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In Pasco, Hurley Rises Above Rest

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 2, 2008

Pasco County voters have a difficult decision to make Aug. 26 when they go to the polls to elect a school board member to replace Marge Whaley, who is retiring after 16 years of exemplary service.

All three candidates, Joanne Hurley and Kurt Conover, both of Land O' Lakes, and Peter Hanzel of Wesley Chapel, are impressive. They have rolled up their sleeves to bolster the quality of life in their communities through volunteerism.

Conover, 57, is director of business development for Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point, a post that includes government relations. A graduate of Pasco public schools, he once experienced double-sessions as a student, so he knows it is critical to meet the demands of growth. He is a strong advocate of the school board and county government sharing libraries and other facilities to avoid duplication of services.

Hanzel, a 63-year-old retiree, has been an area resident for seven years, the least of the candidates. But he has the strongest background in education. With a master's degree in education, he spent his career as an educator and administrator for the U.S. Justice Department's Bureau of Prisons, working with inmates. .

But Hurley is the best-rounded candidate. For 11 years, she has been the community relations coordinator and public information officer for Florida's Turnpike Enterprise, educating the public about road projects. She once worked as Pasco County's recycling coordinator. And she has experience in the classroom teaching kindergarten, first grade and drug prevention.

Just as important, the high-energy Hurley, 63, has worked on complicated growth-related issues, including the county's comprehensive land-use plan and transportation impact fees. Her technical knowledge will be needed as the district continues to grow. She wants to focus on improving graduation rates, expanding career academies and reducing the number of dropouts with support from local businesses.

The Tribune recommends Joanne Hurley in the nonpartisan race for Pasco County School Board, District 2, which is open to all voters.

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