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Candidate Profiles: County Commission District 1 (R)

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF

Published: August 16, 2008

In the Aug. 26 Republican primary for the District 1 seat on the Pasco County Commission, the incumbent, Ted Schrader, is being challenged by John Nicolette.

Commissioner District 1 (Republican)

•Ted Schrader, the incumbent, will face challenger John Nicolette in the Aug. 26 Republican primary for county commissioner in district 1.

Asked about biggest challenges the next four years, Schrader responded, "As the soft real estate market continues and property values drop, the (County) Commission will be challenged to lower property taxes. We will have to find ways to continue to cut costs and still provide a quality level of service."

For business incentives, Schrader pointed out the county has budgeted $2 million in addition to $5 million from the state to help recruit industry. "The county has also targeted those businesses by keeping transportation impact fees at current levels and expedited permitting."

SCHRADER

Given the housing market doldrums, Schrader believes the slowdown offers a chance to properly plan for growth. "Future residents should take advantage of a seller's market and buy existing housing stock and save the cost of impact fees."

As for energy costs, Schrader said "the county continues to provide better public transportation so residents have a choice to either drive or ride the county bus system."

Under one proposal, the county would hire only nonsmokers. Schrader believes "as health insurance premiums rise, we must do what we can to lower premiums for employees, which in turn save taxpayers money."

Bio snapshot

Born in Tampa, Theodore J. Schrader resides in San Antonio with wife Julia. They have three children, Ben, Jordan and Teddy.

Education: Bachelor of science degree University of Florida 1978; Pasco-Hernando Community College associate in arts degree, 1976.

Experience: Elected to Pasco County Commission, in 2000 and serving as current chairman; Tampa Bay Water board, since 2000; member of the San Antonio City Commission, 1982 - 88; Soil and Water Conservation District board, 1981 - 1996. He holds a Florida real estate broker's license.

Memberships: Pasco County Farm Bureau, 1980 - present; Natural Resources State Advisory Committee, since 1994; Pasco County Fair Association board, 2000 - present; member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church; San Antonio Dixie Youth League coach, director and board president, 1980-2000; Dade City Rotary Club1993-2006; and more.

Hobbies: Golf, hunting, fishing, youth sports.

•John Nicolette is challenging incumbent Commissioner Ted Schrader in the Aug. 26 Republican primary.

Among the biggest challenges, Nicolette would start by being more accessible, with monthly community meetings. "Traffic and growth have grown and yet the infrastructure has not." The widening of S.R. 54 east of I-75 to Curley Road still hasn't started, for example, even though it was listed among 2005 projects. "This is unacceptable." Utilities haven't kept up with growth either, he says.

NICOLETTE

"Taxes are too high and spending needs to be reprioritized," Nicolette said. He also wants fire departments to be accredited.

The county has not done enough to attract businesses, he thinks. "Sometimes you have to spend a dime to earn a dollar." He would seek money from state and federal agencies to help with incentives.

The housing market slowdown offers the county a chance to catch up on roads, water, sewer and public safety services, he thinks. "We need to grow smarter and not quicker." Incentives for environmentally friendly projects could help.

Nicolette would consider incentives for homes with solar power panels, better insulation, water conservation and other energy saving steps.

As for hiring only nonsmokers for county jobs, "I am not for regulating a person's personal behavior, but anything that can save the taxpayers' money should be given a good look."

Bio snapshot

A Florida native, John Nicolette, 46, resides in Dade City with wife Lorraine. They have 5 children.

Education: State certified firefighter, state certified emergency medical technician, plus some classes at Hillsborough Community College.

Experience: Firefighter 24 years for Tampa Fire Rescue; owner Crooked Creek Ranch 16 years; treasurer for Florida State Fair Authority.

Memberships: Southwest Florida Water Management District Coastal River Basin Board, International Association of Firefighters Local 754, Florida Pioneer Museum board, president Pasco Cattlemen's Association, Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1903, Pasco County Republican Executive Committee, Republican Party of Florida Chairman's Circle.

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