Clip & Save: Six Ballot Amendments And What They Mean ToByVoters Kathy Collins
This year, as voters head to the polls or send their ballots via U.S. mail or drop-off boxes provided by the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, they will be asked to approve or reject six Florida constitutional amendments. Four of the amendments, numbers one through four, are citizen initiatives, and two, numbers five and six, were referred by the Florida Legislature. The citizen initiatives are subject to a financial impact review. To be approved, a constitutional amendment must receive 60 percent of the vote. Voters are urged to carefully review the complete ballot before casting their vote. Here is a summary of the proposed amendments:
Amendment 1Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections
The amendment would add language stating that only United States citizens who are 18 years old, are permanent residents of Florida and are registered to vote may do so.
Amendment 3Establishes an Open Primary System for State Offices Only
Establishes an Open Primary System for State Offices Only This allows all voters to vote in primary elections regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates who receive the most votes would move on to the general election. The change would not affect federal elections. Currently, Florida is a closed primary state, which means that voters must register as a Democrat or Republican to vote in state primaries.
Amendment 2- Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage
The State’s minimum wage would be raised to $15 per hour by the year 2026. Beginning on September 30, 2021, the minimum wage would increase to $10 per hour. Then, it would increase by $1 per year until it reaches the goal of $15 per hour. Thereafter, future minimum wage increases would be adjusted annually for inflation.
Amendment 4Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments
This would require that any amendments that receive 60 percent of the vote to be placed on the ballot of the next general
election and again receive 60 percent of the vote in order for it to take effect.
Amendment 5Limitation on Homestead Assessments
This would increase the amount of time from two years to three years in which you may transfer Save Our Homes benefits to a new homestead.
Amendment 6- Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, CombatRelated Disabilities
This would allow a homestead property tax discount to be transferred to the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. For more information and the full text of the amendments, please visit http://www.dos.myflorida.com/elections/.
Be An Informed Voter, Know Where And How To Vote So That Every Vote Counts Voting is a right and not a privilege. In order to exercise this right, every voter in Hillsborough County must be informed and must know where to vote and how to do it. In Hillsborough County, there are three ways to exercise your right to vote: Vote By Mail, Early Voting and Election Day Voting. In order to vote in the general election, set for Tuesday, November 3, you must be registered by Monday, October 5. When you register, you are asked to select a party. The parties are Republican, Democrat or No Party Affiliation. You can also register as a member of a minor political party such as the Green Party of Florida. In a general election, your ballot, or those you vote for, is based upon where you reside. In other words, you vote for officials who represent your area. This year, everyone votes for the office of the president. There are no statewide elections this year as neither U.S. senator who represents Florida is up for election. There are countywide elections, including the office of the Hillsborough County state attorney. You can view a sample ballots for the general election by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. VOTE BY MAIL Vote By Mail is the most convenient method. You do not need an
excuse to choose this option. If you request this method, you will receive your ballot in the mail as early as Thursday, September 24. The deadline to request your Vote By Mail ballot is Saturday, October 24. Using this method allows you to take your time making your voting decision. The Vote By Mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can mail it or drop it off in person at one of their offices or at an Early Voting site. In order to avoid any delays that may be experienced with the mail and to make voting as easy as possible, the supervisor of elections offers curbside drop-off this year. You must be mindful of the deadlines in order to use this method. You can request your Vote By Mail ballot and track its delivery
by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. “During the primary election, we had curbside Vote By Mail drop-off at each of our 24 Early Voting sites and it was very popular. We expect even more voters to choose this convenient way of voting in the general election. Voters really liked being
able to get their ballots at home and drop them off in person without leaving their car,” said Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. “The office plans to have dropoff tents at its four offices seven days a week, starting Friday, September 25, and will expand to the 24 drop-off sites during Early Voting, from Monday, October 19 through Sunday, November 1,” added Latimer. EARLY VOTING Early Voting will take place from Monday, October 19 through
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By Kathy L. Collins
Sunday, November 1 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early Voting is just like Election Day Voting. You must bring one or two forms of identification with your photo and signature on it. Acceptable forms of identification include a Florida driver’s license, state-issued identification, U.S. passport, student ID, public assistance ID and more. During Early Voting, you can go to any of the 24 sites designated as an Early Voting site. Conversely, on Election Day, you must vote at the precinct designated on your voter registration. ELECTION DAY VOTING Polling places or precincts, noted on your voter registration card, are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. This year, the general election day is Tuesday, November 3. You can bring your sample ballot with you and use it while you vote. Latimer said, “We got a lot of positive feedback from our voters and poll workers on the health and safety of in-person voting. Voters appreciated the way we set up our polling places so that everyone could be socially distanced, our poll workers were wearing masks and keeping things clean and we were happy to see that nearly all of our voters wore masks too.” Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts. For more information, please visit www.votehillsborough.org.
