limited.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Eric Draper (Policy Director / Tallahassee):  Public Facebook Campaign Site  Known as a long time conservationist and Democratic activist.  Lobbyist and Policy Director for Audubon of Florida.  Previously worked with The Nature Conversancy.  Political career began as an aide to then-Congressman George Sheldon of Tampa  Also served in 1994 as Staff Director in the State House Democratic Office during Jim Davis’ time as majority leader.

Thaddeus “Thad” Hamilton (Urban Conservationist / Sunrise):   Chairman, Broward Soil & Water Conservation District.   Previously of the state staff for the USDA’s Natrual Resources Conservation Service since 1994, serving as Urban Conservationist providing technical assistance for 16 South Florida counties.  Previously was District Conservationist for Broward County, 1980 - 1994. 

Randy Hatch (Branford):   Served the Fifth District on the Suwannee County Commission until losing his re-election bid in the 2008 vote with 38.2 percent.  Served as President of the Florida Association of Counties, 2008.  No other information currently available on this candidate.

O.R. “Rick” Minton, Jr. (Cattle, Citrus Grower, Realtor / Fort Pierce):  Campaign Web Site   State House Biography Site  Served eight years representing District 78 in the Florida House of Representatives (1992-2000) until term limited.  Previously served 17 years as a member of the St. Lucie County Soil and Water Conservation District Board.  Established his cattle herd in 1970 and started growing citrus in 1975.

— REPUBLICAN —
Carey Baker (State Senator, Gun Store Owner / Eustis):   Campaign Web Site  State Senate Web Site  Is serving his second term representing State Senate District 20.  Previously served four years in the State House of Representatives.  First Sergeant in the Florida National Guard, with which he served in Operation Iraqi Freedon I.

Adam Putnam (Congressman, Citrus/Cattle Grower / Bartow):  Campaign Web Site  Congressional Web Site   Completing his fifth term representing the 12th Congressional District.  Was selected Chairman of the Congressional Republican Conference, 2006-2008, and previously Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee.  Before going to Congress was elected two terms representing State House District 63 and worked in his family’s citrus and cattle business. Relatives include the late citrus/cattle mogul Ben Hill Griffin, Jr., State Senator J.D. Alexander, and former congresswoman and Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris.

— REAL FOOD PARTY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA —
James Harlin Carter (Rancher, Optician / Live Oak): Ran for President in 2008, but did not actively campaign. His self-created Real Food Party seeks to revise existing regulations to allow the sale of non-pasteurized milk and other “food that is helpful.”  Moved to Suwannee County from California nearly six years ago.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as The 2010 Election - Federal And Statewide Races (UPDATE 5)
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-2010-election-federal-and-statewide-races/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-2010-election-federal-and-statewide-races/ MetroI4News.com - The 2010 Election: Florida Legislative Seats Along The I-4 Corridor (UPDATE 5) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/CMFFdquOUqk/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-2010-election-florida-legislative-seats-along-the-i-4-corridor/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:35:39 +0000 Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=2979 Are you happy with your state House and Senate representatives?  Or do you believe they’ve done a lousy job for you in Tallahassee?  It promises to be an interesting year and a half, especially as we have another legislative session to consider before the 2010 election.  Below are a list of the candidates seeking to fill the legislative seats along the I-4 corridor, as noted from the Florida Division of Elections Website.  In the 2010 election only even-numbered district come up for re-election, but

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 8
Portions of Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. John’s, and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant James E. “Jim” King, Jr., who is term limited.
— REPUBLICAN —
Aaron P. Bean (Banker / Fernandina Beach):   Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Currently representing District 12 in the Florida House of Representatives, from which he will be term limited.  Prevoiusly elected as City Commissioner in Fernandina Beach 1996-1999, during which he served as Mayor 1997-1999.  Also served on the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council, 1996-1999

Art Graham (Enviromential Consultant / Jacksonville):  Canpaign Web Site  City Council Web Page  Currently a member of the Jacksonville City Council, before which he served 1998-2002 on the Jacksonville Beach City Council.  President of a enviromential consulting firm.  Graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in Chemical Engineering.  Filed intent to qualify for the ballot by petition.

Dan Quiggle (Title Business Owner / Ponte Vedra Beach):  Campaign Web Site  Business Web Site  President of America’s Choice Title Company.  Also Dean of Faculty at the Leadership Institute, headquartered in Washington.  Previously founded a vending maching company.

John Thrasher (Lobbyist / St. Augustine):  Legislative Archive Web Page  Served four terms in the Florida House (1993-2000) until term limited; served as Speaker of the House, 1998-2000.  Prevous elective experience is a member of the Clay County School Board (1986-1990), which included terms as Chairman (1989-1990) and Vice Chairman (1988). Lobbyist for the Southern Strategy Group, whose clients include Walt Disney World, Associated Industries and the Florida Hospital Association.  U.S. Army veteran, 1966-1970 which included duty in Germany and in the Vietnam War.  Known as a close ally of former Governor Jeb Bush.  Is having to move into the district from his mansion in Orange Park.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 10
Portions of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Jen Greenfield (Zephyrhills):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
Ronda Storms (Incumbant / Teacher, Attorney / Brandon): Campaign Web Page  Legislative Web Page  Elected to this seat in 2006. Previously served on the Hillsborough County Commission 1998-2006. Native of Des Moines, Iowa; moved to Florida in 1982.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 12
Portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Victor D. Crist, who is term limited.
— REPUBLICAN —
Kevin C. Ambler (Attorney / Tampa): Campaign Web Site Legislative Web Page Member, Florida House of Representatives, from which he will be term limited after 2010.   Served in the U.S. Air Force, 1986-1991, and in the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a Judge Advocate with the rank of Major, 1991-2005.  Private law practice focuses on the areas of medical malpractice, products liability, wrongful death and personal injury.

Jim Norman (Comptroller, Legislative Analyst / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  County Commission Web Page  Elected to the Hillsborough County Commission since 1992.  Previously was a comptroller and legislative analyst with the Salvation Army.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 16
Portions of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Nina Hayden (Attorney / Clearwater):  Campaign Web Site  Pinellas County School Board Web Page  Was elected as a member of the Pinellas County School Board in November, 2008.  Works as an attorney with the Office of the Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial District.  Specializes in cases of juveniles who are charged as adults.  Moved to Pinellas County in 1998.

Charlie Justice (Incumbant / Academic Advisor / St. Petersburg):  Congressional Campaign Site  Senate Web Page  Currently Minority Leader Pro Tempore .  Is seeking his second term in the Senate according to the Florida Division of Elections Website, but has also launched a campaign Web site noting he is intending to run for C.W. ”Bill” Young’s 10th District Congressional seat (see link above).  Previously served six years in the State House, where he was Democratic Whip (2004-2006).  Is an academic advisor at the University of South Florida.

— REPUBLICAN —
Jack Latvala (Printing Company Owner / Clearwater):  Public Facebook Campaign Site  Business Web Site  Served in the Florida Senate 1994-2002 until term limits forced him out.  Was Majority Leader in the Senate 1998-2000.  Known as a moderate Republican.  Former wife is Pinellas County Commissioner and former School Board member Susan Latvala.  Operates Gulf Coast Imprinting in Largo.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 18
Portions of Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pinellas counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Arthenia L. Joyner (Incumbant / Attorney / Tampa): State Senate Web Page  Seeking her second term, where she is the Minority (Democratic) Whip.  Previously served three terms in the Florida House, in which she served two years each as Minority (Democratic) Whip, Democratic Floor Leader, and Democratic Policy Chair. Supported Hillary Rodham Clinton in the 2008 presidential campaign, arguing on it’s behalf for seating the Florida delegation to the Democratic National Convention. 

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 20
Portions of Lake, Marion, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Carey Baker, who is stepping aside to seek the State Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner post.
— REPUBLICAN —
Michael J. Bakich (Umatilla): Filed intent to qualify by petition method.  Former Lake County Commissioner, serving as Vice Chairman in 1988 and Chairman in 1990.

D. Alan Hays (Retired Dentist / Umatilla):  Legislative Web Page  Elected State Representative for District 25 since 2004.  Served in the U.S. Coast Guard, 1967-1970.  Former trustee, Lake Sumter Community College.  Received criticism after allegedly making anti-gay slurs to people at two appearances he made in 2007.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 22
Portions of Orange and Seminole counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Lee Constantine, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
David Simmons (Attorney / Altamonte Springs): Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Represented District 37 in the Florida House of Representatives, 2000-2008 until term limited.  Financial Managing Partner of the law firm de Beaubien, Knight, Simmons, Mantzaris & Neal LLP, board certified in Business Litigation and Civil Trial.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 24
Portions of Brevard, Orange, and Seminole counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Thad Altman (Incumbant / Contractor, Consultant / Melbourne):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page Seeking his second term in the State Senate. Previously served in the State House of Representatives, 2003-2008.  Elected to the Brevard County Commission, which he chaired three times.  Chaired the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, 1992. Chaired the Brevard Tourist Development Council and Brevard Metropolitan Planning Council, 1986.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 26
Portions of Brevard, Indian River, Osceola, and St. Lucie counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Mike Haridopolos (Incumbant / College Professor, Author / Melbourne):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Has served this district since March, 2003.  Majority (Republican) Whip, 2006-2008.  Previously served in the Florida House of Representatives 2000-2003.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 21
All of Putnam and portions of Bradford, Clay, Lake, Marion, and Volusia counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Charles E. Van Zant (Incumbant / Pastor, Architect / Keystone Heights): Legislative Web Page  Seeking his second term in the State House.  Previously appointed to the Clay County School Board and Clay County Code Board, of which he served as Vice Chairman on both panels.  Registered architect in ten Southeastern states.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 25
Portions of Lake, Sumter, and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant D. Alan Hays, who is seeking the State Senate seat for District 20
— DEMOCRATIC —
Frank Layne Wood (Teacher / Eustis):  Campaign Web Site  Native of Winter Haven.  Teacher for 29 years in the Lake County Public Schools.  Board of Directors, Lake County Education Association, 1982-1986 and 2006-2007, also serving as it’s Vice President 2007-2008.    

— REPUBLICAN —
Larry Metz (Attorney / Yalaha):  School Board Web Page  Business Web Page  Originally appointed by former governor Jeb Bush to a seat on the Lake County School Board in October, 2004, he won election on his own in the 2006 race.  Previously GOP nominee to run for Congress for the 19th District in 1992, and finished second in a five way Republican race for an open seat in the Florida House.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 26
Portions of Flagler and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Pat Patterson, who is term limited and is seeking the position of Chief Financial Officer.
— REPUBLICAN —
Vince Champion (Union President, Retired Police Officer / Ormond Beach):  Campaign Web Site  President, Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association; Sergeant at Arms, Florida PBA.   Retired Ormond Beach Police Officer.

Fred Costello (Dentist / Ormond Beach): Campaign Web Site  2007 Mayorial Campaign Web Page  City Web Page  Currently Mayor of Ormond Beach.  Originally elected two terms to the City Commission in 1999.  Has practiced Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry for more than two decades.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 27
Portion of Volusia County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Dwayne L. Taylor (Incumbant / Writer, Producer / Daytona Beach):  Legislative Web Page Seeking his second two-year term in the State House.  Prevously was a City Commissioner in Daytona Beach, 2003 - 2008.  Native of Daytona Beach.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 28
Portion of Volusia County
— REPUBLICAN —
Dorothy L. Hukill (Incumbant / Attorney / Port Orange):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Originally elected to the House in 2004 and reelected subsequently.  Previously served on the City Council of Port Orange 1998-1999, and as it’s Mayor 2000-2004.  Was also a Councilwoman in the Town of Port Inlet, 1992-1994.  Law practice focuses on Probate and Real Estate.

Theresa A. Valdes (Port Orange):  No information currently available on this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 29
Portions of Brevard and Indian River counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Ralph Poppell, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
Robert “Bob” Dale (Rockledge):  No information is currently available regarding this candidate.

Tom Goodson (Paving, Curbs Business Owner / Cocoa):  Currently Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board, originally elected in 2002.  Owns Goodson Paving and Seminole Curbs in Cocoa. 

Erin Grall (Attorney / Vero Beach):  Business Web Site  Activities include the Indian River County Bar Association Board of Directors and Chair of the Florida Justice Association’s Women’s Caucus Board of Directors.  Specializes in personal injury litigation, and is licensed to practice law in Florida and Wisconsin.  Graduate of Marquette University.

J. Roger Shealy (Accountant / Titusville):  2008 Public Facebook Campaign Site  Business Web Site  Co-owner of the wealth management firm SKadvisors in Titusville.  Certified Public Accountant.  Previously CFO of a Melbourne-based company, and before that spent six years working as an internal auditor, external/independent auditor, and tax accountant.  Was the Republican nominee for a seat on the Brevard County Commission in 2008, losing a three-way race by only 308 votes to Democrat Robin Fisher. 

Tyler I. Sirois (Business Consultant / Cocoa):   Currently a business consultant on a regional study examining the economic and work force implications of the space shuttle transition.  Former legislative aide to Brevard County Commissioner Chuck Nelson and previously then-State Representative Bob Allen.  Currently part-time student at the University of Central Florida working on a Master’s degree in public administration.  Has said he would step down as Vice Chairman of the Brevard County Republican Executive Committee to concentrate fully on the campaign.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 30
Portion of Brevard County
— REPUBLICAN —
Ritch Workman (Incumbant / Mortgage Broker / Melboune): Campaign Web Page  Legislative Web Page Business Web Page   Seeking his second two year term in the House.  Co-owner in family mortgage firm.  Served in the National Guard, 1990-2005.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 31
Portion of Brevard County
— REPUBLICAN —
Jason Steele (Broker / Satellite Beach):  Business Web Site  Represented House District 44 in the State House, 1980-1982.  Ran an unsuccessful campaign for the District 31 State House seat in 2006 to replace term limited incumbant Mitch Needelman.  Also previously lost campaigns for the State Senate in 1981 and the State House in 1984.  Began his political career as a Personal Aide to then-Governor Claude Kirk.  Served on the Fkorida Real Estate Commission, serving as it’s Vice Chairman 1990-1992 and Chairman in 1992.

John Tobia (Incumbant / College Professor / Satellite Beach): Legislative Web Page  Seeking his second two year term in the State House.  Native of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Graduate of the University of Florida.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 32
Portions of Brevard and Orange counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Nathaniel Wren Glover (Orlando):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
Steve Crisafulli (Incumbant / Real Estate Broker, Agribusinessman / Merritt Island)  Campaign Web Page  Legislative Web Page  Seeking his second two-year term in the State House.  Previously served as Brevard County Soil & Water Commission member, 1998-2002.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 33
Portions of Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Sandra “Sandy” Adams, who is term limited.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Leo Cruz (Planner / Oviedo):  Campaign Public Facebook Site  Native of Brooklyn, NY.  Currently works as a Planner II for the City of Orlando.  2007 Graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning.  Was a high school teacher while pursuing his Masters Degree and also a planner for the City of Sanford.  Activist in the group Organizing for America, formed primarily of supporters of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. 

