House incumbent seeks third term

State Rep. Leslie Waters is seeking a third term in the state House of Representatives, saying she wants to continue work she has started during the past four years.

"I'm still very energized over impacting public policy for the citizens in Florida, and with four years' experience, will be even more effective," Waters said.

Waters, a Republican who lives in Seminole, chairs the House Insurance Committee and also serves on special committees looking into the Department of Children and Families and workers compensation reform.

She is running in House District 51, recently redrawn by the Legislature, which includes portions of Pinellas Park, Largo, Seminole and South Pasadena. She faces Dan Krassner in the Sept. 10 Republican primary. A Democrat, Richard Langton, also is running.

Waters, 54, spent 29 years working for Allstate Insurance in Florida. That combined with her legislative experience forms "a great foundation" she said.

Her knowledge of insurance issue is part of "the experience I bring to the table. It's a subject I'm familiar with and could help the insurance-buying public."She said she is looking for solutions to the workers' compensation system that will reduce premiums for businesses and increase benefits for injured workers.

Previous opponents have argued that her insurance background could prompt her to favor that industry, but Waters said, "I'm not interested in any insurance company's bottom line, but I'm interested in good public policy."

As a member of a committee evaluating the state Department of Children and Families, Waters said her role is to investigate and listen. "I have no answers. . . . I will be shadowing caseworkers, going to providers, visiting foster homes. I'm kind of a hands-on, want-to-see-first-hand (person)."

Waters supports most of Gov. Jeb Bush's education reforms and doesn't see the need for any more major changes in the near future. "There's been so much change, so much reform. let's give it some time. Let's revise where needed."

Waters, who is married, grew up in Gulfport and received undergraduate and master's degrees from Florida State University.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright