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Candidate response

Times staff
Published October 26, 2004

Jed Pittman, Republican, Pasco Circuit Court Clerk

As Pasco county clerk of the circuit court, my primary goal has always been service, not politics!

During my tenure as clerk, I have earned more than $267-million for Pasco taxpayers through an aggressive, but safe and prudent investment program. Who benefits from this wise financial management? Police and emergency services, Meals on Wheels, veterans services, indigent health care and elderly nutrition, to name just a few.

Do you appreciate Pasco County's beautiful parks and libraries? My investments help build and maintain these amenities. County salaries and road repair are also covered by this financial windfall. Had not these prudent investments been made, your taxes would have been greatly increased to pay for these vital countywide services, or these services would have been sharply reduced.

As watchdog of the public purse, I safeguard your tax dollars from being squandered on illegal projects. I prevent double payments to government contractors, stopped illegal countywide bonuses and exposed a $10-million slush fund.

I have greatly improved our program to assist battered women as they petition the court for legal protection. When these abused women come to the clerk's office, we treat them with the utmost compassion.

I have enhanced our probate and guardianship programs with highly trained auditors who prevent unscrupulous people from looting the assets of the elderly. I have personally made this a top priority.

With your vote on Nov. 2, I will continue providing professional, efficient courteous service to you.

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