Clip & Save: Twelve Ballot Amendments And What They Mean To Voters Registered voters who are voting by mail or at the polls for the upcoming General Election need to know that there are 12 Constitutional Amendment Proposals on this year's ballot. This is the longest list in decades. One amendment (8) was struck down by the Florida Supreme Court. Voters should carefully read each amendment. Some of the amendments (1-5) were proposed by the Legislature or by citizen initiative. The remaining (7, 913) come from the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC). which meets every 20 years and is allowed to bundle more than one issue into each proposed amendment. To be approved, a constitutional amendment must receive 60 percent of the vote. Summary of the amendments.
Amendment 1- Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption
This would raise the portion of a home's value that can be exempted from non-school property taxes. The change would apply to the assessed value of a homestead property between $100,000 and $125,000. This would increase the maximum exemption to $75,000.
Amendment 2- Limitations On Property Tax Assessments
Essentially, this would make permanent a temporary cap of 10 percent on annual property value increases. This applies to non-homestead properties.
Amendment 3- Voter Control Of Gambling In Florida
This amendment would give voters the exclusive right to decide whether to authorize expansions of casino gambling. Currently, the authority rests with both the Legislature and voters.
Amendment 4- Voting Restoration For Individuals With Felony Convictions
California’s Marsy’s Law. It would raise the age for retirement of judges to 75, and it would bar judges from relying on administrative agencies’ interpretations of a law when ruling in cases.
Amendment 7- First Responder And Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges And Universities
This proposal would restore the right to vote to nearly 1.4 million Floridians who have served their sentences. This amendment does not apply to felony convictions for murder or sexual offenses. Florida is one of four states that continues to limit the rights of citizens to vote. The law dates back to the Civil War.
This is two items. The first would provide college tuition for the survivors of first responders and military members killed on duty. The second would require university trustees to agree by a two-thirds supermajority to raise college fees (not including tuition) and establish the state college system in the Constitution. Universities are in it, but state colleges (i.e., community colleges) are not.
Amendment 5- Increase To Two-Thirds Vote Needed In Legislature To Increase Taxes
Amendment 9- Prohibits Offshore Oil And Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping In Enclosed Indoor Workplaces
Currently, a simple majority is needed. This increase could affect the state in times of emergencies such as a hurricane or recession and could hamper the Legislature's ability to pass a reasonable budget which is their yearly mandate.
Amendment 6- Rights Of Crime Victims, Judges
This amendment is three items. It would add a list of rights for crime vicims which is modeled after
This calls for a ban on oil and gas drilling in state-owned waters and a proposal to add vaping to the ban on smoking indoors.
Amendment 10- State And Local Government Structure And Operation
This is four items. One is to have the legislative session start in January rather than March in even-numbered years (the legislature currently
By Kathy Collins
changes its dates by statute), two is to create a counter-terrorism office (FDLE is already the lead agency), three is to make the state veterans affairs department constitutionally required (there is a provision in the Constitution), and four requires that tax collector, property appraiser, supervisor of elections, sheriff and clerk of circuit court be elected. In Hillsborough, these are already elected.
Amendment 11- Property Rights; Removal Of Obsolete Provisions; Criminal Statutes
Repeals the state’s ability to prohibit noncitizens from buying, owning and selling property; deletes a provision that forces the state to prosecute criminal suspects under the law they were originally charged under, even if the Legislature changes that law; deletes obsolete language having to do with high-speed rail in Florida (voters repealed this section in 2004).
Amendment 12- Lobbying And Abuse Of Office By Public Officers
This expands the time from two years to six years that elected officials and government employees have to wait before they could lobby state government.
Amendment 13- Ban On Dog Racing
This proposal ends wagering on dog racing by 2020. Visit http://dos.myflorida.com/elections/.
Jack Gutman Has The Experience And Integrity To Be A County Court Judge, Group 8
Sheriff Chad Chronister Seeks Election As Hillsborough County Sheriff This November
Supreme Court as Jack Gutman a State Mediator. has practiced law for "In my work as a over 30 years and is mediator, I have running for County learned to facilitate Court Judge in resolution of Group 8. issues as opposed He won the to engaging in a August 28 primary way that causes decisively receiving excessive litigaover 46,000 more tion. votes than his runoff In addition to opponent, receiving Jack Gutman, shown here with his practicing law, 46.83% of the vote daughter, Samantha, son, Matthew and Gutman has to his opponent’s wife, Carlene is seeking to continue his 22.41%. long legal career and serve the communi- served on the "The three pillars ty as a County Court Judge. The election Board of Directors is on Tuesday, November 6. for the MacDonald of my campaign are Training Center, a non-profit that honesty and integrity; experience; and serves people with disabilities. community involvement," said Gutman has been endorsed by the Gutman. He has extensive experience West Central Police Benevolent in both civil and criminal law and has Association, the Tampa Police achieved an AV Preeminent Rating Department Benevolent Association, from the Martindale-Hubbell Peer the City of Tampa Fire Fighters Union, Review Ratings. five retired Circuit Court Judges, nine "Being a judge is the highest past presidents of the Hillsborough Bar honor a lawyer can achieve. To be entrusted with that authority is an awe- and two past Florida Bar presidents. Gutman has been married to some responsibility," said Gutman. "I Carlene for 25 years and has two chilwant to be a County Court Judge dren, Samantha and Matthew. because it is the people's court. This "I believe that I have the experimay be the first time a citizen encounence, temperament and high level of ters a judge. The judge needs to have ethics necessary to be a County Court the right temperament coupled with Judge. I would ask that you vote for extensive expertise in order to be me for County Court Judge on effective on the bench," said Gutman. Tuesday, November 6," said Gutman. Gutman has served as both a For more information, please visit prosecutor and defense attorney. In www.Gutmanforjudge.com. addition, he is certified by the Florida
Hillsborough changed hiring stanCounty Sheriff, Chad dards. He has worked Chronister, is running to be more inclusive for election this in hiring and is comNovember in the mitted to diversity in General Election. the department. Chronister was “My main goal is appointed by Governor to have resources Rick Scott in (personnel, tools and September 2017 when technology) to mainSheriff David Gee tain standards given retired. the growth in this Chronister runs a county. This is key to department of 3,500 reducing crime and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad employees. The Chronister with wife Nicole, is run- keeping families Hillsborough County safe,” said Chronister. ning for election in the General Election. He is a veteran law Sheriff’s Office proWhile Chronister enforcement officer appointed by tects over one million is tough on crime, he Governor Rick Scott in September residents. has worked to devel2017 to take over the duties of Sheriff when David Gee retired. “I want to continue op an Adult Diversion as Hillsborough County Sheriff Program for first time offenders of misbecause we are expected to experidemeanor crimes such as drug offensence exponential growth in this county. es or shoplifting. Estimates are that the county’s popuIn addition to his official duties, lation will double in size by 2035. With Chronister voluntarily serves on two this type of growth, we need someone boards- The Boys and Girls Club and who has the qualifications and experiMetropolitan Ministries. Chronister ence that I have to continue to make said, “If we build strong children, then public safety a top priority,” said we will have a strong community,” said Chronister. Chronister. Chronister has worked to improve Chronister holds a Master’s the tools, resources and technologies Degree in Criminology from St. Leo that deputies have available to them to University. He is married to Nicole and keep residents of the county safe. In he has two sons. Chronister has been addition, Chronister has worked to with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s improve the hiring practices within the Office for 26 years and was one of department. Specifically, Chronister four Colonels prior to becoming has expanded recruitment and Sheriff. Visit www.chadchronister.com.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Debbie Katt Is Running For Florida House 57 This November
Jamey Moody Seeks The Opportunity To Serve As Circuit Court Judge, Group 25
Debbie Katt, a ing for the arts and culDemocratic candidate and ture and environmental long time resident of issues. These are not Valrico (Bloomingdale), is partisan issues but the running for a seat in legislature is failing to do Florida House District 57. its job," said Katt. Katt does not have an Katt is a mathematiopponent in the Primary cian. She solves probElection, so she will be on lems for a living. "I underthe ballot for the General stand big systems with Election on Tuesday, complicated interactions November 6. and complex downstream Katt, a software engiimplications," said Katt. neer and analytical con"We need to fully fund sultant for SAS for 19 public education. We Debbie Katt is running for years, had long thought of Florida House District 57. Katt have $2.8 million in will be on the ballot this running. She was conunfounded mandates. November for the General cerned that her job would How are school districts Election. be in jeopardy if she had to take time off supposed to pay for these mandates? when the legislature is in session. "I got Things do not add up, and that is why I mad and wondered who represents work- am running," said Katt. ing men and women like me," said Katt. "My mission statement is to proThe tipping point that caused Katt to mote, improve and deliver fairness and decide to run came in February when the excellence in service to the people of my majority in the legislature blocked HB 219 district and throughout the State of (a bill to ban assault rifles) from being Florida," explained Katt. "I am running debated. "The Parkland High School for Florida House District 57 in the shooting had just happened. With stuGeneral Election in Nivenber because I dents looking on, the majority would not believe it is my civic duty," said Katt. even allow this bill to come to the floor for Katt has been married to Michael for debate," said Katt. 15 years and they have one daughter, "I decided right then and there that Sara, who attends the local public these students and my daughter school. Katt received her BS degree deserve better," explained Katt. "I am from Texas A&M and her Master's fighting for reasonable solutions such as degree from North Carolina State. Katt is fully funding our public education sysa singer with the Master Chorale. tem, affordable health care and housing, For more information on Katt, enact reasonable gun safety laws, fundplease visit www.debbiekatt.com.
