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EYE ON POLITICS.....................PGS
Know Where And How To Vote: By Mail, Early And On Election Day
Voting is a right, not a privilege. In order to exercise this right, every voter in Hillsborough County must be informed and must know where to vote and how to do it. In Hillsborough County, there are three ways to exercise your right to vote: Vote By Mail, Early Voting and Election Day Voting.
In order to vote in the general election, set for Tuesday, November 8, you must have been registered by Tuesday, October 11. When you register, you are asked to select a party. The parties are Republican, Democrat or No Party Afliation. You can also register as a member of a minor political party, such as the Green Party of Florida.
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 nonpartisan races, such as the 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 by visiting www.votehillsborough.org.
“Many people are focused on the upcoming general election in November, but please do not ignore the primary election. We have local school board and judge races on the primary ballot that are nonpartisan, so everyone votes in these races. If you are a Democrat or Republican, you will also have a say in which state and local partisan candidate moves on to the general election,” said Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer.
VOTE BY MAIL
Vote By Mail is the most convenient method. You do not need an excuse to choose this option. If you request this method, you will receive your ballot in the mail. The deadline to request that a Vote By Mail ballot be mailed to you is no later than 5 p.m. on the 10th day before the election, and you can take your time making your voting decision. The Vote By Mail ballot must be received by the Hillsborough Supervisor of Elections Office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. You can mail it or drop it of in person at one of its ofces or at an Early Voting site. The supervisor of elections is also ofering curbside drop-of this year. You can request your Vote By Mail ballot and track its delivery by visiting www. votehillsborough.org.
“Election Day is your last day to vote, not your first. I encourage everyone to consider voting by mail. During the March election, it was heartbreaking to get calls from voters who could not leave home and had planned to vote on Election Day,” said Latimer.
EARLY VOTING
Early Voting is set up before both the primary election and the general election. Early Voting for the general election will take place from Monday, October 24 through Sunday, November 6 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. “We will have about twenty-six early voting locations open. We are just finalizing those details now. We will have drop-of ballot boxes at each of those sites for voters who want to drop of their Vote By Mail ballot,” said Latimer.
Early Voting is just like Election Day Voting. You must bring one or two forms of identification that have your photo and signature. Acceptable forms of identification include a Florida driver’s license, state-issued identification, U.S. passport, student ID, public assistance ID and more.
ELECTION DAY VOTING
Polling places or precincts, noted on your voter registration card, are open from 7 a.m.7 p.m. on Election Day. You can bring your sample ballot with you and use it while you vote.
Latimer said, “We are taking great measures to ensure a safe and healthy in-person voting experience.” Social distancing, hand sanitizer as well as adjusted layouts will be utilized. According to Latimer, “All of this will mean that in-person voting is going to be slower than in the past, but it will be healthy and orderly.” Whichever method you choose, remember that your vote counts.
For more information, visit www.votehillsborough.org.
REQUESTING A VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT IS EASY: 1. Online: Vote By Mail Ballot Request 2. By Phone: (813) 612-4180 3. By Fax: (813) 744-5843 4. In Person: at any of our Supervisor of Elections REQUESTING VOTE BY MAIL FOR YOURSELF, YOU MUST OFFICES 1. Your name and home address 2. Your date of birth 3. Your mailing address, if diferent from home address (Ballots cannot be forwarded. Be sure to provide your current mailing address.) 4. Your signature (for written requests)
Get information you can trust on my website,
VoteHillsborough.gov
2022 General Election Dates
Vote By Mail Ballots Due November 8 by 7 PM
Vote By Mail ballots must be in one of my four offices by 7 PM Election Day. Visit VoteHillsborough.gov/VoteByMail for details on mailing or dropping off your ballot.
Early Voting October 24 - November 6, 7 AM - 7 PM
26 locations to choose from if you want to vote in person before Election Day.
Election Day November 8
You must vote in the polling place assigned to your precinct on Election Day.
LAUREL LEE
U.S. HOUSE FLORIDA DISTRICT 15
By Kathy L. Collins
Laurel Lee is the Republican candidate for Congressional District 15.
Raised by a two-star general in the United States Air Force and a public school teacher, Lee has family ties in Eastern Hillsborough County that go back more than 70 years. Laurel’s husband, former Senate President Tom Lee, also served the area in the state Senate for 18 years.
