Registered Voters In Hillsborough Have Three Methods To Vote: By Mail, Early And On Election Day...Every Vote Counts In the United States, voting is a right. However, 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. There are three methods- Vote By Mail, Early Voting and Election Day Voting. In order to vote, you must be registered by July 30 for the Primary, which is set for August 28. You must be registered by October 9 for the General Election which will be held on November 6. When you register, you are asked to select a party. That would be either Republican, Democrat or No Party Affiliation or one of the minor political parties. Florida is a closed primary state. This means that for the Primary Election, your ballot will reflect the party that you have selected. In other words, you vote only for the candidates from your party as well as non-partisan races such as Judge (County and Circuit) and School Board.
In the General Election, your ballot is based upon where you reside. You can view sample ballots for both the Primary and the General Election at www.votehillsborough.org. “One of the most important things we can do to conduct a successful election is to make sure that voting is easy and accessible for all voters,” said Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer.
VOTE BY MAIL Vote By Mail is the most convenient method. It is often referred to as Absentee Voting. However, Floridians no Requesting A Vote By Mail Ballot Is longer need an Easy: excuse to choose 1. Online: Vote By Mail Ballot Request this option. If you 2. By Phone: (813) 612-4180 request this method, 3. By Fax: (813) 744-5843 you will receive your 4. In Person: at any of our ballot in the mail, and Supervisor of Elections Offices you can take your To Request Vote By Mail For Yourself, You Must time making your voting decision. The Vote By Mail ballot Provide: must be received by the 1. Your name and home address Hillsborough Supervisor of 2. Your date of birth Elections Office by 7 p.m. on 3. Your mailing address, if different from home address (Ballots cannot be forwarded. Be sure to Election Day. You can mail it provide your current mailing address.) or drop it off in person at one 4. Your signature (for written requests) of their offices or at an Early Voting site. Rest assured, if
you choose this method, your vote will be counted. You must request your Vote By Mail ballot by August 22 for the
Primary Election and by October 31 for the General Election. “We pay the return postage on Vote By Mail ballots and have drop-off boxes for those ballots at all of our Early Voting sites and offices, to make that as easy as possible,” said Latimer. If you choose this method, please visit www.votehillsborough.org for instructions. EARLY VOTING Early Voting is set up before both the Primary Election and the General Election. This year, Early Voting will take place for the Primary (August 28) from August 13 through August 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the General Election (November 6), Early Voting will take place from October 22 through November 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In Hillsborough County, there will be 19 Early Voting sites open. “For our 2018 elections, we have added
By Kathy L. Collins
three new Early Vote sites. During the Early Voting period, voters can vote at any of the 19 voting sites,” said Latimer. The new sites include the Valrico Recreation Center which was added to ease congestion at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library. Please visit www.votehillsborough.org for a complete list and the times they are open. 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 Florida Driver’s License, state issued identification, U.S. Passport, Student ID, Public Assistance ID and more. ELECTION DAY VOTING Polling Places or Precinct, noted on your Voter Registration Card, are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can bring your sample ballot with you and use it while you vote. Whichever method you choose, remember your vote counts. “On Election Day, voters must vote in the polling place assigned to their precinct. Remember, Election Day is your last chance to vote. Because the majority of voters will have voted during the Early Voting period, we do not expect lines in the Election Day polling places,” said Latimer. For more information, please visit www.votehillsborough.org.
Page 42
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 17, Issue 8
Community Invited To Candidate Forum At Bell Shoals Baptist Church
Commissioner Stacy White Holds Community Office Hours At Library
Bell Shoals gather together Baptist Church and each will have in Brandon will several minutes to host its 23rd let the community Annual know where they Candidate stand in important Forum on issues facing all of Friday, August us. 3 beginning at "We host 5:30 p.m. in the this non-partiThe Bell Shoals Worship san event as Church Issues Center. The a way for Team will host its 23rd Annual forum is free Christians Candidate Forum on Friday, August 3 and open to the throughout beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the church on Brandon. Area public. Bell residents are encouraged to attend and learn where Hillsborough candidates stand on issues. Shoals Baptist County to Church is located at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. know where political candidates stand on in Brandon. issues that matter to them. We will get The Candidate Forum is hosted by bombarded with a variety of advertising Bell Shoals Baptist Church Issues Team, messages during this campaign season. a group of volunteers. Candidates seekBut this is a unique opportunity for the ing to represent the area are invited to voter and the candidate to have unfilattend. Approximately 60 candidates are tered, one-on-one conversations. This expected to attend including those candievent always has a great community dates for School Board, County turnout, and we are anticipating a late Commission, State House and Senate, gathering again this year," said Dr. U.S. House of Representatives and Stephen Rummage, senior pastor, Bell Senate as well as candidates for State Shoals Baptist Church. Executive office. In addition to the candidates, employCandidates are invited regardless of ees from the Hillsborough County their party affiliation. The forum was startSupervisor of Elections Office will be on ed as a way to encourage residents to hand to give information and to answer become better informed on issues and to questions about voter registration. Please learn more about the individuals who note that Florida is a closed primary state, want to represent the interests of the resi- and if you plan to vote in the primary set dents of the greater Brandon area. for Tuesday, August 28, you must be regThe general public will have an istered by July 30. opportunity to meet face to face with the For more information on the 23rd candidates beginning at 5:30 p.m. At Annual Candidate Forum, please visit approximately 7 p.m. the candidates will www.bellshoals.com.
