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Three For County Commission

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THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: August 20, 2008

The race for Pasco County Commission District 1 has had its share of fireworks this election season.

Republican Incumbent Ted Schrader, of San Antonio, has faced a formidable challenge from his opponent John Nicolette, of Darby.

With no Democrats vying for the seat this election cycle the winner of the Aug. 26 primary will likely capture the seat, barring a write-in candidate, John Taylor, receiving more votes in the general election, which is unlikely.

Nicolette, a 24-year veteran of the Tampa Fire Department, is supported by various firefighter unions around the state. He has been critical of Schrader's leadership and thinks it's time for a change.

If elected, Nicolette said he plans to be more accessible to the public by conducting monthly community meetings.

He also plans to focus on the infrastructure in central and east Pasco where he says growth and traffic have increased without the infrastructure to support it. He points to the need to widen S.R. 54, east of I-75 to Curley Road.

Nicolette is a proponent of lower taxes through reprioritized spending and having county fire departments accredited.

Even with all the ideas put forth by Nicolette it's hard to find fault with Schrader's leadership during the last 8 years.

Schrader, a Pasco County native, was a force behind a plan that limits development in rural, scenic northeastern Pasco. Additionally, he was a leader behind the county's purchase of more than 12,000 acres of environmentally sensitive land in central Pasco County. He was also a champion for the Penny for Pasco sales tax, which has been used for many worthwhile projects, including building news schools and widening roads.

Schrader has proved during his tenure he is willing to not only ask, but answer the tough questions. He understands the challenges that lie ahead with lower property taxes and the need to cut costs while still providing a quality level of service.

The Suncoast News recommends Ted Schrader for Pasco County Commission, District 1.

In the contest for County Commission District 3 there is no lack of candidates for voters to choose from come Aug. 26.

In the Republican Primary, Ann Hildebrand is seeking her seventh and final term.

She is facing challenges from Wil Nickerson of Holiday and Matt Matey of Elfers.

Nickerson, 62, says if elected he pledges to look for "frivolous and/or wasteful spending" budget items. He points to staffing and fuel consumption as areas to possibly streamline. Nickerson also plans to focus on the county's infrastructure, which he says is lacking in many areas having not kept up with growth.

Matey, 54, plans to combat the county increasing crime rate by working with the Sheriff's Office to recruit more volunteers for citizen service. He is also a proponent of increased code enforcement as well as stricter fines for violators.

While there are two worthy opponents for consideration, Hildebrand, of Gulf Harbors, is the obvious choice for this primary. Her leadership and 24 years of institutional knowledge are unmatched by either of her opponents.

Her involvement in numerous public and private boards, such as Tampa Bay Water, shows she truly cares about her community and has a desire to continue to serve. She was a champion for the Penny for Pasco sales tax.

Hildebrand is working on a mass transit plan for the area as an officer of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority.

The Suncoast News recommends Ann Hildebrand in the Republican primary for Pasco County Commission District 3.

In the race for the Democratic nomination for County Commission District 3 Nicholas Planck is facing off against Teresa Conroy.

Conroy, of New Port Richey, plans to bring increased planning to the board if elected.

Conroy, a former permitting supervisor for Lexington Homes, is currently publishing an online periodical called bayareatradewinds.

With the slowdown in the economy, Conroy favors offering incentives to builders for "green" homes that conserve water and energy. She does not favor raising impact fees, which she believes has hindered builders in the current market conditions.

Planck, a retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran living in New Port Richey, is a relative newcomer compared to his opponent, who has lived in Pasco for more than 30 years.

Planck moved to the county six years ago from Clearwater.

Planck favors expanding the county's solid-waste recycling program and streamlining the permitting process for development purposes.

He also wants to target high-tech industries to the area by offering tax incentives for relocating firms that employ Pasco residents.

He believes the incentives should be based on the amount of employee wages.

Although both candidates have upsides it appears Planck has a stronger background to deal with the many challenges that face and will face the county commission for the next four years.

The Suncoast News recommends Nicholas Planck in the Democratic primary for County Commission District 3.

In the Republican primary for County Commission District 5, incumbent Jack Mariano faces Richard Jenkins. The winner will face Democrat Virginia "Ginny" Miller in the November general election.

Jenkins, 43, of Hudson, says the biggest challenge facing Pasco is carrying through with budget cuts while maintaining high standards of public safety.

Jenkins believes the county needs to form a closer partnership with the Pasco Economic Development Council and other organizations to attract larger industries. He favors rebates for homes made with ecological friendly products.

With all of Jenkins' ideas to make Pasco a better place to live and work it's difficult to find fault with Mariano's first four years in office.

Mariano always appears well-educated on issues that come before the board. He is an advocate of "green" building practices. He also supports bolstering the county's recycling efforts.

Mariano hopes to find more public-private partnerships for the Pasco Parks and Recreation Department in an effort to eliminate costs. He also believes the county's newly created employment centers, which he helped establish, will help boost Pasco's economic output.

When it comes down to who is best fit to help Pasco County realize its full potential in the years to come it appears Mariano is that individual.

The Suncoast News recommends Jack Mariano in the Republican primary for Pasco County Commission District 5.

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