For three years, Laurel Lee served as the Florida secretary of state, but she returned home to Eastern Hillsborough County and is asking her community to allow her to represent their shared principles and values in Washington D.C.
“Representing the people of Congressional District 15 would be my honor. It is my home and I know I am the right voice to represent our hardworking residents in Congress. If elected, I promise to serve with integrity, deliver results on behalf of our community and fight every day to ensure our principles — not the principles of Washington D.C. — are protected and advanced,” said Lee.
Lee, who is also a former circuit court judge in Hillsborough County and federal prosecutor, has over 20 years of experience serving her local community and the state of Florida, ensuring election integrity and upholding the law. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we send the right type of leadership to Washington — leaders who will stand up for what’s right and truly represent and reflect their community,” said Lee. “We can’t aford to sit idly on the sidelines as inflation continues to hurt families and our economy, or as long as politicians think they know what is best for our children and families. In Washington D.C., I will stand up and fight on behalf of our community and its families.”
Lee has also been engaged in local civic organizations, including ECHO of Brandon and the Pepin Academies, serving as president of the board for both organizations. In the legal community, she actively supports the organized bar and has served as president of the Federal Bar Association, Tampa Chapter and the Givens Family Law Inn of Court.
By Kathy L. Collins
DANNY ALVAREZ SR
FLORIDA HOUSE, DISTRICT 69
By Kathy L. Collins
Danny Alvarez is a Florida native, veteran and attorney who is running to become the representative for District 69. Alvarez, a Republican, has been involved in the community for over 20 years. He is a member of both the Riverview and Plant City chambers of commerce.
On why he is running for a seat in the Florida State House, Alvarez explained, “I have been involved in the community for many years. With the current political and cultural environment, I could not stand by and watch parents and police be attacked. I could no longer stand by and watch. I want to stand up for parents, protect children and stand up for law enforcement. I want to keep Florida free.”
Alvarez added, “I am extremely honored that the Florida House leadership has endorsed me. This will allow me to represent the district because I will be able to work with the leadership.” Alvarez further explained, “This will allow me to get maximum results for my constituents by working within the relationships established in Tallahassee.”
Alvarez is an attorney who practices in all facets of family law and is a business consultant with significant experience in corporate communications, marketing and messaging management. Within family law, Alvarez helps families through some of the most difficult times. His practice’s focus is to help children and families navigate through the process and emerge healthy and ready to
prosper.
Alvarez is a veteran who was commissioned as an infantry ofcer in the United States Army in 1997. He is a graduate of the Infantry Ofcers Basic Course, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Leaders Course, Basic Airborne Course and Jump Master Course.
Between his professional and educational experience and his real-world, on-theground community service, Alvarez will be able to represent the people of District 69. He said, “You have to represent all of the people in the district. I will accomplish all I can while preserving the Constitution and freedom.”
For more information, please visit his website at www.electdannyalvarez.com.
FATHER. VETERAN. COMMON SENSE LEADER.
Get to know Danny
VETERAN OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY ADVOCATE FOR OUR LOCAL COPS
ENDORSED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER FATHER OF FOUR COMMON SENSE LEADER
KIMBERLY OVERMAN
COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 7
Staf Report
A 38-year resident of the Tampa Bay area, Kimberly Overman was elected to the county commission in 2018. Overman earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural and resource economics from the University of Maryland, raised two children and has the joy of raising one of her four grandchildren as a single parent. Overman has also owned and operated successful businesses.
She is a certified financial planner, former owner and CEO of a fee-only registered investment advisory firm, vice president of strategic planning for Concierge Financial Organization, owner of The Heights Exchange LLC — a commercial space in Seminole Heights — and the chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commission, District 7 countywide. She also recreated a business chamber of commerce for the Tampa urban core. A longtime advocate of smart planning, economic growth, strong families, sustainable communities and the importance of education, Overman has a long history of public service volunteerism and community involvement.
During her career, Overman served on several professional and community boards including: Tampa Bay Estate Planning Council, past president; Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay, past president; Financial Planning Association of Florida, past member and legislative delegation; Business and Professional Roundtable, founder and board member; Soroptimist International, member and Young Careerist Award; Old Seminole Heights Neighborhood Association, board member; Hillsborough County Housing Financial Authority, chairperson; Heights Urban Core Chamber, president; Women’s Yacht Racing Association of Tampa Bay, member; and Hillsborough Education Foundation Finance Committee, member/advisor.
