There are a wide range of current issues that I have firsthand knowledge of as a result of having two children currently in our public school system, and because of working as a bilingual educator and substitute teacher in dozens of Hillsborough County public schools. Unlike my opponent, I am a product of Hillsborough County schools, therefore I have more than 20 years of experience directly in our schools, as a student, parent, volunteer and (barely) paid employee!

Thank you for admitting that I have "made a contribution to this campaign by pointing out the need for the board to become more involved and accountable." Indeed, accountability and accessibility are the cornerstones of the campaign to elect Melissa Hernandez.

I have strong leadership skills and an excellent history of teamwork as a PTA president, treasurer and legislative chair; with the Missing Children's Help Center, Shriner's Hospital and the VA Hospital; and as a member of the District 6 Health and Human Services Board (serving Manatee, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties). I look forward to serving you and all of my fellow Hillsborough County residents with hard work, tenacity, understanding, fiscal responsibility and most of all, accessibility!

Tiffany Todd

Candidate for Pinellas County School Board

In your eagerness to assure my opponent's election, you have misrepresented the extent of my professional experience. Nevertheless, thank you for the opportunity to reply to your editorial.

Of course, I cannot agree with your assessment of this race, nor do I believe the knowledgeable voters of Pinellas County will agree with your recommendation.

Our county's citizens are concerned about the new era of the end of forced busing, the beginning of the Choice Plan and all of its implications. Our school district is entering a difficult time and needs real leaders with a strong grasp of current issues, insight into our School Board's past decisions and a true-life understanding of how our decisions will affect our children's future.

In this respect, I am very proud to carry the Todd name and will carry on the legacy of public service my family has given our community and the state of Florida for the past 45 years.

I urge voters to support a candidate they can trust to make vital decisions. As a registered nurse, I have been disciplined to critically think and to make life-and-death decisions as a daily occurrence.

I intend to fulfill the promise of my campaign and pro-actively involve us all in the continuing push for excellence in education. I am honored to have received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, CLEARPAC of the Clearwater Chamber and the Police Benevolent Association, but the most important endorsement is yours on Nov. 5. Please vote for Tiffany Todd. Thank you.

George H. Brown

Candidate for Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court judge, Group 26

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

The challenges of our society are not easy. There is a need to ensure that everyone, including minorities and those with lesser incomes, receives fair treatment. There is a need to restore morals and ethics to our children and to require people to take responsibility for their actions.

As an attorney and former police officer, I have worked toward these goals.

As an attorney for more than 14 years, I have litigated cases, taken hundreds of depositions, argued hearings and settled cases at mediation, always treating everyone with the same respect that I would want to receive. I have donated countless hours of my time to such organizations as Gulfcoast Legal Services and in teaching legal seminars in churches and schools. I am certified as a traffic hearing officer and circuit civil mediator.

As a former police officer and SWAT team member, I have dealt firsthand with issues such as evidence, probable cause, warrants, arrests and testimony. This aspect has given me experience not realized by my opponent.

I am endorsed by 31 public officials, 12 mayors, the Pinellas County Bail Bond Association, Pinellas Park Firefighters, Uno Federation and 300 other professionals.

I have earned the trust of the people and as a judge will be a good listener, patient, compassionate and yet tough when necessary.

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