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Andrew Learned, Navy Vet, Brings Small Business Experience To House Race
Business Acumen & Experience Makes Sally Harris A Great Choice For School Board District 7
Andrew Learned, a legislature has been chipU.S. Navy veteran of 11 ping away at our public years and a local small schools, and it’s time for a business owner, has dedicheck on the side of our cated his life to serving students, teachers and his country. Now, he communities so we can wants to serve his comget all of our kids access munity as a representato the education they tive in the Florida House. deserve.” Learned grew up in On the economy, Brandon and, after graduLearned said he has seen ating from the University firsthand the negative of Tampa with degrees in impacts COVID-19 has economics and in governhad on local businesses Brandon native Andrew ment and world affairs, he Learned, a U.S. Navy veteran when he was forced to commissioned as an offi- of 11 years and a local small restructure his company business owner, wants to cer into the United States to go entirely online in the serve his community as a Navy. representative in the Florida wake of shutdowns in House. Over the course of March. three Middle East deployments, he led “The governor can order my busiboarding missions against Somali ness closed in one day, but he can’t pirates and planned missions against sign an order to bring my customers ISIS in Iraq, Yemen and Syria. In 2013, back four weeks later.” Learned said. Learned transferred to the Navy “Parents won’t feel safe sending their Reserves, where he currently serves as kids to in-person tutoring until we get a lieutenant commander, at Special this virus under control. We need a sciOperations Command Central on ence-based response and transparency MacDill Air Force Base. with the community.” Learned has built a life in Brandon Learned also serves locally on the as the owner of GradePower Learning, advisory board for YMCA Camp a tutoring company that helps students Cristina, where he was the 2019 catch up, get ahead and prepare for Volunteer of the Year and is an avid their SATs. He said his experience cyclist and triathlete. He is getting marworking with teachers and students in ried later this year and will be taking on the community has shown him where 8-year-old twins along with his new life. our current school system is lacking. To learn more about Learned, visit “For 30 years the Republican-led andrewlearned.com.
said Harris. Sally Harris is Harris’ running for a experience position on the will allow her Hillsborough to bring a difCounty School ferent perBoard, District 7. spective to This is a countythe school wide seat. She board. Harris would like your explained, “I vote on Tuesday, Sally Harris (shown in the center in black) is a parent, am a busiAugust 18. foster parent, teacher and business owner who will ness owner, Harris, or bring her vast business and life experience to the so I treat the ‘Miss Sally,’ as position of Hillsborough School Board Member, District 7. position just she is known by like a business owner and look at everyhundreds of children and families, is the owner of Circle C Ranch Academy. Harris thing with a microscope.” These are not just empty words. When Harris was on previously served on the Hillsborough School Board from 2014 to 2018 and was the school board, she asked questions like “Who turns out the lights?” The the chair in 2017-2018. superintendent at the time did not know. As a parent, foster parent, teacher As a result of the inquiry, timers and LED and business owner, she knows that the lights were installed and the district saved public schools must have the children as their primary focus. Her three main issues 1.2 million dollars in energy savings. Harris said, “I am good listener. I am in her campaign are higher academics, open-minded and look at both sides. I am vocational training in middle and high also kind. I have 40 employees, some of schools and the safety of the children. whom have been with me for 15 to 20 “I want the Hillsborough County years.” Public Schools to be the cream of the Harris has led a well-rounded life. crop. We need to get them not only to a She is the matriarch of a large family that higher level of academic achievement so includes a son who is a Hillsborough parents do not feel they need their chilCounty Sheriff Deputy and lives in Valrico dren to attend other schools, but also a and a daughter who lives in Seffner. place where all children learn and graduHarris is a longtime member of both ate with a skill. This is why vocational the SouthShore Chamber of Commerce training needs to be put back into the and the Sun City Center Area Chamber middle and high schools, so that children of Commerce. For more information, who do not go on to college have a skill please visit www.votesallyharris.com. and can prosper once they graduate,”
Staff Report
By Kathy L. Collins
Re-Elect Mike Beltran To Florida House District 57 To Continue Fighting For All East Hillsborough Families By Kathy L. Collins
Mike Beltran of ning my law pracLithia represents tice, I studied the Florida State House Constitution with District 57 President Reagan’s (Southeastern solicitor general Hillsborough County) and know how to in Tallahassee. advocate effectively Beltran is a for our district,” said Republican who Beltran. “If you look advocates common at my record, I Mike Beltran, a Republican representative think you are going sense solutions in for Southeastern Hillsborough County, the Legislature. He to like what you shown here with his wife, Hope, and sons, would like your vote see, because I did Michael (5 years old) and Ross (2 years old), is running for Florida State House on Tuesday, everything I promDistrict 57. November 3. ised I would do.” Beltran is a graduate of Harvard Law Beltran is a fiscal conservative who School and attorney in Tampa who helps carefully scrutinizes spending. Beltran families, professionals, and small busibelieves in low taxes, limited government nesses in legal disputes. He has also and reduced regulations. “We need to priserved as a law clerk for a Tampa federal oritize schools, maintain and improve judge. roads and fund public safety,” Beltran Beltran was appointed by Governor stated. He worked to ensure that every Rick Scott to serve on the Judicial dollar is spent wisely. He successfully Nominating Commission (JNC) for the supported the back-to-school tax holiday Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough this year. County and was recently reappointed by “We should reduce waste and continGovernor Ron DeSantis. The JNC interue to spend more money on teachers, views, vets and nominates candidates to supplies and technology to ensure that fill judicial vacancies and has increased students can learn,” explained Beltran. both the quality and diversity of the bench “I will fight for road widening funding during Beltran’s service. Beltran also suc- from the legislature,” said Beltran. cessfully obtained the authorization to hire Beltran’s wife, Hope, was Newsome four new county court judges in High School’s first homecoming queen. Hillsborough County, subject to funding. They have two sons, Michael, who is 5 “Two years ago, the voters deteryears old, and Ross, who recently turned mined I was the best qualified candidate. 2. For more information on Beltran, I have experience as a businessman run- please visit www.electmikebeltran.com.
