Teacher sets sights on House

Kai Rush wanted his name to appear on the ballot this way: "Kai Rush, the Teacher."

It turns out that elections laws probably won't allow it, but his idea reflects the strong focus on education he plans to make in his campaign for state representative.

Rush, who teaches at Dunedin High School, said a major reason for his campaign is to improve the state's education system. Friends encouraged him to run for the school board, but he chose the House instead because the Legislature controls much of the money for schools. He said he's appalled that "we are now 50th in education funding. How can you be under Mississippi?"

Rush, 24, a Democrat, plans to run for the state House of Representatives in the newly redrawn District 50, which includes portions of Clearwater and Largo. He hopes to unseat the incumbent, Republican Kim Berfield.

Although he earns about $30,000 per year as a teacher, he said he was amazed to learn that a colleague who has taught for 14 years earns only $33,000. That's not going to encourage experienced teachers to stay in the classroom, he said.

"The start-up pay is not all that bad. ... The problem is: In 14 years, do I want to make $33,000?"

Rush said his school is so strapped for supplies that he spent $3,000 out of his own pocket last year.

He said he does not want to increase the tax rate. But he believes the Legislature should reduce the number of sales tax exemptions that benefit corporations. By doing so, "you could bring in a ton more money into this state," he said.

However he does believe the Legislature should revive "tax free week," which gave consumers a week during the year to avoid sales tax on certain purchases.

Rush said that as a legislator, "I plan on voting for what my people want in my district. "If something's unpopular, I'm not going to vote for it."

When interviewed recently, Rush said he was planning to move into the district. He previously lived in Palm Harbor.

Rush grew up in Miami, graduated from the University of North Florida and has lived in Pinellas County for two years.

A Libertarian candidate from Wesley Chapel, Brian L. Gilbert, also intends to run for the seat.

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