Long time Plant siding over cases involving pro City resident, Jamey se litigants," added Moody. Moody is running for Moody is an ardent Hillsborough County believer in community service. Circuit Court Judge in He is the Secretary and board Group 25 on Tuesday, member of Plant City Main November 6. Moody Street, a board member of the has the requisite comPlant City Chamber of bination of experiCommerce, a committee ence, a spirit of volunmember of the Planning Board of Plant City, committee memteerism and profesber of South Florida Baptist sionalism to make him Hospital Foundation a fair, honest and Investment and a Rotary Club respected Circuit member. Court Judge. Circuit Court Judges hanMoody has practiced law for 15 years. dle thousands of cases each "My experience of liti- Jamey Moody, a third genera- year. As such, judges need to tion resident of Plant City, gating hundreds of be fair and impartial. "Despite shown here with his wife, Courtney and their two boys cases has prepared litigating in an adversarial sysDuncan and Jimmer (James tem, I always strive to be fair, me for the bench in Moody IV), is running for Circuit an enormous way," honest and professional in Court Judge in Group 25. advocating for my client as said Moody. "My pracwell as in my working relationships with tice as a civil litigator has enabled me to opposing attorneys," said Moody. If you handle cases from intake through multidoubt this, just look Moody's campaign day jury trials. I believe jury trial experiand endorsements. "The people I have ence is essential when seeking judicial worked against have signed up to be a office," said Moody. part of my campaign," said Moody. In addition to his practice, Moody "I believe I have shown the capability has worked as a volunteer attorney (pro bono) with Bay Area Legal Services. "My of handling a variety of matters both judipro bono legal work has helped me to ciously and efficiently. I will make deciunderstand and appreciate the vast dissions quickly but with careful forethought, connect between the need for legal repre- and look forward to serving he residents sentation and the financial ability to obtain of Hillsborough County with integrity, fairit," said Moody. "As a judge, I believe my ness and discipline," said Moody. pro bono experience will help enable me For information about Moody’s camto be an asset to the community in prepaign, visit www.votejametmoody.com.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Robin Fuson Has Experience Needed To Serve As County Circuit Court Judge, Group 25
Greg Green County Judge’s Motto “Experience, Integrity And Committed To Service”, Group 2
For the past 25 a substitute teacher and years, Robin Fuson as a server in a restauhas spent nearly rant," explained Fuson. every day in court. "I This hard work included 10 years as a love everything that professional baseball goes on in court," said player and three years Fuson who is a candias a coach. "My basedate for Hillsborough ball career taught me a County Circuit Court lot about dealing with Judge in Group 25. different personalities Fuson added, "I knew and about teamwork," early on in my career said Fuson. that i wanted to serve Fuson is a as judge." Robin Fuson, shown here with his Hillsborough County In Fuson's long wife, Sally, his mother, Amelia, daughters, Tori and Lyndsey and native. He received his legal career, he has granddaughter, Amelia, is a candi- B.A, degree from USF represented both date for Hillsborough Circuit Court sides of the law havJudge in Group 25. He would like and his law degree you to cast your vote for him on from Stetson University ing worked as a prosTuesday, November 6. College of Law. He has ecutor for eight years. been married to Sally for 33 years and For the last 18 years, he has managed has two grown daughters and one and worked in his own practice, Robin granddaughter. He is a member of both Fuson, PA. the Greater Riverview Chamber of The experience of representing all Commerce and the Greater Brandon sides in both criminal and civil litigation Chamber of Commerce. has allowed Fuson to form an underFuson has been endorsed by standing of how he wants to see people Florida Attorney General, Pam Bondi, treated and issues resolved in court. "I the Hillsborough Tax Collector, the believe judges need to be seasoned Hillsborough County Property Appraiser professionals. They need experience in and the Mayor of Temple Terrace. both the law and in life," said Fuson. " Fuson said, "I have both the life Fuson has worked hard not only in experience and professional experience his legal career (having tried over 200 needed to be a fair and just jury trials and argued thousands of preHillsborough County Circuit Court trial and evidentiary motions) and in his judge.” life overall. "I have worked hard my For more information on Fuson, whole life in a variety of jobs including at a drug store, as a gas station attendant, please visit www.ElectFuson.com.
Attorney Greg our county as a proseGreen has dedicated cutor and assistant his life to serving the Attorney General where he worked tirelessly to people of Hillsborough ensure justice in our County. courts every day. He is a Green was born, business owner and raised and educated founding partner law of here in Hillsborough Green Law, P.A. County. He grew up in Outside of his proa community-service fession, Green also oriented family who serves the community taught him that servand our youth as a voling his community is unteer football coach at the highest honor that Robinson High School an individual can Greg Green’s motto and background and board member of achieve. of Former Prosecutor, Former Assistant Attorney General, AVVO The Crossing Church Green said, “I am Rated 10, Ten Best Family Lawyers Pastoral Care/Biblical very happy to by AFILA, Member of Hillsborough, announce that I won Florida & Family Law Section of the Counseling. Bar, gives him ample experience as Seven generations the August Primary, County Court Judge, Group 2. of his family have called receiving 82,672 Hillsborough County, home. In fact, votes and 43.5% of the vote. Let’s keep Green fondly refers to Hillsborough as his the momentum going and bring home ‘forever home’. Green is married and has another victory in November.” two young daughters, born and raised Green’s love for this community right here in Hillsborough County. came early in life. He attended Green chose to run for three reaChamberlain High School where he sons: (1) to ensure all litigants who worked hard as a student-athlete under appear in Court enjoy equal access and the Friday night lights of the Chiefs’ footreceive fair treatment under the law, (2) to ball team and as a basketball standout. There, he learned the value of teamwork, continue the family tradition of public service, and (3) to continue serving as a preparation and fairness providing him real and tangible role model for his chilwith important principles that guides him dren. Green has real experience, proven in the courtroom today. leadership and the right temperament to Green’s service to Hillsborough serve as your next County Court Judge, County continues through his professionGroup 2. al and personal involvement in the comVisit VoteGregGreen.com. munity. He is honored to have served in
By Kathy L .Collins
First Place in the Primary!
