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The Times offers candidates not recommended by its editorial board an opportunity to reply. Here are some of those replies.
JOSEPH H. STANLEY: REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS, DISTRICT 9
In rebuttal to your recommendation of Michael Bilirakis, I am glad you pointed out his abandonment of his pledge on term limits. He said, "I plan to remain true to that pledge." Too bad his word wasn't good.
In addition, you mentioned his sizeable campaign war chest. Amazingly, 96 percent of it came from PACs and "individuals" (lobbyists) outside the district. It is a sad day when the election of our representation is bought and paid for by special interests.
In contrast, I bring a passion to this race and a firm commitment to the future of our country - not a desire to build a political monarchy. Our great nation will face dire consequences when the bill for Congress' ever-expanding promises comes due. The future collapse of Social Security and Medicare is not a matter of opinion, but of simple arithmetic. You do the math.
I am willing to ask the tough questions and give the tough answers. I believe we have a moral obligation to leave our country in better shape than we found it, not to raid the treasury for our own benefit. I hope enough Americans want the respect of future generations and will elect leaders dedicated to the future. Our country is in need of courage and leadership in Washington. I hardly find that someone espousing those rare qualities is someone who "brings little else to the race."
See JustVoteJoe.Com.
As you know, I supervise attorneys in the misdemeanor division of the Public Defender's Office. I have done so for years in both Pinellas and Pasco. I am honored the public defender has entrusted me with teaching and training his new attorneys. I have direct responsibility for 15 to 20 attorneys at any one time. I also teach by invitation on a regular basis at Florida Defender College, where the elected public defenders from across the state send their new lawyers for training.
What you may not know is I have additional responsibilities within the office. For more than 15 years I have been trying capital murder cases. The two most recent tried by the Pinellas Public Defender's Office were tried with me as chief counsel. I point this out not to suggest that the type of cases heard in County Court are any less important to those involved, but to make you aware my skills and knowledge extend to the most difficult and complicated cases any attorney or judge will face.
Some have incorrectly referred to County Court as a lesser court. What matters to me, however, is not the sign over the door, but the quality of justice inside. For this reason I will not only follow the law but also treat everyone with the dignity, courtesy and respect we all deserve.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your recommendation of my opponent in the School Board race for the at-large/District 1 seat.
You are correct that I have resided in Pinellas county for four years, but I respectfully disagree that this limits my understanding of the Pinellas "way of work." I have attended many board meetings and have questioned the board numerous times on issues of finance and policy. I have a more than adequate understanding of the district from my four years of employment. I have watched the board and my opponent in action, or inaction, and can truthfully say that my interest in education and desire to improve the educational opportunities of Pinellas County students will be a positive addition to the board.
All Pinellas students deserve access to quality education, technology and excellent teachers. Pinellas teachers and staff deserve quality pay and working conditions. Pinellas parents deserve to know that their children, wherever they live, will be offered an education that will prepare them for the future. Is four more years of the status quo going to provide this?
I promise to work for the interests of the children and adults who spend such a large part of their lives in our classrooms and schools. I promise to base all my decisions on what is best for the classroom.
I am looking forward to the fresh perspective and ideas our new superintendent will bring. I hope you agree with me that the time for change is now.
First, I would like to thank the St. Petersburg Times editorial board for the opportunity to meet with them. Their concern for the community, as shown by the scrutiny they give to political candidates, is commendable.
I believe that their recommendation for the District 5 School Board race was a perfect case in point. Although they did not endorse me outright, their descriptions of my opponent and myself spoke volumes. It all comes down to "connections" versus real "front-line" classroom experience.
My opponent was revealed as lacking "assertiveness," "not sure" and of spending four years "content to learn the ropes and play the role of peacemaker."
I was characterized as "insightful," with an "impressive command of education issues." I am also not lacking the desire or the ability to take on the tough challenges of redirecting the focus of a divisive and out-of-touch school board.
My pledges to the voters of District 5 are these:
To cut down on the taxpayer burden over the long run by reining in unnecessary spending and eliminating waste.
