Knowledge on taxes gives Schultz an edge

By Times Editorial
Published June 19, 2007

Early voting began Monday in the Florida House of Representatives District 43 special election, which was necessitated by the resignation of Rep. Charlie Dean, R-Inverness, to run for the state Senate. Three candidates are on the District 43 ballot, and a write-in candidate also has declared his interest. Election day is June 26.

Sophia Diaz-Fonseca is the Democrat in this race, and the Republican is Ron Schultz. David Gregory has no party affiliation, and the write-in is recurrent candidate David Werder.

Schultz and Diaz-Fonseca are the most viable and engaged contenders, and after carefully studying their platforms and questioning them about the issues facing Florida, we recommend Schultz to voters.

Schultz has a long and credible history of public service. Now retired, he spent more than 25 years as the elected property appraiser in Citrus and Pinellas counties, which gives him a considerable and very timely advantage over his opponents in this race.

Schultz's extensive experience will serve residents well as the Legislature continues to refit the state's property tax structure and wrestle with the evolving issues of Save Our Homes and homestead exemptions. His fiscally conservative leanings also should serve him well as lawmakers seek other ways to provide tax relief to residents.

Schultz, 68, also is well-grounded on environmental issues, having actively worked to protect the Homosassa River, on which he has a waterfront home. He also has a progressive view of managing growth, which includes more state oversight of comprehensive land-use plans and better efforts to conserve water.

Diaz-Fonseca, 48, is a former Inverness Council member and a sincere and persuasive candidate, and we applaud her for offering herself as a public servant in higher office. Her energy and tenacity are admirable traits in any elected representative.

Were it not for Schultz's capabilities in property tax policy and procedures, and the likelihood that he will have an immediate impact on a pressing issue, she easily could have earned our recommendation. However, that is an edge of Schultz's she simply cannot overcome.

Because of his background, and his lengthy and reliable record, we recommend Schultz to voters in District 43.

Opportunity to reply: Candidates who are not recommended by the Times are invited to respond. Responses must be received by noon Friday, June 22. E-mail to webb@sptimes.com or fax to 352 754-6123.

Fast Facts:

Voting information

There are about 88, 000 registered voters in House District 43; about 12, 000 of them live in Hernando County. All voters, regardless of party affiliation, are eligible to vote Tuesday. If you are not sure if you are eligible, call the Hernando Supervisor of Elections Office at 754-4125, or visit its Web site www.hernandovotes.com.

[Last modified June 19, 2007, 09:22:55]