EXPERIENCE THAT COUNTS Robin Fuson has been an a!orney in Tampa for over 24 years. In addi"on to being a former Hillsborough County Assistant State A!orney and a former Adjunct Professor at the University of South Florida, he has been in private prac"ce for 16 years. His memberships include the Florida Bar, Florida Jus"ce Associa"on, Hillsborough County Bar Associa"on, Tampa Hispanic Bar Associa"on, Carrollwood Bar Associa"on, the Carrollwood Area Business Associa"on, Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Bay Tiger Bay Club and the Hillsborough NAACP. Robin Fuson graduated from the University of South Florida and Stetson University College of Law. Prior to a!ending law school, he was a professional baseball player and played in the 1988 World Series for the Oakland Athle"cs. He has been married for 34 years, has two grown daughters, a granddaughter and a!ends Bell Shoals Bap"st Church. You can reach Robin Fuson by calling him directly at 8139674186 or via email at robinfuson@aol.com. Visit his website at www.ElectFuson.com and then cast your vote for him by mail, during early vo"ng, or on Elec"on Day Tuesday, November 6th.
Staff Report
Stacy White Seeks Re-Election To Hillsborough County Board Of County Commission, District 4
The Time Is Right For Michael Isaak's Run For County Judge, Group 8
Stacy White, Protection Program. a lifelong resi“I want to continue dent of to work on land use Hillsborough policy, growth manCounty, is runagement, road infraning for re-elecstructure and traffic tion to the issues,” said White. “I Hillsborough was part of a coalition County Board of that passed policy County which allowed us to Commissioners. allocate 800 million White is a candidollars toward transdate for District portation funding over 4. This district the next 10 years. We Stacy White, shown here with his family, is did this without raising covers much of running for re-election to the Hillsborough Eastern and County Board of County Commissioners. He taxes. We basically Southern changed the fee strucwould like your vote on Tuesday, November 6. Hillsborough ture that developers County. White would like your vote on pay, so that they pay more for roads,” Tuesday, November 6. added White. White, a Republican, has deep family If you do not know what the roots in Hillsborough County. He is a fifth Hillsborough County Board of County generation native of Hillsborough County Commissioners does, just think of them who lives and works in Valrico with his as the Board of Directors for our local wife and three children. He graduated government. There are four representafrom East Bay High School, earned a tives who are elected according to a geoDoctor of Pharmacy degree from the graphic area and three who are elected University of Florida and has practiced county wide. District 4, which White would pharmacy for 21 years. like to continue to represent, is a geoFrom 2010-2014, White served the graphic area. community by serving on the “I have a great deal of experience Hillsborough County School Board. Since both in government and professionally, I being a member of the Hillsborough have served on both the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, County School Board and the White has been an advocate for managHillsborough County Board of County ing growth, fixing our infrastructure, workCommissioners. This makes me the right ing on traffic issues as well as working on person to represent District 4 for the next the Environmental Lands Acquisition and four years,” said White.
Michael Isaak is added Isaak. uniquely qualified to When asked what serve as a County sets him apart from his Court Judge. Isaak is opponents, Isaak clearly stated, "Morals and valrunning for election in ues." Isaak further Group 8. He would like explained, "My parents your vote on Tuesday, came to this country November 6. from Israel. They had Isaak has signifinothing. They are the cant experience. He epitome of the American served as an Assistant Dream," said Isaak. His State Attorney for five mother went on to years and has been become the first female running his own sucMichael Isaak's extensive legal attorney at the Tampa cessful law firm for 20 career, work ethic and values he learned from his parents all make office of Holland & years. Isaak has tried him a great candidate for County Knight. 150 jury trials, argued Court Judge. He is running and "The people who thousands of motions Group 8 and would like your vote on Tuesday, November 6. influence the candidate and has written 300 for judge are a great tell appeals. of how the candidate will act and perform "From my first day of law school, I on the bench. I grew up with a great have always wanted to be a judge," said mother as a role model," said Isaak. Isaak. "After 26 years of successful prac"I have a great work ethic. My tice, I am in a position where I feel that I morals, values and lessons learned from can give back to the community and my parents reflect how I practice law and serve as a judge," added Isaak. how I will perform as a County Court "I believe that everyone deserves to Judge," said Isaak. be treated fairly in court. No one should Isaak is a member of several local ever walk away from the courthouse and Chambers of Commerce including feel that the law was not followed," said Brandon, Riverview, Valrico/FishHawk, Isaak. For me, in deciding to run for Plant City and Sun City Center. Isaak is judge, there was a defining moment married to Betsy, and they have two chilwhen the law was not followed and my dren, Sophia and Jackson. Isaak and his client was harmed. That day reaffirmed my belief that there is a need for fairness, family attend Idlewild Baptist Church. For more information and to see and I thought someday the timing will be Isaak's numerous endorsements, please right to make the move from practice to visit www,isaakforjudge.com. the bench. That day has come for me,"
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L .Collins
SUPPORT MICHAEL ISAAK Michael Isaak has a 25year legal career in private and public prac"ce. He is a former Assistant State Attorney and has maintained a successful Tampa law prac"ce for the past 20 years. He is a member of the Florida Bar, Hillsborough County Bar, Florida Jus"ce Associa"on, as well as the Na"onal, Florida and Hillsborough Associa"on of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is a mul"year recipient of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Awards of Excellence (1993, 1994, 1995), the 18th Circuit State A#orney’s LongTerm Service Award, and was named the FADL Gladiator of the Year (2015). Mr. Isaak is a member of the Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Valrico Fishhawk and Sun City Center Chambers of Commerce. He lives in Tampa with his wife Betsy, daughter Sophia and son Jackson and they attend Idlewild Baptist Church. You can call Michael Isaak at 8134435100, email him at IsaakForJudge@gmail.com, visit his website www.isaakforjudge.com, and vote for E. Michael Isaak by mail, during early vo"ng or on Elec"on day November 6th.