To make sure that the budget directs the money to the classroom where it belongs, giving teachers the resources they need while cutting unnecessary paperwork.
To make sure our children are learning what they need to know, both academically and culturally, to prepare them for a changing society.
To not forget that the most important work in the school system takes place in the classroom, where dedicated, caring teachers are giving their all every day.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak directly with the people of Pinellas County about this important upcoming election for the clerk of the Circuit Court.
While this office does not often make headlines, it is vital nonetheless, responsible for handling public documents, civil and criminal case files and auditing how your county tax dollars are spent, among other functions.
This office requires a strong public leader with management experience. I've spent more than 20 years in private-sector management, directly managing large organizations. I have a master's in business administration that has helped me both in private and public life as I apply good, sound business principles to how we can run public offices. As mayor of Clearwater, I learned firsthand how to be responsible to voters, how to listen to neighborhood concerns and how to fight against companies that did not live up to their commitments under public contracts.
As clerk, my first action will be to reform the way we manage jury duty. Studies show that Pinellas County calls too many citizens for jury duty, leaving many people wasting their time waiting for a jury trial for which they are never chosen.
I also have plans to save taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by modernizing technology and running a more efficient operation. We must reduce waste of your time and tax dollars!
On Aug. 31, vote for a proven leader and private-sector executive who won't politicize the office. Please vote for Brian Aungst for Pinellas County clerk of the Circuit Court!
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the editorial board's recommendation for Pinellas County commissioner, District 1. Based on his proven track record and elected office experience, the following people proudly recommend J.J. Beyrouti for Pinellas County commissioner:
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker
Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst
Pinellas Park Mayor Bill Mischler
Dunedin Mayor John Doglione
Largo Mayor Bob Jackson
Former Tarpon Springs Mayor Frank DiDonato
Oldsmar Mayor Jerry Beverland
Seminole Mayor Dottie Reeder
St. Pete Beach Mayor Ward Friszolowski
Kenneth City Mayor William Smith
Gulfport Mayor Michael Yakes
Belleair Mayor George Mariani Jr.
Indian Shores Mayor Don Taber
Belleair Bluffs Mayor Chris Arbutine
North Redington Beach Mayor Harold Radcliffe
Indian Rocks Beach Mayor Bob DiNicola
Belleair Beach Mayor Michael Kelly
Belleair Shore Mayor John Robertson
South Pasadena Mayor Dick Holmes
Treasure Island Mayor Mary Maloof
Redington Beach Mayor Bob Fountaine
Sen. Dennis Jones
Sen. Don Sullivan
"Actions speak louder than words" best describes the attributes I bring to the position of county commissioner. I speak English, Spanish and French, and meet the challenges of our most densely populated county in Florida through my 41 years' community service local, state appointments, Education Practices Commission, co-chairperson, personal (founder Pinellas Compassionate Friends, church, civic leader), professional (teacher, Realtor) and elected public office (School Board, eight years) involvement. I am committed to preserving and improving our Pinellas paradise for my grandchildren and all future generations. Visit www.lucilecasey.com for details.
As your commissioner, I will:
Listen and involve citizens in decisionmaking.
Pass on the benefit of property value increases to Pinellas taxpayers with no new taxes.
Promote business and job opportunities and educational partnerships.
Maintain, protect and restore the natural beauty and rich heritage of Pinellas and enhance the arts.
Spend the Penny for Pinellas according to voters' wishes.
Synchronize traffic signals for safety and efficiency.
Support tourism with proper infrastructure to maintain it. Investigate convention center in Pinellas.
Sustain redevelopment. Provide necessary resources before rebuilding.
Maintain the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport expansion for quality of life in Pinellas neighborhoods, "tranquil environment" and air safety.
Experience counts. I am the only candidate in this race with countywide experience (chaired largest corporation in Pinellas). Don and I have been married 40 years and have two grown children and one grandchild. My mother is a Clearwater Beach resident. I have the time and talent to represent you immediately. Vote for Lucile Casey because "Casey Cares."