— REPUBLICAN —
Jason Brodeur (Account Executive, Adjunct Professor / Sanford):  Campaign Web Site  Experience includes as an Account Executive with Proctor & Gamble working the eastern United States.  Adjunct Professor at Seminole Community College .  Appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to the Judicial Nominating Committee for the 18th Judicial Circuit.  Former Chairman, Seminole County Republican Executive Committee who served as Seminole County Chairman for the McCain for President campaign, 2008.  Served on the City of Seminole Charter Review Committee and was Vice Chairman of the Seminole County Planning and Zoning Commission. 

Andrew Jones (Attorney / Oviedo):  Campaign Web Site  Prosecutor with the 18th Judicial Circuit (Seminole and Brevard counties); Intake Attorney in the office’s Domestic Violence Division.

— LIBERTARIAN —
Franklin Perez (Software Engineer / Oviedo):  Campaign Web Site  2008 Campaign Web Site  Ran for this seat in 2008 as an independent due to a dispute with the local and state Libertarian leadership.  Vice Chairman, Seminole County Libertarian Party, 2002-2004.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 34
Portions of Orange and Seminole counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Chris Dorworth (Incumbant / Real Estate Investor / Lake Mary): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Former manager with Proctor & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson.  Appointed to the Seminole Community College Board of Trustees by then-Governor Jeb Bush and reappoined by Governor Charlie Crist; served as it’s Chairman.  Seminole County Chairman of the 2004 Bush/Cheney Campaign.  President, Seminole County Young Republicans, 2003.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 35
Portion of Orange County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Amy Mercado (Senior Manager / Orlando):  Business Web Site  Native of New York City; relocated to Orlando in 1995.  Worked in several capacities for ten years with Florida Hospital Orlando.  Is Operations Manager for the National Mango Board.  Also a Managing Member of the family firm Torres and Mercado and Senior Manager for Team Liberty Benefits, with which Torres and Mercado is affiliated.

— REPUBLICAN —
Dean Cannon (Incumbant / Attorney / Winter Park): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Page  Seeking his fourth and final two-year term in the State House.  Is in line to become Speaker of the House in 2010.  Previously served on the City of Orlando Redistricting Advisory Committee 2000-2002.  In 2000 was General Counsel, Orange County Charter Review Commission.  Native of Lakeland

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 36
Portion of Orange County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Scott Randolph (Incumbant / Attorney / Orlando): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House, where he is the Democratic Ranking Member.  No other information available on this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 37
Portions of Orange and Seminole counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Scott Plakon (Incumbant / CEO, Publisher / Longwood): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Page  Seeking his second two-year term in the State House.  Founder of Nationwide Publishing Company, Inc.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 38
Portion of Orange County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Joseph G. Ainsworth (Merchandise Host / Orlando):  Campaign Web Site   Campaign Web Site  Originally planned to run for the 8th District Congressional Seat.  Native of Biloxi, Mississippi.  Briefly served in the Mississippi Army National Guard; medical discharge.  Currently employed at Walt Disney World as a Merchandist Host in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square.

— REPUBLICAN —
Bryan Nelson (Incumbant / Insurance Agent / Apopka): Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House.  Served on the Orange County Zoning Board, 2002-present, and was it’s Chairman, 2006.  Served on the Orange County Citizens Review Board, 1998-2002.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 39
Portion of Orange County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Geraldine F. “Geri” Thompson (Incumbant, Museum Founder, Retired College Administrator / Orlando) Legislative Web Page   Retired Assistant to the President of Valencia Community College  where she served as Director of it’s Equal Opportunity Office.  Founded the The Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition, 2003. Previously taught in the Orange County school system and was an Administrative Assistance at Florida A&M University. Appointed in 1987 by then-Governor Bob Graham to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and served for a time as it’s chair. 

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 40
Portion of Orange County
— REPUBLICAN —
Eric Eisnaugle (Incumbant / Attorney / Orlando): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Business Web Site  Associate at the Jacksonville-based law firm of Foley & Lardner, practicing General Commercial Litigation.  Served as a law clerk in both the White House Counsel’s Office and for the Governor of Florida, General Counsel’s Office.  Appointed by former Governor Jeb Bush to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 41
Portions of Lake, Orange, and Osceola counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Stephen L. Precourt (Incumbant / Transportation Engineer / Orlando): Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House.  Previously appointed to the Orange County Building Codes Board of Adjustment & Appeals and the Orange County Development Advisory Board, on which it was it’s Chairman.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 42
Portions of Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties
— REPUBLICAN —
H. Marlene O’Toole (Incumbant / Project Director, Retired Business Executive / Lady Lake): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking her second two-year term in the State House.  Retired executive (Southern Regional Manager) with IBM.  Moved to Florida after retiring and became Director for Lake & Sumter County’s Take Stock In Children organization.

— LIBERTARIAN —
Jeff Shoobridge (Realtor / Mascotte):  Business Web Page  Previously ran for a seat on the Mascotte City Council in 2003, losing with 38% of the 78 votes cast.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 43
All of Citrus County and portions of Hernando and Levy counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Ron Schultz (Incumbant / Retired Consultant, Appraiser / Homosassa): Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Seeking his second full term in the State House. Senior Modeler for EDA-Feedback, Inc.. Previously Citrus County Property Appariser (1990 - 2005, originally appointed by then-Governor Bob Martinez) and Pinellas County Property Appraiser (1976 - 1988, originally appointed by then-Governor Reubin Askew). Former Director of the Florida Association of Property Appraisers

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 44
Portions of Hernando, Pasco, and Sumter counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Robert C. “Rob” Schenck (Incumbant / Spring Hill): Legislative Web Page Seeking his third term in the State House. Previously was a member of the Hernando County Commission, and before that was a teacher at Central High School in Brooksville.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 45
Portions of Pasco and Pinellas counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Thomas “Tom” Anderson, who is term limited.
— REPUBLICAN —
Fabian Calvo (Developer / Clearwater):  Open Facebook Campaign Site  Radio Programme Web Site  Conservative activist. Managing Member for the development company 2049 Edgewater, LLC located in Malibu, California. Hosts a weekday radio programme which airs on three stations across West Central Florida. Member of the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee.

Richard Corcoran (Attorney / Trinity):   Campaign Web Site  Currently does legal work for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Native of Pasco County. Briefly Chief of Staff to former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio (R - West Miami).  Previously a member of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission.  Briefly ran for the State Senate District 3 seat (All of Baker, Citrus, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee, and Taylor counties; portions of Columbia, Jefferson, Leon, Levy, Madison, and Marion counties) in a 2007 special election but dropped out before the Republican primary. Earlier this year reportedly also submitted an application with Governor Charlie Crist to be appointed to an expected vacancy on the Pasto County School Board should incumbant Cathi Marti resign (Click here to read the application, courtesy St. Petersburg Times)

Kathryn Elizabeth Starkey (School Board Member / New Port Richey):  Campaign Web Site  Currently serving her second term on the Pasco County School Board.  Vice President of Citizens For A Scenic Florida.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRIC T 46
Portion of Pasco County
— REPUBLICAN —
Harry C. (Buddy) Hamner, III (Pest Control Business Owner /New Port Richey):  Chief Probation Officer at the New Port Richey Probation & Parole office, retiring in 1996 after six years.  Currently Owner of Pasco Termine & Pest Control, Inc.

John Legg (Incumbant / Administrator, Teacher / Port Richey): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Site  Seeking his fourth two year term in the State House. Deputy Majority Whip, 2006-2008. Previously lost a bid to represent House District 45 in 2002.  Serves as Board Member for the Bayonet Point Regional Medical Center since 2004.  He and his wife co-founded Dayspring Academy, a charter school in Pasco County.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 47
Portion of Hillsborough County
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Kevin C. Ambler, who is term limited and is running for the State Senate District 12 post
— DEMOCRATIC —
Christopher Mitchell (Sales Director / Westchase):  First political campiagn.  Director of Sales for Palm Supply, a paper and chemical supply store in Palm Harbor.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
Tom Aderhold (Retired Businessman / Tampa): Ran in 2008 for the District 2 seat on the Hillsborough County Commission but lost to eventual winner Ken Hagan. Currently president of the Keystone Civic Association. Previously owner of a human resources and risk management firm.

Richard Reidy (Aide to BOCC / Lutz): Currently Aide to Hillsborough County BOCC Chairman Ken Hagan. Previously was campaign manager in 2002 for now-Commissioner Brian Blair.

— INDEPENDENT PARTY OF FLORIDA —
William G. Burda (Odessa):   Campaign Web Page  Business Web Site  Owns a human resources management company, The Burda Group.  Licensed Health Care Risk Manager.  No other information currently available.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 48
Portions of Pasco and Pinellas counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Thomas C. McKone, III (Healthcare Recruiter / Tarpon Springs):  Campaign Web Site  President of Healthcare Recruiters International of Central Florida. Currently sits on the Executive Board of the Tarpon Springs Democratic Club. Elected to two terms on the East Lake Tarpon Fire Commission

— REPUBLICAN —
Peter F. Nehr (Incumbant / Businessman / Tarpon Springs): Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House.  Deputy Whip.  Previously served as a Tarpon Springs City Commissioner, 2002-2006.  During his last campaign his business debts became an issue after three banks filed lawsuits against him.  Filed for personal bankruptcy and closed his flag shop in March, 2009.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 49
Portions of Orange and Osceola counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Darren Soto (Incumbant / Attorney / Orlando): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking his second full two year term in the State House after being elected in April, 2007.   Served as Treasurer of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee and Vice President - Communications of the Orange County Young Democrats, both in 2007.  Prevously served on the City of Orlando Civil Service Board.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 50
Portion of Pinellas County
— REPUBLICAN —
Ed Hooper (Incumbant / Consultant, Retired Fire Lieutenant / Clearwater): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  2006 Campaign Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House. Deputy Whip. Was previously a Clearwater City Commissioner, 1996-2000 on which he was Vice Mayor 1999-2000.   Appointed to the Clearwater Community Development Board, 2001-2004, and the Pinellas Fire & EMS Task Force, on which he served as Chairman, 2004.

Jacob T. Wattam (Clearwater):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 51
Portion of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Janet C. Long (Incumbant / High School Executive Assistant / Seminole): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Business Web Site  Seeking her third two-year term in the State House. Previously elected to the Seminole City Council. Appointed to the State Tax Reform Committee by then-Governor Jeb Bush. Appointed to Healthy Kids by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. Appointed by then-Governor Lawton Chiles and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson to the Prostate Cancer Task Force.

— REPUBLICAN —
Larry Ahern (Businessman / St. Petersburg):  Owner of Larry Ahern Pools in St. Petersburg.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate. 

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 52
Portion of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Dr. Harold William “Bill” Heller (Incumbant / University Professor / St. Petersburg): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House. Previously CEO and Dean/Vice Chancellor, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, and Dean of the College of Education at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Background includes time as Superintendent of Bryce Psychiatric Hospital in Tuscaloosa, AL. Chairman of the Bayfront Health Systems Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of Great Explorations childrens museum.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 53
Portion of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Richard D. “Rick” Kriseman (Incumbant / Attorney / St. Petersburg):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Seeking his third two year term in the State House.  Previously served six years on the St. Petersburg City Council, 2000 -2006, and was Chairman during 2005. Vice Chairman of the Pinellas Metropolitian Planning Organization 2004 - 2006.  Joined the law firm of Saunders & Walker, P.A. in 2007 after practicing law in his own firm as well as a couple of others.  Was being encouraged to run for Mayor of St. Petersburg this year, but decided against it.  Member, Democratic Leadership Council Legislative Advisory Board.

— REPUBLICAN —
Jesse Wayne Giles (St. Petersburg):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 54
Portion of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Mary L. Russell (Seminole):  Former member, Pinellas County School Board.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
James C. “Jim” Frishe (Incumbant / Real Estate Broker / St. Petersburg): Legislative Web Page Campaign Web Site  Is seeking his sixth term in the State House (1984 - 1990 pre-term limits). Deputy Whip.  Previously served on the Pinellas Park Board of Adjustments, 1984.  Member of the Pinellas County Republcan Executive Committee since 1978.  State Chairman, Florida Federation of Young Republicans, 1987-1989.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 55
Portions of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Martha Allen (St. Petersburg):  No information currently available on this candidate.

Darryl Ervin Rouson (Incumbant / Attorney / St. Petersburg): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Was originally elected in a special election March 25, 2008 to fill the remaining term of incumbant Frank Peterman, who had resigned to become Secretary for the Department of Juvenile Justice.  Is now seeking his second full term in the State House.  Senior Partner, Rouson & Associates, P.A. First African-American Assistant State Attorney in Pinellas County. Former two-term president, St. Petersburg NAACP. Recovered drug addict who has also been through bankruptcy.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 56
Portion of Hillsborough County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Lewis Laricchia (Retired Railroad Pipe Fitter / Valrico):   Campaign Web Site Union Local Chairman while working with the Long Island Railroad. U.S. Navy Veteran during the Vietnam War.

— REPUBLICAN —
Rachel V. Burgin (Incumbant / Brandon): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Seeking her second term in the State House. Previously worked as a legislative aide and was an aide to the Hillsborough County Commission.  Member of the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 57
Portion of Hillsborough County
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Faye B. Culp, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
C. Todd Marks (Attorney / Tampa): Campaign Web Site  Business Web Site  Is Founder of the Westchase Law Group and Westchase Title, LLC of Tampa.

A.J. Matthews (Retired Police Officer, Coast Guard Reservist / Tampa):  Hillsborough County Republican State Committeeman.  Was a local organizer for former Congressman and Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson during his 2008 campaign.  Retired Tampa police officer, is a Coast Guard reservist.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 58
Portion of Hillsborough County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Michael Scionti (Incumbant / Attorney / Tampa): Legislative Web Site  Business Web Site  Seeking his third term in the State House.  Served as Democratic Whip 2006 - 2008. Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he served three deployments in Iraq and Afghanistian. Bronze Star recipient.  Law Practice focuses on cases of Wrongful Death, Personal Injury, and Insurance Bad Faith.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 59
Portion of Hillsborough County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Betty Reed (Incumbant / Retired Educator / Tampa): Legislative Web Page Seeking her third term in the State House.  Has served on advisory boards for the Hillsborough County Commission and Hillsborough County School Board., as well as a member of the Hillsborough City-County Planning Board.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES/ DISTRICT 60
Portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Ed Homan, who is term limited.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Christopher Carlos Cano (Legislative Intern, Student / Tampa):   Campaign Web Site  Is member of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee. Degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of South Florida, and seeking a second degree in Political Science. Is currently a legislative intern for Representative Michael Scionti (D - Tampa).  Was previously an admissions representative at Everest University but left in August, when he became a full time volunteer for the Barack Obama presidential campaign.

Russ Patterson (Tampa):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
Daniel Blair (Tampa):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

Shawn Harrison (Attorney / Tampa):  Campaign Web Page  Served two terms on the Tampa City Council (1999-2007). Term limited from seeking reelection to his district seat, he ran for a citywide seat on the council and lost to Mary Mulhern. Previously served on the Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Board and the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission, and was Chairman of the Tampa Palms Community Development District.

