Politics

Former supporter takes on Schrader for office

John Nicolette wants the District 1 seat on the County Commission.

By DAVID DeCAMP, Times Staff Writer
Published November 8, 2007

John Nicolette contributed $500, the most legally allowed, to Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader's unchallenged re-election in 2004.

But a check isn't in the mail for the 2008 election, and Nicolette is making sure Schrader faces a challenger.

Nicolette, 45, a Tampa firefighter and San Antonio developer, filed to run against Schrader in next year's Republican Party primary election. Schrader, 51, is serving his second term on the commission, representing District 1, which covers East Pasco.

"I'm certainly disappointed. First of all, John hasn't spoken to me about running," Schrader said Wednesday. "I certainly thought he was a supporter.

Nicolette said he decided to run because he believes in term limits and wants lower property taxes, slower growth and less traffic. But when asked what he would do differently than Schrader, Nicolette avoided specifics.

Pressed for answers, he said: "It is important to listen to the people It is important to do what the people want. It is important to put the people first."

Nicolette, who owns Crooked Creek Ranch outside Dade City, was appointed recently by Gov. Charlie Crist to the Coastal Rivers Basin Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The basin board, whose members are unpaid, collects property taxes to help pay for water projects in the area. It has a $10-million budget.

With Schrader's support, Nicolette has served on county committees reviewing rural development issues. He sought the Florida House seat that State Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, won last year.

He also has taken a larger financial role with the Pasco Republican Party since 2004. Since February, Nicolette has donated $2,070 to the Pasco Republicans, according to finance records through September. Schrader hasn't donated to the party since 2004.

County GOP Chairman Bill Bunting said Nicollete has reliably sponsored tables at fund-raisers and contributed to golf outings. Nicolette also is expected to join the party's executive committee of activists.

Those ties could help Nicolette's chances with the rank and file, Bunting said.

"At least he's shown up for events in the community. You never see Schrader at one of the events," Bunting said of party functions.

Schrader said he will gladly attend a party event "if they invite me." He chalked up Bunting's actions to dissension since Schrader supported the Penny for Pasco sales tax increase in 2004 and the election of School Board member Allen Altman in 2006.

Bunting opposed the tax and Altman.

And Schrader said he's proud the commission has lowered property tax rates since he joined the board.

No Democrats have filed to run for County Commission.

David DeCamp can be reached at ddecamp@sptimes.com or 800 333-7505, ext. 6232.

[Last modified November 7, 2007, 21:47:12]