School choice will not make schools racially identifiable. The neighborhoods where the people live make the schools racially identifiable. I was not aware the Times will measure the success of a school year on school choice.
When voters in Central Tampa, Brandon, Mango, and Seffner read the Times, they should know if my campaign is successful. I will join and at times lead six others shaping educational policies and outcomes for an estimated 190,000 K-12 students, create innovative programs that retain and enhance the careers of our 23,000 employees, and bridge the communication/ relationship gaps existing between residents, the business community in Hillsborough County and the school district. I will insist that the district administrators "get it right" before we pass on information about our district. Accuracy of effort is of the highest priority.
I look forward to listening to children and parents, employees, and all county residents. Together, we make up the school district. I'll lead an effort bringing on board more support from the business community, and adding my expertise and diversity (14-year military veteran, 10-year technology strategies business owner, 5-year literacy and "soft skills" mentor for at-risk children) to the School Board of Hillsborough County.
An appropriate description and perception for your readers is "District 5 elects catalyst to School Board seat."
My campaign platform for clerk of the Circuit Court is based on the principles found in three words - Service, Integrity and Community. These principles will guide me in setting new and higher standards for the performance of the clerk's office.
Based on my experience with the clerk's office as a private citizen, commercial banker and county commissioner, I have developed a customer-focused plan for leading the changes necessary to provide better service. With your advice and support, I am committed to:
1. Leading the clerk's office to be the most customer-friendly in Florida.
2. Motivating the clerk's staff to implement innovative ideas to improve services and reduce costs to taxpayers.
3. Improving the public's access to court and public records, while ensuring the integrity and availability of documents.
4. Maximizing the use of information and financial management technology systems.
5. Bringing sound business practices, practical government experience and proven leadership to the office of the clerk.
This is my pledge to you.
I have an interactive Web site at www.HartForClerk.com for added communications and you can more easily decide why you should elect me to serve as your next clerk. I am confident that when you look at my experience, accomplishment and leadership throughout a career in banking, military and public service, you will determine I am the best qualified to serve as your clerk of the Circuit Court.
I am respectfully asking for your vote on Aug. 31.
Our forefathers chose to have elections so that individuals from the private sector could be involved in our government, creating a system of checks and balances in our bureaucracy. I am the only candidate for Hillsborough County clerk of the Circuit Court who hails from the private sector.
Unlike my opponents, one of whom you recommended, I am also the only candidate who has proven leadership in my profession, my church and my community. My training is not in the government world but in private industry and community service.
I will undertake the duties of this office with a fresh perspective. I will utilize the eyes of a businessman who seeks to maximize the level of service to our citizens while furthering the technical needs of the job. My leadership, vision and integrity are qualities that can only be found in someone who has a variety of outside business experience and the wisdom built upon it.
I am the only candidate who will reduce his income to undertake this position. Why? Because I want to make a real difference in our community and this government office. I have identified a number of issues that need to be corrected or upgraded in the clerk's office. I have chosen to stand up and do something about these problems.
While I did not receive the recommendation of your newspaper, I am truly grateful for the support of people whom I have met personally and who have shown their faith in my abilities by joining me in this important campaign. I also applaud the thousands of people who have committed to vote for me. Together, we will win this office for all good citizens.
My family and I lived in Hillsborough County for 20 years. My first career was as a middle school English teacher. I left teaching to stay at home, raising our daughters. At 36, I went to law school at Stetson College of Law and graduated at the top of the class. I spent five years in private practice before joining the clerk's office as legal counsel to Richard Ake.
For the last eight years, I have been involved in every aspect of the clerk's office, providing counsel and leadership. The clerk has 825 employees, operates from 11 offices and has more than 1,000 statutory duties. As the clerk's attorney, I am asked regularly to interpret our responsibilities in meeting those duties.
I know the clerk's office well. I have taught statewide for the Florida Association of Court Clerks and the Florida Institute of Government, teaching new clerks about issues that they will face after taking office.