Ramon “Trey” Stroud (Marketing Consultant / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  Florida Regional Marketing Consultant for Verizon Wireless.  Previously ran his own television production company.  Active in supporting former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee for the Republican presidential nomination last year. No other information currently available.

Joseph Alexander Wendt (Student, Businessman / Tampa): WITHDRAWN: Has announced he would seek a seat on the Tampa City Council in 2011 instead.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 61
Portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Wil Weatherford (Incumbant / Real Estate Broker / Wesley Chapel) Campaign Web Site Legislative Web Page  Seeking his third two year term in the State House.  Is in line to become House Speaker in 2012.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 62
Portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Richard “Rich” Glorioso (Incumbant / Retired Military / Plant City): Legislative Web Page   Seeking his fourth two year term in the State House.    Former City Commissioner, Plant City, 1998-2004.    Member, Hillsborough County Metropolitian Planning Organization, 1998-2004; Chairman 1999-2004.  Vice Chairman, Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission 1998 -2004.  Retired Colonel, U.S. Air Force, during which he served in the Vietnam War.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 63
Portions of Hillsborough and Polk counties
—REPUBLICAN —
Seth McKeel (Incumbant / Real Estate Agent / Lakeland): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Seeking his third two year term in the State House.  Previously served on the Lakeland City Commission, 2000-2005.  Vice President of Lakeland Properties & Management, Inc. Grandfather of the same name served on the Polk County School Board and has two charter schools named in his honour.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 64
Portion of Polk County
— REPUBLICAN —
Kelli Stargel (Incumbant / Investment Property Manager / Lakeland): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking her second term in the State House.  Spouse is 10th Judicial Circuit Judge John Stargel, who formerly held this legislative seat. 

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 65
Portion of Polk County
— REPUBLICAN —
John Wood (Incumbant / Attorney, Realtor / Winter Haven):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page   Business Web Site  Seeking his second two-year term in the State House. Principal Broker of John Wood Realty and John Wood Realty Referrals, Inc.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 66
All of Hardee County and portions of Highlands and Polk counties
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Baxter G. Troutman, who is term limited.
— REPUBLICAN —
Ben Albritton (Grove Service Company Vice President / Wauchula):  Production Manager and Vice President of the family owned Albritton Companies, which provides grove services and caretaking to citrus clients. Is a fifth generation citrus grower/caretaker. Bachelor’s Degree in Citrus Production from Florida Southern College.  Currently Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission.

Gary Newberry (Chiropractor / Winter Haven):  Campaign Web Site  Prevously ran in the 2002 GOP primary for this seat, but lost to eventual winner/incumbant Baxter Troutman.  No other information currently available on this candidate. 

Leviticus Reed (Planner / Winter Haven):  Campaign Web Site  Planner with the Polk County Commission. Ran in 2008 for a seat on the Lake Region Lakes Management District (a/k/a the Canal Commission), ending last in a three candidate race.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 67
Portions of Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Ron Reagan, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
Jeremiah Joseph Guccione (Bradenton):  Founder/President of the Heart Gallery of Sarasota.  No other information is currently available on this candidate.

Robert K. McCann (Physician, Attorney / Bradenton):  Campaign Web Site Owns McCann Medicine & Law in Bradenton, where he practices Aerospace Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Family Practice as well as legal services (he has both a medical doctorate and Juris Doctor). Was a candidate to become U.S. Surgeon General in 2001 and Assistant Secretary for Health in 2007.

Nisco, Marie (Retired / Sarasota):   Originally filed to run for this seat in 2008 but did not qualify for the primary.  Currently serving her third four year term on the Sarasota County Charter Review Board since 2000.  Retired Mental Health Care Consultant.

W. Greg Steube (Attorney / Bradenton):  Campaign Web Site   Was previously associate with the law firm of Macfarlane, Ferguson, and McMullen, P.A.   Earlier this year joined the new firm of Najmy Thompson, P.L., working in the Lakewood Ranch office.   U.S. Army Captain who served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Father is Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 68
Portions of Hillsborough and Manatee counties
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Bill Galvano, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
Jim Boyd (Insurance Agent / Bradenton):  Campaign Web Site   Business Web Site  Is CEO/Co-owner of Boyd Insurance & Investment Services in Bradenton. Is also President of The Boyd Group, a commercial real estate brokerage firm. Served 1989 - 1993 on the Palmetto City Council, during which period he was also Mayor and Vice Mayor.  His uncle, Wilbur Boyd, and grandfather Hugh E. Boyd both previously served in the State House.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 79
Portions of Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Thomas E. Chalifoux, Jr. (Investment Broker, Retired Military / Kissimmee): Campiagn Web Site  Former two term member of the Osceola County School Board. Previously sought to run for this seat in the 2008 Republican primary but was disqualified for failing to resign his School Board seat at least ten days prior to the beginning of the qualification period under Florida’s Resign to Run Law. The decision was affirmed by the First District Court of Appeal in September, 2008.   Retired Army Colonel.

Mike Horner (Incumbant / Chamber of Commerce / Kissimmee): Legislative Web Page 2008 Campaign Web Site Seeking his second two year term in the State House. Deputy Whip.  Board Member, Osceola Regional Medical Center.  Was elected ten years President of the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce.  Military experience includes service as a Specialist in the Florida National Guard and a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at The 2010 Election: Florida Legislative Seats Along The I-4 Corridor (UPDATE 5)]]> Are you happy with your state House and Senate representatives?  Or do you believe they’ve done a lousy job for you in Tallahassee?  It promises to be an interesting year and a half, especially as we have another legislative session to consider before the 2010 election.  Below are a list of the candidates seeking to fill the legislative seats along the I-4 corridor, as noted from the Florida Division of Elections Website.  In the 2010 election only even-numbered district come up for re-election, but

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 8
Portions of Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. John’s, and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant James E. “Jim” King, Jr., who is term limited.
— REPUBLICAN —
Aaron P. Bean (Banker / Fernandina Beach):   Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Currently representing District 12 in the Florida House of Representatives, from which he will be term limited.  Prevoiusly elected as City Commissioner in Fernandina Beach 1996-1999, during which he served as Mayor 1997-1999.  Also served on the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council, 1996-1999

Art Graham (Enviromential Consultant / Jacksonville):  Canpaign Web Site  City Council Web Page  Currently a member of the Jacksonville City Council, before which he served 1998-2002 on the Jacksonville Beach City Council.  President of a enviromential consulting firm.  Graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in Chemical Engineering.  Filed intent to qualify for the ballot by petition.

Dan Quiggle (Title Business Owner / Ponte Vedra Beach):  Campaign Web Site  Business Web Site  President of America’s Choice Title Company.  Also Dean of Faculty at the Leadership Institute, headquartered in Washington.  Previously founded a vending maching company.

John Thrasher (Lobbyist / St. Augustine):  Legislative Archive Web Page  Served four terms in the Florida House (1993-2000) until term limited; served as Speaker of the House, 1998-2000.  Prevous elective experience is a member of the Clay County School Board (1986-1990), which included terms as Chairman (1989-1990) and Vice Chairman (1988). Lobbyist for the Southern Strategy Group, whose clients include Walt Disney World, Associated Industries and the Florida Hospital Association.  U.S. Army veteran, 1966-1970 which included duty in Germany and in the Vietnam War.  Known as a close ally of former Governor Jeb Bush.  Is having to move into the district from his mansion in Orange Park.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 10
Portions of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Jen Greenfield (Zephyrhills):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
Ronda Storms (Incumbant / Teacher, Attorney / Brandon): Campaign Web Page  Legislative Web Page  Elected to this seat in 2006. Previously served on the Hillsborough County Commission 1998-2006. Native of Des Moines, Iowa; moved to Florida in 1982.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 12
Portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Victor D. Crist, who is term limited.
— REPUBLICAN —
Kevin C. Ambler (Attorney / Tampa): Campaign Web Site Legislative Web Page Member, Florida House of Representatives, from which he will be term limited after 2010.   Served in the U.S. Air Force, 1986-1991, and in the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a Judge Advocate with the rank of Major, 1991-2005.  Private law practice focuses on the areas of medical malpractice, products liability, wrongful death and personal injury.

Jim Norman (Comptroller, Legislative Analyst / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  County Commission Web Page  Elected to the Hillsborough County Commission since 1992.  Previously was a comptroller and legislative analyst with the Salvation Army.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 16
Portions of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Nina Hayden (Attorney / Clearwater):  Campaign Web Site  Pinellas County School Board Web Page  Was elected as a member of the Pinellas County School Board in November, 2008.  Works as an attorney with the Office of the Public Defender for the Sixth Judicial District.  Specializes in cases of juveniles who are charged as adults.  Moved to Pinellas County in 1998.

Charlie Justice (Incumbant / Academic Advisor / St. Petersburg):  Congressional Campaign Site  Senate Web Page  Currently Minority Leader Pro Tempore .  Is seeking his second term in the Senate according to the Florida Division of Elections Website, but has also launched a campaign Web site noting he is intending to run for C.W. ”Bill” Young’s 10th District Congressional seat (see link above).  Previously served six years in the State House, where he was Democratic Whip (2004-2006).  Is an academic advisor at the University of South Florida.

— REPUBLICAN —
Jack Latvala (Printing Company Owner / Clearwater):  Public Facebook Campaign Site  Business Web Site  Served in the Florida Senate 1994-2002 until term limits forced him out.  Was Majority Leader in the Senate 1998-2000.  Known as a moderate Republican.  Former wife is Pinellas County Commissioner and former School Board member Susan Latvala.  Operates Gulf Coast Imprinting in Largo.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 18
Portions of Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pinellas counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Arthenia L. Joyner (Incumbant / Attorney / Tampa): State Senate Web Page  Seeking her second term, where she is the Minority (Democratic) Whip.  Previously served three terms in the Florida House, in which she served two years each as Minority (Democratic) Whip, Democratic Floor Leader, and Democratic Policy Chair. Supported Hillary Rodham Clinton in the 2008 presidential campaign, arguing on it’s behalf for seating the Florida delegation to the Democratic National Convention. 

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 20
Portions of Lake, Marion, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Carey Baker, who is stepping aside to seek the State Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner post.
— REPUBLICAN —
Michael J. Bakich (Umatilla): Filed intent to qualify by petition method.  Former Lake County Commissioner, serving as Vice Chairman in 1988 and Chairman in 1990.

D. Alan Hays (Retired Dentist / Umatilla):  Legislative Web Page  Elected State Representative for District 25 since 2004.  Served in the U.S. Coast Guard, 1967-1970.  Former trustee, Lake Sumter Community College.  Received criticism after allegedly making anti-gay slurs to people at two appearances he made in 2007.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 22
Portions of Orange and Seminole counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Lee Constantine, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
David Simmons (Attorney / Altamonte Springs): Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Represented District 37 in the Florida House of Representatives, 2000-2008 until term limited.  Financial Managing Partner of the law firm de Beaubien, Knight, Simmons, Mantzaris & Neal LLP, board certified in Business Litigation and Civil Trial.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 24
Portions of Brevard, Orange, and Seminole counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Thad Altman (Incumbant / Contractor, Consultant / Melbourne):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page Seeking his second term in the State Senate. Previously served in the State House of Representatives, 2003-2008.  Elected to the Brevard County Commission, which he chaired three times.  Chaired the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, 1992. Chaired the Brevard Tourist Development Council and Brevard Metropolitan Planning Council, 1986.

FLORIDA STATE SENATE / DISTRICT 26
Portions of Brevard, Indian River, Osceola, and St. Lucie counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Mike Haridopolos (Incumbant / College Professor, Author / Melbourne):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Has served this district since March, 2003.  Majority (Republican) Whip, 2006-2008.  Previously served in the Florida House of Representatives 2000-2003.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 21
All of Putnam and portions of Bradford, Clay, Lake, Marion, and Volusia counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Charles E. Van Zant (Incumbant / Pastor, Architect / Keystone Heights): Legislative Web Page  Seeking his second term in the State House.  Previously appointed to the Clay County School Board and Clay County Code Board, of which he served as Vice Chairman on both panels.  Registered architect in ten Southeastern states.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 25
Portions of Lake, Sumter, and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant D. Alan Hays, who is seeking the State Senate seat for District 20
— DEMOCRATIC —
Frank Layne Wood (Teacher / Eustis):  Campaign Web Site  Native of Winter Haven.  Teacher for 29 years in the Lake County Public Schools.  Board of Directors, Lake County Education Association, 1982-1986 and 2006-2007, also serving as it’s Vice President 2007-2008.    

— REPUBLICAN —
Larry Metz (Attorney / Yalaha):  School Board Web Page  Business Web Page  Originally appointed by former governor Jeb Bush to a seat on the Lake County School Board in October, 2004, he won election on his own in the 2006 race.  Previously GOP nominee to run for Congress for the 19th District in 1992, and finished second in a five way Republican race for an open seat in the Florida House.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 26
Portions of Flagler and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Pat Patterson, who is term limited and is seeking the position of Chief Financial Officer.
— REPUBLICAN —
Vince Champion (Union President, Retired Police Officer / Ormond Beach):  Campaign Web Site  President, Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association; Sergeant at Arms, Florida PBA.   Retired Ormond Beach Police Officer.

Fred Costello (Dentist / Ormond Beach): Campaign Web Site  2007 Mayorial Campaign Web Page  City Web Page  Currently Mayor of Ormond Beach.  Originally elected two terms to the City Commission in 1999.  Has practiced Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry for more than two decades.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 27
Portion of Volusia County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Dwayne L. Taylor (Incumbant / Writer, Producer / Daytona Beach):  Legislative Web Page Seeking his second two-year term in the State House.  Prevously was a City Commissioner in Daytona Beach, 2003 - 2008.  Native of Daytona Beach.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 28
Portion of Volusia County
— REPUBLICAN —
Dorothy L. Hukill (Incumbant / Attorney / Port Orange):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Originally elected to the House in 2004 and reelected subsequently.  Previously served on the City Council of Port Orange 1998-1999, and as it’s Mayor 2000-2004.  Was also a Councilwoman in the Town of Port Inlet, 1992-1994.  Law practice focuses on Probate and Real Estate.

Theresa A. Valdes (Port Orange):  No information currently available on this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 29
Portions of Brevard and Indian River counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Ralph Poppell, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
Robert “Bob” Dale (Rockledge):  No information is currently available regarding this candidate.

Tom Goodson (Paving, Curbs Business Owner / Cocoa):  Currently Chairman of the Canaveral Port Authority Board, originally elected in 2002.  Owns Goodson Paving and Seminole Curbs in Cocoa. 

Erin Grall (Attorney / Vero Beach):  Business Web Site  Activities include the Indian River County Bar Association Board of Directors and Chair of the Florida Justice Association’s Women’s Caucus Board of Directors.  Specializes in personal injury litigation, and is licensed to practice law in Florida and Wisconsin.  Graduate of Marquette University.