The commissioner currently serves on numerous boards and councils including: Board of County Commissioners, District 7 County Wide (chairwoman); Afordable Housing Advisory Board (chairwoman); Commission on Human Trafcking (chairwoman); Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area Leadership Group (includes MPO/TPO representatives from Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties) and more, visit ww.kimberlyoverman.com.
About Commissioner Overman
Commissioner Kimberly Overman is a 37year resident of the Tampa Bay Area, a proud mother and grandmother, a leader in Hillsborough’s business community as a successful small business owner in the fnancial planning sector, and a lifelong community leader. A longtime advocate for smart planning, equitable access to transportation, economic growth, afordable housing, and access to education, Commissioner Overman has a long history of public service and community advocacy in Hillsborough County.
Elected county-wide to the Hillsborough County Commission in 2018, Commissioner Overman has utilized her experience as a successful business owner and public servant to successfully implement policy at the countywide level and lead the people of our county with courage and govern for its citizens—not special interests. She has been a champion in the battle against COVID-19, a fghter for equal economic opportunity for all, an unwavering advocate for increasing investment into Hillsborough’s transportation infrastructure, and became the Commission’s leading voice on combatting human trafcking in Hillsborough County. At the heart of Commissioner Overman’s service is always how she can help to improve the lives of her fellow citizens and be the leader they deserve—because she still believes that Leadership Matters.
MIKE BELTRAN
HOUSE DISTRICT 70
Staf Report
Mike Beltran is running for reelection to the Florida House of Representatives. Beltran is running in House District 70, a newly configured district in the newly redrawn legislative maps. District 70 includes Sun City Center, Apollo Beach, Ruskin and northern portions of Manatee County.
For nearly four years, Beltran has been serving the people of Southern Hillsborough County as their voice in Tallahassee. Beltran is a leader on issues related to the judiciary, is the former Commerce Committee Whip and is a fierce advocate for Hillsborough County.
“The past two years have shown that freedom is under assault,” Beltran said when asked about his reason for seeking a third term. “And no other state in the union has been a more hospitable home for freedom than Florida. I’m running for reelection to fight alongside Governor Ron DeSantis to defend the Constitution, preserve individual liberty, uphold the rule of law and preserve the American Dream for my sons’ generation.” Beltran attended the University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2005 with a B.A. and honors in international relations, magna cum laude. He then went on to earn his law degree from Harvard Law School in 2008 before moving to Florida in 2010, where he served as a law clerk to a federal district judge. He is still a practicing attorney by trade, and he is happily married to his wife, Hope. The couple have two young sons, Michael and Ross.
Beltran is also an Eagle Scout and takes pride in this formative experience he had growing up. He has been recognized as an Outstanding Young Florida Lawyer and has been appointed by Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis to the Judicial Nominating Commission for Florida’s Thirteenth Circuit Court in Hillsborough County.
For more information, please visit Beltran’s website at www.electmikebeltran. com.
MIKE BELTRAN
PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!
-Mike Beltran
Fight alongside Governor DeSantis Cut taxes for all Floridians Invest in infrastructure to ease traffc Protect family values and the rights of the unborn Defend our constitutional rights Support law enforcement and frst responders Safeguard Florida’s elections Enforce immigration laws Increase classroom funding for education Stand up to special interests
www.ElectMikeBeltran.com 813-430-0199 Mike@ElectMikeBeltran.com FB/ ElectMikeBeltran
MELISSA CORDON BLACK
COUNTY COURT JUDGE, GROUP 14
By Kathy L. Collins
Melissa Cordon Black is running for Hillsborough County court judge in Group 14. Black is a seasoned attorney, an experienced public litigator and a compassionate community advocate, and she would like your vote on Tuesday, August 23.
Black served as an assistant attorney general in the Children’s Legal Services Department before starting her own family law practice, where she has served as a pro bono attorney for hundreds of Hillsborough County’s youth and foster care children. As the mother of three boys herself, Black has been an unwavering advocate for foster children, teens and children with special needs across Hillsborough County.