For the General Election (Tuesday, November 6), early Voting will take place from October 22 through November 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit www.votehillsborough.org/About-Voting/Three-Ways-toVote/Early-Voting for information regarding early voting and the locations to vote. Locally you can vote at Bloomingdale Regional Library, 1906 Bloomingdale Ave. in Valrico, Valrico Recreational Center, 707 S. Miller Dr. in Valrico, Riverview Brandon Library, 10509 Riverview Dr. in Riverview, SouthShore Regional Library, 15816 Beth Shields Dr. in Ruskin, Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. in Plant City. You can request a Vote By Mail Ballot from the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by Wednesday, October 31 by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. No matter which method you choose to vote- By Mail, Early Voting or on Election Day, your vote counts.
United States Senator
Bill Nelson is a fifth-generation Floridian and an independent voice that always puts Florida first. His experience includes more than 40 years of public service, first in the Florida State Legislature, then Congress, then on Florida's Cabinet and, since 2001, the United States Senate. Since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, he has earned a reputation as a consensus builder and problem solver, while consistently being a moderate voice in an increasingly Bill Nelson (D) partisan environment. For more information, visit www.nelsonforsenate.com.
Rick Scott (R)
Rick Scott is Florida’s 45th governor, serving two terms in office. He is now seeking the open seat for Florida in the U.S. Senate. Governor Scott grew up in the Midwest with his father, a World War II Veteran and truck driver, and his mother, a store clerk. After Scott married his high school sweetheart, Ann, he joined the Navy. He used the G.I. Bill to attend college and eventually opened his first business- a donut shop so his mom could have a job. As a Senator, Scott wants to implement a limits, end wasteful spending, & more, visit https://rickscottforflorida.com.
Representative In Congress District 15
Kristen Carlson (D)
Kristen Carlson graduated from Stetson Law School in 1977 and has been fighting for the people of Florida since. She started out as a prosecutor and then went to work for the Department of Citrus fighting to ensure Florida's vital crop was protected. Her mother was a front-line Army surgical nurse during WWII and father was a career fighter pilot in the Air Force. She became a prosecutor after law school and then went on to work for the Florida Department of Citrus as General Counsel. For more, visit www.kristencarlsonforcongress.com.
Ross Spano (R)
Ross Spano currently represents District 59 in the Florida House of Representatives and is a managing partner of Spano & Woody, P.A. in Riverview. He is also the Chairman of the Florida Human Trafficking Working Group and serves on the Federal Judicial Nominating Commission. As the Congressman for Florida’s 15th District, Ross will always fight to uphold the rule of law and protect the . He will prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, including victims of human trafficking. And as a proven conservative leader, Ross will strive to protect the conservative values that are so important to him, visit www.rossspano.com.
Representative In Congress District 16
Vern Buchanan (R)
Vern Buchanon, incumbent to U.S. House District 16 and serving his sixth term, is co-chair of the bipartisan 29-member Florida congressional delegation and currently serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy, international trade, health care, welfare, Social Security and Medicare. Buchanan is chairman of the Tax Policy Subcommittee, a key panel that oversees the nation’s tax code. He served six years in the Air National Guard and worked his way through college. Visit https://vernbuchanan.com.
David Shapiro (D)
David Shapiro has spent nearly 30 years serving citizens as a lawyer in Sarasota and Manatee counties. He was raised in the Tampa Bay area and is an alumnus of the University of Florida and has a law degree from Florida State University. He is a trustee member of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of directors for the Sarasota Film Festival and served on the advisory board of West Coast Black Theater Troupe. For more information, visit https://voteshapiro2018.com.
State Representative District 57
Mike Beltran (R)
Mike Beltran is a Harvard-educated lawyer currently residing in Tampa with his wife and two sons. He has a decade of experience serving the people of Central Florida and was also appointed by Rick Scott to the Judicial Nominating Committee. He describes himself as a pro-business, pro-life, pro-constitution, conservative lawyer. Issues Beltran is focusing on would be cutting government waste, lowering taxes, cutting the red tape for small business growth, putting more money into classrooms, enforcing immigration laws, protecting sanctity of life and protecting 2nd amendment rights. For more information, visit http://electmikebeltran.com.