J. Roger Shealy (Accountant / Titusville):  2008 Public Facebook Campaign Site  Business Web Site  Co-owner of the wealth management firm SKadvisors in Titusville.  Certified Public Accountant.  Previously CFO of a Melbourne-based company, and before that spent six years working as an internal auditor, external/independent auditor, and tax accountant.  Was the Republican nominee for a seat on the Brevard County Commission in 2008, losing a three-way race by only 308 votes to Democrat Robin Fisher. 

Tyler I. Sirois (Business Consultant / Cocoa):   Currently a business consultant on a regional study examining the economic and work force implications of the space shuttle transition.  Former legislative aide to Brevard County Commissioner Chuck Nelson and previously then-State Representative Bob Allen.  Currently part-time student at the University of Central Florida working on a Master’s degree in public administration.  Has said he would step down as Vice Chairman of the Brevard County Republican Executive Committee to concentrate fully on the campaign.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 30
Portion of Brevard County
— REPUBLICAN —
Ritch Workman (Incumbant / Mortgage Broker / Melboune): Campaign Web Page  Legislative Web Page Business Web Page   Seeking his second two year term in the House.  Co-owner in family mortgage firm.  Served in the National Guard, 1990-2005.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 31
Portion of Brevard County
— REPUBLICAN —
Jason Steele (Broker / Satellite Beach):  Business Web Site  Represented House District 44 in the State House, 1980-1982.  Ran an unsuccessful campaign for the District 31 State House seat in 2006 to replace term limited incumbant Mitch Needelman.  Also previously lost campaigns for the State Senate in 1981 and the State House in 1984.  Began his political career as a Personal Aide to then-Governor Claude Kirk.  Served on the Fkorida Real Estate Commission, serving as it’s Vice Chairman 1990-1992 and Chairman in 1992.

John Tobia (Incumbant / College Professor / Satellite Beach): Legislative Web Page  Seeking his second two year term in the State House.  Native of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Graduate of the University of Florida.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 32
Portions of Brevard and Orange counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Nathaniel Wren Glover (Orlando):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
Steve Crisafulli (Incumbant / Real Estate Broker, Agribusinessman / Merritt Island)  Campaign Web Page  Legislative Web Page  Seeking his second two-year term in the State House.  Previously served as Brevard County Soil & Water Commission member, 1998-2002.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 33
Portions of Orange, Seminole, and Volusia counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Sandra “Sandy” Adams, who is term limited.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Leo Cruz (Planner / Oviedo):  Campaign Public Facebook Site  Native of Brooklyn, NY.  Currently works as a Planner II for the City of Orlando.  2007 Graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning.  Was a high school teacher while pursuing his Masters Degree and also a planner for the City of Sanford.  Activist in the group Organizing for America, formed primarily of supporters of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. 

— REPUBLICAN —
Jason Brodeur (Account Executive, Adjunct Professor / Sanford):  Campaign Web Site  Experience includes as an Account Executive with Proctor & Gamble working the eastern United States.  Adjunct Professor at Seminole Community College .  Appointed by Governor Charlie Crist to the Judicial Nominating Committee for the 18th Judicial Circuit.  Former Chairman, Seminole County Republican Executive Committee who served as Seminole County Chairman for the McCain for President campaign, 2008.  Served on the City of Seminole Charter Review Committee and was Vice Chairman of the Seminole County Planning and Zoning Commission. 

Andrew Jones (Attorney / Oviedo):  Campaign Web Site  Prosecutor with the 18th Judicial Circuit (Seminole and Brevard counties); Intake Attorney in the office’s Domestic Violence Division.

— LIBERTARIAN —
Franklin Perez (Software Engineer / Oviedo):  Campaign Web Site  2008 Campaign Web Site  Ran for this seat in 2008 as an independent due to a dispute with the local and state Libertarian leadership.  Vice Chairman, Seminole County Libertarian Party, 2002-2004.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 34
Portions of Orange and Seminole counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Chris Dorworth (Incumbant / Real Estate Investor / Lake Mary): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Former manager with Proctor & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson.  Appointed to the Seminole Community College Board of Trustees by then-Governor Jeb Bush and reappoined by Governor Charlie Crist; served as it’s Chairman.  Seminole County Chairman of the 2004 Bush/Cheney Campaign.  President, Seminole County Young Republicans, 2003.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 35
Portion of Orange County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Amy Mercado (Senior Manager / Orlando):  Business Web Site  Native of New York City; relocated to Orlando in 1995.  Worked in several capacities for ten years with Florida Hospital Orlando.  Is Operations Manager for the National Mango Board.  Also a Managing Member of the family firm Torres and Mercado and Senior Manager for Team Liberty Benefits, with which Torres and Mercado is affiliated.

— REPUBLICAN —
Dean Cannon (Incumbant / Attorney / Winter Park): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Page  Seeking his fourth and final two-year term in the State House.  Is in line to become Speaker of the House in 2010.  Previously served on the City of Orlando Redistricting Advisory Committee 2000-2002.  In 2000 was General Counsel, Orange County Charter Review Commission.  Native of Lakeland

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 36
Portion of Orange County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Scott Randolph (Incumbant / Attorney / Orlando): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House, where he is the Democratic Ranking Member.  No other information available on this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 37
Portions of Orange and Seminole counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Scott Plakon (Incumbant / CEO, Publisher / Longwood): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Page  Seeking his second two-year term in the State House.  Founder of Nationwide Publishing Company, Inc.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 38
Portion of Orange County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Joseph G. Ainsworth (Merchandise Host / Orlando):  Campaign Web Site   Campaign Web Site  Originally planned to run for the 8th District Congressional Seat.  Native of Biloxi, Mississippi.  Briefly served in the Mississippi Army National Guard; medical discharge.  Currently employed at Walt Disney World as a Merchandist Host in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square.

— REPUBLICAN —
Bryan Nelson (Incumbant / Insurance Agent / Apopka): Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House.  Served on the Orange County Zoning Board, 2002-present, and was it’s Chairman, 2006.  Served on the Orange County Citizens Review Board, 1998-2002.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 39
Portion of Orange County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Geraldine F. “Geri” Thompson (Incumbant, Museum Founder, Retired College Administrator / Orlando) Legislative Web Page   Retired Assistant to the President of Valencia Community College  where she served as Director of it’s Equal Opportunity Office.  Founded the The Association to Preserve African American Society, History and Tradition, 2003. Previously taught in the Orange County school system and was an Administrative Assistance at Florida A&M University. Appointed in 1987 by then-Governor Bob Graham to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and served for a time as it’s chair. 

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 40
Portion of Orange County
— REPUBLICAN —
Eric Eisnaugle (Incumbant / Attorney / Orlando): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Business Web Site  Associate at the Jacksonville-based law firm of Foley & Lardner, practicing General Commercial Litigation.  Served as a law clerk in both the White House Counsel’s Office and for the Governor of Florida, General Counsel’s Office.  Appointed by former Governor Jeb Bush to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 41
Portions of Lake, Orange, and Osceola counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Stephen L. Precourt (Incumbant / Transportation Engineer / Orlando): Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House.  Previously appointed to the Orange County Building Codes Board of Adjustment & Appeals and the Orange County Development Advisory Board, on which it was it’s Chairman.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 42
Portions of Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties
— REPUBLICAN —
H. Marlene O’Toole (Incumbant / Project Director, Retired Business Executive / Lady Lake): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking her second two-year term in the State House.  Retired executive (Southern Regional Manager) with IBM.  Moved to Florida after retiring and became Director for Lake & Sumter County’s Take Stock In Children organization.

— LIBERTARIAN —
Jeff Shoobridge (Realtor / Mascotte):  Business Web Page  Previously ran for a seat on the Mascotte City Council in 2003, losing with 38% of the 78 votes cast.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 43
All of Citrus County and portions of Hernando and Levy counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Ron Schultz (Incumbant / Retired Consultant, Appraiser / Homosassa): Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Seeking his second full term in the State House. Senior Modeler for EDA-Feedback, Inc.. Previously Citrus County Property Appariser (1990 - 2005, originally appointed by then-Governor Bob Martinez) and Pinellas County Property Appraiser (1976 - 1988, originally appointed by then-Governor Reubin Askew). Former Director of the Florida Association of Property Appraisers

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 44
Portions of Hernando, Pasco, and Sumter counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Robert C. “Rob” Schenck (Incumbant / Spring Hill): Legislative Web Page Seeking his third term in the State House. Previously was a member of the Hernando County Commission, and before that was a teacher at Central High School in Brooksville.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 45
Portions of Pasco and Pinellas counties
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Thomas “Tom” Anderson, who is term limited.
— REPUBLICAN —
Fabian Calvo (Developer / Clearwater):  Open Facebook Campaign Site  Radio Programme Web Site  Conservative activist. Managing Member for the development company 2049 Edgewater, LLC located in Malibu, California. Hosts a weekday radio programme which airs on three stations across West Central Florida. Member of the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee.

Richard Corcoran (Attorney / Trinity):   Campaign Web Site  Currently does legal work for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. Native of Pasco County. Briefly Chief of Staff to former Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio (R - West Miami).  Previously a member of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission.  Briefly ran for the State Senate District 3 seat (All of Baker, Citrus, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, Suwannee, and Taylor counties; portions of Columbia, Jefferson, Leon, Levy, Madison, and Marion counties) in a 2007 special election but dropped out before the Republican primary. Earlier this year reportedly also submitted an application with Governor Charlie Crist to be appointed to an expected vacancy on the Pasto County School Board should incumbant Cathi Marti resign (Click here to read the application, courtesy St. Petersburg Times)

Kathryn Elizabeth Starkey (School Board Member / New Port Richey):  Campaign Web Site  Currently serving her second term on the Pasco County School Board.  Vice President of Citizens For A Scenic Florida.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRIC T 46
Portion of Pasco County
— REPUBLICAN —
Harry C. (Buddy) Hamner, III (Pest Control Business Owner /New Port Richey):  Chief Probation Officer at the New Port Richey Probation & Parole office, retiring in 1996 after six years.  Currently Owner of Pasco Termine & Pest Control, Inc.

John Legg (Incumbant / Administrator, Teacher / Port Richey): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Site  Seeking his fourth two year term in the State House. Deputy Majority Whip, 2006-2008. Previously lost a bid to represent House District 45 in 2002.  Serves as Board Member for the Bayonet Point Regional Medical Center since 2004.  He and his wife co-founded Dayspring Academy, a charter school in Pasco County.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 47
Portion of Hillsborough County
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Kevin C. Ambler, who is term limited and is running for the State Senate District 12 post
— DEMOCRATIC —
Christopher Mitchell (Sales Director / Westchase):  First political campiagn.  Director of Sales for Palm Supply, a paper and chemical supply store in Palm Harbor.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
Tom Aderhold (Retired Businessman / Tampa): Ran in 2008 for the District 2 seat on the Hillsborough County Commission but lost to eventual winner Ken Hagan. Currently president of the Keystone Civic Association. Previously owner of a human resources and risk management firm.

Richard Reidy (Aide to BOCC / Lutz): Currently Aide to Hillsborough County BOCC Chairman Ken Hagan. Previously was campaign manager in 2002 for now-Commissioner Brian Blair.

— INDEPENDENT PARTY OF FLORIDA —
William G. Burda (Odessa):   Campaign Web Page  Business Web Site  Owns a human resources management company, The Burda Group.  Licensed Health Care Risk Manager.  No other information currently available.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 48
Portions of Pasco and Pinellas counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Thomas C. McKone, III (Healthcare Recruiter / Tarpon Springs):  Campaign Web Site  President of Healthcare Recruiters International of Central Florida. Currently sits on the Executive Board of the Tarpon Springs Democratic Club. Elected to two terms on the East Lake Tarpon Fire Commission

— REPUBLICAN —
Peter F. Nehr (Incumbant / Businessman / Tarpon Springs): Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House.  Deputy Whip.  Previously served as a Tarpon Springs City Commissioner, 2002-2006.  During his last campaign his business debts became an issue after three banks filed lawsuits against him.  Filed for personal bankruptcy and closed his flag shop in March, 2009.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 49
Portions of Orange and Osceola counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Darren Soto (Incumbant / Attorney / Orlando): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking his second full two year term in the State House after being elected in April, 2007.   Served as Treasurer of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee and Vice President - Communications of the Orange County Young Democrats, both in 2007.  Prevously served on the City of Orlando Civil Service Board.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 50
Portion of Pinellas County
— REPUBLICAN —
Ed Hooper (Incumbant / Consultant, Retired Fire Lieutenant / Clearwater): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  2006 Campaign Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House. Deputy Whip. Was previously a Clearwater City Commissioner, 1996-2000 on which he was Vice Mayor 1999-2000.   Appointed to the Clearwater Community Development Board, 2001-2004, and the Pinellas Fire & EMS Task Force, on which he served as Chairman, 2004.

Jacob T. Wattam (Clearwater):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 51
Portion of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Janet C. Long (Incumbant / High School Executive Assistant / Seminole): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Business Web Site  Seeking her third two-year term in the State House. Previously elected to the Seminole City Council. Appointed to the State Tax Reform Committee by then-Governor Jeb Bush. Appointed to Healthy Kids by U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. Appointed by then-Governor Lawton Chiles and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson to the Prostate Cancer Task Force.

— REPUBLICAN —
Larry Ahern (Businessman / St. Petersburg):  Owner of Larry Ahern Pools in St. Petersburg.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate. 

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 52
Portion of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Dr. Harold William “Bill” Heller (Incumbant / University Professor / St. Petersburg): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking his third two-year term in the State House. Previously CEO and Dean/Vice Chancellor, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, and Dean of the College of Education at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte. Background includes time as Superintendent of Bryce Psychiatric Hospital in Tuscaloosa, AL. Chairman of the Bayfront Health Systems Board of Trustees and Board of Directors of Great Explorations childrens museum.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 53
Portion of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Richard D. “Rick” Kriseman (Incumbant / Attorney / St. Petersburg):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page  Business Web Site  Seeking his third two year term in the State House.  Previously served six years on the St. Petersburg City Council, 2000 -2006, and was Chairman during 2005. Vice Chairman of the Pinellas Metropolitian Planning Organization 2004 - 2006.  Joined the law firm of Saunders & Walker, P.A. in 2007 after practicing law in his own firm as well as a couple of others.  Was being encouraged to run for Mayor of St. Petersburg this year, but decided against it.  Member, Democratic Leadership Council Legislative Advisory Board.

— REPUBLICAN —
Jesse Wayne Giles (St. Petersburg):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 54
Portion of Pinellas County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Mary L. Russell (Seminole):  Former member, Pinellas County School Board.  No other information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
James C. “Jim” Frishe (Incumbant / Real Estate Broker / St. Petersburg): Legislative Web Page Campaign Web Site  Is seeking his sixth term in the State House (1984 - 1990 pre-term limits). Deputy Whip.  Previously served on the Pinellas Park Board of Adjustments, 1984.  Member of the Pinellas County Republcan Executive Committee since 1978.  State Chairman, Florida Federation of Young Republicans, 1987-1989.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 55
Portions of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties
— DEMOCRATIC —
Martha Allen (St. Petersburg):  No information currently available on this candidate.