Chad Chronister Focuses On County Growth In Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Race
Staff Report
For almost 30 a body-worn camera years, Sheriff Chad program to increase Chronister has been both accountability and working to keep transparency. He overHillsborough County saw a gun buyback prosafe at the Hillsborough gram that has, to-date, County Sheriff’s Office. removed over 4,000 Appointed by Governor unwanted firearms off Rick Scott and subseHillsborough County quently elected in 2018, streets and out of the Sheriff Chronister has hands of criminals. kept his agency focused He also instituted on law and order while the Veterans evolving the agency to Resurgence Program to better meet the changhelp veterans who ing and growing needs Sheriff Chad Chronister is up for break the law find a re-election after serving Hills. of Hillsborough County. trade and get the menCounty for almost 30 years. For starters, the tal healthcare they Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is need to return and become productive now the most diverse it has ever been. members of society. Sheriff Chronister believes that Sheriff Chronister has earned many deputies should better reflect the comcommendations. His civic associations munity they serve and that our diversity include board membership positions is a strength, not a weakness. As a with Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay result, the command staff of the and Metropolitan Ministries. Sheriff’s Office is also the most diverse A native of York, PA, Sheriff it’s ever been—the county now has its Chronister is married to Nicole first female chief deputy and its first DeBartolo and has two sons, Asher and African American colonel. Zack, and two dogs, Cali and Oreo. He Some notable changes to the enjoys spending time with his family the Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Chronister most. include a new district to increase To learn more about Sheriff response times, double-digit drops in Chronister, visit his website at chadthe crime rate for consecutive years chronister.com. To keep up to date with and a deputy of Sheriff’s Office has the sheriff in the community, find him on trained security personnel in every pub- Facebook at lic school. www.facebook.com/SheriffChadChronis More recently, the sheriff instituted ter/ and Twitter @ChadChronister.
Third-Generation Tampa Native Mike Perotti Runs For State Attorney
Sandra Murman Brings Experienced Record Of Accomplishments To County Race
Mike Perotti ties for others. is a third-generHis unique ation Tampa experience with native, a Tampa every aspect of Jesuit High our criminal jusSchool gradutice system has ate and a proud given him Double Gator, unparalleled having earned insights into both his bachewhere it works, lor’s and law where it doesn’t degrees from and where he the University of can improve it. Mike Perotti is running for state attorney. Florida, but most Perotti has— importantly, he’s an experienced former and always will—gone above and prosecutor who began his career right beyond to defend the rule of law in here with the Hillsborough County State order to keep our families safe and proAttorney’s Office. tect the rights of all. Perotti then joined the Hillsborough Perotti is not a politician. He is a County Sheriff’s Office as legal counsel servant leader who believes in accountin 2001, where he led with a fearless ability and transparency. He is a local work ethic and a drive to find solutions son who has built his reputation on dedfor the most complex of problems. His ication and integrity. From taking down tireless work ethic and unquestioned dangerous drug dealers and thieves to integrity led Sheriff Gee to ask him to championing women’s empowerment join his command staff, first as major, efforts against sexual assault, he was a then colonel, then under Sheriff Chad steadfast prosecutor who ensured jusChronister, before rotating again to legal tice was done and victims were protectcounsel. He has dedicated his career to ed. His experience as an effective litigakeeping our communities safe. tor has allowed him to achieve countOver his 16-plus years with the less victories for his clients across a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, broad spectrum of our legal system, Perotti has been a proven leader who including matters of civil rights, personal has focused on incarcerating dangerous injury, supervisory negligence, false criminals who threaten the safety of our arrest, excessive force and criminal law. children and families while providing To learn more, visit www.mikeperottreatment and developmental opportuni- ti.com.
Sandra Murman during some tough is a “Get It Done” budget discussions,” leader for South she said. “It was a County. First elected priority for you, and to the Hillsborough it was a priority for County Commission me. And we got it representing District 1 done!” in 2010, due to term Murman also limits, Murman is now worked tirelessly to running to represent secure a grant to the residents of help widen and District 6. reconstruct Big “I have common Bend Road with the sense, a great work result of $25 million ethic -- and a soft to address congesheart,” she says. tion and safety After 10 years on problems on Big Due to term limits in District 1, Sandra the commission and Bend Road as well Murman is hoping to represent District 6. eight years serving in as at the I-75 the Florida House of Representatives, Interchange. Murman’s list of accomplishments is “Now, resident and workers alike will long. have better, easier traveling time,” she “From the Firehouse Cultural Center explained. and the Waterset Sports Complex to criti“But I did not stop there,” explained cal stoplights, crosswalks, and crossing Murman. “I love to roll up my sleeves guards at busy intersections near and figure out even tougher challenges. schools, I make things happen,” she Over the last three years, I have worked said. “I am dedicated to staying in touch night and day to get all developers to pay with you so that everything I do makes their fair share, nearly doubling developer sense for your family and daily life – not fees and taxes to get to the heart of the just what works for downtown.” problem: control growth, build new Recently, Murman was instrumental schools and fix congested roads.” in reopening the Apollo Beach Nature To learn more about Murman, visit Preserve, complete with a first-of-its kind www.sandymurman.com. “When it observation tower and a rehabilitated comes to fighting for you, I am the only seawall. one you can trust to get it done,” she “I worked hard to protect that funding said.
