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). The CRC meets every 20 years and is allowed to bundle more than one issue into each proposed amendment. Conversely, amendments proposed by citizen initiatives or the Legislature must contain just one question. To be approved, a constitutional amendment must receive 60 percent of the vote. Here is a 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 3Voter 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
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.
Amendment 5- Increase To TwoThirds Vote Needed In Legislature To Increase Taxes
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 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 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 super-majority 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 9- Prohibits Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping In Enclosed Indoor Workplaces 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 changes its dates by
By Kathy Collins
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 five county-level offices (tax collector, property appraiser, supervisor of elections, sheriff and clerk of circuit court) be elected. In Hillsborough County, these are already elected offices.
Amendment 11- Property Rights; Removal of Obsolete Provisions; Criminal Statutes
Repeals the state’s ability to prohibit non-citizens 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. Vsit 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 issues Group 8. as opposed to He won the engaging in a way August 28 primary that causes excesdecisively receiving sive litigation. over 46,000 more In addition to votes than his runoff practicing law, opponent, receiving Jack Gutman, shown here with his Gutman has 46.83% of the vote daughter, Samantha, son, Matthew and to his opponent’s wife, Carlene is seeking to continue his served on the 22.41%. long legal career and serve the communi- Board of Directors "The three pillars ty as a County Court Judge. The election for the MacDonald is on Tuesday, November 6. Training Center, a of my campaign are non-profit that serves people with dishonesty and integrity; experience; and community involvement," said Gutman. abilities. Gutman has been endorsed by the He has extensive experience in both West Central Police Benevolent 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 in for election this hiring and is commitNovember in the ted to diversity in the General Election. department. Chronister was “My main goal is appointed by to have resources Governor Rick Scott in (personnel, tools and September 2017 technology) to mainwhen Sheriff David tain standards given Gee 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 safe,” Hillsborough County 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 Governor Rick Scott in September is tough on crime, he residents. has worked to devel2017 to take over the duties of Sheriff when David Gee retired. “I want to continop an Adult Diversion ue 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
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.
Jamey Moody Seeks The Opportunity To Serve As Circuit Court Judge, Group 25
By Kathy L. Collins
Long time Plant gants," added Moody. City resident, Jamey Moody is an ardent Moody is running for believer in community service. Hillsborough County He is the Secretary and board Circuit Court Judge in member of Plant City Main Group 25 on Tuesday, Street, a board member of the November 6. Moody Plant City Chamber of has the requisite comCommerce, a committee bination of experience, member of the Planning a spirit of volunteerism Board of Plant City, committee and professionalism to member of South Florida make him a fair, honBaptist Hospital Foundation est and respected Investment and a Rotary Club Circuit Court Judge. member. Moody has pracCircuit Court Judges hanticed law for 15 years. dle thousands of cases each "My experience of litiyear. As such, judges need to Jamey Moody, a third genera- be fair and impartial. "Despite gating hundreds of tion resident of Plant City, cases has prepared litigating in an adversarial sysshown here with his wife, Courtney and their two boys me for the bench in tem, I always strive to be fair, Duncan and Jimmer (James honest and professional in an enormous way," Moody IV), is running for Circuit said Moody. "My pracadvocating for my client as Court Judge in Group 25. tice as a civil litigator well as in my working relationhas enabled me to handle cases from ships with opposing attorneys," said intake through multi-day jury trials. I Moody. If you doubt this, just look believe jury trial experience is essential Moody's campaign and endorsements. when seeking judicial office," said Moody. "The people I have worked against have In addition to his practice, Moody signed up to be a part of my campaign," has worked as a volunteer attorney (pro said Moody. bono) with Bay Area Legal Services. "My "I believe I have shown the capability pro bono legal work has helped me to of handling a variety of matters both judiunderstand and appreciate the vast disciously and efficiently. I will make deciconnect between the need for legal repre- sions quickly but with careful forethought, sentation and the financial ability to obtain and look forward to serving he residents it," said Moody. "As a judge, I believe my of Hillsborough County with integrity, fairpro bono experience will help enable me ness and discipline," said Moody. to be an asset to the community in preFor information about Moody’s camsiding over cases involving pro se litipaign, visit www.votejametmoody.com.
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 parBill Nelson (D) tisan 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 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 Kristen Carlson (D) to work for the Florida Department of Citrus as General Counsel. For more, visit www.kristencarlsonforcongress.com.
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 Ross Spano (R) 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 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. Vern Buchanan (R) He served six years in the Air National Guard and worked his way through college. Visit https://vernbuchanan.com.
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 David Shapiro (D) 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 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 Debbie Katt (D) 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 E. Michael Isaak prosecuting criminals. Isaak is married to his wife, Betsy, and they have two children. Visit isaakforjudge.com.
Board Of County Commissioners District 4 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 Andrew Davis Democratic Club, Plant City Area Democrats & more. For more information, visit https://votefordavis.com. (D)
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.
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 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, November 6. 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.
Attorney Greg our county as a proseGreen has dedicated cutor and assistant his life to serving the Attorney General where people of Hillsborough he worked tirelessly to ensure justice in our County. Green was born, courts every day. He is a raised and educated business owner and here in Hillsborough founding partner law of County. He grew up in Green Law, P.A. a community-service Outside of his prooriented family who fession, Green also taught him that servserves the community ing his community is and our youth as a volthe highest honor that unteer football coach at an individual can Robinson High School 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 came early in life. He attended right here in Hillsborough County. Chamberlain High School where he Green chose to run for three reaworked hard as a student-athlete under sons: (1) to ensure all litigants who the Friday night lights of the Chiefs’ footappear in Court enjoy equal access and ball team and as a basketball standout. receive fair treatment under the law, (2) to There, he learned the value of teamwork, continue the family tradition of public preparation and fairness providing him service, and (3) to continue serving as a with important principles that guides him real and tangible role model for his chilin the courtroom today. dren. Green has real experience, proven Green’s service to Hillsborough leadership and the right temperament to County continues through his professionserve as your next County Court Judge, al and personal involvement in the comGroup 2. munity. He is honored to have served in Visit VoteGregGreen.com.
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 running for election in stated, "Morals and valGroup 8. He would like ues." Isaak further your vote on Tuesday, explained, "My parents November 6. 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, November 6. 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 November 6th.
Page 28
Volume 22, Issue 10
Christian Voice Monthly
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