Darryl Ervin Rouson (Incumbant / Attorney / St. Petersburg): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Was originally elected in a special election March 25, 2008 to fill the remaining term of incumbant Frank Peterman, who had resigned to become Secretary for the Department of Juvenile Justice.  Is now seeking his second full term in the State House.  Senior Partner, Rouson & Associates, P.A. First African-American Assistant State Attorney in Pinellas County. Former two-term president, St. Petersburg NAACP. Recovered drug addict who has also been through bankruptcy.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 56
Portion of Hillsborough County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Lewis Laricchia (Retired Railroad Pipe Fitter / Valrico):   Campaign Web Site Union Local Chairman while working with the Long Island Railroad. U.S. Navy Veteran during the Vietnam War.

— REPUBLICAN —
Rachel V. Burgin (Incumbant / Brandon): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Seeking her second term in the State House. Previously worked as a legislative aide and was an aide to the Hillsborough County Commission.  Member of the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 57
Portion of Hillsborough County
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Faye B. Culp, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
C. Todd Marks (Attorney / Tampa): Campaign Web Site  Business Web Site  Is Founder of the Westchase Law Group and Westchase Title, LLC of Tampa.

A.J. Matthews (Retired Police Officer, Coast Guard Reservist / Tampa):  Hillsborough County Republican State Committeeman.  Was a local organizer for former Congressman and Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson during his 2008 campaign.  Retired Tampa police officer, is a Coast Guard reservist.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 58
Portion of Hillsborough County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Michael Scionti (Incumbant / Attorney / Tampa): Legislative Web Site  Business Web Site  Seeking his third term in the State House.  Served as Democratic Whip 2006 - 2008. Major in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he served three deployments in Iraq and Afghanistian. Bronze Star recipient.  Law Practice focuses on cases of Wrongful Death, Personal Injury, and Insurance Bad Faith.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 59
Portion of Hillsborough County
— DEMOCRATIC —
Betty Reed (Incumbant / Retired Educator / Tampa): Legislative Web Page Seeking her third term in the State House.  Has served on advisory boards for the Hillsborough County Commission and Hillsborough County School Board., as well as a member of the Hillsborough City-County Planning Board.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES/ DISTRICT 60
Portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Ed Homan, who is term limited.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Christopher Carlos Cano (Legislative Intern, Student / Tampa):   Campaign Web Site  Is member of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee. Degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of South Florida, and seeking a second degree in Political Science. Is currently a legislative intern for Representative Michael Scionti (D - Tampa).  Was previously an admissions representative at Everest University but left in August, when he became a full time volunteer for the Barack Obama presidential campaign.

Russ Patterson (Tampa):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

— REPUBLICAN —
Daniel Blair (Tampa):  No information currently available regarding this candidate.

Shawn Harrison (Attorney / Tampa):  Campaign Web Page  Served two terms on the Tampa City Council (1999-2007). Term limited from seeking reelection to his district seat, he ran for a citywide seat on the council and lost to Mary Mulhern. Previously served on the Hillsborough County Consumer Protection Board and the Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission, and was Chairman of the Tampa Palms Community Development District.

Ramon “Trey” Stroud (Marketing Consultant / Tampa):  Campaign Web Site  Florida Regional Marketing Consultant for Verizon Wireless.  Previously ran his own television production company.  Active in supporting former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee for the Republican presidential nomination last year. No other information currently available.

Joseph Alexander Wendt (Student, Businessman / Tampa): WITHDRAWN: Has announced he would seek a seat on the Tampa City Council in 2011 instead.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 61
Portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Wil Weatherford (Incumbant / Real Estate Broker / Wesley Chapel) Campaign Web Site Legislative Web Page  Seeking his third two year term in the State House.  Is in line to become House Speaker in 2012.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 62
Portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Richard “Rich” Glorioso (Incumbant / Retired Military / Plant City): Legislative Web Page   Seeking his fourth two year term in the State House.    Former City Commissioner, Plant City, 1998-2004.    Member, Hillsborough County Metropolitian Planning Organization, 1998-2004; Chairman 1999-2004.  Vice Chairman, Hillsborough County Public Transportation Commission 1998 -2004.  Retired Colonel, U.S. Air Force, during which he served in the Vietnam War.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 63
Portions of Hillsborough and Polk counties
—REPUBLICAN —
Seth McKeel (Incumbant / Real Estate Agent / Lakeland): Legislative Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Seeking his third two year term in the State House.  Previously served on the Lakeland City Commission, 2000-2005.  Vice President of Lakeland Properties & Management, Inc. Grandfather of the same name served on the Polk County School Board and has two charter schools named in his honour.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 64
Portion of Polk County
— REPUBLICAN —
Kelli Stargel (Incumbant / Investment Property Manager / Lakeland): Legislative Web Page  2008 Campaign Web Site  Seeking her second term in the State House.  Spouse is 10th Judicial Circuit Judge John Stargel, who formerly held this legislative seat. 

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 65
Portion of Polk County
— REPUBLICAN —
John Wood (Incumbant / Attorney, Realtor / Winter Haven):  Campaign Web Site  Legislative Web Page   Business Web Site  Seeking his second two-year term in the State House. Principal Broker of John Wood Realty and John Wood Realty Referrals, Inc.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 66
All of Hardee County and portions of Highlands and Polk counties
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Baxter G. Troutman, who is term limited.
— REPUBLICAN —
Ben Albritton (Grove Service Company Vice President / Wauchula):  Production Manager and Vice President of the family owned Albritton Companies, which provides grove services and caretaking to citrus clients. Is a fifth generation citrus grower/caretaker. Bachelor’s Degree in Citrus Production from Florida Southern College.  Currently Chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission.

Gary Newberry (Chiropractor / Winter Haven):  Campaign Web Site  Prevously ran in the 2002 GOP primary for this seat, but lost to eventual winner/incumbant Baxter Troutman.  No other information currently available on this candidate. 

Leviticus Reed (Planner / Winter Haven):  Campaign Web Site  Planner with the Polk County Commission. Ran in 2008 for a seat on the Lake Region Lakes Management District (a/k/a the Canal Commission), ending last in a three candidate race.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 67
Portions of Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota counties
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Ron Reagan, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
Jeremiah Joseph Guccione (Bradenton):  Founder/President of the Heart Gallery of Sarasota.  No other information is currently available on this candidate.

Robert K. McCann (Physician, Attorney / Bradenton):  Campaign Web Site Owns McCann Medicine & Law in Bradenton, where he practices Aerospace Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Family Practice as well as legal services (he has both a medical doctorate and Juris Doctor). Was a candidate to become U.S. Surgeon General in 2001 and Assistant Secretary for Health in 2007.

Nisco, Marie (Retired / Sarasota):   Originally filed to run for this seat in 2008 but did not qualify for the primary.  Currently serving her third four year term on the Sarasota County Charter Review Board since 2000.  Retired Mental Health Care Consultant.

W. Greg Steube (Attorney / Bradenton):  Campaign Web Site   Was previously associate with the law firm of Macfarlane, Ferguson, and McMullen, P.A.   Earlier this year joined the new firm of Najmy Thompson, P.L., working in the Lakewood Ranch office.   U.S. Army Captain who served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Father is Manatee County Sheriff Brad Steube.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 68
Portions of Hillsborough and Manatee counties
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Bill Galvano, who is term limited
— REPUBLICAN —
Jim Boyd (Insurance Agent / Bradenton):  Campaign Web Site   Business Web Site  Is CEO/Co-owner of Boyd Insurance & Investment Services in Bradenton. Is also President of The Boyd Group, a commercial real estate brokerage firm. Served 1989 - 1993 on the Palmetto City Council, during which period he was also Mayor and Vice Mayor.  His uncle, Wilbur Boyd, and grandfather Hugh E. Boyd both previously served in the State House.

FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES / DISTRICT 79
Portions of Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, and Polk counties
— REPUBLICAN —
Thomas E. Chalifoux, Jr. (Investment Broker, Retired Military / Kissimmee): Campiagn Web Site  Former two term member of the Osceola County School Board. Previously sought to run for this seat in the 2008 Republican primary but was disqualified for failing to resign his School Board seat at least ten days prior to the beginning of the qualification period under Florida’s Resign to Run Law. The decision was affirmed by the First District Court of Appeal in September, 2008.   Retired Army Colonel.

Mike Horner (Incumbant / Chamber of Commerce / Kissimmee): Legislative Web Page 2008 Campaign Web Site Seeking his second two year term in the State House. Deputy Whip.  Board Member, Osceola Regional Medical Center.  Was elected ten years President of the Kissimmee/Osceola Chamber of Commerce.  Military experience includes service as a Specialist in the Florida National Guard and a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as The 2010 Election: Florida Legislative Seats Along The I-4 Corridor (UPDATE 5)
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-2010-election-florida-legislative-seats-along-the-i-4-corridor/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-2010-election-florida-legislative-seats-along-the-i-4-corridor/ MetroI4News.com - The 2010 Election: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk Counties (UPDATE 5) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/SwCsGjNATGY/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-2010-election-hillsborough-pinellas-and-polk-counties/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:33:49 +0000 Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3001 Because of the amount of research and updating required, especially with keeping up with the statewide and legislative offices noted in the two related posts, I am focusing my look here on the immediate Tampa Bay area:  Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk counties.  This information is drawn from the respective Supervisor of Election Web sites.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 1
— DEMOCRATIC —
John Dingfelder (Attorney / Tampa): Campaign Web Site  City Council Web Page  Business Web Site  Is serving his second term on the Tampa City Council.  Appointed to the Hillsborough Area Rapid Transit (HART) Board of Directors representing the City Council; elected Chairman Pro Tem, 2007.  Currently represents HART on the Metropolitian Planning Organization.  Law practice focuses on Personal Injury cases.  Formerly Assistant Public Defender and Assistant County Attorney.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 3
— DEMOCRATIC —
Lesley “Les” Miller, Jr. (University Administrator / Tampa): Served in the State House 1992 - 2000 and the State Senate 2000 - 2008 until faced with term limits in both cases. While in both houses he was elected Minority (Democratic) Leader; 1998 - 2000 in the House and in the Senate 2004 - 2006.  Most recently has worked with the University of South Florida as Director of Community Relations and Student Ombudsman.   Tampa City Councilman, 1991. Served in the U.S. Air Force, 1971-1974.  Spouse is Tampa City Commissioner Gwen Miller

Kevin White (Incumbant / Tampa):  County Commissioner Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Seeking his second term on the County Commission.  Served on the Tampa City Council 2003-2007. Previously was a Tampa Police officer and auxiliary deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department.  U.S. Navy Veteran.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 5
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Jim Norman, who is opting to seek the State Senate seat representing District 12
— REPUBLICAN —
Ken Hagan (Tampa): County Commissioner Web Page  Has served as District 2 County Commissioner since 2002.  Although his term for the District 2 post does not expire until 2012, winning this seat would allow him to avoid term limits as it is an at-large (countywide) seat.  Will have to submit his resignation from his current position before qualifying week in June, 2010, although the resignation can be effective on Election Day.  Was criticized for distributing fliers bearing his photo earlier this year outside his commission district.  The fliers bear two questions asking recipients what county services should be shielded from budget cuts and if they would support a sales tax increase for mass transit.  He defended the flier by saying it was a “constituent service”.

Don Kruse (Sales Manager, Business Manager / Tampa):  Has worked as Sales Manager for Bill Currie Ford the past 17 years. Also business manager for two family owned businesses.

— LIBERTARIAN —
Brandon Newton (Network Administrator / Riverview):  Campaign Web Site  Air Force veteran (1999 - 2003).  No other information currently available.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 7
— REPUBLICAN —
Mark Sharpe (Incumbant / Retired Military / Tampa): Campaign Web Site  County Commissioner Web Page  Seeking his second full term on the BOCC.  U.S. Navy veteran, 1998-2004.  Other work experience includes time as a development officer for a private school and a government relations consultant.

PINELLAS COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 4
— REPUBLICAN —
Beverly Billiris (Teacher / Tarpon Springs):  Mayor Web Page  Currently serving as Mayor of Tarpon Springs. Has served on the City Commission three years. Owner of two businesses, a sponge retail/wholesale/import company and a tour service.

Ray Brooks (Computer Consulting / Clearwater): Native of St. Petersburg. Ran for this seat four years ago. Founding member of Floridians Against Injustice to Residents of Mobile/Manufactured Homes, formed to organize opposition among mobile home park residents against what they see as illegal development and closing of mobile home parks

Susan Latvala (Incumbant / Real Estate Broker / Palm Harbor):  County Commissioner Web Page   Has served on the BOCC since 2000; was it’s Chairwoman in 2004. Previously elected to two terms on the Pinellas County School Board, 1993-2000.  Business background includes experience as a real estate broker, owner of a property management company and later as a participant in a family business.

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 2
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Randy Wilkinson, who is term limited.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Jacquelyn “Jacki” Smith (Retired Federal Administrator, Broker /Kathleen):  2008 Campaign Web Site  Was the Democratic nominee for the District 2 BOCC seat in 2008, but was defeated by GOP incumbant Stan Johnson.  Spend 23 years working with several federal agencies.

— REPUBLICAN —
Melony Bell (Compliance Officer, Auditor / Fort Meade):  Has served a total of 13 years as a Fort Meade City Commissioner, including three as Mayor.  Employed for 28 years as a Compliance Officer/Auditor with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.  Degreed in Business and Professional Leadership from Southeastern University, 2008.

Tom Presley (Pastor, Retired Railroad Construction / Bartow):  Senior Pastor at Turning Point Worship Center, beginning full time ministry after  retiring from R.W. Summers, a railroad construction company.  Ran for this seat in 2002 ago as a Democrat.   Came to Polk County in 1980; is a native of Tennessee.

Heath S. Whiteaker (Computer Web Design / Lake Wales):  WITHDRAWN

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 4
— REPUBLICAN —
Michael Para (Restaurant Server, Student / Davenport):  Moved to Polk County two years ago from neighbouring Osceola County. Is a member of the Polk County Republican Liberty Caucus, a local political meetup group. Pursuing a political science degree at the University of Central Florida. Supporter of GOP presidential candidates Bob Barr and Ron Paul

POLK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD / DISTRICT 3
The eventual winner would replace incumbant Hazel Sellers, who is term limited.
— NONPARTISAN —
Victoria Meares (Teacher / Lakeland):  Campaign Web Site  Math teacher at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland. Received Bachelors of Arts and Masters in Education degrees from Florida Southern College.

POLK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD / DISTRICT 6
The eventual winner would replace incumbant Margaret Lofton, who is term limited.
— NONPARTISAN —
Lynn Wilson, Jr. (Certified Public Accountant / Winter Haven):  Campaign Web Site  Owns Lynn Wilson & Associates, a Business Services company. Director of Financial Affairs for the Polk Community College Foundation. Previously served 16 years as an accounting professor at PCC. Originally filed to run for the District 2 seat on the Polk County Commission, but withdrew to seek this post.