Residents of that entire corridor. Bloomingdale and We’ll have a nice, surrounding areas new smooth road all were welcome to stop the way from Lithia by the Bloomingdale Pinecrest all the way Library on June 14 for to MLK,” he said. a one-on-one meeting White menwith County tioned other issues Commissioner, Stacy office hours strive to Commissioner White has deep roots in White. Visitors were bring attention to. Hillsborough County and holds community office hours to listen to his conable to sign up and “Storm water issues stituent’s concerns and ideas. wait to meet with the always pop up durcommissioner to discuss their concerns ing these kinds of office hours. We work about local and community issues as well with the storm water engineers, and as propose solutions. oftentimes they can make improvements Representing District Four of to the storm water and correct problems Hillsborough County, White is responsible like that,” he added. for the development of everything “from White believes that his office hours Plant City to Sun City”. allow him to be open to the ideas of his In the past, popular topics for citizen’s constituency. “I always say that the best concerns have included mainly traffic, ideas come from out in the field and storm water issues, sidewalk projects, meeting with the people. I walk away with and growth management for the so many good ideas when I’m out here Hillsborough County area. These topics spending time with the people like this,” were frequently brought up by citizens he said. One idea that was mentioned during the community office hours, was the installation of a new traffic light according to White. on Bell Shoals Road to redirect traffic, he Residents can look forward to excitadded. ing developments for the near future, White also prefers one-on-one meetincluding a much-waited for widening of ings. “I can sit here in a quiet office one Bell Shoals Road from Boyette Road to on one with the constituents, give them just North of Lithia Pinecrest, added my undivided attention and focus on just White. their particular issue that they’re bringing White also made note of a second to me. I find that to be very effective,” he big project due to be finished in this calsaid. endar year. “Valrico road is falling apart. Community office hours are held We’re going to resurface Valrico Road quarterly in different areas of District Four. from Lithia Pinecrest Road to Highway For information, visit www.hillsborough60. It was just resurfaced on the other county.org or Commissioner White’s side of Highway 60 so that will complete Facebook page at Stacy White.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Manuela Graf
Jack Gutman Has The Experience And Integrity To Be A County Court Judge, Group 8
Cissy Boza Sevelin Pursues Position Of Circuit Court Judge In Group 25
Jack Gutman has In addition to practiced law for over practicing law, 30 years. He is a long Gutman has served time resident of on the Board of Hillsborough County, Directors for the and he is running for MacDonald County Court Judge Training Center, a in Group 8. non-profit that "The three pillars serves people with of my campaign are disabilities. He curhonesty and integrity; rently serves as the experience; and comChair of their new Jack Gutman, shown here with his daughter, Samantha, son, Matthew and Excel Program munity involvement," wife, Carlene is seeking to continue his said Gutman. He has long legal career and serve the communi- which is a program extensive experience ty as a County Court Judge. The election that works with is on Tuesday, August 28. in both civil and crimiyoung adults who nal law and has achieved an AV are on the Autism spectrum. The proPreeminent Rating from the Martindalegram helps to provide them with life and Hubbell Peer Review Ratings. work skills. "Being a judge is the highest honor Gutman has been endorsed by the a lawyer can achieve. To be entrusted West Central Police Benevolent with that authority is an awesome Association, the Tampa Police responsibility," said Gutman. "I want to Department Benevolent Association, the be a County Court Judge because it is City of Tampa Fire Fighters Union, five the people's court. This may be the first retired Circuit Court Judges, nine past time a citizen encounters a judge. The presidents of the Hillsborough Bar and judge needs to have the right temperatwo past Florida Bar presidents. ment coupled with extensive expertise Gutman has been married to in order to be effective on the bench," Carlene for 25 years and has two chilsaid Gutman. dren, Samantha and Matthew. Gutman has served as both a pros"I believe that I have the experiecutor and defense attorney. In addition, ence, temperament and high level of he is certified by the Florida Supreme ethics necessary to be a County Court Court as a State Mediator. "In my work Judge. I would ask that you vote for me as a mediator, I have learned to facilifor County Court Judge on Tuesday, tate resolution of issues as opposed to August 28," said Gutman. engaging in a way that causes excesFor more information, please visit sive litigation. www.Gutmanforjudge.com.
