The Times offers candidates not recommended by its editorial board an opportunity to reply.
Published August 20, 2004
David Abremski: Republican, Pasco County Commission, District 3
I am disappointed by your recommendation, but fully understand your decision since my opponent is a 20-year incumbent. However, I hope I can convince the people of Pasco County that it is time for a change. I certainly would expect that in 20 years my opponent would have many accomplishments. Even with taking into account these accomplishments, we need to ask: Is life improving in Pasco County under our present leadership?
Growth management is one of the prime areas that we need to focus on for improvement. The county's growth management policies over the past 20 years have provided us deficient infrastructure, unsafe roads, overcrowded schools, higher taxes and urban sprawl. I am not against growth. Growth is something that is necessary and good for economic success. It, however, should be effectively and efficiently planned. With all of the approved and yet-to-come development, I don't see growth management improving. Pasco County needs leadership that will look at all aspects and impacts of growth before approving. We need to be proactive toward growth rather than reactive, and seek alternative approaches to growth, such as revitalizing older neighborhoods and commercial centers.
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 60,000 Pasco County citizens commute to Pinellas and/or Hillsborough counties for work each day. This not only adds a tremendous burden to the already overcrowded road system, but it also allows money to leave that is spent by these commuters for lunch, gas and other consumables. Pasco County could use this lost additional tax revenue for other needed services. The county has identified specific areas as employment centers but still lags behind the state average for land set aside for light industrial/commercial use by 50 percent.
I do not have 20 years' experience raising taxes, increasing spending or prohibiting signs. My platform is not contradictory. The county's deficient leadership has created safety hazards on our roads, overcrowded our schools and prevented employment opportunities for our community. If this is progressive thinking, then I am proud to be the earnest and sincere candidate for County Commission.
-- David Abremski
[Last modified August 20, 2004, 01:30:09]