Staff Report
Staff Report
US House Of Representatives District 15
Alan Cohn (D)
Alan Cohn, a Democrat, is running for U.S. House in District 15. Cohn received his bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University in 1985. His professional career includes working as an investigative reporter, and he was awarded the Peabody Award. Cohn was a 2014 Democratic candidate who sought election to the U.S. House to represent the 15th Congressional District of Florida. Visit https://alancohnforcongress.com.
Scott Franklin, a Republican, is running for U.S. House in District 15. He was a naval aviator in the U.S. Navy for 26 years and he has owned and operated a small business in Lakeland for 20 years. He and his wife of nearly 30 years, Amy, have three adult children: Amanda, Will and Sarah. Scott is dedicated to his community, and he is involved in a number of organizations. Visit Scott Franklin (R) https://www.votescottfranklin.com.
US House Of Representatives District 16
Margaret Good (D)
Margaret Good, a Democrat, is running for U.S. House in District 16. Good is a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 72. She received her law degree from the University of Florida. Her career experience includes working as an attorney and at the Florida Agricultural Center, and she has served as the Democratic Ranking Member for the Health Market Reform Subcommittee. Visit https://margaretgood.com.
Vern Buchanan, a Republican, is the current U.S. House Representative for District 16. Buchanan has represented the district since 2013. He is a self-made businessman. Buchanan is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, a chairman of the Tax Policy Subcommittee and he also serves on the subcommittees that oversee Social Security and Medicare. Visit https://www.vernbuchanan.com. Vern Buchanan (R)
Florida Senate District 19 Christina Paylan, a Non-Party Affiliated candidate, is running for state senate to represent District 19. She is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She earned her medical degree from the University of Southern California and is trained as a trauma surgeon and then later as a plastic surgeon. She came to the United States when she was a child. Visit https://www.paylan4statesenate.com.
Darryl Rouson, a Democrat, is running for state senate re-election in District 19. Rouson has represented the district since 2016. He has a passion for reforming the criminal justice system in Florida, increasing funding for substance use and mental health issues and creating innovative solutions to transportation issues. Rouson is an attorney with the Rubenstein Law Group. He is married and has five sons. Visit https://darrylrouson.com. Darryl Rouson (D)
Christina Paylan
Florida Senate District 21 Jim Boyd, a Republican, is running for state senate to represent District 21. Boyd served for eight years in the Florida House. Boyd is CEO of Boyd Insurance and Investment Services. He is a graduate of Florida State University. He and his wife of 37 years, Sandy, live in Bradenton, and their adult children, Ansley and Austin, both reside in Manatee County with their families. Visit www.boydforflorida.com.
Anthony Eldon, a Democrat, is running for state senate to represent District 21. He is a public school teacher and business owner. His platform includes attracting small businesses and entrpeneurs by offering statewide grants. A portion of the statewide funding will be dedicated specifically to Black and Brown Floridians as well as expanded Medicare. Visit https://tonyforflorida.com/. Anthony Eldon (D)
Jim Boyd (R)
State Representative District 57 Mike Beltran is a Republican running for re-election to represent the residents in Florida House District 57. Beltran is a practicing attorney. After graduating from Harvard Law School, he served as a law clerk for a federal judge. He also serves on the Judicial Nominating Committee for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. He is married to Hope and together they have two sons. Visit https://electmikebeltran.com. Mike Beltran (R)
Scott Hottenstein, or Mr. H as he is known, is a Democrat running to represent District 57. Hottenstein graduated from the Naval Academy and served a number of years and was deployed several times. Hottenstein is a middle school civics teacher. He is married to Laura and they have two sons. Visit https://www.mrh4fl57.com. Scott Hottenstein (D)
State Representative District 59 Andrew Learned is a Democrat running to represent District 59. Learned is a small business owner, veteran Navy officer and a Brandon native. Learned continues to serve as a reservist with Special Operations Command Central out of MacDill Air Force Base. He is an active volunteer with the Camp Cristina YMCA. Visit https://andrewlearned.com.
Mike Owen is a Republican running to represent District 59. Owen is a small business lawyer with a focus on small business, property and estate planning law. He grew up in the Brandon area, and he serves on several local boards, including Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association. Visit https://votemichaelowen.com. Mike Owen (R)
Andrew Learned (D)
Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan, a Democrat, is running to become the Hillsborough County tax collector. Millan has worked in the Tax Collector Office for 30 years. She is a Certified Florida Collector Assistant with several certifications, the chairwoman of the Florida West Coast Credit Union Board of Directors and a member of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Council. Visit https://votenancymillan.com. Nancy Millan (D)
T.K. Matthew, a Republican, is running for the position of Hillsborough tax collector. Matthew is a businessman with 20 years of experience. In addition to working in business, Matthew worked for four years in the Tax Collector Office. Matthew is active in the community. He is married and has two sons. Visit http://www.tkmathew.com. T.K. Matthew (R)
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, a Ron McMullen, a Non-Party Republican, is running for reAffiliated candidate, is running to election as the Hillsborough become Hillsborough County County Sheriff. Chronister is a Sheriff. McMullen is a 30-year veteran law enforcement offiveteran of the Tampa Police cer who has served the comDepartment. McMullen is the munity at the Hillsborough president of the Fraternal Order County Sheriff’s Office since of Police, Lodge 27. He lives in 1992. FishHawk Ranch. https://chadchronister.com. Chad Chronister (R) Ron McMullen (NR) https://ronmcmullen.com.