POLK COUNTY JUDGE / GROUP 6
— NONPARTISAN —
J. Kevin Abdoney (Incumbant / Bartow): Appointed by Governor Charlie Crist in August, 2008. Currently assigned to Criminal Court. Ran for a Circuit Judge position in 2006, placing last in a three man race. Was previously a prosecutor for the 10th Judicial Circuit, most of that time heading the Children’s Sex Abuse special prosecution division. Also was an Assistant Public Defender in the 13th Judicial Circuit based in Tampa. Has worked in private practice on two occasions, 1998-99 and 2005-2008.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at The 2010 Election: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk Counties (UPDATE 5)]]> Because of the amount of research and updating required, especially with keeping up with the statewide and legislative offices noted in the two related posts, I am focusing my look here on the immediate Tampa Bay area:  Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk counties.  This information is drawn from the respective Supervisor of Election Web sites.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 1
— DEMOCRATIC —
John Dingfelder (Attorney / Tampa): Campaign Web Site  City Council Web Page  Business Web Site  Is serving his second term on the Tampa City Council.  Appointed to the Hillsborough Area Rapid Transit (HART) Board of Directors representing the City Council; elected Chairman Pro Tem, 2007.  Currently represents HART on the Metropolitian Planning Organization.  Law practice focuses on Personal Injury cases.  Formerly Assistant Public Defender and Assistant County Attorney.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 3
— DEMOCRATIC —
Lesley “Les” Miller, Jr. (University Administrator / Tampa): Served in the State House 1992 - 2000 and the State Senate 2000 - 2008 until faced with term limits in both cases. While in both houses he was elected Minority (Democratic) Leader; 1998 - 2000 in the House and in the Senate 2004 - 2006.  Most recently has worked with the University of South Florida as Director of Community Relations and Student Ombudsman.   Tampa City Councilman, 1991. Served in the U.S. Air Force, 1971-1974.  Spouse is Tampa City Commissioner Gwen Miller

Kevin White (Incumbant / Tampa):  County Commissioner Web Page  Campaign Web Site  Seeking his second term on the County Commission.  Served on the Tampa City Council 2003-2007. Previously was a Tampa Police officer and auxiliary deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department.  U.S. Navy Veteran.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 5
The eventual winner would replace Republican incumbant Jim Norman, who is opting to seek the State Senate seat representing District 12
— REPUBLICAN —
Ken Hagan (Tampa): County Commissioner Web Page  Has served as District 2 County Commissioner since 2002.  Although his term for the District 2 post does not expire until 2012, winning this seat would allow him to avoid term limits as it is an at-large (countywide) seat.  Will have to submit his resignation from his current position before qualifying week in June, 2010, although the resignation can be effective on Election Day.  Was criticized for distributing fliers bearing his photo earlier this year outside his commission district.  The fliers bear two questions asking recipients what county services should be shielded from budget cuts and if they would support a sales tax increase for mass transit.  He defended the flier by saying it was a “constituent service”.

Don Kruse (Sales Manager, Business Manager / Tampa):  Has worked as Sales Manager for Bill Currie Ford the past 17 years. Also business manager for two family owned businesses.

— LIBERTARIAN —
Brandon Newton (Network Administrator / Riverview):  Campaign Web Site  Air Force veteran (1999 - 2003).  No other information currently available.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 7
— REPUBLICAN —
Mark Sharpe (Incumbant / Retired Military / Tampa): Campaign Web Site  County Commissioner Web Page  Seeking his second full term on the BOCC.  U.S. Navy veteran, 1998-2004.  Other work experience includes time as a development officer for a private school and a government relations consultant.

PINELLAS COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 4
— REPUBLICAN —
Beverly Billiris (Teacher / Tarpon Springs):  Mayor Web Page  Currently serving as Mayor of Tarpon Springs. Has served on the City Commission three years. Owner of two businesses, a sponge retail/wholesale/import company and a tour service.

Ray Brooks (Computer Consulting / Clearwater): Native of St. Petersburg. Ran for this seat four years ago. Founding member of Floridians Against Injustice to Residents of Mobile/Manufactured Homes, formed to organize opposition among mobile home park residents against what they see as illegal development and closing of mobile home parks

Susan Latvala (Incumbant / Real Estate Broker / Palm Harbor):  County Commissioner Web Page   Has served on the BOCC since 2000; was it’s Chairwoman in 2004. Previously elected to two terms on the Pinellas County School Board, 1993-2000.  Business background includes experience as a real estate broker, owner of a property management company and later as a participant in a family business.

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 2
The eventual winner will replace Republican incumbant Randy Wilkinson, who is term limited.
— DEMOCRATIC —
Jacquelyn “Jacki” Smith (Retired Federal Administrator, Broker /Kathleen):  2008 Campaign Web Site  Was the Democratic nominee for the District 2 BOCC seat in 2008, but was defeated by GOP incumbant Stan Johnson.  Spend 23 years working with several federal agencies.

— REPUBLICAN —
Melony Bell (Compliance Officer, Auditor / Fort Meade):  Has served a total of 13 years as a Fort Meade City Commissioner, including three as Mayor.  Employed for 28 years as a Compliance Officer/Auditor with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.  Degreed in Business and Professional Leadership from Southeastern University, 2008.

Tom Presley (Pastor, Retired Railroad Construction / Bartow):  Senior Pastor at Turning Point Worship Center, beginning full time ministry after  retiring from R.W. Summers, a railroad construction company.  Ran for this seat in 2002 ago as a Democrat.   Came to Polk County in 1980; is a native of Tennessee.

Heath S. Whiteaker (Computer Web Design / Lake Wales):  WITHDRAWN

POLK COUNTY COMMISSION / DISTRICT 4
— REPUBLICAN —
Michael Para (Restaurant Server, Student / Davenport):  Moved to Polk County two years ago from neighbouring Osceola County. Is a member of the Polk County Republican Liberty Caucus, a local political meetup group. Pursuing a political science degree at the University of Central Florida. Supporter of GOP presidential candidates Bob Barr and Ron Paul

POLK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD / DISTRICT 3
The eventual winner would replace incumbant Hazel Sellers, who is term limited.
— NONPARTISAN —
Victoria Meares (Teacher / Lakeland):  Campaign Web Site  Math teacher at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland. Received Bachelors of Arts and Masters in Education degrees from Florida Southern College.

POLK COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD / DISTRICT 6
The eventual winner would replace incumbant Margaret Lofton, who is term limited.
— NONPARTISAN —
Lynn Wilson, Jr. (Certified Public Accountant / Winter Haven):  Campaign Web Site  Owns Lynn Wilson & Associates, a Business Services company. Director of Financial Affairs for the Polk Community College Foundation. Previously served 16 years as an accounting professor at PCC. Originally filed to run for the District 2 seat on the Polk County Commission, but withdrew to seek this post.

POLK COUNTY JUDGE / GROUP 6
— NONPARTISAN —
J. Kevin Abdoney (Incumbant / Bartow): Appointed by Governor Charlie Crist in August, 2008. Currently assigned to Criminal Court. Ran for a Circuit Judge position in 2006, placing last in a three man race. Was previously a prosecutor for the 10th Judicial Circuit, most of that time heading the Children’s Sex Abuse special prosecution division. Also was an Assistant Public Defender in the 13th Judicial Circuit based in Tampa. Has worked in private practice on two occasions, 1998-99 and 2005-2008.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as The 2010 Election: Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk Counties (UPDATE 5)
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-2010-election-hillsborough-pinellas-and-polk-counties/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-2010-election-hillsborough-pinellas-and-polk-counties/ MetroI4News.com - The Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/_rUvNXhnImw/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-editorial-pages-along-the-i-4-corridor/#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:38:40 +0000 Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3196 Tampa Tribune - Reducing Abuse Of State Pensions:  “Few lawmakers have the stomach for it, but additional reforms do need to be made.

Some workers have gamed the system by working huge amounts of overtime in their final few years to qualify for a much larger lifetime pension. That abuse should stop.

Lawmakers should look into how the state can afford to pay 6.5 percent guaranteed interest on money employees invest in the deferred retirement program at a time the federal funds rate is near zero.

Now that financial conditions have changed, the Legislature should put the brakes on the benefits train.”

St. Petersburg Times - Poor Stewards Of Our Money:   “As St. Petersburg Times staff writer Bill Varian details in today’s Perspective, many local governments went on a binge when times were good, expanding their budgets, giving generous raises, building new facilities and hiring to staff them.

And now that times are bad, the choices and the cutbacks are far worse than they would have been had governments been more fiscally circumspect. In the boom times, government failed to plan for a future that wasn’t as bright as the present. Even when governments are flush with cash, elected officials need to remember how to say no. It may be easy to say yes to outsized raises in good times. That doesn’t make it right. The same is true of new services, buildings and staff.

There is nothing inherently wrong with enhancing reasonable government services, so long as decisionmakers look ahead and figure out how they will pay the salaries of the staff in that new facility — whether it’s a fire station, library or park — when times turn sour. But to spend money just because it’s coming in is folly, pure and simple. That’s especially true given the state’s history of boom and bust cycles, which should make preparing for a bust second nature.”

Lakeland Ledger - Prescription Drug Abuse:  Polk’s No. 1 Killer:  “Pharmaceuticals are killing people hand over fist in this county,” Sheriff Grady Judd told The Ledger on Tuesday. “There’s not a week that goes by that we don’t work two, three, four, five deaths - and pharmaceuticals are killing them.”

 A 2008 report from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission says the top-three drugs that caused deaths last year were:

- Oxycodone, a powerful narcotic painkiller (941 deaths).

- Benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotic drugs that include Xanax and Valium (929 deaths).

- Methadone, a narcotic painkiller known for its role in heroin detoxification, now often prescribed as a replacement for oxycodone (693 deaths).

Not until No. 4 on the list does an illegal drug appear: cocaine (648 deaths).

Judd says a law is needed to allow pharmacies to cross-check with one another via a database that flags customers with repetitive prescriptions.”

Orlando Sentinel - Absence Of Leadership:   “Merging government departments of Orlando and Orange County could save taxpayers millions, actually improve services and even work to generate more revenue by spurring economic development.

But there was Mr. [Orange County Mayor Rich] Crotty, saying the other day that he’s all for looking at ways to consolidate the two governments, except that, because he only has a year and a half remaining in office, the issue’s best left to others.

Mr. [Orlando Mayor Buddy] Dyer took the opportunity to reiterate his opposition to joining government operations. He said it’s not his highest priority, not on par with getting commuter rail and improving the city’s budget.

Who’s the greater letdown? Mr. Crotty for his disingenuous cheer for consolidating services, or Mr. Dyer, for his unambiguous rejection of the concept? It’s close, each showing no interest in taking a leadership role on the issue. But we find the residents of Metro Orlando the certain losers.”

Daytona Beach News-Journal - Hometown Democracy:   “We will not support Amendment 4, though our sympathies lie with its authors’ intention to restore sanity to Florida’s comprehensive planning and loosen developers’ steely grip on this state. Amendment 4 is unlikely to achieve those goals. It instead could make a bigger mess of community planning. It would reduce what has at least been a negotiated permitting process between developers and professional public planners to an up-or-down gamble between developers and their opponents, with too many of Florida’s natural assets and the livability of Florida communities at stake…

“There are lots of laws on the books that could protect our beautiful state — if the power brokers wanted it that way.” Power brokers or not, those laws are there to be enforced and expanded, too, if the voters want it that way. They have but to elect local officials with the guts to say no to bad development plans and legislators willing to have that honest conversation about growth. Fat chance? If voters can’t accomplish that, there’s little hope they would be any more successful at managing growth wisely through the ballot.”

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at The Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor]]> Tampa Tribune - Reducing Abuse Of State Pensions:  “Few lawmakers have the stomach for it, but additional reforms do need to be made.

Some workers have gamed the system by working huge amounts of overtime in their final few years to qualify for a much larger lifetime pension. That abuse should stop.

Lawmakers should look into how the state can afford to pay 6.5 percent guaranteed interest on money employees invest in the deferred retirement program at a time the federal funds rate is near zero.

Now that financial conditions have changed, the Legislature should put the brakes on the benefits train.”

St. Petersburg Times - Poor Stewards Of Our Money:   “As St. Petersburg Times staff writer Bill Varian details in today’s Perspective, many local governments went on a binge when times were good, expanding their budgets, giving generous raises, building new facilities and hiring to staff them.

And now that times are bad, the choices and the cutbacks are far worse than they would have been had governments been more fiscally circumspect. In the boom times, government failed to plan for a future that wasn’t as bright as the present. Even when governments are flush with cash, elected officials need to remember how to say no. It may be easy to say yes to outsized raises in good times. That doesn’t make it right. The same is true of new services, buildings and staff.

There is nothing inherently wrong with enhancing reasonable government services, so long as decisionmakers look ahead and figure out how they will pay the salaries of the staff in that new facility — whether it’s a fire station, library or park — when times turn sour. But to spend money just because it’s coming in is folly, pure and simple. That’s especially true given the state’s history of boom and bust cycles, which should make preparing for a bust second nature.”

Lakeland Ledger - Prescription Drug Abuse:  Polk’s No. 1 Killer:  “Pharmaceuticals are killing people hand over fist in this county,” Sheriff Grady Judd told The Ledger on Tuesday. “There’s not a week that goes by that we don’t work two, three, four, five deaths - and pharmaceuticals are killing them.”

 A 2008 report from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission says the top-three drugs that caused deaths last year were:

- Oxycodone, a powerful narcotic painkiller (941 deaths).

- Benzodiazepines, sedative-hypnotic drugs that include Xanax and Valium (929 deaths).

- Methadone, a narcotic painkiller known for its role in heroin detoxification, now often prescribed as a replacement for oxycodone (693 deaths).

Not until No. 4 on the list does an illegal drug appear: cocaine (648 deaths).

Judd says a law is needed to allow pharmacies to cross-check with one another via a database that flags customers with repetitive prescriptions.”

Orlando Sentinel - Absence Of Leadership:   “Merging government departments of Orlando and Orange County could save taxpayers millions, actually improve services and even work to generate more revenue by spurring economic development.

But there was Mr. [Orange County Mayor Rich] Crotty, saying the other day that he’s all for looking at ways to consolidate the two governments, except that, because he only has a year and a half remaining in office, the issue’s best left to others.

Mr. [Orlando Mayor Buddy] Dyer took the opportunity to reiterate his opposition to joining government operations. He said it’s not his highest priority, not on par with getting commuter rail and improving the city’s budget.

Who’s the greater letdown? Mr. Crotty for his disingenuous cheer for consolidating services, or Mr. Dyer, for his unambiguous rejection of the concept? It’s close, each showing no interest in taking a leadership role on the issue. But we find the residents of Metro Orlando the certain losers.”

