March 31, 2006
Her experience makes Graham best choice
A Times Editorial
Zephyrhills is reshaping its municipal government. A majority of its five-member City Council seats are changing hands, and voters will consider an eight-page ballot of proposed charter amendments in the April 11 election.
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February 20, 2005
Arntzen, Guyette have ability to guide Largo well
A Times Editorial
In nine days, Largo will have an election to fill two seats on the City Commission. Although some have tried to make this an election about "family values," there are more important issues on which to focus when electing municipal officials.
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October 28, 2004
Valentino can balance out County Commission
A Times Editorial
There is a lot to like in the platforms and accomplishments of the two candidates in the County Commission District 5 race. While incumbent Josh Wooten and challenger Joyce Valentino may not agree on everything, they are more alike than perhaps they realize.
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October 26, 2004
Candidate response
By Times staff
Jed Pittman, Republican, Pasco Circuit Court Clerk
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Himmel best suited to forge changes schools need
A Times Editorial
The three candidates seeking the superintendent of schools seat offer a study in contrasts. The person who will succeed retiring David Hickey will be either:
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Keep Nugent as sheriff
A Times Editorial
Four years ago Richard Nugent and James E. "Eddie" McConnell waged intense campaigns to earn voters' consent to take over the county's top law enforcement job. As longtime employees of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, each candidate offered voters solid experience, dynamic personalities and believable promises to do a good job and help make the county a safer place to live.
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Summary of recommendations for Nov. 2 election
A Times Editorial
The following is a summary of Times recommendations for the Nov. 2 general election.
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October 21, 2004
Attorney Robert Altman for county clerk of circuit court
A Times Editorial
Circuit Court Clerk Jed Pittman's re-election slogan boasts of "service, not politics." If that's true, why do his most promising achievements materialize during his re-election campaign?
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A record of accomplishment
A Times Editorial
JULIANNE HOLT: Democrat, Hillsborough Public Defender
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October 20, 2004
Burke for Pinellas clerk
A Times Editorial
Given the office's duties, there is no reason to pick a clerk of courts through the political process. Yet that is the system we have, and so voters can only hope the job draws qualified candidates. Such is the case in Pinellas County, where two political newcomers are seeking to replace the longtime clerk, Karleen DeBlaker. Both have extensive and relevant business backgrounds.
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Experience qualifies Damato for commission seat
A Times Editorial
All of the challenges facing Citrus County government today and in the future are rooted in the county's unprecedented population explosion.
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October 19, 2004
Choice for District 4 School Board seat is clear
A Times Editorial
While they may not admit it, the two candidates who emerged from the crowded field in the August primary election for the School Board District 4 seat have similar outlooks on life.
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For a better Florida congressional delegation
A Times Editorial
GINNY BROWN-WAITE
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Candidate responses
A Times Editorial
Steve Ashmore, County Commission, District 3, no party
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Time and again, elections supervisor proves worthy
A Times Editorial
Kurt Browning is used to running elections, not campaigns.
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On Pinellas, Hillsborough charter amendments
A Times Editorial
PINELLAS COUNTY CHARTER AMENDMENTS
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October 18, 2004
Powers has best credentials for School Board
By Times Staff
The easy way to characterize the race for the School Board District 5 seat would be to call it a contest between an "insider" and an "outsider."
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Times' recommendations
By Times Staff
The Times recommends voters elect Democrat Dee Thomas of New Port Richey for state House of Representatives District 46 in west Pasco, and re-elect Reps. Dave Russell, R-Brooksville, and Tom Anderson, R-Dunedin, to legislative seats covering portions of Pasco County.
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Bringing a clear focus, experience to Hillsborough clerk's office
A Times Editorial
The two candidates for Hillsborough clerk of court are among the most recognized names in county politics, and they are known for opposite reasons. Over her 30-year career in public life, Democrat Pat Frank has served her community and her state with an atypical level of competence, embodying what dedication to government service is about. Republican Chris Hart served eight years as a Hillsborough County commissioner, during which he accomplished little of distinction, largely because his poor communication skills blurred his agenda. Frank is a clear thinker with a sharp eye and a straightforward style whose exacting standards are needed in the county's top bookkeeper.
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For the Florida House of Representatives, CHARLES DEAN, Republican State House District 43
A Times Editorial
Former Citrus County Sheriff Charlie Dean strode into the Florida House of Representatives in 2002 convinced that, even as a freshman, he could have an impact and champion projects for District 43. Those good intentions, he says, died at the hands of Speaker Johnny Byrd, who blocked any agenda that was not his own.
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Republican Nancy Argenziano for State Senate District 3
A Times Editorial
Nancy Argenziano arrived in the state Senate two years ago with a reputation for headline-grabbing antics and brash opinions that she earned during her six eventful years in the state House. She also carried a growing list of legislative accomplishments and an impressive record of constituent service.
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FOP is not haven for the discontented
Letters to the Editor
The Times recommends the following candidates, all Republican incumbents whose districts include all or part of Hernando County, be returned to the state Legislature:
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October 17, 2004
On state constitutional amendments
A Times Editorial
AMENDMENT 1: NO
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Prescott edges out Fagan for School Board seat
A Times Editorial
Hernando County residents who want to add a competent, insightful, conscientious professional to the School Board are in luck. Their wish will be granted on Nov. 2 when voters elect either Linda Prescott or Pat Fagan to the open District 2 seat.
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Sheriff Jeff Dawsy's experience stands above rest
A Times Editorial
Two years ago, Sheriff Jeff Dawsy was unopposed in his bid for a second term, a clear indication of support within the community of his actions as the county's chief law enforcement officer.