When selecting your new clerk, please look at my qualifications and match them to the responsibilities of the job. I am already in the office, providing leadership and solving problems. That is why I have been recommended for this important job by Clerk of Court Richard Ake, Sheriff Cal Henderson, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Thomas Scott, former County Administrator Fred Karl and many others.
This is a job for a professional, not a career politician. Please vote for Helene Marks on Aug. 31.
John Legg, Republican, is dedicated to in-home services for our seniors. John believes that seniors should have the freedom to stay in their own homes or with their families and still receive high-quality medical care. John is committed to lowering the cost of prescription drugs and abolishing the unfair intangible tax.
As a founder, a teacher and an administrator of Pasco's first and largest charter school, Dayspring Academy, John Legg understands the need for raising academic standards, ensuring adequate funding for our schools, and assisting our teachers with concrete ways to improve the quality of education in our state.
As chief of staff for Rep. Heather Fiorentino, John worked diligently to protect consumers from unfair price increases imposed by utility companies. He also worked to craft legislation to punish criminals with 10-20-Life and abolishing early release.
According to the St. Petersburg Times, John Legg has the "knowledge of Tallahassee and the political insight" to be an energetic and effective leader. The Florida Medical Association, the Police Benevolence Association, the Florida Professional Firefighters, the Florida Right to Life, the Tampa Tribune and state Sen. Mike Fasano all agree and have endorsed John Legg.
Cast your vote for a better Florida on Aug. 31. Support John Legg, Republican for state House District 46.
Thank you to the members of the Times editorial board for allowing me to be reviewed for your editorial recommendation. I know that you recommended my opponent and I understand why. This race is one about the Republican Party searching for its soul.
While you didn't recommend me, you didn't say anything bad about me either. It was clear that the basis for your recommendation was a choice between a proven conservative candidate and a moderate to liberal candidate. Obviously, my opponent more clearly matches the moderate to liberal orientation of your editorial policy. I understand that, and the voters in District 47 understand that. When the final votes are counted, I am confident that the voters will decide that of the choices, they would rather vote for Bill Bunkley, the true conservative choice for their state representative.
I have been the victim of the dirtiest political campaign conducted in the history of Florida politics, but I believe in the integrity of the voters. They can see through all of that and Mr. Ambler and his friends are going to find out that the numerous dirty political tactics used against me by his special interest friends simply will not work in this district. This campaign against me has been a case study for the politics of personal and family destruction.
I look forward to being designated as the Republican nominee on Tuesday and to being elected in November. When I take the oath of office, I will take it seriously and will represent all the people in District 47, and not the special interests in Tallahassee.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity for rebuttal.
Thanks for recognizing me as one of two stand-out Republican candidates in the District 56 House race. As a district resident since 1976 and the only candidate with local, state and federal experience, I feel uniquely qualified to serve. I know our district's transportation, education and health care problems and have specific solutions.
My work for the Legislature's Republican leadership and authoring of Florida's Y2K plan provided firsthand knowledge of Florida agencies and departments. I will make governmental effectiveness and efficiency a top priority!
I've served our district as elected supervisor of the Soil and Water Conservation District since 1988 and as chair, our board was named Florida's best. I know protecting our natural resources will be critical as Florida continues its growth.
My public service includes 16 years on Hillsborough County's Republican Executive Committee, Florida West Coast RC&D Board, U.S. congressional page, Rotarian and active Republican Party member.
I'm an attorney specializing in agricultural, environmental, family and business law, and the only local business owner in this race. I know the constraints government often puts on its citizens and businesses.
I'm proud to have been endorsed by the Florida Chamber, National Federation of Independent Business, congressman Adam Putnam, legislators, 20 chamber presidents, city of Tampa Retired Fire & Police Association, Florida Hospital Association, Florida Farm Bureau, La Gaceta, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, Associated Builders and Contractors, GOP leaders and many others.
I ask now for the continued support and vote of my fellow Republicans.