then as a Bankruptcy “Equality before the Law Clerk for the law is not just a legal judges in the Middle principle to me; it is my District of Florida for entire reason for being nine years. During that an attorney, mediator, time, Boza Sevelin law clerk and public wrote thousands of servant,” said Cissy legal opinions and was Boza Sevelin, candihighly involved with date for Circuit Court courtroom procedure. Judge in Group 25. Boza Sevelin has Boza Sevelin statbeen a sole practitioner ed, “My dedication and in Thonotosassa since involvement with our community sets me Cissy Boza Sevelin, who is running 2013. However, she is apart from others who for Circuit Court Judge in Group 25, not in a traditional prachas the experience, competence tice. This is because are running in my and dedication necessary to be a 100 percent of Boza group. I am compasjudge. She would like the opportuniSevelin’s practice is sionate about providing ty to serve the community in this capacity. devoted to pro bono life-changing legal work. Her clients are financially disadassistance to the poor and oppressed in vantaged and cannot afford representaour community. I have dedicated more tion. She is also a Guardian Ad Litem, an than 4,000 hours in pro bono legal servAttorney Ad Litem and a volunteer Teen ices since 2013. I am dedicated to folCourt Judge. lowing the rule of law as written and not Boza Sevelin explained, “The generas I wish it to be.” al nature of my current practice is repreThroughout her life, Boza Sevelin senting indigent clients in various areas has worked in a variety of fields before of the law such as Domestic Violence becoming an attorney. She began workInjunction Hearings, Family/Domestic ing at the age of 12 when she went to Relations, Wills, Trusts and Estates, work at Olympia Bakery in Tampa. Boza Advance Directives, and Juvenile Sevelin received her Associate of Arts Dependency and Delinquency Hearings.” Degree from HCC in 1989 and graduatBoza Sevelin is also a Certified Family ed from USF with a dual major in Mediator where she deals with custody, Accounting and Finance in 1995. Boza child support, division of property and Sevelin has worked as an accountant, a other family law matters. loan officer and a small business owner. For more information, please visit Boza Sevelin became an attorney in www.cissysevelin4judge.com. 2002 and worked as a mediator and
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L .Collins
A Call To Serve Forged From Tragedy For Bill Yanger, County Judge, Group 5
The Time Is Right For Michael Isaak's Run For County Judge, Group 8
The call to serve to serve by the Chief the community comes Judge," added Yanger. to people in different For many years, he ways. When a lawyer has managed a sucdecides to run for cessful law practice. His judge, it might have extensive experience been a lifelong dream has taught him a lot, " I or because of a perhave learned something sonal experience. from every court Bill Yanger, who is appearance I have had a candidate for County in the last 32 years," Court Judge in Group said Yanger. 5, decided he needed Yanger was born to run for judge after and raised in Tampa to Bill Yanger is running for County the tragic loss of his 22 Court parents who were born Judge in Group 5 on Tuesday, year old daughter, here. He raised his August 28. Yanger brings both professional and life experience to the three children in Tampa. Rose. "We lost Rose bench and as such believes he will He is a member of the on August 24, 2016 to serve as a compassionate and a violent homicide in empathetic judge. Pictured with wife Greater Brandon Sharon. Broward County, a Chamber of Commerce. case that remains "As a member, board open and uncharged. I tell this story not member and Chair of the South Tampa for sympathy but for context. Rose's loss Chamber of Commerce, I have been was a clarifying moment, a desperate active in many collaborations with the and heartbreaking moment that focused Greater Riverview Chamber of my attention on what I wanted and needCommerce, particularly between our ed to do with my life," explained Yanger. respective military affairs committees," Yanger has practiced law for over 30 said Yanger. years. "I have been practicing for 32 "We want our judges to be capable years all over the state. I have fought in of the mechanics of the job. But voters criminal, family and civil court trenches for deserve a say in selecting a judge with teachers and professors, single mothers empathy forged from life's joys as well as and desperate fathers, injured and broits heartaches. Voters deserve the person ken workers, world boxing champions, in the black robe to have lived an expanteenage rockers and small business own- sive life. I have lived one," said Yanger. ers," said Yanger. "I am prepared to wear For more information on Yanger, the robe in whatever capacity I am asked please visit www.yangerforjudge.com.
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 running for election in stated, "Morals and valGroup 8. He would like ues." Isaak further your vote on Tuesday, explained, "My parents August 28. came to this country Isaak has signififrom Israel. They had cant experience. He nothing. They are the served as an Assistant epitome of the American State Attorney for five Dream," said Isaak. His years and has been mother went on to running his own sucbecome the first female Michael Isaak's extensive legal cessful law firm for 20 attorney at the Tampa 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 150 jury trials, argued Knight. Court Judge. He is running and thousands of motions Group 8 and would like your vote on "The people who Tuesday, August 28. and has written 300 influence the candidate appeals. for judge are a great tell of how the candi"From my first day of law school, I date will act and perform on the bench. I have always wanted to be a judge," said grew up with a great mother as a role Isaak. "After 26 years of successful pracmodel," said Isaak. tice, I am in a position where I feel that I "I have a great work ethic. My can give back to the community and morals, values and lessons learned from serve as a judge," added Isaak. my parents reflect how I practice law and "I believe that everyone deserves to how I will perform as a County Court be treated fairly in court. No one should Judge," said Isaak. ever walk away from the courthouse and Isaak is a member of several local feel that the law was not followed," said Chambers of Commerce including Isaak. For me, in deciding to run for Brandon, Riverview, Valrico/FishHawk, judge, there was a defining moment Plant City and Sun City Center. Isaak is when the law was not followed and my married to Betsy, and they have two chilclient was harmed. That day reaffirmed dren, Sophia and Jackson. Isaak and his my belief that there is a need for fairness, family attend Idlewild Baptist Church. and I thought someday the timing will be For more information and to see right to make the move from practice to Isaak's numerous endorsements, please the bench. That day has come for me," visit www,isaakforjudge.com.
