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Waters' assistant plans a run for state House

By ANNE LINDBERG
Published May 18, 2005

SEMINOLE - With the election more than a year away, a third person has emerged as a possible candidate for the state House seat being vacated by Leslie Waters.

Bruce Cotton, Waters' legislative aide, said he plans to announce his candidacy later this year after he vacates his post. State law prohibits him from running while working for the state.

"I think my experience and skill from working in the legislative process for 10 years and working daily with constituents during that time will make me an effective representative for the citizens of District 51," Cotton said Tuesday.

If elected, Cotton said he would like to concentrate on consumer issues. One that's high on his agenda is a proposal to change the law concerning mobile home parks, which failed this past legislative session.

Under current law, mobile home owners get the first right of refusal if the park's owner decides to sell the land. But if the sale is unsolicited, then the park owner does not have to give mobile home owners the first chance to buy the property.

"That's been a long problem," Cotton said. "That's something that really needs to be addressed . . . to be a little more consumer-friendly."

Cotton, 42, plans to make his candidacy official late this summer after he has left his post. Cotton described himself as a moderate and a centrist. He is originally from Daytona Beach and has two degrees in political science and administration. He is married and has one son.

Cotton, who plans to run as a Republican, could face a crowded field. Seminole Mayor Dottie Reeder has said she may run for the District 51 seat as a Republican. Also interested in running is Seminole council member Janet C. Long, who would run as a Democrat.

House District 51 includes parts of Seminole, Pinellas Park, Largo, South Pasadena and west Lealman. Waters, a Republican, has held the seat since 1998 and will be leaving office because of term limits.

Waters said she is concentrating on her job as House speaker pro tem. She does not plan to run for Senate in 2006 as no seat is open.

But that does not mean she plans to return to private life.

"I believe state government could benefit from my business background and legislative experience, either as an employee, appointee, or in an elected position," Waters said.

Waters added that last year she opened a political grass roots consulting firm that she plans to begin marketing statewide and perhaps across the country. Waters said she will focus on the political process rather than issues.

"I am also pursuing international contracts involved with enhancing democracy worldwide," Waters said.

Waters has visited more than 50 countries in her travels. She also helped train newly elected Indonesian officials in effectiveness last year. And, she will go to China this summer with a study tour and trade mission.

[Last modified May 18, 2005, 00:50:19]