Opinion: For a better Florida House

Two Democrats are seeking their party's nomination in the Sept. 5 primary. Gregory Williams and Diane TeStrake are longtime Florida residents and both live in the eastern part of Hernando County, which is the geographical linchpin in House District 44, which includes Sumter County, a portion of Lake County and a sliver of Pasco County.

Both candidates are educated, thoughtful and personable, but one is more attuned to the myriad issues facing the state's working people and has a greater potential to promote the party's objectives without compromising independence for the sake of partisanship. That candidate is Williams, a St. Petersburg native who now lives in Ridge Manor and whose diverse background should give him greater insight into the practical needs of district residents.

Williams, 40, is a classifications specialist for the state Department of Corrections and has worked as a human resources recruiter in the private sector. If elected, he promises to increase funding for education, specifically for classroom needs such as books, technology and other teaching materials. His other priorities include allocating state funds to assist doctors and health-care providers who are willing to offer their services to indigent and uninsured patients.

Williams believes Florida's tax structure needs to be re-examined and that growth management laws are in danger of being gutted by special interests dictating the agenda of the Republican majority in Tallahassee. He also wants water management districts to work more closely with local officials to use common-sense approaches to solving water supply issues and favors a prohibition on selling military-style automatic weapons to the public.

Unfortunately, Williams supports the death penalty and does not oppose legalized gambling.

Williams' opponent, TeStrake, says she is seeking election to the House because of environmental and educational issues and because "a social consciousness has been lacking" in the Legislature. A lifelong educator, TeStrake is a biology professor and associate dean at the University of South Florida. TeStrake is ingratiating, inquisitive, methodical and poised, but she also is disappointingly unaware of the processes of state government and the current issues before the Legislature. We commend her for volunteering herself for public service but wish she and the party officials who recruited her would have done more homework on the issues.

Williams is a solid candidate and the best hope for his party to take this seat away from the Republicans in the general election in November. We strongly recommend him to District 44 Democrats.

David Russell Jr.

House District 44, Republicans

When he ran two years ago to represent House District 44, David Russell Jr. campaigned on a platform that the incumbent, Jeff Stabins, had accomplished little during his three terms in office. Russell promised that if he was elected he would work hard and be a fast learner.

Two years later, we find that Russell did pass more bills than Stabins early in his tenure and that he certainly did learn quickly. The problem is too many of Russell's legislative initiatives have been insignificant, parochial or misguided. Worse, Russell sometimes seems more concerned with pleasing his partisan leaders in Tallahassee than in advocating the varied needs of the non-partisan people in his district.

For Republicans who happen to agree with the majority leadership in the House, Russell, 45, is a comfortable choice. For others who believe their state representative should vote independently on the merit of issues without worrying about reprisals, the choice is less obvious.

However, Russell's disappointing record nothwithstanding, he still is the preferable choice in a weak field of three candidates in the Sept. 5 primary.

Russell is in line for a key transportation committee assignment, which could be convenient for the heart of his district, Hernando County, if it experiences an expected surge in population when the Suncoast Parkway opens next year. Russell also serves on a committee for elder affairs, which could be a benefit to the majority of his constituency.

Russell's most capable challenger is Nicholas Nicholson, a 53-year-old Brooksville resident, who vows to bring independence to the office. If he gets to Tallahassee, Nicholson says, he'll "be talking to a lot of Democrats and moderate Republicans" to gather support for his ideas.

Nicholson characterizes Russell's two years in office as that of a person fearful of falling into disfavor with House leaders. That is in direct contrast to Russell's 1998 pledge to avoid falling into the business-as-usual mindset that thrives in Tallahassee.

That sounds good, but we have doubts about Nicholson's shoot-from-the-hip approach and his ability to build consensus.

Russell also is in the crosshairs of a third candidate, Sabato DeVito, a lawyer from Spring Hill, who has mounted a caustic billboard campaign that depicts Russell as uncaring and naive. While we haven't always agreed with Russell's votes, he is attentive and gentlemanly, and his staff's willingness to assist constituents is not in question.

