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O'Neil In GOP Primary for Pasco Clerk

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 5, 2008

The clerk of the circuit court may have the most responsibility of any elected official. The office is responsible for filing and recording official documents and court records, as well as conducting audits, managing the jury system, providing courtroom clerks, storing evidence, collecting fines and investing county funds, to name just a few duties.

That's why it is imperative voters measure experience when deciding who should replace Pasco Clerk of Court Jed Pittman, who is retiring after more than 30 years in office.

The candidates in the Aug. 26 Republican primary are Pittman's chief deputy, Paula O'Neil, 51, and former New Port Richey mayor Dan Tipton, 56. The winner faces New Port Richey lawyer Robert N. Altman, a Democrat, in November.

This should be an easy decision for Republicans. O'Neil, who lives in Bayonet Point, has the experience to not only keep the nearly 400-employee office running smoothly but also to continue expanding technology to enable it to operate more efficiently.

O'Neil has been chief deputy for five-and-a-half years. Many people say she's essentially been the top officer the past several months because Pittman's health problems have greatly reduced his time in the office. O'Neil modestly downplays that.

She has more than 20 years of government experience, including nine in the county's Community Services division, which, like the clerk's office, is a jack of all trades. And she is continuing to improve herself by pursuing a Ph.D. in management and decision sciences.

Importantly, O'Neil understands the importance of treating residents with respect and providing friendly customer service. She's passionate about both. "We can change people's lives," she explains. "People remember their day in court. People remember their time in the clerk's office. The employees serve the citizens."

That is the attitude residents need in their clerk.

O'Neil pledges to work to help provide more programs for the mentally ill - improvements that are greatly needed - and she proposes extending service hours, among other goals.

Tipton, who has lived in Pasco 46 years, is a down-to-earth man who points to his business and government experience. He has owned and operated an interior design and commercial and residential flooring and window treatment firm for 38 years. He also notes that, while as New Port Richey mayor the last four years, he made city hall more user-friendly and just plain friendly, too, which is very commendable.

While Tipton is sincere and very approachable, he lacks the experience to run an office with such wide-ranging responsibilities. He points to time spent observing operations in the Levy County clerk of court's office, which is laudable but certainly doesn't make him qualified for the job in Pasco. The counties aren't comparable.

O'Neil has the qualifications, experience and commitment. The Tribune strongly endorses Paula O'Neil for Pasco clerk of the circuit court in the Republican primary.

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