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Suncoast Pasco News

County Commission District 5

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 22, 2008

In the race for the County Commission District 5 seat Republican incumbent Jack Mariano is facing a fierce challenge from former New Port Richey Councilwoman Virginia "Ginny" Miller.

While Mariano, 48, has grown into his position, Miller, 49, has served in public office for nine years as a key cog in the government of the largest city in Pasco County.

Miller believes the local economy will form the biggest challenge to the County Commission in the next four years and the county should lead the way by proceeding as soon as possible with capital projects that have funding in place.

Miller also touts creating Community Redevelopment Areas for local taxes in areas with problems like obsolete housing and rising crime rates.

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

Even with all of Miller's 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.

Most recently Mariano has been working to improve Pasco County by developing sports-related tourism opportunities. During his next term Mariano plans to focus on economic development and continue with improvements to U.S. 19 and S.R. 52.

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 for County Commission District 5.

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