ST. PETERSBURG - As an academic adviser for the University of South Florida and the husband of a public school teacher, state Rep. Charlie Justice has a vested interest in education.
So he says he doesn't want to leave the Florida Legislature until he accomplishes more of his goals, including increasing teacher salaries and funding programs to fix the teacher shortage.
"I think we've got to continue to provide the resources for our teachers to educate our children," said Justice, 35.
The St. Petersburg Democrat is running for a third term in House District 53, which is centered in St. Petersburg.
Justice is opposed by Democrat Ronald Newsome, who is in the Pinellas County Jail awaiting trial on charges of lewd and lascivious battery and possession of computer pornography. The primary is Aug. 31.
Last week the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association endorsed Justice, who also has been named a Friend of Education by the Florida Education Association.
Justice said he is also proud of the work he has done regarding burial rights, sponsoring a bill that allows buyers to voluntarily record with the county clerk the purchase of a cemetery plot or the right to scatter remains on a certain piece of property. The legislation, which was signed into law by Gov. Jeb Bush last month, is intended to curb the "double-selling" of burial rights.
"I really want to continue to be my community's voice in Tallahassee," Justice said.
Justice is a member of the business regulation and procedure committees. He has raised almost $17,000 so far, records show.
A St. Petersburg native, Justice is a graduate of Boca Ciega High School, St. Petersburg Junior College and the University of South Florida.
He was formerly an aide to Rep. Lars Hafner and ran unsuccessfully for St. Petersburg City Council in 1995 before he was elected to the House in 2000.