Daytona Beach News-Journal - Hometown Democracy:   “We will not support Amendment 4, though our sympathies lie with its authors’ intention to restore sanity to Florida’s comprehensive planning and loosen developers’ steely grip on this state. Amendment 4 is unlikely to achieve those goals. It instead could make a bigger mess of community planning. It would reduce what has at least been a negotiated permitting process between developers and professional public planners to an up-or-down gamble between developers and their opponents, with too many of Florida’s natural assets and the livability of Florida communities at stake…

“There are lots of laws on the books that could protect our beautiful state — if the power brokers wanted it that way.” Power brokers or not, those laws are there to be enforced and expanded, too, if the voters want it that way. They have but to elect local officials with the guts to say no to bad development plans and legislators willing to have that honest conversation about growth. Fat chance? If voters can’t accomplish that, there’s little hope they would be any more successful at managing growth wisely through the ballot.”

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as The Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-editorial-pages-along-the-i-4-corridor/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-editorial-pages-along-the-i-4-corridor/ MetroI4News.com - Religion in the City: Gratitude http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/m3ZORYqSWq8/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/religion-in-the-city-gratitude/#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:09:48 +0000 Chris Craig - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3197 2008 Oct 4 #22This last week while sitting by our beautiful Lake Morton, I was struck by a spirit of thankfulness for the moment I was living in. There is a Buddhist prayer that goes

“By the power and the truth of this practice, may all beings have happiness, and the causes of happiness,
May all be free from sorrow, and the causes of sorrow,
May all never be separated from the sacred happiness which is sorrowless,
And may all live in equanimity, without too much attachment and too much aversion,
And live believing in the equality of all that lives.”

Meditating there at the lake I was reminded of my mother’s evening prayer with me growing up. My little sister Michelle and I ended our days with the bedtime prayer, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul….” Most of you probably know the little poetic prayer. The part of the prayer you probably do not know is the list of thanks that followed my sister’s and my prayer. “THANK YOU FOR Shelly and Chrisie and Mommy and Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa, Laurie, Great Grandma, Meek’s Grandma and the WHOLE WORLD, Amen!”

This little repetitive prayer ending was a memorized list of thanksgiving to God for our immediate family. The prayer was uttered in the same way, about the same people, every night at about the same time. Even though I remember that my sister and I used to race through our list of gratitude to God, I can still remember the rhythm and the family nicknames my sister and I had given our family. Shelly was Michelle, Meek’s Grandma was a baby name I came up with for my dad’s mother because my dad’s brothers’ names were Mike and Mark. As I look back my little bedtime prayer, I can see now how it set the stage for the way I enter into my relationship, prayer, meditation and dialogue with God.

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.” ~Psalm 100 NIV

This last week in the Homeless Prayer Support group I lead, we had the theme of gratitude. I gave each participant a sheet of paper that listed the words “thank you” with a blank next to them. I told the group to put God as number one and Jesus as number two and then fill the rest of the blanks in with people, places, experiences, anything they were thankful for. I must tell any of you at home who might want to try this exercise that the first 10 are easy, the next 30 may seem pointless, even trite. But I warn you now the tears often come in the last 10 thank you’s.

Often the first 10 are friends and family, the next 30 are usually a puzzle of what you can list off the top of your head. But somewhere near the end of the 50 thank you statements, there is a spirit of brokenness, hurt, abandonment, joy and relief which is born. The people we should have thanked when they were alive– the teachers, family, or community that never left us, never gave up on us.

I wonder sometimes how different religious faith would be if believers entered into their prayer and meditation life with a spirit of gratitude rather than an energy of desire? I have found that my life and the lives of my clients usually feel the most ungrounded and disconnected when they have not taken the time to rejoice in what is rather than what we desire life to be. When we take the time to be thankful for the air we are breathing, the green of the trees above us or to notice the smile of the shop clerk or barista we normally disguard; we are in essence joining with the gifts, our creator. I believe that when we seek to be thankful and mindful of that which is we automatically begin to see our place and purpose within the world.

This week as you sit, walk, meditate or pray — before you seek God’s direction, your needs and the intercessions of others, first stop and give thanksgiving for the gifts and life God has already blessed you with.

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what he has done.” ~I Chronicles 16:8

•

Chris Craig received his Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University and his Master’s in Pastoral Care & Counseling from Garrett Seminary. Chris guest preaches, leads spirituality classes, and works in social services in Lakeland. Chris is not ordained in any church, and his columns do not speak for any churches or organizations where he might be affiliated.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at Religion in the City: Gratitude]]> 2008 Oct 4 #22This last week while sitting by our beautiful Lake Morton, I was struck by a spirit of thankfulness for the moment I was living in. There is a Buddhist prayer that goes

“By the power and the truth of this practice, may all beings have happiness, and the causes of happiness,
May all be free from sorrow, and the causes of sorrow,
May all never be separated from the sacred happiness which is sorrowless,
And may all live in equanimity, without too much attachment and too much aversion,
And live believing in the equality of all that lives.”

Meditating there at the lake I was reminded of my mother’s evening prayer with me growing up. My little sister Michelle and I ended our days with the bedtime prayer, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul….” Most of you probably know the little poetic prayer. The part of the prayer you probably do not know is the list of thanks that followed my sister’s and my prayer. “THANK YOU FOR Shelly and Chrisie and Mommy and Daddy, Grandma and Grandpa, Laurie, Great Grandma, Meek’s Grandma and the WHOLE WORLD, Amen!”

This little repetitive prayer ending was a memorized list of thanksgiving to God for our immediate family. The prayer was uttered in the same way, about the same people, every night at about the same time. Even though I remember that my sister and I used to race through our list of gratitude to God, I can still remember the rhythm and the family nicknames my sister and I had given our family. Shelly was Michelle, Meek’s Grandma was a baby name I came up with for my dad’s mother because my dad’s brothers’ names were Mike and Mark. As I look back my little bedtime prayer, I can see now how it set the stage for the way I enter into my relationship, prayer, meditation and dialogue with God.

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his [a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.” ~Psalm 100 NIV

This last week in the Homeless Prayer Support group I lead, we had the theme of gratitude. I gave each participant a sheet of paper that listed the words “thank you” with a blank next to them. I told the group to put God as number one and Jesus as number two and then fill the rest of the blanks in with people, places, experiences, anything they were thankful for. I must tell any of you at home who might want to try this exercise that the first 10 are easy, the next 30 may seem pointless, even trite. But I warn you now the tears often come in the last 10 thank you’s.

Often the first 10 are friends and family, the next 30 are usually a puzzle of what you can list off the top of your head. But somewhere near the end of the 50 thank you statements, there is a spirit of brokenness, hurt, abandonment, joy and relief which is born. The people we should have thanked when they were alive– the teachers, family, or community that never left us, never gave up on us.

I wonder sometimes how different religious faith would be if believers entered into their prayer and meditation life with a spirit of gratitude rather than an energy of desire? I have found that my life and the lives of my clients usually feel the most ungrounded and disconnected when they have not taken the time to rejoice in what is rather than what we desire life to be. When we take the time to be thankful for the air we are breathing, the green of the trees above us or to notice the smile of the shop clerk or barista we normally disguard; we are in essence joining with the gifts, our creator. I believe that when we seek to be thankful and mindful of that which is we automatically begin to see our place and purpose within the world.

This week as you sit, walk, meditate or pray — before you seek God’s direction, your needs and the intercessions of others, first stop and give thanksgiving for the gifts and life God has already blessed you with.

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what he has done.” ~I Chronicles 16:8

•

Chris Craig received his Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University and his Master’s in Pastoral Care & Counseling from Garrett Seminary. Chris guest preaches, leads spirituality classes, and works in social services in Lakeland. Chris is not ordained in any church, and his columns do not speak for any churches or organizations where he might be affiliated.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as Religion in the City: Gratitude
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/religion-in-the-city-gratitude/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/religion-in-the-city-gratitude/ MetroI4News.com - Tom Hagerty’s 1980s http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/85Nt2w8H728/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/tom-hagertys-1980s/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:24:23 +0000 Chuck Welch - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3192 Last week we featured Central Florida photographer Tom Hagerty’s black and white work from the 1970s. This week, he moves his camera into the 1980s. Take a moment to see three of our favorites from the decade, and then rush to see his full collection from the 80s.

1981 Feb. 29 New Orleans

1989 July Cooper Stadium

1980 Nov 12 Tom Waits #1

Creative Commons License photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro i4 News

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at Tom Hagerty’s 1980s]]> Last week we featured Central Florida photographer Tom Hagerty’s black and white work from the 1970s. This week, he moves his camera into the 1980s. Take a moment to see three of our favorites from the decade, and then rush to see his full collection from the 80s.

1981 Feb. 29 New Orleans

1989 July Cooper Stadium

1980 Nov 12 Tom Waits #1

Creative Commons License photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro i4 News

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as Tom Hagerty’s 1980s
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/tom-hagertys-1980s/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/tom-hagertys-1980s/ MetroI4News.com - The Sunday Chat Shows For July 12 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/VkxZ1Z034CQ/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-sunday-chat-shows-for-july-12/#comments Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:13:27 +0000 Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3185  As Congress returns to Washington this week, much of the talk this weekend will deal with analyzing President Obama’s performance to date, especially his discussions with Russa’s top officials and at the G-8 summit in Italy, as well as General Motors‘ future after leaving bankrupcy protection,  the prospects of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor during her confirmation hearings, and the decision of Alaskan governor and Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin to resign before her first term in office is over…with thoughts about her possible future. 

ABC  NEWS / This Week with George Stephanopoulos:    U.S. Senators Richard Durbin (D - IL) and John Kyl (R - AZ).  Then, the weekly political roundtable featuring , Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, Bob Woodward of The Washington Post, Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts of ABC News, and conservative columnist George Will of the Washington Post Writers Group.
 BAY NEWS 9 / Political Connections:  Bay News 9 does not provide advance notice of who will be appearing on this weekend’s programme.

CBS NEWS / Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer:  This week’s guests:  U.S. Senator Judiciary Committee members Patrick Leahy (D-VT / Chairman) and Jeff Sessions (R - AL / Ranking Member).

CABLE NEWS NETWORK / State of the Union with John King:  Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius will discuss President Obama’s plan for health care reform and the administration’s response to the H1N1 (or “Swine Flu”) virus.  Then U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Judd Gregg (R - NH), Lamar Alexander (R - TN), and Kent Conrad (D - ND).

FOX NEWS / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace:      Senate Judiciary Committee members Dianne Feinstein (D - CA) and John Cornyn (R - TX).  Then the ‘Right Now’ series continues with a look at House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R - VA).  And the weekly roundtable featuring the regular Sunday panel of   Bill Kristol of The Weekly Standard , along with radio talk host Laura Ingraham, Juan Williams of National Public Radio, and

NBC News / Meet the Press with David Gregory:  U.S. Senator and GOP presidential nominee John McCain (R - AZ), Senate collegue Chuck Schumer (D - NY), political strategists Karen Hughes (R) and Robert M. “Bob” Shrum (D), NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell, and Politico Chief Political Columnist Roger Simon.

SYNDICATED / The Chris Matthews Show:  The issues -   How has President Obama made himself so effective in absorbing shocks?  And how will Sonya Sotomayor change the United States Supreme Court if she is confirmed?  The panelists -  HDNet Global Correspondent Dan Rather, NBC News Justice Correspondent Pete Williams, Supreme Court Correspondent Joan Biskupic of USA Today, and New York Times White House Correspondent Helene Cooper.

WEDU - TV 3 / Florida This Week with Rob Lorei:  A special hour-long discussion of healthcare reform from a Florida perspective featuring Dr. David McKalip, Chairman of the Florida Medical Association’s Council on Medical Economics, Dr. Greg Silver of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program, Dr. Lori Parham, State Director of the American Association of Retired Persons Florida, and Dr. Catherine Palmier, Chief Medical Officer for United Healthcare - Southeast Region

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at The Sunday Chat Shows For July 12]]>  As Congress returns to Washington this week, much of the talk this weekend will deal with analyzing President Obama’s performance to date, especially his discussions with Russa’s top officials and at the G-8 summit in Italy, as well as General Motors‘ future after leaving bankrupcy protection,  the prospects of Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor during her confirmation hearings, and the decision of Alaskan governor and Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin to resign before her first term in office is over…with thoughts about her possible future. 

ABC  NEWS / This Week with George Stephanopoulos:    U.S. Senators Richard Durbin (D - IL) and John Kyl (R - AZ).  Then, the weekly political roundtable featuring , Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, Bob Woodward of The Washington Post, Sam Donaldson and Cokie Roberts of ABC News, and conservative columnist George Will of the Washington Post Writers Group.
 BAY NEWS 9 / Political Connections:  Bay News 9 does not provide advance notice of who will be appearing on this weekend’s programme.

CBS NEWS / Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer:  This week’s guests:  U.S. Senator Judiciary Committee members Patrick Leahy (D-VT / Chairman) and Jeff Sessions (R - AL / Ranking Member).

CABLE NEWS NETWORK / State of the Union with John King:  Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius will discuss President Obama’s plan for health care reform and the administration’s response to the H1N1 (or “Swine Flu”) virus.  Then U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Judd Gregg (R - NH), Lamar Alexander (R - TN), and Kent Conrad (D - ND).

FOX NEWS / Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace:      Senate Judiciary Committee members Dianne Feinstein (D - CA) and John Cornyn (R - TX).  Then the ‘Right Now’ series continues with a look at House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R - VA).  And the weekly roundtable featuring the regular Sunday panel of   Bill Kristol of The Weekly Standard , along with radio talk host Laura Ingraham, Juan Williams of National Public Radio, and

NBC News / Meet the Press with David Gregory:  U.S. Senator and GOP presidential nominee John McCain (R - AZ), Senate collegue Chuck Schumer (D - NY), political strategists Karen Hughes (R) and Robert M. “Bob” Shrum (D), NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell, and Politico Chief Political Columnist Roger Simon.

SYNDICATED / The Chris Matthews Show:  The issues -   How has President Obama made himself so effective in absorbing shocks?  And how will Sonya Sotomayor change the United States Supreme Court if she is confirmed?  The panelists -  HDNet Global Correspondent Dan Rather, NBC News Justice Correspondent Pete Williams, Supreme Court Correspondent Joan Biskupic of USA Today, and New York Times White House Correspondent Helene Cooper.

WEDU - TV 3 / Florida This Week with Rob Lorei:  A special hour-long discussion of healthcare reform from a Florida perspective featuring Dr. David McKalip, Chairman of the Florida Medical Association’s Council on Medical Economics, Dr. Greg Silver of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program, Dr. Lori Parham, State Director of the American Association of Retired Persons Florida, and Dr. Catherine Palmier, Chief Medical Officer for United Healthcare - Southeast Region

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as The Sunday Chat Shows For July 12
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-sunday-chat-shows-for-july-12/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-sunday-chat-shows-for-july-12/ MetroI4News.com - Step Into The World Of Animation http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/MWCEYVGvClc/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/step-into-the-world-of-animation-mositampa-mosi-vapmosi/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 01:33:44 +0000 Darby Critendon - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3181 Step into the world of animation at Animation’s MOSI’s latest exhibit which opens this Friday, July 10. According the to MOSI web site you will “explore animation from concept to finished product — from storyboarding, character design, and drawing techniques to movement, timing, filming, and sound. Larger-than-life graphics of popular Cartoon Network characters provide a colorful backdrop to the exhibit, which also explores the history of animation and features a screening room and a cartoon museum.”

