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County Commission District 5 Candidate Profiles

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: October 18, 2008

Republican Jack Mariano's first County Commission District 5 re-election bid will be opposed Nov. 4 by Democrat Virginia "Ginny" Miller.

Virginia 'Ginny' Miller
County Commission District 5 (Democrat)

Virginia "Ginny" Miller, a former New Port Richey City Council member, is running against incumbent Jack Mariano, a Republican, in the Tuesday, Nov. 4, general election.

The local economy will form the biggest challenge to the County Commission in the next four years, Miller believes.

"The county should lead the way by proceeding as soon as possible with capital projects that have funding in place."

MILLER

Miller believes the county should create Community Redevelopment Areas for local taxes in areas with problems like obsolete housing and rising crime rates.

The Pasco Economic Development Council is an important ally, she thinks.

She also is interested in recruiting "green" energy production businesses like solar and wind.

Total impact fees are twice as high now as Hillsborough and Pinellas fees.

A pending school impact fee will almost triple them, "which has a dampening effect on new development."

The building and related businesses have been the major source of family wealth for more than 30 years in Pasco, and our growth management policy has had an aggravating effect on the current economy.

She favors expanding the county's public transit system.

Miller doesn't favor a proposal to hire only nonsmoker applicants for county jobs. "I'm not in favor of this type of government intrusion in employees' lives."

She would enlist the Pasco Health Department and other agencies to help employees who want to quit smoking.

Bio snapshot

A Pasco resident for 14 years, Virginia "Ginny" Miller, 49, is not married and has one child.

Education: Bachelor's degree in secondary education from Northeastern Illinois University.

Experience: Elected to New Port Richey City Council five times between 1998 and 2006.

Memberships: Leadership Pasco, 2000; West Pasco Historical Society, 1998-present; Keep Pasco Beautiful, 1999 - 2003; Gulf Middle School Student Council sponsor, 2006-present.

Awards: Red Apple School, 2007.

Hobbies: kayak, read, cook and write.

Jack Mariano
County Commission District 5 (Republican)">

Jack Mariano, a Republican incumbent seeking a second four-year term in the District 5 County Commission seat, will face Virginia "Ginny" Miller, a Democrat, in the Nov. 4 general election.

Among biggest challenges, Mariano cites balancing budgets, boosting recycling and dealing with water quality issues. He hopes to find more public-private partnerships for the Pasco Parks and Recreation Department to eliminate costs.

He wants weekly pickup of recyclable trash, including newspapers, to reduce the amount of excess garbage the county must export while improving the efficiency of Pasco's waste-to-energy plant.

MARIANO

Pasco joined the Government Utility Authority to try to buy out privately owned utilities. Residents should have good water and he "will not rest until it is done."

As for business incentives, Mariano believes newly created employment centers will boost Pasco's economic output.

Urban Land Institute recommendations led to a 17-member committee with experts to improve the permitting process. Pasco Economic Development Council is an "excellent group."

Mariano would not change growth management regulations.

The county is positioning itself well for when the economy rebounds, he said. Some $172 million worth of road projects the next two years will create jobs while saving the county money from lower bids from contractors competing for work.

Bio snapshot

A Pasco resident for 13 years, Jack Mariano has been married 17 years to wife Michelle. They have two daughters, ages 11 and 12.

Education: Bachelor degree in economics from Framingham State College; Qualified Storm-Water Management Certification from Florida Department of Environmental Protection; Florida Association of Counties Certified County Commissioner.

Experience: Auto sales for 9 years; Tourist Development Council chairman; secretary-treasurer Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council; and more.

Memberships: Richey Suncoast Theatre board, West Pasco Habitat for Humanity board, honorary member Keystone Sunrise Rotary, Knight of Columbus St. Michaels 4th degree, Leadership Pasco, 2003, Volunteer Way Advisory Council, Take Stock in Children, and more.

Awards: Outstanding Government Service Award from West Pasco Board of Realtors, Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award, Kiwanian of the Year, and more.

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