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Suncoast Pasco News

Hanzel Best Choice For School Board

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THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: August 16, 2008

In the race for the District 2 Pasco School Board there is no shortage of qualified candidates to fill the seat of 16-year board member Marge Whaley, who chose not to run for re-election.

Kurt Conover, the business development manager of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point; Peter Hanzel, a retired education supervisor with the U.S. Department of Justice; and Joanne Hurley, a former teacher and the current community relations coordinator for Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, have all shown the skills and desire to serve the community as one of five members on the School Board. All three have been active in the community through their volunteerism in various organizations.

Conover, 57, was educated in Pasco's public school system and has had children who've done the same. He's served on school advisory councils, the Pasco-Hernando Community College Tech Prep Committee and the Denham Oaks Elementary School PTA. His biggest challenge, aside from dealing with the district's $1.3 billion budget, would likely be finding the time to devote to the position compared to his opponents, who are retired or planning to retire.

Hurley, 63, is a well-rounded candidate. She's worked as an elementary school teacher and preschool administrator in addition to spending 11 years as the community relations coordinator for the state turnpike unit. She has worked on numerous growth-related issues, including the county's comprehensive land-use plan and transportation impact fees. She was also a proponent of the Penny for Pasco sales tax.

Hanzel, 63, has lived in the area the least of the three, but that's not always a bad thing. He has the strongest background in education, having not only served as supervisor of education in the Justice Department's Bureau of Prisons, but also earned a master's of science degree in education. Hanzel's experience in education and background in the military, coupled with his desire to scrutinize the budget to ensure taxpayer money is not being wasted, make him an ideal choice to serve. Hanzel will fight for state-mandated program to be state funded. He will also bring an inquisitive personality to the board, has a solid background in education and isn't afraid to demand answers to the tough questions from the superintendent as well as his fellow School Board members.

The Suncoast News recommends Peter Hanzel in the nonpartisan race for the Pasco County School Board, District 2, seat.

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