And, in one of his rare breaks with the House leadership, Russell had the good sense to oppose giving away some of the public's waterfront land to private interests.

Republicans should support Russell in this race, but they also should expect more of him.

Ed Hooper

House District 50, Republicans

While this race is about state issues, political events in Clearwater are hard to ignore. The candidates are current Clearwater City Commissioner Ed Hooper and newcomer Kim Berfield. Hooper defeated Berfield's mother, Sue, in 1996 for the City Commission seat. Recently, Hooper backed a downtown redevelopment plan that was opposed by a group of former commissioners, including both of Kim Berfield's parents. The plan was soundly defeated in a July referendum.

Berfield, 29, said Hooper's current position will be an obstacle for him. "There is a lack of trust by the citizens in Clearwater," she said.

Hooper, 53, admits he made some mistakes. "If you don't make mistakes, you're not going to learn anything," he said.

When the debate focuses on state issues, however, Hooper gets the edge. His explanations are more detailed, and he reveals an understanding of the legislative process. His first priority is transportation, appropriate in north Pinellas, where the roads are dangerously crowded. Hooper said he would seek a place on the House Transportation Committee and fight for the millions of dollars it will take to fix U.S. 19 and other roads.

He also favors fixing the state's school-grading plan, which does not address the differences among students and schools in our diverse state. He thinks the county school boards have a better understanding of how their schools are performing. But is he willing to stand up to Republican leaders on such issues? "Somebody who always falls in step and follows the leader is cheating his constituents," he said.

Berfield sticks to generalities, suggesting her enthusiasm and political heritage will carry her through. But district residents should be looking for a candidate who can be effective quickly.

The winner of this race will face Democrat Ava VanNahmen in the general election.

We recommend Ed Hooper.

Charlie Justice

House District 53, Democrats

Candidate Charlie Justice will sound familiar to some voters. For four years, he was legislative assistant to state Rep. Lars Hafner, who left this seat because of term limits. Such experience should give Justice, 32, a boost, but only if he has done his homework on the issues. He has.

Thoughtful and progressive, Justice has a good understanding of what is important to the district's constituents (and all Floridians, really). He sets his priorities as education, environmental protection and improved services for frail senior citizens. Specifically:

Education. The grading system for schools needs to measure student progress from the beginning of the school year, Justice said. "Providing our students with smaller class sizes, safe schools, ample books and supplies and well-trained teachers will do more for school improvement than political rhetoric, no matter how well intentioned."

Environmental protection. He said he would work to get state funding for local environmental projects and oppose any legislation that would give sovereign land to private land owners, as some legislators attempted in the 2000 session.

Senior services. He would favor stronger regulation of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to improve the quality of life in such facilities.

Michele King, 53, is a strong candidate and takes a similar stand on key issues. She said she gained valuable experience in an unsuccessful run for the Gulfport City Council in 1998, and we hope, win or lose, she stays active in the community.

But Justice offers the district unique experience that would help him fit in quickly with a Legislature being transformed by term limits. The winner of this race will meet the top Republican vote-getter.

We recommend Charlie Justice.

Tom Robbins

House District 53, Republicans

A Democrat, Lars Hafner, served this politically moderate district for the past 12 years. So it is hard to believe that a right-leaning Republican would be preferred.

While St. Petersburg City Council member Robert A. Kersteen, 63, is the more experienced and better known candidate in the Republican primary, his politics aren't a good fit. Unlike many educators and politicians, he sees little need for change in Tallahassee's flawed school-grading system; he favors the giveaway of some public waterfront land to private land owners, which failed in the Legislature last year; and he sees no need to change campaign financing laws.

Luckily, voters have a better choice -- Tom Robbins. He recognizes that not all schools begin on an equal footing, creating unfairness in the current grading system. He sees the need for some balance between property rights and limits on development. He is open to campaign finance reform, especially fixing the "soft money" loophole.

A nursing home administrator, Robbins, 49, has been involved in community groups, such as the Coalition for the Homeless, that help the underprivileged. He said that while he would expect to use his nursing home experience in Tallahassee if elected, it is not his only issue. District residents should hold him, if he is elected, to his promise of keeping an open mind on health-care issues.

