2006 Know Your Candidates

Eleven hopefuls want to help county fight those pesky insects

Mosquito Control Board: Seats 1-3

By Times Staff Writer
Published October 25, 2006

In 2002, a dozen Citrus County residents sought seats on the Mosquito Control Board. This year, the number of candidates is down to 11.

The three-member board oversees local mosquito control efforts.

So long as a candidate lives in Citrus and is a registered voter, he or she may compete for any of the three seats.

All candidates are elected countywide in nonpartisan elections. Board members serve four-year terms and earn $4,800 per year.

The board meets once a month, and its goal is fairly simple: Set policy that the 23-member staff carries out.

Revenue from the board's $3.6-million budget comes from a special tax, the millage rate for which is 0.12 mills.

Here's a look at the races:

Seat 1

The incumbent is Brenda Buzby, 51, of Homosassa. She has served on the board since 1990.

Florence "Flo" Jones, 58, is a former director of the district.

Gary Platfoot, 37. No other information available.

Seat 2

The incumbent is Gerald Kelley, 63, of Crystal River, a retired transportation company employee. He got involved in 2002 after his family complained of mosquito troubles.

Ken Frink, 40, is the county's former public works director.

Seat 3

The incumbent is Keith Anderson, 72, who worked 28 years for the Collier Mosquito Control District and later served two years as a board member for that district.

Charlie "Chuck" Cooper, 42, is a veteran employee with Sumter Electric Cooperative.

Tom Corkery, 63, of Hernando is a retired General Motors auto plant worker.

Terry Davenport, 64, of Sugarmill Woods retired three years ago from the banking industry. He has lived in Citrus County since 1991 and in Florida since 1970.

Bev Davis, 34, is a 23-year Citrus resident and a Realtor.

Richard C. Young, 62, is a local businessman and a former Air Force captain.

[Last modified November 3, 2006, 15:15:41]