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 August 28th.
Local Resident Adam Bantner Is Running For County Court Judge, Group 2
Jamey Moody Seeks The Opportunity To Serve As Circuit Court Judge, Group 25
Adam Bantner fessionalism and is a Board ethics in practice. Certified Criminal Bantner is a Trial Attorney who member of the runs a successful Greater Brandon law practice in Chamber of Brandon. Banter, Commerce. He has who has been served on the serving the comBoard of Directors munity in many for the Chamber for ways for several four years. In addiyears, would like tion, he is a graduto give back even ate of the Adam Bantner, shown here with his son, is a more and serve Chamber's local attorney running for County Court as a County Court Judge. Bantner has an extensive history of Leadership Class of Judge. He is ask- community service and is the only candidate 2011. He is a memin Group 2 who is Board Certified by the ing for your vote ber of The Brandon Florida Supreme Court. on Tuesday, Rotary Club and is August 28. Banter is in Group 2. a Board Member with the Spurlino Bantner has worked hard his entire Family YMCA. life. "With the exception of two of my "My history of hard work, leadership three years in law school, I have and expertise are important characterisworked. I am a small business owner tics for a judge," said Bantner. "My skill running my own law firm, The Bantner set fits well with what is expected of a Firm," said Bantner. "After several years County Court Judge. A County Court of running my own firm and raising my Judge hears numerous motions, The son, I decided it was time to give back cases are often smaller, and the judge to the community," added Bantner. will often oversee cases involving Bantner has the experience necesunrepresented litigants," added Bantner. sary to be a County Court Judge. "I am Bantner has been endorsed by the only candidate in Group 2 that is a Representative Jake Rayburn, Earl Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. Lennard, former Superintendent This is the highest distinction an attorHillsborough County Public Schools, ney can receive from the Florida Bar," and Rick Lott, Mayor of Plant City. said Bantner. Board Certification for For more information on Bantner lawyers in Florida recognizes an attorand his campaign for County Court ney's special knowledge, skills and proJudge in Group 2, please visit ficiency in various areas of law and pro- www.bantnerforjudge.com.
Long time Plant board member of Plant City resident, Jamey City Main Street, a board Moody is running for member of the Plant City Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce, Circuit Court Judge in a committee member of Group 25 on Tuesday, the Planing Board of August 28. Moody has Plant City , committee the requisite combinamember of South Florida tion of experience, a Baptist Hospital spirit of volunteerism Foundation Investment and professionalism to and a Rotary Club memmake him a fair, honber. est and respected Circuit Court Judges Jamey Moody, a third generation Circuit Court Judge. thousands of handle resident of Plant City, shown here Moody has prac- with his wife, Courtney and their two cases each year. As boys Duncan and Jimmer (James such, judges need to be ticed law for 15 years. Moody IV), is running for Circuit "My experience of litifair and impartial. Court Judge in Group 25. gating hundreds of cases has prepared "Despite litigating in an adversarial sysme for the bench in an enormous way," tem, I always strive to be fair, honest said Moody. "My practice as a civil litigaand professional in advocating for my tor has enabled me to handle cases from client as well as in my working relationintake through multi-day jury trials. I ships with opposing attorneys," said believe jury trial experience is essential Moody. If you doubt this, just look when seeking judicial office," said Moody. Moody's campaign and endorsements. In addition to his practice, Moody "The people I have worked against have has worked as a volunteer attorney (pro signed up to be a part of my campaign," bono) with Bay Area Legal Services. "My said Moody. pro bono legal work has helped me to "I believe I have shown the capabiliunderstand and appreciate the vast disty of handling a variety of matters both connect between between the need for judiciously and efficiently. I will make legal representation and the financial abil- decisions quickly but with careful foreity to obtain it," said Moody. "As a judge, I thought, and look forward to serving he believe my pro bono experience will help residents of Hillsborough County with enable me to be an asset to the commuintegrity, fairness and discipline," said nity in presiding over cases involving pro Moody. se litigants," added Moody. For information about Moody’s camMoody is an ardent believer in compaign, visit www.votejametmoody.com. munity service. He is the Secretary and
By Kathy L .Collins
ELECT ADAM BANTNER
SERVICE: Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2014 – Present) Brandon Rotary Member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church LEADERSHIP: Past-President Hillsborough County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Past-President Tampa Tiger Bay Club Youth Baseball Coach FishHawk Youth Baseball EXPERTISE: Board Certified Attorney Super Lawyers Rising Star (2012 – 2018) Perfect AVVO “10.0” Rating. Adam is a member of the Rotary Club of Brandon, on the Board of Directors of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Greater Riverview, Plant City, Valrico Fishhawk and Sun City Center Chambers of Commerce. is a graduate of Florida Southern College and the Florida State University College of Law. Adam Bantner can be reached at 8133973965 or via his campaign email info@BantnerForJudge.com. His campaign website is www.BantnerForJudge.com. The Primary Elec!on is August 28th, but you can also vote by mail or during Early Vo!ng.