Debbie Katt (D)
Debbie Katt is an analytical software engineer by trade bringing a unique perspective to the legislature in Tallahassee. She has crafted solutions for over 20 years that integrate different components and deliver creative problemsolving results for all types of industries, from retail and manufacturing, to leisure and state governments. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M, she enjoyed working in the airline industry for five years, then attended North Carolina State University, where she received a Master’s in Applied Math and a minor in Statistics. She moved back to Florida in 2006 and resides in Valrico with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit www.debbiekatt.com.
State Representative District 59 Adam Hattersley was born in Massachusetts and raised mostly in Colorado, Hattersley graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2000 and 2001, respectively. While there, he was a member of the 1999 NCAA Champion men’s gymnastics team. He then served as a Nuclear Submarine officer in the US Navy for eight years, including time in the Pacific Fleet and on the ground with an Army unit in Adam Hattersley Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006-2007) for which he was (D) awarded a Bronze Star. He moved to Riverview in 2009 where he worked for Granite Services, International (a subsidiary of GE). For more information, visit www.adamhattersley.com.
Joe Wicker (R)
Joe Wicker is a proud veteran as he was called to active duty in 2001 with two deployments to Iraq. In 2003, he served as Tank Platoon Leader and in 2007 served as an advisor to the Iraqi Security Forces. Wicker completed his service and returned home in 2008. Upon returning home, he was recruited as a business manager for an International Paper Company where he currently manages over $20 million in supply chain. Wicker has also served as committee chairman in MiraBay community of Harbor Bay Development in Apollo Beach and is active in the Wounded Warrior Project and Operation Helping Hand. He is married to his wife, Amy, and they are both active members at The Crossing Church. Visit http://joewicker.com.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Sheriff Chronister is a veteran law enforcement officer who has served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office since 1992. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminology from St. Leo University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 260th Session. Sheriff Chronister became the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County on September 30, 2017, upon his appointment by Governor Rick Scott. He was most recently the Colonel Chad Chronister in charge of the Department of Operational Support. For more information, visit http://chadchronister.com. (R)
Gary Pruitt is currently the Director of Security at the Westfield Citrus Park mall working for Professional Security Consultants. He spent 25 years as a law enforcement officer with the Tampa Police Department, retiring in September 2015. During his time with this agency, he spent all his time in the patrol districts where he served as a patrol officer and patrol supervisor as well as a plainclothes officer and supervisor. He was also a detective assigned to latent investigations. For more info, visit https://www.votegarypruitt.com.
Gary Pruitt (D)
Circuit Judge, 13th Judicial Circuit Group 25
Robin Fuson
Robin Fuson is a Florida Native who has been married for 33 years with two daughters and one grandchild. Robin pitched for ten years in the Minors and coached the Oakland A’s for three years before switching the baseball field for the legal field. He has now been in the legal field for 25 years. Fuson earned his Bachelor’s in Criminology from the University of South Florida and then his law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1993. For more information, visit www.electfuson.com.
Jamey Moody has a long family history in the legal community. Three generations of the Moody family have taken the judicial oath of office here in Hillsborough County. Moody received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Florida and his Juris Doctor from the UF’s Levin College of Law and has spent his entire career litigating cases in Circuit Court. He has also spent countless hours volunteering as a probono attorney through Bay Area Legal Services. For more information, visit http://votejameymoody.com.
Jamey Moody
County Court Judge Group 2
Lisa Allen
Lisa Allen is currently working at the Law Firm of Ansa Assurance, LLP. She is a civil litigator representing clients in a wide variety of matters for the past 17 years. From 2006-2009, Lisa served as a Federal Law Clerk for Honorable James S. Moody, Jr., U.S. District Court Judge for the middle district of Florida. Allen was born and raised in Jacksonville and currently resides in Tampa with her husband and three children. She graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Business Administration. For more, visit https://www.allinforlisaallen.com.
Greg Green is a Tampa native and graduate of Chamberlain High School. He was born and raised in Hillsborough County, which he considers his “forever home.” Green has served as a prosecutor and assistant Attorney General for the county. He also serves the community and the youth as the men and women’s football coach at Robinson High School. As a two-time legacy of the Tampa Police Department, he stands with the law enforcement. For more information, visit http://votegreggreen.com.
Greg Green
County Court Judge Group 8
Jack Gutman
Jack Gutman has 31 years of legal experience and is looking to further that as a County Court Judge. He has been a resident of Hillsborough County for the past 45 years. He grew up in South Tampa and is a graduate of Plant High School. He received his Bachelors’ degree from Tulane University and his law degree from the University of Miami School of Law. The first 14 years of his legal experience was spent as a state prosecutor and defense attorney, practicing criminal law. He also served as a Felony Division Chief with Hillsborough County Attorney’s Office. Visit www.gutmanforjudge.com.
E. Michael Isaak moved to Tampa at four years old and has called Hillsborough County home for 48 years. He is a graduate of Tampa Prep and earned his Bachelors’ in Economics from Rollins College and his law degree from Samford University in Alabama. Isaak has been practicing law for the past 25 years. He began his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney with the 18th Judicial Court and spent more than 5 years prosecuting criminals. Isaak is married to his wife, Betsy, and they have two children. Visit isaakforjudge.com.
