2006 Know Your Candidates

Doctor and clinical therapist square off for 2nd time

State House District 60

By EMILY NIPPS, Times Staff Writer
Published October 25, 2006

For the second time, the state House District 60 race features Republican incumbent Ed Homan, an orthopedic surgeon, and Democratic challenger Karen Perez, a clinical therapist.

Homan is seeking his third term after defeating Perez by nearly 10,000 votes (34,555 to 24,963) in 2004. He's one of two medical doctors in the Legislature and considers himself a go-to guy when it comes to medical and health insurance-related bills. He also expects, if elected, to have more influence on lawmaking now that he has four years' experience in Tallahassee.

Homan has strong views on property taxes and property insurance. He believes the taxes new homeowners pay shouldn't vary so widely from those paid by long-standing homeowners, therefore he does not support allowing people to take a property tax cap with them when they sell their home.

He also thinks homeowners should have the option of accepting their own risk when purchasing property insurance, such as choosing higher deductibles in exchange for lower premiums and getting only enough coverage to cover the amount owed to the lender.

"Somebody will say that's a bad idea, but it's a question of how much risk are you willing to take," Homan said.

In one of the more controversial issues to come before the Legislature, Homan voted for a law allowing telephone companies to raise local rates. Later, he changed his stance and supported a partial repeal of the law. He defends his decisions on the issue.

"We're getting better service (from phone companies) for less now because somebody voted to allow competition in the marketplace," Homan said.

Project Vote Smart, a national clearinghouse for political information, lists ratings given to lawmakers by various groups. In three of the past four years, Homan received a 100 percent rating by the Associated Builders and Contractors.

The state Christian Coalition rated him at 92 percent in 2005-2006, while the League of Conservation Voters's most recent rating was 34 percent, in 2004.

Perez, who has worked with needy, elderly and homeless patients, focuses more on issues involving families and schools.

She wants to see more of the state's budget go toward education and wants to see a better high school graduation rate. She thinks the educational system gives up too easily on at-risk children, and wants more guidance programs.

The candidates

Republican

Ed Homan, 63, represents District 60. He is an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of South Florida's medical school and practices at University Community Hospital. Homan has a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Louisiana State University, where he also earned his medical degree. He is married, has three children from a previous marriage and lives in Temple Terrace. Assets: Home, retirement account, savings. Liabilities: Mortgage, alimony, mother, credit cards. Income: University of South Florida, state Legislature, Ambulatory Surgery Center and family trust. Web site: www.edhoman.com.

Democrat

Karen Perez, 52, is a social worker and therapist at Memorial Hospital and Northside Mental Health. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from the University of South Florida, where she is currently working on a Ph.D. in education. She lives in New Tampa, is divorced and has three children. Assets: Home. Liabilities: Car loan, mortgage, other loan. Income: Salary. Web site: www.karenperez1florida.com.

The job

State representative, District 60

State House District 60 includes Lake Magdalene, Lutz, Mango, New Tampa, Temple Terrace and Thonotosassa. State representatives serve two-year terms and are paid $29,916 annually.

[Last modified October 25, 2006, 10:46:40]