By Kathy L. Collins
U.S. Senate
Early Voting is set up before both the Primary Election and the General Election. This year, Early Voting will take place for the Primary (August 28) from August 13 through August 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For the General Election (November 6), Early Voting will take place from October 22 through November 4 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can review your ballot and request a Vote By Mail Ballot from the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by visiting www.votehillsborough.org. No matter which method you choose to vote- By Mail, Early Voting or on Election Day, your vote counts.
Republican Primary
Rick Scott For more information, visit www.rickscottforflorida.com.
Rocky De La Fuentes For more information, http://vote.rocky101.co m/en_us.
U.S. House District 16 State House District 57 State House District 59
Jan Schneider For more information, visit www.VoteJan.com.
Republican Primary
Republican Primary
Democratic Primary
David Shapiro For more information, visit www.voteshapiro2018.com.
Mike Beltran For more information, www.electmikebeltran.com.
Sean McCoy For more information, www.facebook.com/ VoteSeanMcCoy.
Ronda Storms For more information, visit www.rondastorms.com.
Joe Wicker For more information, visit www.joewicker.com.
Circuit Court 13 Judge
County Court Judge
Group 25 Candidates
Group 5 Candidates
Cissy Sevelin For more information, visit www.cissysevelin.com.
Starr Brookins For more information, visit www.starrforjudge.com.
Robin Fuson For more information, visit, www.electfuson.com.
Jared Smith For more information, visit www.judgejaredsmith.com.
Jamey Moody For more information, visit www.votejameymoody.com.
Bill Yanger For more information, visit www.yangerforjudge.com.
County Court Judge Group 8 Candidates
Jack Gutman For more information, visit www.gutmanforjudge.com
E. Michael Isaak For more information, visit www.isaakforjudge.com.
LaShawn Strachan For more information, www.electlashawnstrachan.com.
Group 2 Candidates
Lanell Williams-Yulee For more information, visit www.vote4yulee.com.
Lisa Allen For more information, visit www.allinforlisaallen.com.
Adam L. Bantner, II For more information, visit https://bantnerforjudge.com.
Greg Green For more information, visit www.votegreggreen.com.
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County Commissioner Primary Candidates Countywide District 2 Republican
Ken Hagan For more information, visit https://votekenhagan.com.
District 5 Republican
Chris Paradies For more information, visit www.chrisparadies.com.
Victor Crist For more information, visit www.commissionervictorcrist.com.
District 7 Republican
Todd Marks For more information, visit www.toddmarks.com.
Angel S. Urbina Capo For more information, visit www.angelsurbina.com.
District 5 Democratic
Elvis Piggott For information, visit www.voteelvis2018.c om.
Mariella Smith For more information, visit www.mariellasmith.com.
District 7 Democratic Candidates
Aakash Patel For more information, visit www.patel2018.com.
Ray Chiaramonte For more information, www.rayforhillsborough.com.
Mark Nash For more information, visit www.electmarknash.com.
Kimberly D. Overman For more information, visit www.kimberlyoverman.com.
Sky U. White For more information, visit www.skyuwhite.com.
School Board Candidates Countywide District 2 Candidates
Stacy Ann Hahn For more information, visit www.votestacyhahn.com.
Sally A. Harris For more information, visit www.votesallyharris.com.
District 4 Candidates
Rod Mayhew For moreinformation, www.facebook.com/RodM ayhewforSchoolBoard.
LaShonda Davison For more information, visit www.lashondamdavison.com.
Melissa Snively
For more information, visit www.votemelissasnively.com.
District 6 Candidates
Scott ‘Mr. H’ Hottenstein For more information, visit www.MrHforSchools.com.
Robert A. Pechacek For more information, visit http://votepechacek.org.
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Mitchell Smithey For more information, visit www.votesmithey.com.
Kelso Tanner For more information, visit www.kelsotanner.com.
Henry “Shake” Washington For more information, visit www.shakeforschoolboard.com.