E. Michael Isaak
Board Of County Commissioners District 4
Andrew Davis (D)
As a child, Andrew Davis’ hobbies were karate, baseball, football, and fishing/crabbing. He enrolled in trade school to join the work force as an auto mechanic, but while in school, he learned his true calling was sales. As a salesman, Davis has won several awards and been promoted to supervisor roles, but the part he loves most is that he gets to solve genuine problems for people and businesses. Andrew is a member of the East Hillsborough County Democratic Club, Plant City Area Democrats & more. For more information, visit https://votefordavis.com.
Stacy White (R)
Stacy White is a fifth-generation native of East Hillsborough County. He grew up in our community and graduated from East Bay High School. He has always had a heart to help others and found his calling in pharmacy, attending the University of Florida to obtain his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. White has served as the County Commissioner for District 4 since 2014. Prior to that, he served as the District 4 member of the Hillsborough County School Board. For more, visit www.facebook.com/VoteStacyWhite.
Board Of County Commissioners District 5 Victor Crist is the current District 2 commissioner, seeking to serve the citizens of District 5. Prior to being on the County Commission, Crist represented parts of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties in the Florida House of Representatives. Visit Victor Crist (R) www.commissionervictorcrist.co m.
Joe Kotvas (NPA)
Thirty five years ago, Joe Kotvas was a County Commissioner representing the people of Hillsborough County. Now, he’s back to finish the job he started. Kotvas cares about this county and the people in it. For more information, visit https://joekotvascares.com.
Mariella Smith (D)
Mariella Smith is a long-time advocate for smart growth management, transportation and environmental protection. She is a fourth-generation Florida native and resident of South Hillsborough County. She earned her B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Tampa and her M.A. in Philosophy, majoring in Ethics from Florida State University. mariellasmith.com.
Board Of County Commissioners District 7 Todd Marks is a George Mason School of Law graduate, where he also graded on to the George Mason Law Review and served as its symposium editor. In 2006, He formed Westchase Law P.A., a civil law firm and real estate closing Kim ‘Klarc’ Todd Marks (R) company in Hillsborough Visit O’Connor (GRE) www.toddmarks.com.
Kim ‘Klarc’ O’Connor earned a B.A. in Philosophy from University of South Florida. Later she attended the University of Florida; College of Law. While at the UF Law school she was elected the first woman President of the Student John Marshall Bar Assoc.
Kimberly D. Overman (D)
Kimberly Overman is a 34-year resident and an active volunteer of the Tampa Bay Area. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.S. in Agricultural and Resource Economics. Overman is a certified Financial Planner and CEO of The Financial Well, Inc. Visit www.kimberlyoverman.com.
Conservative Republican, Mike Beltran, Seeks Seat In Florida House District 57
Green Party Candidate, Kim O’Connor, Seeks Seat On County Commission
Mike Beltran, a what the Legislature resident of Lithia, is a does- pass laws and candidate for State manage budgets.” House District 57. Beltran believes in limited government and Beltran is a conservative Republican who low taxes and regulawants to bring comtions. “We need to priormon sense solutions to itize what government the Florida Legislature. does. The government should be providing He would like your services such as fundvote on Tuesday, ing for schools. The November 6. Mike Beltan, a conservative government should Beltran is a graduRepublican, shown here with his wife, ate of Harvard Law Hope, and two sons, Michael (three maintain and improve roads, and the governSchool. He is an attoryears old) and Ross (four months old), is running for Florida State ment should provide ney with Beltran House District 57 this November in funding for public safety Litigation, P.A. Prior to the General Election. such as fire and police,” practicing law, he served as Law Clerk for a Federal Judge. explained Beltran. If elected, he will work to ensure that Beltran was appointed by Governor more money is spent in the classrooms. Rick Scott to serve on the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) for the “We should reduce waste and spend Thirteenth Judicial Circuit (Hillsborough more money on teachers, supplies and Count). The JNC vets and nominates technology to make sure that students candidates to fill judicial vacancies. can learn,” explained Beltran. “We need to improve our roads. I will Beltran has been involved in politics work with local leaders to identify and prifor 20 years. “I looked at this race and oritize projects and request proper fundthought that I was the best qualified caning for projects such as road widening didate. I have experience as a business owner running my own law practice, and I from the Legislature,” added Beltran. Beltran is married to Hope. They have studied the Constitution,” said have two sons, Michael who is three Beltran. years old and Ross who is four months Beltran also serves on his local HOA old. Beltran grew up in New York and was and was involved in student government an Eagle Scout. while at Harvard Law School. Beltran For more information on Beltran, said, “I understand the law and know how please visit www.electmikebeltran.com. to handle big budgets. This is essentially