Black was born and raised in Brandon. Black’s parents, the late Dr. Pacifico Cordon Jr. and Dr. Yolanda Cordon, grew their medical practices in Brandon for over 35 years, with her father being the medical director of Hawthorne Village Retirement Community for 25 of those years. As a child, Black attended Nativity School, was the runner up in the Little Miss Brandon competition and was a volunteer at Brandon Regional Hospital. Black is a graduate of the University of Florida and earned her law degree from the Stetson University College of Law. Black said, “I will build on my years of community service to Hillsborough County by serving as county court judge.” Black is a volunteer with the Challenger Baseball program, which is designed for children in Hillsborough County that live with physical or mental disabilities. She is a member of the Johnny Ferlita Memorial Fishing Tournament committee to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a member of LAMPLighters (Ladies Assisting Metropolitan People), a parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church and an active member of the CKS Parent Teacher Club (PTC).
Black is endorsed by the honorable Ralph Stoddard; retired Chief Judge Manuel Menendez; and Plant City Commissioner Bill Dodson and his wife, Sylvia; Sun City Center Honorary Mayor Joe Zuniga; and former Honorary Mayor of Brandon Sherry Stewart.
For more information, please visit www.melissablackforjudge.com.
DR. CHRISTINA PAYLAN
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 16
By Kathy L. Collins
In 30 years, there has not been a single doctor who has served in Florida Senate to represent the voices of patients and the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Christina Paylan is running for Florida Senate District 16 to change this dire statistic and to bring common sense to law making in Tallahassee.
Dr. Paylan believes that in order for a government to be representative for all, there must be people from all walks of life serving as elected ofcials. Currently, we have only one walk of life in government, and that is lawyers. Dr. Paylan is not against lawyers being elected to represent people, but she is against government being 98 percent made up of lawyers.
A daughter of an immigrant family, Dr. Paylan completed her earlier education in California, moving to Florida in 2001 to work at Tampa General Hospital to complete her fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
When COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Dr. Paylan realized more than ever before that Florida citizens would be well served by having a doctor as their representative in Tallahassee to make laws that directly impact their health care and the health care of their children. Her candidacy and position on the issues can be summarized as follows: 1) Dr. Paylan strongly believes that parents should always choose when it comes to their children, 2) Dr. Paylan strongly believes in having an informed and educated voice in the Senate deciding Floridians’ health care, 3) Dr. Paylan firmly stands by the fact that there has to be accountability and transparency by judges and prosecutors, 4) Dr. Paylan strongly believes that we have an outdated court system that needs to be updated and modernized and 5) Dr. Paylan stands for common sense lawmaking instead of writing confusing laws that are hundreds of pages long with loopholes.
As a political outsider, and as an everyday average person wanting to represent everyday average people, Dr. Paylan is asking for your vote for Florida Senate District 16.
For more on her position on issues, you can directly reach her at 813-919-6299 or visit her website at www.paylan4statesenate.com.
ANDREW LEARNED
FLORIDA HOUSE, DISTRICT 69
Andrew Learned has been a staple in our community for years. Before going of to the Navy, he grew up here in Bloomingdale and returned after his service to open GradePower Learning, the local tutoring center so many of us have relied on.
It caught all of us who knew him of guard when he first announced he was running for political ofce; frankly, as a lifelong Republican turned Democrat, we didn’t know what we’d get. The attack ads against him claimed he was an extremist that none of us who knew him thought to be true.
Since getting elected just two years ago in 2020, Learned has been on a singular mission: to fix the roads in Brandon and Riverview. He’s brought back millions of dollars via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the U.S. Highway 301 and Bloomingdale Avenue, Big Bend Road and Boyette Road I-75 interchange improvements are all a result of that mission.
He was named the vice chairman of the Veterans Caucus, where he helped pass the largest tax break for military families in state history. He passed a bill to reward military-friendly schools and help improve parent choice and helped transitioning military spouses have an easier time with state professional licensing requirements. Learned has also focused on lowering the cost of living for Floridians. This year in Tallahassee, he fought and delivered reforms to make homeownership more afordable and to ensure that the state’s savings go back into the pockets of consumers. He took on powerful insurance companies and lawyers to address roofing scams that are causing homeowners insurance rates to skyrocket.
Even the gas tax holiday was his original work. While paired down from his original immediate and long-lasting proposal, the upcoming gas tax holiday in Florida was first called for by Learned.
When asked why he’s running for reelection, Learned simply pointed out the choice.
“I am fighting to make our schools safer and better funded, our roads wider, and to respect individual choices. I’m running because we need less polarization and more people doing the actual work for the people,” he said.
Visit www.andrewlearned.com.