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Robin Fuson Has Experience Needed To Serve As County Circuit Court Judge, Group 25
If You Want To Fix Broken Programs, Vote For Scott Hottenstein For School Board, District 6
For the past 25 a substitute teacher and years, Robin Fuson as a server in a restauhas spent nearly rant," explained Fuson. everyday in court. "I This hard work love everything that included 10 years as a goes on in court," said professional baseball Fuson who is a candiplayer and three years date for Hillsborough as a coach. "My baseCounty Circuit Court ball career taught me a Judge in Group 25. lot about dealing with Fuson added, "I knew different personalities early on in my career and about teamwork," that i wanted to serve said Fuson. as judge." Fuson is a Robin Fuson, shown here with his In Fuson's long Hillsborough County wife, Sally, his mother, Amelia, daughters, Tori and Lyndsey and legal career, he has native. He received his 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 ing worked as a prosfrom Stetson University Tuesday, August 28. ecutor for eight years. College of Law. He has For the last 18 years, he has managed been married to Sally for 33 years and and worked in his own practice, Robin has two grown daughters and one Fuson, PA. granddaughter. He is a member of both The experience of representing all the Greater Riverview Chamber of sides in both criminal and civil litigation Commerce and the Greater Brandon has allowed Fuson to form an underChamber of Commerce. standing of how he wants to see people Fuson has been endorsed by treated and issues resolved in court. "I Florida Attorney General, Pam Bondi, believe judges need to be seasoned the Hillsborough Tax Collector, the professionals. They need experience in Hillsborough County Property Appraiser both the law and in life," said Fuson. " and the Mayor of Temple Terrace. Fuson has worked hard not only in Fuson said, "I have both the life his legal career (having tried over 200 experience and professional experience jury trials and argued thousands of preneeded to be a fair and just trial and evidentiary motions) and in his Hillsborough County Circuit Court life overall. "I have worked hard my judge.” whole life in a variety of jobs including at For more information on Fuson, a drug store, as a gas station attendant, please visit www.ElectFuson.com.
Scott "Mr. H" Hottenstein. "I want Hottenstein, a resipeople to know that I dent of FishHawk am engaged with the Ridge in Lithia is runcommunity and what ning for Hillsborough goes on in classCounty School Board rooms. I want to lisDistrict 6, a county ten and solve probwide seat. lems rather than say Hottenstein is retired this is the way we from the United have to do it," added States Navy after 24 Hottenstein. Scott "Mr. H" Hottenstein is running for distinguished years 'We must renew Hillsborough County School Board District focus on the stuof service . In the 6. The campaign is run by former and curNavy, Hottenstein dents. We can do rent students. held positions of command and had this by administering schools in a bottoms extensive experience in leadership and up manner. Teachers and principals know management of large budgets. what their schools need. We cannot He is now a Social Studies teacher at assume that the district knows what is Barrington Middle School and has taught needed in individual schools. The district there for five years. has taken autonomy away from the prin"I am running for school board cipals," said Hottenstein. because I see a need to restore faith in "Finally, we must fix that which is the school board, renew a focus on the broken. This includes bringing back students in the classroom, and fix the courtesy busing, stop deferred mainteproblems that are broken in the school nance and negotiate with teachers on district," explained Hottenstein. pay and other issues in good faith," Hottenstein's wife, Laura, is a added Hottenstein. Guidance Counselor at Rodgers Middle "I am in the classroom. My wife is a School. "I am able to see things from Guidance Counselor, and my children inside the school both because I am a are in public school. I have skin in the teacher and because of my wife's position game. I have the perfect combination of as a Guidance Counselor," said experience and skills to do the job necHottenstein. essary to get public education back on "We must restore faith in the school the right track," said Hottenstein. board. Residents need to be able to trust Hottenstein would like your vote on school board members to do their job of Tuesday, August 28. managing the budget and being an advoFor information, visit cate for public education," said www.MrHforschools.com.
By Kathy L .Collins
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 Primary Elec"on Day Tuesday, August 28th.
By Kathy L. Collins
DISTRICT 6
Judge Jared Smith Seeks Re-Election As County Court Judge, Group 5
Public Service Is A Way Of Life For Lanell Williams-Yulee, County Judge, Group 8
Judge Jared that I gave up my Smith serves as a successful construcHillsborough County tion law practice in Judge. He was 2017 to accept an appointed by appointment to the bench," said Smith. Governor Rick Scott in 2017. He is up for "Besides having re-election on actually worn the Tuesday, August robe and having a 28. Judge Smith is proven track record in Group 5. of success as a "I currently judge, I am also board certified. Only serve as a Judge Jared Smith (third from the Hillsborough Judge, left),shown here with his extended family, is six percent of seeking re-election as a Hillsborough Florida attorneys handling domestic County Court Judge. He would like your board certified, are violence and county vote on Tuesday, August 28. and less than one civil matters. In percent are certified in construction law. domestic violence court, emotions can My military service, board certification and run high and the stakes are very high as time on the bench are all factors which well. It is important to not only have a judge who understands the law but can set me apart from my opponent," said carefully listen to both sides and make an Smith. effective ruling based on the law and Smith is married to Suzette, and they facts," said Smith. have four children. Smith is a deacon and "I have handled thousands of domes- long time member of Idlewild Baptist Church. tic violence cases in my time on the "I have learned there is a huge differbench, and I look forward to continuing to serve in this capacity or whatever there is ence between making arguments before a need of at the courthouse," added a judge and having to actually make the Smith. calls as a judge. It is an awesome Prior to his time serving as a County responsibility that I do not take lightly. In Court Judge, Smith served in the United addition to following the law and effectiveStates Air Force. "I was a practicing attor- ly handling the constant flow of matters ney when 9/11 happened, and I immedibefore the court, it is also very important ately felt the call to abandon my 'tradition- to be a careful and respectful listener," al' legal career and to serve my nation," said Smith. explained Smith. For more Information on Smith, "It is with this same heart of service please visit www.judgejaredsmith.com.