Kim O’Connor is a O’Connor has served Green Party (GRE) canon the Ochlockonee didate who is running for River Soil and Water a seat on the Conservation District (in Tallahassee) and most Hillsborough County recently on the Board of County Hillsborough Soil and Commissioners in District Water Conservation 7. District 7 is a county wide seat. She would like District. She resigned your vote on Tuesday, from the Hillsborough Soil November 6. and Water Conservation O’Connor is a native District to run for the County Commission seat. Floridian. She graduated from the University of Kim O’Connor is a Florida native O’Connor is running as a who is seeking a seat on the candidate with Green South Florida with a B.A. degree in Philosophy. She Hillsborough County Board of Party County Commissioners. “It was a difficult went on to earn her law O’Connor is a member of the degree from the University Green Party (GRE) and would decision to resign as I like your vote November 6. was the only elected of Florida. While at the member of the Green Party in Florida. University of Florida, O’Connor was elected the first woman President of the However, as a County Commissioner, I Student John Marshall Bar Association. have a broader platform to express and O’Connor became interested in pol- enact policies that feature the Green Party values of peace, justice, fairness itics and worked on several campaigns including the Florida League of Women and ecological wisdom,” explained Voters’ effort to get the Equal Rights O’Connor. Amendment added to the Florida “To serve the citizens of Constitution in 1978. O’Connor has Hillsborough County as woman as they have done would be an honor and a practiced law, worked with government privilege,” said O’Connor. agencies (including a City Attorney’s “Your vote for me on Tuesday, Office, a County Attorney’s Office and November 6 can elect a Green Party the Department of Transportation), environmentalist and activist to the taught law in China and was a project County Commission and give an opporcoordinator for the Florida Bar. tunity for a new, cooperative direction While living in Key West, she for Hillsborough County,” said earned the nickname, “KLARC” for her O’Connor. dancing ability.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
Hillsborough Voters To Decide Transportation Future In November
By Preston Rudie
All for Transportation, the citizen-led effort to support increased local funding for roads and transportation, has exceeded the 49,000 petition threshold required by law to secure a place on the November ballot, according to the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. “This is a historic moment. More than 70,000 thousand people in Hillsborough County have put a solution that funds transportation problems in front of their neighbors. We’ve waited far too long to solve a transportation crisis in Hillsborough County that is getting worse every day,” said Tyler Hudson, All for Transportation Chair. All for Transportation is a community led effort organized to fund a wide range of solutions to address our County’s greatest shortcoming – traffic congestion and lack of transit options – and allow us to invest in our community. “Without enough funding for transportation, the traffic where I live in Brandon continues to get worse. Plus, Hillsborough County’s population is expected to grow by more than 700,000 people over the next thirty years. That’s why my neighbors and thousands of people from all over Hillsborough County signed the petition,” said All for Transportation volunteer Rena Upshaw Frazier, “The people have made it clear
they won’t wait and they will be ready to vote ‘yes’ to fund transportation in November.” If approved by a majority of voters in November, the All for Transportation proposal would fund transportation improvements throughout Hillsborough County including Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Brandon, Town n’ Country, and Sun City. “Improvements would include improved roads and bridges, expanded public transit options, fixing potholes, enhanced bus service, relieving rush hour bottlenecks, improved intersections, and making walking and biking safer,” added Hudson. “All of these funds will be reviewed by an independent oversight committee and audited annually to make sure the funds are used as outlined in the plan that voters signed and will vote on in November.” “I’m happy to be one of the Hillsborough voters that signed. This gets us one step closer to funding that will make rush hour easier, provide us more transit options and make our streets safe,” said East Tampa resident Gwen Myers. “I believe people will vote yes in November, because the funding has clear oversight to make sure it’s spent on the community’s priorities.” To learn more about All for Transportation, visit AllforTransportation.com.
Making Sense Out Of The Half-Cent Education Tax Referendum
By Kathi Hayes
The Hillsborough who cannot have County Public School any connection with (HCPS) District is the district or benefit ‘Investing In Students’ financially from the by proposing a referenprojects. dum for a half-cent Alliance for sales surtax increase Public Schools, to generate funding to Melissa Erickson improve schools. says, “If tourists Voters will see this protravel the I-4 corriposed education tax dor, Hillsborough referendum on ballots County is the only November 6. HCPS currently only receives an eigth of county you don’t If approved, the a penny, but state performance remains pay sales tax to highest for overall score for 2017-18. estimated $131 million support schools.” in annual sales tax income over ten years With HCPS currently receiving the lowest would be in effect January 1, 2019. sales of one eighth penny sales tax, it still HCPS recently released a school-byhas the highest overall performance school list of 1,785 projects to be funded score for the 2017-18 State of Florida by the proposed half-cent sales tax with Accountability Report. an estimated $637 million earmarked for Superintendent Jeff Eakins is on a air conditioning systems. Other projects tour of town hall meetings to share inforinclude building and renovating schools, mation about the state of the Hillsborough maintenance, security and technology. school district, opportunities for students A typical family in Hillsborough and the $2 billion challenge the communiCounty would pay $63 a year. The ty faces because of inadequate state amount is based on IRS sales tax tables funding. for a typical household with the county's Upcoming community appearances median annual income of $51,681. include October 15, 7 p.m. at Middleton The tax would effect only purchases High School, 4801 N. 22nd St. in Tampa on items like clothes and consumer and October 23, 7 p.m. at the Chapel at goods or big items such as a car or boat FishHawk, 6026 Churchside Dr. in Lithia. up to $5,000. It will not be used to eleviFor information about the tax referenate the deficit. dum, visit https://sdhc.k12.fl.us/. For a list The Citizens Oversight Committee of of school improvements, visit seven members headed by former state https://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/docs/00/00/23/ education commissioner Betty Castor will 08/Education_Referendum_School_by_S be formed to include six private citizens chool_List_v2.pdf.