Gary Pruitt (D)
Gary Pruitt, a Democrat, is running to become Hillsborough County Sheriff. Pruitt is a seasoned law enforcement professional who retired after 25 years of dedicated service with the Tampa Police Department. Since retiring in 2015, he has devoted his retirement to trying to make Hillsborough County a better place. Visit https://www.votegarypruitt.com.
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
Bob ‘Coach’ Henriquez (D)
Bob ‘Coach’ Henriquez, a Democrat, is the Hillsborough County property appraiser running for re-election. Henriquez is a fifth-generation Floridian who was born and raised in Tampa. Prior to becoming the Hillsborough County property appraiser, he served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1998 to 2006. Henriquez is married to Carrie and they have one son and two daughters. Visit http://www.vote4coachbob.com.
D.C. Goutoufas, a Republican, is running for the position of Hillsborough County property appraiser. Goutoufas was a banker, entrepreneur and an adjunct professor with the University of South Florida. Goutoufas has very deep roots in Tampa and is a fourthgeneration Tampa native. He is committed to the community and has served on several government and nonprofit boards. Visit https://goutoufas.com.
D.C. Goutoufas (R)
County Court Judge Group 7 Bill Yanger is running for the position of county judge in Group 7. Yanger has spent the last 34 years serving his community and the residents of Hillsborough County. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and South Texas College of Law and is the founder of Yanger Law Group, P.A. He was born and raised in Tampa, where he and his wife, Sherry, raised their children. Visit https://yangerforjudge.com.
Monique Scott is running for the position of county judge in Group 7. Scott has worked as a teacher, a law enforcement officer and prosecutor, and she is active in both professional associations and as a volunteer with local organizations. She is a graduate of the University of South Florida and Stetson Law School. She is married and has one son. Visit https://scott4judge.com. Bill Yanger
Monique Scott
Board Of County Commissioners District 1 Scott Levinson, a Republican, is running for a seat on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in District 1. Levinson is a Tampa native and small business owner with over 20 years of experience. He is an active volunteer in the community and has served as the executive director of Tampa Bay Youth Football since 2016. Visit http://votelevinson.com.
Harry Cohen, a Democrat, is running for a seat on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in District 1. Cohen served for eight years on the Tampa City Council. Cohen was born in Tampa and he has dedicated his life to a career in public service. A lawyer, Cohen served as the chief deputy clerk of the Circuit Court of Hillsborough County from 2005-2011. Visit https://www.harry2020.com. Harry Cohen (D)
Scott Levinson (R)
Board Of County Commissioners District 6 Sandra Murman, a Republican, is running for a seat on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in District 6. Murman currently serves as a member representing District 1. Due to term limits, Murman cannot run for that seat. She was first elected to the County Commission in 2010. Murman served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1996-2004. Visit www.votesandymurman.com
Pat Kemp, a Democrat, is running for re-election for a seat on the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in District 6. This is a countywide seat. Kemp has more than three decades of public service in Hillsborough County and she is an attorney. She worked in private practice and for Bay Area Legal Services. As a journalist, she served as a news director and a radio talk show host at WUSF and WMNF. Visit https://votepatkemp.com. Pat Kemp (D)
Sandra Murman (R)
Hillsborough County School Board District 7 Lynn Gray is running for re-election on the Hillsborough County School Board in District 7, a countywide seat. Gray has been an experienced teacher and instructional leader for over 26 years. Gray also owns her own business called Take…The First Step, and is the president of a nonprofit youth/adult fitness advocacy club called Take…The First Step Club. Visit https://lynngrayforschoolboard.com. Lynn Gray
Sally Harris
Sally Harris is running for a position on the Hillsborough County School Board in District 7, a countywide seat. Harris previously served on the school board from 2014-2018. She is the mother of four children and raised over 30 foster children. She has operated a nationally accredited preschool for more than 30 years and was a career occupational specialist for Hillsborough County Public Schools for 18 years. Visit https://www.sallyharris.com.
Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren, a Democrat, has been the Hillsborough State Attorney since 2016. Prior to being elected, Warren served as a federal prosecutor with the United States Department of Justice. His mission as Hillsborough State Attorney is to build a safer community while promoting justice and fairness for everyone. He has fought to reform the local criminal justice system to make Hillsborough safer. Warren is married and has two children. Visit www.andrewwarrenfl.com. Andrew Warren (D)
Mike Perotti (R)
Mike Perotti, a Republican, is a third-generation Tampa native. He has worked as a prosecutor and in private practice and he has worked for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for over 16 years. He achieved the rank of colonel and has managed an annual budget over $40 million dollars and supervised a staff of over 1,600. He is married and has two daughters. Visit https://mikeperotti.com.