Lanell WilliamsWilliams-Yulee Yulee wants to fulfill a credits her love of servlifetime dream of ice to her grandfather becoming a judge. who served in the Williams-Yulee is a canU.S.Navy. "In addition, didate for County Court my father and husband Judge in Group 8 and served and now my son would like your vote on is serving in the Armed Tuesday, August 28. Forces. I have a great Williams-Yulee has appreciation for the mili27 years of legal experitary and the freedoms ence. She served as a we have," said public servant for 17 Williams-Yulee. years during which time Lanell Williams-Yulee possesses the This is not the first she worked as an competence, integrity and experi- time that Williams-Yulee Assistant State Attorney ence necessary to be an effective has run for judge. "I will judge. She is running for County and Assistant Public not give up. I consider Judge in Group 8 on Tuesday, Defender. She has myself a fighter. I was August 28. spent nine years in priborn weighing only one vate practice. "I practiced in every area of and a half pounds. I have been fighting practice in which a County Court Judge my whole life, and I will bring that same presides. This includes domestic violence fight and persistence to the bench to cases, DUIs, Traffic Court and county impart justice and equality for all people," court civil litigation," explained Williamsexplained Williams-Yulee. Yulee. "After 17 years of public service as Before opening her own practice, an Assistant Public Defender and as an Williams-Yulee partnered with now State Assistant State Attorney, becoming a Senator, Darryl Rouson and worked judge, in my opinion, is a natural progresbriefly with Morgan and Morgan. sion of becoming the 'ultimate public serIn addition to an expansive practice, vant'. In summary, my public service Williams-Yulee has devoted herself to experience coupled with my personal life providing extensive pro bono service to experience intertwined with my passion to those who cannot afford an attorney in dispense justice for all people separates various areas of the law. Williams-Yulee is me and sets me apart from my competia wife, mother and business woman. tors," said Williams-Yulee. Despite all that she does, Williams-Yulee Williams-Yulee asks for your vote on finds time to give back to the community Tuesday, August 28. For more informain a variety of ways. tion, please visit www.vote4yulee.com.
By Kathy L. Collins
By Kathy L. Collins
JUDGE JARED SMITH A!er September 11, 2001, Judge Jared Smith made the decision to come to the aid of his country by entering the United States Air Force. During his service in the Air Force, he was sta"oned at MacDill Air Force Base for several years as a Judge Advocate General. In addi"on to twice receiving the Air Force Commenda"on Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Na"onal Defense Service Award, Judge Smith was recognized as a Heroes at Work Award winner by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in 2014. Following his military service, Judge Smith became a partner at the Tampa law oďŹƒces of Rumberger, Kirk & Caldwell, P.A., and he is a Board Cer"fied Construc"on Law Expert. This August, Judge Smith will celebrate 20 years of marriage to his wife Suze$e and along with their four children are ac"ve members of Idlewild Bap"st Church where Judge Smith serves as a Deacon and Adult Bible teacher. The Governor of Florida appointed Jared Smith as Hillsborough County Judge in 2017, where he currently presides over cases of domes"c violence and civil disputes. Please show Judge Smith your support by visi"ng www.JudgeJaredSmith.com and with your Vote in August!
Lanell Williams-Yulee has a track record of representing the law. With 27 years of experience she has prosecuted, defended and provided countless hours as a public servant. She wishes to continue to serve, but now as a County Court Judge.
Greg Green County Judge’s Motto “Experience, Integrity And Committed To Service”, Group 2
LaShawn Strachan Has Passion And Commitment For Service To The Community, Group 8
serves the community Attorney Greg Green has dedicated and our youth as a volhis life to serving the unteer football coach at people of Hillsborough Robinson High School County. and board member of The Crossing Church Green was born, Pastoral Care/Bibical raised and educated Counseling. here in Hillsborough Seven generation’s County. He grew up in of his family have called a community-service Hillsborough County, oriented family who home. In fact, Green taught him that serving fondly refers to his community is the Hillsborough as his “forhighest honor that an ever home”. Green is individual can achieve. Greg Green’s motto and background married and has two Green’s love for of Former Prosecutor, Former this community came Assistant Attorney General, AVVO young daughters, born early in life. He attend- Rated 10, Ten Best Family Lawyers and raised right here in by AFILA, Member of Hillsborough, Hillsborough County. ed Chamberlain High Florida & Family Law Section of the Green, believes our School where he Bar gives him ample experience as County Court Judge, Group 2. legal system should worked hard as a stuserve as the foundation dent-athlete under the that protects and guarantees our rights Friday night lights of the Chiefs’ football and freedoms. Green chose to run for team and as a basketball standout. There, he learned the value of teamwork, three reasons: (1) to ensure all litigants who appear in Court enjoy equal access preparation and fairness providing him and receive fair treatment under the law, with important principles that guides him (2) to continue the family tradition of pubin the courtroom today. lic service, and (3) to continue serving as Green’s service to Hillsborough a real and tangible role model for his chilCounty continues through his professiondren. Green will work tirelessly to ensure al and personal involvement in the comthat justice is dispensed fairly and imparmunity. He is honored to have served in tially. Green has real experience, proven our county as a prosecutor and assistant leadership and the right temperament to Attorney General where he worked tirelessly to ensure justice in our courts every serve as your next County Court Judge, Group 2. day. He is a business owner and foundFor more information, visit ing partner law of Green Law, P.A. Outside of his profession, Green also VoteGregGreen@gmail.com.