We recommend Tom Robbins.

John Carassas

House District 54

Four Republicans are running for the House District 54 seat in a primary election open to all district voters because no Democrats or other candidates filed to run. Still, voters have a fairly broad range of political philosophies to choose from.

John Carassas, 34, a lawyer, is a political moderate with progressive views on education, campaign financing and growth management. Dave Miller, 56, a retired Florida Power executive, has received backing from a wide array of established state lobbyists and PACs. Dan Curran, 43, a commercial airline pilot, is unafraid to talk about taxes, opposes vouchers and is pro-choice. Tony DiMatteo, 49, owns a pest control business and sees a very limited role for government.

With his blend of ideas, energy and sincerity, Carassas is our pick in this contest. He would bring balance to growth management: Local governments know their needs and limitations best, but state oversight is necessary to avoid abuses. Carassas says we should hold schools and teachers to high standards, but he understands the school-grading system has to be improved. He favors taking other relevant factors, in addition to test scores, into consideration when measuring school performance.

Carassas is convincing when talking about the responsibility of public service. As an assistant city attorney in Clearwater for the past five years, he has developed an understanding of how government works. Those qualities should give him a chance to move up in the legislative pecking order.

Miller is an impressive candidate, but his primary interest is in playing a role in electric utilities deregulation. While that will be an important and complex process, the residents of this district and the rest of Florida have other pressing needs.

Curran is an articulate newcomer, who isn't afraid to take a stand on controversial issues. But he will be a stronger candidate when he gets more involved in issues and the political process.

DiMatteo is plain-spoken but not always consistent. He sees little role for government in education and growth management, for example, yet he wants schools to be better and natural Florida to be protected from overdevelopment.

In this crowded race, Carassas offers the best qualities to be a successful, responsive legislator. We recommend him.

Earnest Williams

House District 55

Rudy Bradley left this House seat to seek one in the Senate, and two men who are well known to their community have stepped forward to replace him.

Frank Peterman Jr., 38, grew up in the southern St. Petersburg neighborhoods of District 55, and is a proud legacy of parents, Frank Sr. and Peggy, who are respected for their civil rights and community activism. Peterman, director of public affairs for Juvenile Alternative Services, was elected to the St. Petersburg City Council three years ago, and he has supported economic development projects and held town forums to listen to residents.

Earnest Williams, 53, owns his own insurance agency and for the past 25 years has served on a range of community boards and committees. He is chairman of the Regional Workforce Development Board and a member of the Pinellas School Readiness Coalition and School Bi-Racial Committee. He served on the city's Nuisance Abatement Board, the School Controlled Choice Task Force and the Community Alliance, and he previously worked as a criminal justice planner and director of the Young Adult Conservation Corps.

Because no other candidates are seeking the job, this Democratic primary is open to all voters in the district. They will choose between two men who bring outstanding community resumes to the job and who speak of similar goals for the Legislature. Both want to direct more financial resources to the district and think job creation and economic development are crucial. Both give education a high priority and oppose Gov. Jeb Bush's voucher and grading system for schools. Both support reform in the way campaigns are financed, with Williams offering a creative alternative to soft money.

This is a tough choice between two appealing candidates, but we think Williams brings a stronger business background, a closer connection to schools and a better grasp of the issues facing the Legislature. Peterman has the right values but hasn't done enough homework. We recommend Williams.

Hector Vila

House District 58, Republicans

Republicans in West Tampa and Town 'N Country have two good candidates in the Sept. 5 primary for state House. Eddy Calcines and Hector Vila are longtime residents who have served their communities. But Vila is the better choice. His deep roots in Tampa and community service would help the district in Tallahassee.

Vila styles himself the more conservative choice. But his agenda is nonpartisan. He wants to increase teacher pay, expand social services to needy children and provide seniors, especially the non-English speaking, with more options for affordable home health and nursing-home care. Vila has his priorities straight. His shortcoming is that he is often lacking on details. But his passion to serve seems genuine. The 69-year-old retiree, who was born in Tampa, is modest, plain-spoken and an effective communicator.

