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Storms says her schedule rules out debate

By JONNELLE MARTE
Published July 14, 2006

Hillsborough County Commissioner Ronda Storms says scheduling conflicts are keeping her from participating in a debate with other candidates running for the state Senate.

Storms originally accepted an invitation from the St. Petersburg Times and Bay News 9 to take part in a debate on Aug. 10, but had to back out when the commission scheduled a public hearing for the controversial Lake Hutto development project for the same time.

The Times offered Storms four alternate dates, but Storms said her agenda is packed with board meetings, public hearings and campaign events on those days.

"I cannot miss official commission duty to go engage in a debate," Storms said, adding that she already participated in several debates held by the Plant City Republican Women's Club, the Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee and the Sun City Center Republican Club.

But Republican opponent Ray Young says this will be the candidates' first real debate.

"We've had public forums, but we've not had a debate per say," Young said. "The candidates introduced themselves and were asked questions from the audience. We have not had a moderator. It depends on what your definition of a debate is."

Young said he understands Storms' not being able to participate.

"Certainly Ronda is a busy lady, and she has to balance her County Commission duties with that of being a Senate candidate," he said. "It is unfortunate she won't be a part of our program."

Storms is stepping down from the County Commission in November to run for the Senate seat, which is being vacated by Senate President, Tom Lee, R-Brandon.

Storms' other Republican opponent, former state Rep. Sandy Murman, could not be reached for comment Monday.

Murman, Young and Democrat Stephen Gorham all plan on attending the debate, which takes place at 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at Riverview High School, 11311 Boyette Road. It is open to the public.

It will be moderated by Times political editor Adam Smith and Bay News 9 anchor Al Ruechel and airs at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 13 on Bay News 9.

The three candidates will answer questions submitted by readers. Questions should be e-mailed to District10Debate@tampabay.com or mailed to the District 10 Debate, 426 Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL 33511 by Aug. 3.

Also Monday, Storms dispelled rumors that she is dropping out of the District 10 Senate race to run for Jim Norman's Hillsborough County Commission seat.

"I collected over 3,000 signatures for Senate District 10 and I'm qualified for Senate District 10," Storms said. "You can't get anymore committed than that. How am I going to do something else? Why would I be?"

Jonnelle Marte can be reached at (813) 310-1145 or jmarte@sptimes.com.

[Last modified July 13, 2006, 13:41:34]