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By A TIMES EDITORIAL
Published February 26, 2007

Candidate for Tampa City Council District 1

Denise Chavez

I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your editorial to explain why I deserve to win the Tampa City Council District 1 seat.

As a small-business owner with deep roots in this community, I will represent citizens who don't now have a voice.

A case in point: Home and business owners are suffering from unfair real estate taxes. Last year, 7,000 homes were listed for sale; now there are more than 17,000. Obviously, this hike is a direct result of increased taxes. Thus, I believe Tampa must take a critical look at its budget. We must roll back the millage rate as property values increase. We will still receive money for permits and licenses.

Until the tax rate is lowered, buyers will hold back. Tampa will not attract businesses if people cannot find affordable housing.

Vote for me and I will fight for you!

Candidate for Tampa City Council District 4

Julie Brown

Positive change is in order forSouth Tampa. My experience as a city attorney, focusing on stormwater, neighborhoods, wastewater, real estate and public art issues, gives me a keen understanding of the issues facing Tampa. I'm strongly committed to cutting taxes, examining expenditures, providing transparency in government spending and protecting your hard-earned dollars.

I'm strongly committed to smart growth of our community as evidenced by my plan to require that:

- Infrastructure be in place prior to approving development.

- Stormwater drainage systems be improved.

- A viable mass transit system is developed with a dedicated funding source.

- Meetings with neighborhoods occur prior to development approval.

I've been endorsed by the Tampa Police Benevolent Association, Tampa Firefighters Local 754, Tampa Bay Builders Association, Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, Florida Sentinel, and many neighborhood leaders and residents. I ask for your vote on March 6.

Candidate, Tampa City Council, District 4

Joseph V. Citro

In answer to your endorsement of the incumbent for Tampa City Council, District 4, I would offer the residents of Tampa an alternative.

As the proverbial "third" candidate, my campaign is characterized as frugal and honest. While the number of billboards, signs and mailings carrying my name is significantly fewer than my opponent's, so are the number of personal obligations owed in exchange for the support of special interests.

My commitment to service is reflected in the seven years of service I have given as Special Hearing Master for Tampa Code Enforcement and as chair of the Civil Service Board.

On City Council, I will promote controlled growth in Tampa, requiring infrastructure to precede or accompany new development. New schools, fire stations and police substations are critical. I will fight to improve transportation - focusing on the condition of our roads and advocating for additional mass transit options. Special attention should be given to restoring the habitat of the Hillsborough River and Tampa Bay.

I urge you to elect a public servant, not a politician when you enter the polling booth from now until March 6.

[Last modified February 26, 2007, 01:43:21]