Mike Owen Wants To Give Back To The Community In Florida House Of Representatives By Kathy L. Collins
Mike Owen, a background has preRepublican, is a small pared me for the diffibusinessman running to cult times we are facrepresent the residents ing.” who live in Florida House He added, “I have of Representatives been a part of the fabric District 59. Owen was of this community since raised in Brandon and 1976, so the issues that attended Burns Middle our district faces are School and Bloomingdale personal to me. I will High School. aggressively fight for Owen said, “Our our community regardcommunity helped raise less of anyone’s party me and I want the affiliation. I feel led to Owen, a local small business run and am not running opportunity to give back. Mike professional, is running to repreI have operated a small to be the next career sent the people of District 59. Owen is a candidate for Florida business in our commupolitician. I have deep House District 59. nity for 15 years, which roots in our community, has been dedicated to helping individuals attend ARISE Church in Brandon and and small businesses navigate difficult have been blessed with a wonderful famitimes. Many of those experiences have ly.” shaped me into who I am today.” In addition to running a small busi“I am the only candidate in this race ness, Owen finds time to give back to the with significant business experience,” said community. He has served on the boards Owen. of several local organizations, including When asked how his professional the Center Place Fine Arts and Civic experience has prepared him for the job Association Board of Directors, Angel of representing the residents of District Foundation Advisory Board, Center State 59, Owen explained, “I have a focus on Bank Advisory Board and the Tony and small business, property and estate planBertha Saladino Tournament Committee. ning law. I have handled many consumer Owen said, “If elected, I will serve protection issues and have been at the honorably, I will make common sense forefront of many serious issues our residecisions, I will listen and not finger point, dents and small businesses have faced I will always put our community first and I through good and bad economies. I have will not be a career politician.” worked hard and treated people how I For more information, please visit would want to be treated. I believe my https://votemichaelowen.com.
Monique Scott Brings Versatility And Experience To Group 7 County Judge Run
Staff Report
Probation Division, Monique Scott is Drug Division, a former law enforceCriminal Felony ment officer, teacher, Division and prosecutor, first genEconomic Crimes eration American and Unit. Tampa native looking The versatility to share her experiin Scott’s tenure as ence as a a prosecutor is Hillsborough County exemplified by her judge. experience in prosScott received her bachelor’s Tampa native Monique Scott is running for ecuting a variety of Hillsborough County judge. criminal cases, degree at the including DUIs, traffic, misdemeanor University of South Florida and upon offenses, family/domestic violence offensgraduation moved to Washington D.C., es, white collar crimes, drug trafficking, where she interned with the Public firearm charges, violent felony offenses Defender’s Service. Upon returning to Tampa, Scott was recruited by the Tampa and punishable-by-life felonies. Scott is married to Justin Scott, also Police Department as a sworn officer. a Tampa native, and they have one son Scott’s career was cut short due to who currently attends Jesuit High School her medical disability, epilepsy. She then as well as two dogs. began a career in teaching while attendScott is active both within the legal ing Stetson Law School within the partcommunity and the Hillsborough County time program. She had the honor of community at large. She is a member interning with Judge Gregory Holder and completing two Certified Legal Internships and serves as a committee chair for the Florida Association of Women Lawyers, in both the Hillsborough and Polk County Hillsborough County Bar Association, State Attorney’s Offices. Florida Bar, Criminal Law Inn of Court After graduating from law school, Scott began a career as a prosecutor with and Hispanic Professional Women’s Association and currently serves on four the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s boards: the Sheriff’s Hispanic Advisory Office. She successfully litigated numerCouncil, Hillsborough Association of ous jury trials, non-jury trials, depositions Women Lawyers, Tampa Hispanic Bar and argued countless motions. During Association and Epilepsy Services her tenure at the State Attorney’s Office, Foundation. To learn more, find Monique she practiced in a variety of divisions: the Scott For Judge on Facebook or visit County Criminal Trial Division, Domestic www.Scott4Judge.com. Violence Trial Division, Violation of
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Monique Scott for Hillsborough County Court Judge Group 7
Vote For Scott ‘Mr. H’ Hottenstein Ready To Serve In Florida House District 57
Dr. Christina Paylan Wants Your Vote To Represent District 19 In Florida Senate
Representatives. Scott Hottenstein, We at VoteVets are known as ‘Mr. H’ by his always so proud to students, is a candisee veterans like date for Florida House you committed to District 57. He is pascontinuing their sionate about serving service after the unithe public by advocatform,” wrote Jon ing for the health, eduSoltz, Iraq War vetcation and safety of his eran and chairman community. of VoteVets PAC, Hottenstein takes pride regarding in his original 24-year career in the United Scott Hottenstein, known as ‘Mr. H’ by his Hottenstein’s camstudents, is a candidate for Florida House paign. “In these turStates Navy, which District 57. bulent political began when he was 17 years old, and in his second career as times, our veterans, communities and country need leaders like you who will a Hillsborough County Public Schools continue to serve the nation and put the civics teacher. He has literally been in country first.” public service his entire adult life. A 1992 Alongside his endorsement from graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and VoteVets PAC, he has also received an 2019 Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year finalist, he seeks to translate the val- endorsement from the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, the largest gun vioues he learned during both careers into lence prevention organization in the counmuch-needed legislative change. try. As a trained volunteer, Hottenstein Hottenstein retired from the Navy in has led several Be SMART presentations 2012 after numerous deployments and throughout the community. The program leadership positions, with a highlight of focuses on the open discussion of gun leading 450 sailors in a combat zone and safety hazards, the proper securing of bringing them all home safely. Now, he firearms and gun suicide and accident has set his sights on serving in a new prevention. way: by representing his community in Hottenstein understands the importhe Florida legislature. Hottenstein has tance of putting his country and commureceived endorsements from multiple nity first. After an outstanding military national organizations, such as VoteVets career and passionately educating the PAC. community’s youth, he seeks to serve a “I am honored to support your camthird time. Vote for Scott Hottenstein for paign to serve your fellow citizens of the Florida House District 57. 57th District in the Florida State House of
Dr. Christina because lawyer after Paylan is a registered lawyer is elected to govRepublican. However, ernment instead of you will see her listed everyday citizens like as an NPA (No Party soccer moms, accountAffiliation) on the balants and waiters,” Dr. lot for the upcoming Paylan explained. general election. “I do “I have already not believe in party proven myself to be a labels,” explained Dr. leader. I created the Paylan. East Tampa Chamber of Dr. Paylan is runCommerce to bring busining for a seat in the nesses together under Florida Senate in one umbrella to better Dr. Christina Paylan, a plastic sur- serve the communities District 19. The disgeon, is running for a seat in the trict covers Florida Senate to represent the resi- in East Tampa,” said Dr. Hillsborough (East Paylan. “I have begun dents who live in District 19. Dr. Paylan will be listed as an NPA (No mentorship programs in Tampa, Riverview, on the ballot for the Gibsonton, Brandon, Party Affliation) South St. Petersburg general election. Apollo Beach and and East Tampa. These Ruskin) and Pinellas Counties (South are designed to eliminate the pipeline to St. Petersburg and Gulfport). prison. I also started a first-ever system Dr. Paylan is a plastic surgeon. She that will allow 70 percent ownership in is the daughter of immigrants, having the economically deprived Black and come to the U.S. at the age of 8, and Brown communities,” added Dr. Paylan. she came to Florida in 2001. She “My core platform issues relate to earned her medical degree from the the court system. I believe that whether University of Southern California and is you are a small business owner or an trained as a trauma surgeon and then individual, the court system has grown later as a plastic surgeon. She completso corrupt that it has now become proed her fellowship training in plastic surhibitively costly to society. It is inefficient gery and then later in critical care at and self-serving. I vow to drain the Tampa General Hospital. Dr. Paylan swamp in the court system that is so opened her private practice in 2004. prevalent in both Hillsborough and Dr. Paylan is a first-time candidate. Pinellas Counties,” said Dr. Paylan. “I am not your everyday politician. I For more information on Dr. Paylan, believe that there is gridlock in governplease visit ment and a lack of representation www.paylan4statesenate.com.
By Sean Crumpacker
By Kathy L. Collins
A Call To Serve As A County Court Judge Group 7 Was Drawn From Tragedy For Bill Yanger
Bob ‘Coach’ Henriquez Wants To Continue To Serve As Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
Since 2001, The call to serve Yanger has manthe community comes aged a successful to people in different law practice. His ways. When a lawyer extensive experidecides to run for ence has taught him judge, it might have a lot. “I have learned been a lifelong dream something from or because of a perevery court appearsonal experience. ance I have had in Bill Yanger, who the last 34 years,” is a candidate for said Yanger. county court judge in Yanger was Group 7, decided to Bill Yanger is running for county court run for judge after the judge in Group 7 on Tuesday, August 18. born and raised in Yanger brings both professional and life Tampa to parents tragic loss of his 22experience to the bench and as such year-old daughter, believes he will serve as a compassion- who were also born ate and empathetic judge. here. He raised his Rose. “We lost Rose on August 24, 2016 to a violent homicide three children in Tampa. He is a member of several area Chambers of Commerce, in Broward County, a case that remains open and uncharged to this day. I tell this including the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. “As a member, board story not for sympathy but for context. member and chair of the South Tampa Rose’s loss was a clarifying moment, a Chamber of Commerce, I have been desperate and heartbreaking moment that focused my attention on what I want- active in many collaborations with area chambers, including the Greater ed and needed to do with my life,” Riverview Chamber of Commerce, parexplained Yanger. Yanger has practiced law for over 30 ticularly between our respective military affairs committees,” said Yanger. years. “I have been practicing for 34 “We want our judges to be capable years all over the state. I have fought in of the mechanics of the job. Voters criminal, family and state federal civil deserve a say in selecting a judge with court trenches for teachers and profesempathy forged from life's joys as well as sors, single mothers and desperate its heartaches. Voters deserve the perfathers, injured and broken workers, son in the black robe to have lived an world boxing champions, teenage rockexpansive life. I have lived one,” said ers and small business owners,” said Yanger. Yanger. “I am prepared to wear the robe For more information on Yanger, in whatever capacity I am asked to serve please visit www.yangerforjudge.com. by the Chief Judge,” added Yanger.
