Newcomer, 22, enters House race

Saying he has "a passion for government and public service," Dan Krassner, a Largo-area resident, has announced plans to run for a seat in the state House.

At 22, Krassner said he knows his age could become an issue in the race, but, "I would say civic responsibility does not bear an age. I feel a duty now. I love my community and I definitely want to make it better for us now than in the future."

Krassner is an MBA student at the University of South Florida, but says he would suspend his studies if elected and dedicate his time to legislative service. He has been an intern for Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris and recently worked as office manager in a doctor's office.

He intends to run in the newly redrawn House District 51, which includes portions of Pinellas Park, Largo, Seminole and South Pasadena. Krassner recently changed his party registration from independent to Republican. As a Republican, he will face incumbent Rep. Leslie Waters in the Sept. 10 GOP primary. A Democrat, Richard Langton, also is running.

"I'll do all I can to make Florida the leader in student achievement," Krassner said, in outlining his legislative goals. "I want to represent senior citizens' needs by giving patients more power to deal with their managed care companies, and definitely supporting long-term care."

Krassner said education funding must be increased. "I think our schools are doing great things but they need more." Asked how to pay for this, he said, "I don't favor a tax increase but I think there are loopholes, sales tax loopholes that need to be examined."

Krassner added, "We need representatives that will represent the people and are not concerned with making their profession less regulated or better."

In deciding to run for public office, Krassner said he was "inspired by my grandfather Lee Benjamin," who is chairman of the Pinellas School Board.

Krassner, who is single, said he is a fourth-generation Pinellas County resident. He is a graduate of the international baccalaureate program at St. Petersburg High School and finished his political science degree at Florida State University in three years.

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

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