Calcines, 44, was born in Cuba and raised in Wisconsin, and has run his own hair styling business in Tampa almost 25 years. He ran for School Board in 1996. Calcines and Vila agree on most major policy issues. Both support the public purchase of environmentally sensitive lands, and both would limit campaign spending in exchange for public matching funds. It is heartening to see Vila distance himself from extremists on the issue by expressing moral concerns over the use of the death penalty.

Still, the differences between the two on political issues are subtle. Vila's energy and long ties to West Tampa give him the edge. The Times recommends Hector Vila in the Republican primary for state representative, District 58.

Frank Reddick

House District 59

This race is an important test of whether integrity still matters. Democrats Arthenia L. Joyner and Frank Reddick are seeking this inner-city Tampa seat. Because no opponent emerged for the general election, Florida's new open primary law means all voters in District 59 can vote Sept. 5 to decide the election.

Reddick, 44, is the only credible choice. A former teacher and social worker, Reddick now runs the Sickle Cell Association. His work on the Tampa General Hospital Authority gives Reddick a broad perspective on the adequacy of public health, a major concern for the poor and modest-income district.

Reddick differs from Joyner on only two major issues. He favors the death penalty and is more receptive than Joyner to curtailing tax exemptions in order to boost state spending on social services for children and seniors. He is more conversant than Joyner on nearly all policy matters. Reddick has a genuine feel for the priorities of the district. He also is more approachable and open-minded, qualities a Democrat will need to advance the agenda of District 59 in a GOP-controlled Legislature.

Many expect the politically wired Joyner to win this race because of her strong name recognition. Joyner admits, though, that she can't recall serving on several boards that plump her resume. And she hasn't learned a lesson from getting caught several years ago flying first-class to several political events while a member of Tampa International Airport's public governing board. Joyner makes it difficult to tell where her community service ends and her self-promotion begins. In this universal primary, the Times recommends Frank Reddick.

Warren Johnson

House District 60, Republicans

Residents of House District 60 can't complain about choices. They have three qualified candidates vying in the Republican primary, and the winner will face Sara Romeo, a serious Democratic contender, in the general election.

The district -- including Temple Terrace, USF and Lutz -- had been represented by Victor Crist, who is seeking a state Senate seat. Each Republican candidate appears to understand what is most important in this largely residential, family-oriented district: education, growth management and environmental protection.

So the choice comes down to this: Which candidate displays the best balance of experience, understanding of the district and a progressive agenda? That candidate is Warren Johnson.

Johnson, 59, recently retired from Hillsborough Community College, where he was a history professor and, for 11 years, vice president of government relations. One of his duties was to lobby the Legislature on behalf of the college, valuable experience for a new lawmaker. Consequently, he is also strong on educational issues.

The current school-grading system needs to be refined, Johnson said. To lift schools, he said, Florida should raise teacher pay at least to the national average and assist them by requiring less paperwork and moving disruptive students to alternative classrooms.

Johnson's other priorities are campaign finance reform and more state oversight of foster care and nursing homes, issues that are important to Florida residents. Most important, Johnson said, his experience should help him move up quickly in the ever-changing (because of term limits) Legislature.

Ed Homan, 57, is a formidable candidate. An orthopedic surgeon and part-time professor at USF's medical school, he has many contacts in the district. Homan admits he was recruited by the medical community, which wants to be sure a doctor is elected to the Florida House. Nothing is wrong with that, but he doesn't have Johnson's breadth of interests.

Keven A. Woodard, 35, an administrator at GTE Data Services, has politics in his blood. His father, Bob Woodard Sr., was mayor of Temple Terrace. Woodard speaks with emotion about public duty. Win or lose, he has much to offer his community, and we hope he stays involved in politics.

We recommend Warren Johnson.

Opportunity to reply

The Times offers candidates not recommended by its editorial board an opportunity to reply. Candidates in the races discussed today should send in their replies no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday to: Philip Gailey, editor of editorials, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731. (E-mail: letters@sptimes.com; Fax: 893-8675). Replies are limited to 250 words.

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