LaShawn Strachan today 20 years later. is passionate about “I have proven my service to the communicommitment to serving ty. Strachan would like this community. I am the to continue her pursuit only candidate with over of this passion by serv20 years of volunteering ing as County Court experience. I was a child Judge. Strachan is runadvocate as a Guardian ning for County Court Ad Litem volunteer and I Judge in Group 8 and also trained hundreds of would like your vote on citizens in this county to Tuesday, August 28. be child advocates. I con“I went to law tinue to give back by parLaShawn Strachan has over 20 ticipating in a community school to help people of experience of volunteering redress workshop sponand that is still a driving years as a child advocate and practicing force in my life today,” law in Flordia. Strachan has the sored by the George temperament and experience nec- Edgecomb Bar said Strachan. “As a essary to become an effective judge, I will have an Association, as well as County Court Judge. She is runopportunity to change being involved in local ning in Group 8 and would like your vote on Tuesday, August 28. ministries,” explained people’s lives for the better. I have been in courtrooms in many Strachan. counties all over this state, and I have Strachan is a solo practitioner in seen many great judges, and unfortuTampa. The focus of her practice is prinately, some not good. In order to make a marily family law, probate, guardianship fair and just decision, the judge must and general civil litigation. Strachan has have the ability to listen to all sides, know one child, Kayla, and two grandchildren, the law and have the courage to apply Jerome and Royal. the law fairly to everyone,” added, What sets Strachan apart from her Strachan. opponents? “In addition to my years of Before attending law school, experience as a lawyer, and my many Strachan became a volunteer with the years of giving back to this community, I Guardian Ad Litem program in Broward have the temperament necessary to be a County. She represented the best interest successful judge. Treating everyone with of children. Strachan continued to repredignity and respect, even when they are sent those who could not afford an attornot being respectable, is a virtue I posney through law school, and in fact, she sess,” said Strachan. graduated in 2000 with honors for pro For information, visit www.electbono legal work. She continues to do this lashawnstrachan.com.
Staff Report
By Kathy L .Collins
Debbie Katt Is Running For Florida House 57 This November
Sally Harris Brings Hometown Values To School Board, District 2
Debbie Katt, a ing for the arts and culture Democratic candidate and and environmental issues. long time resident of These are not partisan Valrico (Bloomingdale), is issues but the legislature running for a seat in is failing to do its job," Florida House District 57. 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.
Raised in South Today she is a Tampa, Sally Harris nationally recognized began her professional child care provider, educareer at the age of 16 cator and speaker working at the Tampa addressing issues from Post Office Federal early child education, Credit Union while special needs programs attending Robinson and marriage enrichHigh School. ment. After college she Sally Harris was chose to follow a career elected to the School as an Occupational Board, in District 2, in Specialist/Career 2014 and is currently Counselor with the the Board Chair. She is Sally Harris is running for School Hillsborough County of seven members one Board District 2. She is currently board chair. School System utilizing responsible for making her experience and policy decisions and training in such a way to relate to young overseeing a total budget of $2.9 billion people faced with their choices for future for the 8th largest school district in the careers or education. She continued to nation. equip herself with additional courses at “It is my goal to make sure the district the University of Florida in management has Highly Effective Teachers in each skills, stress management, time manageclassroom teaching our students daily,� ment and values clarification. Her choice said Harris. of careers lead to five years of service on Harris has visited every school in her the board of the Florida Vocational area all four years in office. She listens to Association, where she served as State the Stakeholders and shares with the disPresident of this 5,000 member associatrict areas to improve to help. She has tion. During this time she represented the also attended all the graduations and State of Florida as a State Consultant in even been a substitute at Ruskin the states of Virginia, Texas, Alabama Elementary to continue to be an advocate and Georgia. for all of her schools in doing what is best She is also widower and mother of for students. In addition, Harris has ridden five children, three by birth and two a bus route to better understand the adopted. Her love for children lead her process and help support students who from 1969 thru 2016 to raise over 32 fosride the bus. ter children in which today she is still in For more information, visit www.votecontact today with several of them. sallyharris.com
By Kathy L. Collins
Staff Report
Page 52
Bloomingdale/ FishHawk Edition
Volume 17, Issue 8