It’s a great time to take the kids (or a significant other) and see this latest exhibit and to watch a movie in the IMAX dome theatre.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at Step Into The World Of Animation]]> Step into the world of animation at Animation’s MOSI’s latest exhibit which opens this Friday, July 10. According the to MOSI web site you will “explore animation from concept to finished product — from storyboarding, character design, and drawing techniques to movement, timing, filming, and sound. Larger-than-life graphics of popular Cartoon Network characters provide a colorful backdrop to the exhibit, which also explores the history of animation and features a screening room and a cartoon museum.”

It’s a great time to take the kids (or a significant other) and see this latest exhibit and to watch a movie in the IMAX dome theatre.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as Step Into The World Of Animation
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/step-into-the-world-of-animation-mositampa-mosi-vapmosi/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/step-into-the-world-of-animation-mositampa-mosi-vapmosi/ MetroI4News.com - It Couldn’t Happen To A Better Company http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/Q0C3GuGwbKg/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/it-couldnt-happen-to-a-better-company/#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:04:57 +0000 Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3179 As a radio personality for 15 years here and in my native Mississippi, it is sad to see what has happened to the industry.  We continue to see radio stations “going dark” (read: closing down) or make significant cuts in the amount of local programming and other services to it’s community.

Let me say here that there are still examples of broadcasters doing it right and, as a result, continuing to earn the loyalty of listeners and advertisers alike.  Locally, stations such as WPCV-FM (”97 Country) and Bartow’s WWBF are two such examples.

So why am I happy to hear that America’s largest radio station owner, Clear Channel Communications, appears to be in danger of having no choice but to file for bankruptcy as soon as later this year?  Simply because they are one of the main reasons that radio is suffering severely.

Back in the 1980s, mainly during the administration of former President Bill Clinton, the Federal Communications Commication loosened many of it’s rules regarding the number of stations a broadcaster can own in a market, and the general operation of radio outlets.  It was during this time that the San Antonio-based Clear Channel began buying stations near and far, spreading it’s style to areas as diverse as New York and Los Angeles to Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

During this buying spree, CC began taking advantage of the new regulations to make as much profit as quickly as possible to keep up with it’s growing debt, community service be damned.  Instead of local originated programming, listeners began to notice increased use of either satellite delivered programming and/or voice tracking by DJs from distant areas in an attempt to make it sound as though the host was in town…more often than not, failing miserably in such ways as mispronuncing local landmarks and locations as well as noting weather updates with temperatures significantly different from the actual condition.

The severe cuts in local air talent hurts many stations in other ways as well.  The on-air personnel serves as the station’s link to the community, supporting scores of chaities and other organizations, promoting local events, and being a calming voice when severe weather or other signficant events strike the area.  More than the current economic struggles many businesses are experiencing, one has to consider that the loss of such visible strengths within the community is one reason that listenership has dropped sharply in recent years and, as a result, advertising revenue has gone to hell in a handbasket…with Clear Channel leading the way.

So if Clear Channel finally crashes, so much the better.  I hope that in the end, we will begin to see local companies appear on the scene like Hall Communications and Thornburg Communications, who know the industry and sincerely care about the communities they serve…while providing quality local programming AND making a decent profit at the same time.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at It Couldn’t Happen To A Better Company]]> As a radio personality for 15 years here and in my native Mississippi, it is sad to see what has happened to the industry.  We continue to see radio stations “going dark” (read: closing down) or make significant cuts in the amount of local programming and other services to it’s community.

Let me say here that there are still examples of broadcasters doing it right and, as a result, continuing to earn the loyalty of listeners and advertisers alike.  Locally, stations such as WPCV-FM (”97 Country) and Bartow’s WWBF are two such examples.

So why am I happy to hear that America’s largest radio station owner, Clear Channel Communications, appears to be in danger of having no choice but to file for bankruptcy as soon as later this year?  Simply because they are one of the main reasons that radio is suffering severely.

Back in the 1980s, mainly during the administration of former President Bill Clinton, the Federal Communications Commication loosened many of it’s rules regarding the number of stations a broadcaster can own in a market, and the general operation of radio outlets.  It was during this time that the San Antonio-based Clear Channel began buying stations near and far, spreading it’s style to areas as diverse as New York and Los Angeles to Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

During this buying spree, CC began taking advantage of the new regulations to make as much profit as quickly as possible to keep up with it’s growing debt, community service be damned.  Instead of local originated programming, listeners began to notice increased use of either satellite delivered programming and/or voice tracking by DJs from distant areas in an attempt to make it sound as though the host was in town…more often than not, failing miserably in such ways as mispronuncing local landmarks and locations as well as noting weather updates with temperatures significantly different from the actual condition.

The severe cuts in local air talent hurts many stations in other ways as well.  The on-air personnel serves as the station’s link to the community, supporting scores of chaities and other organizations, promoting local events, and being a calming voice when severe weather or other signficant events strike the area.  More than the current economic struggles many businesses are experiencing, one has to consider that the loss of such visible strengths within the community is one reason that listenership has dropped sharply in recent years and, as a result, advertising revenue has gone to hell in a handbasket…with Clear Channel leading the way.

So if Clear Channel finally crashes, so much the better.  I hope that in the end, we will begin to see local companies appear on the scene like Hall Communications and Thornburg Communications, who know the industry and sincerely care about the communities they serve…while providing quality local programming AND making a decent profit at the same time.

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as It Couldn’t Happen To A Better Company
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/it-couldnt-happen-to-a-better-company/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/it-couldnt-happen-to-a-better-company/ MetroI4News.com - The Sunday Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/T1c9biRGlmQ/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-sunday-editorial-pages-along-the-i-4-corridor-3/#comments Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:40:22 +0000 Robert Pickering - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3174 Tampa Tribune - Warmer Welcome For The Wealthy:   “With a number of trends working against Florida, it makes sense to try some fresh ideas to encourage tourism and attract semi-permanent visitors, especially those with plenty of money.

One approach that would require congressional approval is the creation of a retirement visa. Many countries have these, enabling foreign retirees to sail right through the immigration process. Typically, the requirements are a certain age (usually 55 or 60) and amount of income or assets (usually quite high in developed countries).

Other requirements that should be considered: establishing a minimum amount that the immigrants must spend on property and mandating they agree not to take a job. The goal is to bring in foreign money without adding bodies to the social safety net or taking jobs away from anyone.”

Lakeland Ledger - CSX Reconsideration:  Light Shines On SunRail Again:   “‘SunRail is very much alive…It will not die easily.’

It is alive, but bleeding badly. This year’s legislative session marked the second time in as many years that the SunRail plan has been defeated, despite intense lobbying and arm-twisting. Yet, like the crazed killer in a horror movie, SunRail once again emerges, ready to strike…

Maybe things will be different this time. Maybe planning agencies will be included in decisions. Maybe public hearings will be held. Perhaps the new deal will treat taxpayers fairly.

Then again…SunRail supporters already have “come up with a new amended plan … a win for all of Florida.” Already they are calling for a special session of the Legislature to gain approval.

SunRail is alive. It surely is. Right now, it’s hard to tell if it’s better than any of those horror-movie types who show up again.”

Orlando Sentinel - Fix Failing High Schools:   “Though nearly 90 percent of elementary schools and 80 percent of middle schools toasted A’s or B’s, a solid third of the state’s high schools moped over their D’s and F’s. That’s a 22 percent jump over last year.

To be fair, reform takes time. But considering that high school is the launch pad where tomorrow’s adults make choices and chart their futures, it’s fair to say that Florida no longer can tolerate failing high schools that hamstring graduates who need to compete in an increasingly nimble and global society…

“We side with advocates such as the Foundation for Florida’s Future, launched by former Gov. Jeb Bush, which argues that the growing glut of elementary and middle schools now acing the grading system demands the state raise the bar even higher.Ratcheting up middle-school curriculum, too, seems a reasonable way to toughen up students for the rigors of high school.”

Daytona Beach News-Journal - The Supreme Shift:  Liberalism’s Slow, Steady Retirement From America’s High Court:  “Speculation about the court’s direction is usually pointless. The first George Bush thought he was appointing a reliable, predictable conservative in David Souter 19 years ago. Souter retired this week as a liberal. His likely replacement, Sonia Sotomayor — if she stays in the liberal camp — likely won’t move the court significantly left or right, especially since the judicial meaning of the word “liberal” isn’t what it used to be, even among those justices considered part of the liberal bloc. Earlier this year the University of Chicago Law School rated the ideological leanings of all the court’s justices since 1937. It found that five of the court’s 10 most conservative judges are serving now, including four of the top five (Thomas is tops). Among the 10 most liberal justices, only one, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, makes the cut — barely. She is the ninth-most liberal (Thurgood Marshall and William O. Douglas are tops).”

St. Petersburg Times - Taxpayers Get Bill For Frequent Fliers:   “There ought to be a state law that clearly states that those who hold full-time state jobs and have been elected statewide cannot commute via state aircraft to their Tallahassee jobs from their homes elsewhere in the state. While current law on state plane use is murky at best, the lack of clarity is being exploited and taxpayers are paying for it.”

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at The Sunday Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor]]> Tampa Tribune - Warmer Welcome For The Wealthy:   “With a number of trends working against Florida, it makes sense to try some fresh ideas to encourage tourism and attract semi-permanent visitors, especially those with plenty of money.

One approach that would require congressional approval is the creation of a retirement visa. Many countries have these, enabling foreign retirees to sail right through the immigration process. Typically, the requirements are a certain age (usually 55 or 60) and amount of income or assets (usually quite high in developed countries).

Other requirements that should be considered: establishing a minimum amount that the immigrants must spend on property and mandating they agree not to take a job. The goal is to bring in foreign money without adding bodies to the social safety net or taking jobs away from anyone.”

Lakeland Ledger - CSX Reconsideration:  Light Shines On SunRail Again:   “‘SunRail is very much alive…It will not die easily.’

It is alive, but bleeding badly. This year’s legislative session marked the second time in as many years that the SunRail plan has been defeated, despite intense lobbying and arm-twisting. Yet, like the crazed killer in a horror movie, SunRail once again emerges, ready to strike…

Maybe things will be different this time. Maybe planning agencies will be included in decisions. Maybe public hearings will be held. Perhaps the new deal will treat taxpayers fairly.

Then again…SunRail supporters already have “come up with a new amended plan … a win for all of Florida.” Already they are calling for a special session of the Legislature to gain approval.

SunRail is alive. It surely is. Right now, it’s hard to tell if it’s better than any of those horror-movie types who show up again.”

Orlando Sentinel - Fix Failing High Schools:   “Though nearly 90 percent of elementary schools and 80 percent of middle schools toasted A’s or B’s, a solid third of the state’s high schools moped over their D’s and F’s. That’s a 22 percent jump over last year.

To be fair, reform takes time. But considering that high school is the launch pad where tomorrow’s adults make choices and chart their futures, it’s fair to say that Florida no longer can tolerate failing high schools that hamstring graduates who need to compete in an increasingly nimble and global society…

“We side with advocates such as the Foundation for Florida’s Future, launched by former Gov. Jeb Bush, which argues that the growing glut of elementary and middle schools now acing the grading system demands the state raise the bar even higher.Ratcheting up middle-school curriculum, too, seems a reasonable way to toughen up students for the rigors of high school.”

Daytona Beach News-Journal - The Supreme Shift:  Liberalism’s Slow, Steady Retirement From America’s High Court:  “Speculation about the court’s direction is usually pointless. The first George Bush thought he was appointing a reliable, predictable conservative in David Souter 19 years ago. Souter retired this week as a liberal. His likely replacement, Sonia Sotomayor — if she stays in the liberal camp — likely won’t move the court significantly left or right, especially since the judicial meaning of the word “liberal” isn’t what it used to be, even among those justices considered part of the liberal bloc. Earlier this year the University of Chicago Law School rated the ideological leanings of all the court’s justices since 1937. It found that five of the court’s 10 most conservative judges are serving now, including four of the top five (Thomas is tops). Among the 10 most liberal justices, only one, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, makes the cut — barely. She is the ninth-most liberal (Thurgood Marshall and William O. Douglas are tops).”

St. Petersburg Times - Taxpayers Get Bill For Frequent Fliers:   “There ought to be a state law that clearly states that those who hold full-time state jobs and have been elected statewide cannot commute via state aircraft to their Tallahassee jobs from their homes elsewhere in the state. While current law on state plane use is murky at best, the lack of clarity is being exploited and taxpayers are paying for it.”

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as The Sunday Editorial Pages Along The I-4 Corridor
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-sunday-editorial-pages-along-the-i-4-corridor-3/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/the-sunday-editorial-pages-along-the-i-4-corridor-3/ MetroI4News.com - Central Florida Photographer Tom Hagerty’s 1970s http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MetroI4News/~3/r8H4UAWO6kg/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/central-florida-photographer-tom-hagertys-1970s/#comments Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:03:54 +0000 Chuck Welch - MetroI4News.com http://www.metroi4news.com/?p=3169 Tom Hagerty lives in Lakeland and is gracious enough to shoot for MI4 and Lakeland Local. We say “gracious” because he is and he, like the rest of us, does it for free. We probably get the chance to publish a tenth of what we wish we could…and nothing of early work.

Until now.

For the next three weekends we’re going to publish our favorite Hagerty Black & White photos from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. None of them are of famous or infamous Central Florida locations. Hagerty wasn’t living here then, but no matter where they were shot they’re still artistic, compelling, and sometimes, fun.

There are 74 photos in the 1970s set, Check out the full set after these four…

1978 April 23 Jim Diehl

1977 Oct Gainsborough

1975 Jan. 31 City Cab

And, for you That 70s Show: viewers who wondered if Hyde’s hairstyle is historically accurate:

1974 June 16 Bednark

Creative Commons License photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Published at Central Florida Photographer Tom Hagerty’s 1970s]]> Tom Hagerty lives in Lakeland and is gracious enough to shoot for MI4 and Lakeland Local. We say “gracious” because he is and he, like the rest of us, does it for free. We probably get the chance to publish a tenth of what we wish we could…and nothing of early work.

Until now.

For the next three weekends we’re going to publish our favorite Hagerty Black & White photos from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. None of them are of famous or infamous Central Florida locations. Hagerty wasn’t living here then, but no matter where they were shot they’re still artistic, compelling, and sometimes, fun.

There are 74 photos in the 1970s set, Check out the full set after these four…

1978 April 23 Jim Diehl

1977 Oct Gainsborough

1975 Jan. 31 City Cab

And, for you That 70s Show: viewers who wondered if Hyde’s hairstyle is historically accurate:

1974 June 16 Bednark

Creative Commons License photo credit: Tom Hagerty for Metro I4 News

Post from: Metro I-4 News

Originally Published as Central Florida Photographer Tom Hagerty’s 1970s
]]> http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/central-florida-photographer-tom-hagertys-1970s/feed/ http://www.metroi4news.com/2009/07/central-florida-photographer-tom-hagertys-1970s/