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Phyllis Busansky

Democrat U.S. Congress District 9

Congress should not be treated like a family business, but that is what's happening in District 9. Republican Gus Bilirakis of Palm Harbor is seeking the seat held by his father, Mike, who was first elected in 1982. U.S. House seats should not be inherited but won based on experience and accomplishments. That's what makes Democrat Phyllis Busansky a better choice.

Busansky, 69, served on the Hillsborough County Commission from 1988 to 1996. The Tampa resident won national acclaim for her leading role in creating the county's indigent health care program. As a Welfare-to-Work agency director, she helped reduce welfare rolls. In Congress, she would continue to focus on health care and promote programs and funding for helping local government provide more health care.

Bilirakis, 43, has had an undistinguished record in the state House and never rose to a prominent leadership role, despite serving the maximum eight years. He insists he would be independent-minded in Washington but finds little fault with the handling of the war in Iraq and would make President Bush's tax cuts permanent.

Voters in District 9, which covers parts of North Pinellas, West Pasco and suburban Hillsborough, have a clear choice: They can vote for a familiar name and the status quo, or for a proven record and change in Washington. In U.S. House District 9, the Times recommends Phyllis Busansky.

[Last modified October 16, 2006, 02:26:50]