Staf Report
A N D R E W L E A R N E D
Andrew is a local Navy Veteran, owner of a neighborhood learning center, and a husband and father who proudly serves US in your Florida House.
He received the Guardian of Small Business Award by the small business chamber of commerce, the first Democrat to EVER receive it in Florida.
Fixing the damn roads! Millions for our schools Vice-Chair of the Veterans Caucus Bipartisan success Lowered taxes Fighting against rising prices Respect for YOUR choice
Working for YOU
Delivering for Veterans Fixing the damn roads!
IMPACT HOSTS ANNUAL DESIGNER PURSE BING0
Staf Report
Are you looking for a fun and delicious way to get into the holiday spirit while helping a local charity raise important funds? Then mark your calendars for Thursday, December 1 because the IMPACT program is hosting a holiday designer purse bingo.
The event, which will take place at The Regent in Riverview, will ofer 10 rounds of bingo with a designer purse as the prize for each round.
Tickets to the event cost $40 a person and include one set of 10 bingo cards along with food and beverages (this is an alcohol-free event). Guests will have the opportunity to purchase additional bingo cards and rafe tickets as well as participate in a silent auction.
The event is the annual fundraiser hosted by IMPACT program, a Brandon-based charity which educates teenagers on the benefits of healthy choices while avoiding high-risk behaviors.
“This is a great opportunity for community awareness and to provide necessary funds for the IMPACT program to contin-
ue their eforts in educating, equipping and empowering teens to avoid high-risk behavior by making healthy choices,” said Angie Kagey, IMPACT executive director. The event’s title sponsor is The George Shea Team with Signature Realty. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Te IMPACT program is hosting its annual designer purse bingo fundraiser on Tursday, December 1. “This event is special because it is a fun-filled night for the community to come together to support a wonderful cause,” said Kagey, who added that it is a good way to get into the holiday spirit before the busyness of the season kicks in. The Regent is located at 6347 Watson Rd. in Riverview, near Winthrop. Doors for the event will open at 6 p.m., with bingo starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kagey at akagey@whatisimpact.com or visit www.whatisimpact.com. The deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, November 23, and tickets can be purchased at impactdesignerbingo.eventbrite.com.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 9-5 | Friday 9-12
BUSINESS LEADERS NEEDED FOR CEOS IN SCHOOLS
Staf Report
CEOs in Schools invites Tampa Bay area executives to spend a day away from the ofce and step into the classroom. On Friday, November 4, these role models will experience a day in the life of public education, working side by side with principals, teachers and staf in applying successful business practices that enable these local schools to thrive.
Hillsborough Education Foundation, in partnership with Vistra Communications and Hillsborough County Public Schools, encourages business leaders to get involved with their future workforce. Now in its fourth successful year, this innovative program will place 150 CEOs in public elementary schools across the county to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing our students, teachers, administrators and public schools every day. This one-day, unforgettable, hands-on learning experience often results in forged relationships that positively impact schools year-round.
“This program strengthens bonds between our public schools and business leaders and provides a new perspective on the role these relationships play in preparing our future workforce for academic and personal success,” said Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell. “We are
excited about this program and are encouraged by the positive outcomes we have witnessed thus far.” Brian Butler, president and CEO of Registration is now open for Tam- Vistra, founded the pa Bay CEOs and senior execu- program in 2019 to tives to spend a day at a Hillsborough County public elementary school and share their experience with students and school leaders. encourage business leaders to address challenges and make an impact in our schools. “The support of business leaders in this community is what we need now more than ever,” said Butler. “Their expertise, innovation and resources are an important contribution to the success of our schools, principals and students.” Addison Davis, superintendent of schools for Hillsborough County Public Schools, said, “This incredible initiative has already created important, lasting relationships within our schools. When our educational leaders and CEOs join forces for children, anything is possible. These partnerships can result in solutions that make our entire community stronger as we seek to create a world-class education for all.” Participants who would like to volunteer for the CEOs in Schools initiative are asked to reserve a school at ceosinschools. com. With so much interest from returning participants, there are less than 20 schools to fill, especially in North Tampa, the Plant City area and south county. Also, on Wednesday, October 12 at 3 p.m., the CEOs in Schools Kickof Reception will be held at TPepin’s Hospitality Center, located at 4151 N. 50th St. in Tampa. Participants and principals will meet and learn more about this year’s event.