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White still best choice for sheriff
A Times Editorial
The relatively quiet campaign season on the local front can be attributed, in large part, to Republican Sheriff Bob White. It is the first time in decades an incumbent Pasco sheriff hasn't been perceived as politically vulnerable because of his performance in office.
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John Kerry is better choice for president
A Times Editorial
He has shown his commitment to his country on the battlefield and in public service, while George W. Bush has stumbled.
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October 15, 2004
Hensley offers best choice for property appraiser
A Times Editorial
The race for Citrus County property appraiser features two well-known candidates, each of whom has spent nearly two decades in careers that involve setting the value of property in Citrus County. The major difference is the way each has approached this task.
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Kingsley for District 5 County Commission seat
A Times Editorial
Voters are dealing with two familiar names in the race for Hernando County Commission District 5.
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Rep. Heather Fiorentino for school superintendent
A Times Editorial
Heather Fiorentino and Alice Delgardo are more alike than different. Fiorentino, the Republican state legislator, and Delgardo, a Democrat and licensed practical nurse, say they plan few administrative changes if elected superintendent of the Pasco School District.
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Elections job requires new skills
A Times Editorial
ROB MACKENNA: Democrat, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections
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For better schools
A Times Editorial
By voting to increase the property tax, Pinellas voters have a chance to give schools a much-needed financial boost
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October 14, 2004
School Board needs Whaley
A Times Editorial
In August, we recommended three-term incumbent Marge Whaley as the clear choice in the race for District 2 Pasco School Board seat. The ensuing two months have solidified our reasoning.
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Takac has varied experience for 5th Circuit Court bench
A Times Editorial
Michael Takac is no stranger to tense elections. For the second time in two years, the Ocala lawyer is in a tight race to become a Circuit Court judge in the 5th Circuit, which includes Citrus, Hernando, Marion, Lake and Sumter counties.
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October 13, 2004
Rowden clear choice for commission District 3
A Times Editorial
Few people can argue that Diane Rowden does not work as hard as any Hernando County commissioner. She's accessible and ready to listen to the concerns of her constituents, willing to immerse herself in almost any issue, large or small, and to roll up her sleeves in pursuit of a solution.
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October 12, 2004
For a better judiciary
A Times Editorial
JACK DAY
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For a Better Hillsborough County Commission
A Times Editorial
Two longtime local officials, Jan Platt and Pat Frank, are leaving the Hillsborough County commission this year, creating a big hole in county government and removing from the scene two steady voices for civil rights, growth management, social welfare and open government. The winners this year should help to move a wide agenda, from making essential transit and drainage improvements to embracing smarter ways to plan suburban communities. The Times editorial board has studied the issues, the candidates and their backgrounds and makes these recommendations:
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October 11, 2004
For Pinellas County Commission
By Times Staff Writer

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For Pinellas County Commission
A Times Editorial
Four seats on the seven-member Pinellas County Commission will be filled in the Nov. 2 general election. For three of those seats, the incumbent commissioner seeks re-election and is opposed by a relative unknown. In the fourth race, two men who have not served in elective office are vying to replace longtime Commissioner Barbara Sheen Todd, who chose not to run again.
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October 10, 2004
Hildebrand, Altman still have work to do on board
A Times Editorial
Pasco voters should re-elect Ann Hildebrand and Peter Altman, two key members of a progressive County Commission confronting growth, but still facing challenges in law enforcement, trash disposal, transportation, and industrial recruitment.
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Stabins has decided edge
A Times Editorial
It appears the two candidates for Hernando County Commission District 1 agree on more issues than they disagree on. Considering that one, Jeff Stabins, is a Republican and the other, D.W. "Bill" Fagan, is a Democrat, their platforms are remarkably similar.
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October 7, 2004
Torgersen for District 1
A Times Editorial
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
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October 6, 2004
Coats for Pinellas sheriff
A Times Editorial
If Pinellas County voters had an easy choice during the primary race for sheriff - choosingbetween 33-year veteran Chief Deputy Jim Coats or an opponent who worked as a private security supervisor - the general election should be even easier.
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October 4, 2004
For the future of St. Petersburg's waterfront
A Times Editorial
Five referendum questions on the Nov. 2 ballot for St. Petersburg voters will help determine the future of the city's downtown waterfront and the public's involvement in the process. Three of the items ask for voter approval of specific projects and two seek to amend the City Charter to allow longer leases at the airport and seaport.
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October 3, 2004
Betty Castor for United States Senate
A Times Editorial
The Democrat and lifelong public servant is an independent thinker and a moderate voice, much like the popular senator she would replace.
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August 31, 2004
Times recommends
A Times Editorial
For today's primary elections, the Times has published detailed recommendations, which are available online at www.sptimes.com click on Election 2004 . Here is a summary:
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Tuesday's election
A Times Editorial
For today's primary elections, the St. Petersburg Times has published recommendations, which are available online at www.sptimes.com click on Election 2004. Here is a summary:
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Voting is the best way to voice your concerns
A Times Editorial
There is no justification for grumbling about the public school system if you sit home today.
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Tuesday's election
A Times Editorial
For today's primary elections, the Times has published detailed recommendations for every contest. They are available online at www.sptimes.com Click on "Election 2004" and then "Times recommendations."
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August 30, 2004
McCollum for GOP
A Times Editorial
The Mel Martinez campaign's unprincipled attacks on Bill McCollum show Martinez to be unworthy of support in Tuesday's Republican Senate primary.
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