first took office, but Bob ‘Coach’ there is still so much Henriquez is running more we can do for for re-election as the people of this Hillsborough County county,” said property appraiser in Henriquez. “New the general election on technologies and Tuesday, November 3. new ideas are When Henriquez was always being introelected to the position duced and we in 2013, his mantra should never rest on was to “Rethink, what we have Reinvent and Bob Henriquez, Hillsborough County achieved so far. Reinvigorate.” This property appraiser, is active in the comHenriquez required a detailed munity and often speaks to groups about look at how his office property issues (shown here speaking to brings years of a group of realtors in South Hillsborough experience to the performs all of its County). job of property statutory duties and appraiser. He served in the Florida State responsibilities. Legislature as a state representative for Henriquez has done this and has four terms. completed multiple tasks, including Moreover, his work with the adding internationally recognized appraisHillsborough Planning Commission has al staff to his senior staff. He completed given him a unique insight on the needs an overhaul of the office’s website to of residents who live in unincorporated ensure greater transparency of real and rural areas of Hillsborough County. estate and tangible property data. He “As a result of that experience, and what I reduced the cost of property assessment have learned since, I know how to fairly by implementing software that utilizes and equitably apply property valuation to aerial images. He reviewed all business those areas,” explained Henriquez. processes to achieve the most cost effiInterwoven within his public service is cient and responsible practices. his tireless work to help mold the lives of This process of rethinking how his young men as a football coach. He office operates is a neverending one. served as Tampa Catholic’s head football Through new technologies and practices, Henriquez wants to continue in his role as coach from 1990 to 1999 and again from Hillsborough County property appraiser in 2005 to 2012. Henriquez is married to Carrie and order to better serve the taxpayers of they have one son and two daughters. Hillsborough County. Visit www.vote4coach.com. “We have achieved so much since I
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Nancy Millan, For Tax Collector, Has The Experience To Hit The Ground Running If Elected
District 7 School Board Member Lynn Gray Runs For Second Term
Nancy Millan, a becoming the next 30-plus-year veteran Hillsborough of the Hillsborough County tax collecCounty Tax tor. Collector’s Office and The Tax a Democrat, is runCollector’s Office is ning to become the the funding engine tax collector. She will powering virtually be on the general all local governelection ballot and ment and collecting would like to ask for and distributing With over 30 years of experience in the your vote. Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office, revenue for many Nancy Millan will need no Millan started as other public ention-the-job training. an entry-level clerk ties, including over 30 years ago. She worked diligently school boards, ports and mass transit and is now a member of the senior staff systems. The Hillsborough Tax Collector’s as the director of community relations. Office generates over $2 billion dollars Millan said, “I know this department and annually and handles over one million this department knows me. I require no motor vehicle, vessel and mobile home on-the-job training because I have done transactions. this work for over 30 years, and as Millan said, “I am proud of our initiaHillsborough County’s next tax collector, I tive to establish self-service kiosks at sevam ready to lead this office on day one.” eral participating Publix locations in the “As a senior leader in the organizaGreater Brandon area. Self-service kiosk tion, I have been a part of modernizing is one way of making the Tax Collector’s and transforming the way we provide Office more accessible to our residents.” service to our customers. Our hard work Millan added, “The Hillsborough County to remake the organization resulted in the Tax Collector’s Office also opened a Tax Collector’s Office becoming an Brandon area branch that includes a award-winning organization that is a role road-testing range and is an important model for government agencies in asset to the community.” Hillsborough County and throughout the “My vision is to build upon the office’s state of Florida,” added Millan. prior success to ensure our office Millan is a certified Florida collector becomes more accessible and more effiassistant and has worked with the city, cient,” said Millan. county and state agencies. She is wellFor more information, please visit prepared to take on the responsibility of https://www.votenancymillan.com.
Bringing 26+ much experience years of teaching and expertise to the experience to board as Gray Hillsborough County, according to her Lynn Gray is running website. for a second term on Her educational School Board District highlights include: 7. Teacher of the Year Gray is currently twice, a finalist an at-large member once; Peer of the Hillsborough Counselor of the County School Board Year; 16 years as in Florida. Gray's an instructor and current term ends in department head in 2020. Gray is runthe Hillsborough ning for re-election County Public for an at-large seat Schools; 9 years of of the Hillsborough instruction and County School Board department head at in Florida. District 7 Hillsborough County School Board Jesuit High School; member Lynn Gray is running for a 3 years as a partis a countywide seat second term in District 7. on the Hillsborough time adjunct instrucCounty School Board. Gray, a former tor for JMJ of Tampa Bay educator and running coach, won Homeschooling; and HCPS School that seat in 2016 and is trying for a Board member for more than 3 second term. years. Gray B.A., M.S. has been an Gray also owns her own busiexperienced teacher and instructionness called Take…The First Step, al leader for over 26 years. Shen is and is President of a non-profit currently on the HCPS School Board youth/adult fitness advocacy club representing the entire district. The called: Take…The First Step Club. Hillsborough County School Board Gray has a Bachelor’s in social needs a member with a strong studies education, University of teaching and educational backSouth Florida; master’s in education, ground, and is willing to continue Nova Southeastern University. advocating for the needs of our chilFor more information, visit her dren. campaign website at No other candidate brings as www.LynnGrayforSchoolBoard.com
By Kathy L. Collins
Staff Report
Endorsed by: • Tampa Bay Times • Tampa Bay REALTORS • Classroom Teachers Association • Hillsborough Environmental Caucus • West Central Florida Labor Union -AFL/CIO • Equality Florida • Democrats for Climate Change • Muslims for Fairness and Democracy • Teaching for the Culture
Your support for my re-election is so appreciated! DONATIONS:
www.LynnGrayforSchoolBoard.com
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Osprey Observer Who’s Got Your Vote
Volume 24, Issue 10