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New Term For Pasco's Schrader And Other Commission Choices

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 11, 2008

Of the three Pasco County Commission races in this year's primary election, one bears special scrutiny - the slugfest between eight-year incumbent Ted Schrader and John Nicolette.

Firefighters' unions have put their stamp all over this Republican primary in District 1, which includes most of east Pasco. The reason is obvious: Nicolette, 46, is one of their own.

Firefighters throughout the region, including unions on both coasts and in the Panhandle, have sent about $4,700 in contributions to the 24-year veteran of the Tampa Fire Department, who lives in the Darby area. It's a small sum compared to the more than $90,000 he has raised. Still, it's telling.

Nicolette says his commission work would come before his loyalty to the firefighter's union, but it's a risk voters should not take, given the selfish and divisive nature of collective bargaining.

Besides, while Nicolette seems sincere about wanting to serve, his platform is thin. He speaks in generalities about his vision for the county. And he has made false assertions about Schrader - including claiming that the commissioner "forgave" $181,000 in fines to developers who illegally cleared land several years ago. Schrader wasn't even on the commission when that decision was made.

The 52-year-old Schrader, a San Antonio area resident, can proudly stand on his record.

A rancher and citrus grower, the Pasco County native was the driving force behind a plan that limits development in rural, scenic northeast Pasco. Further, it was his idea for the county to purchase the environmentally sensitive, 12,500-acre Cross Bar Ranch in central Pasco, which contains a public drinking-water wellfield.

And, contrary to the challenger's claim, Schrader has helped reduce the county's property tax rate more than 37 percent the last seven years.
Schrader provides steady, firm leadership, and asks tough questions. He has strong business skills and is fiscally conservative. His expertise will be needed as the board writes ordinances critical to the northeast Pasco special plan, grapples with revenue shortfalls and possibly searches for a new county administrator.

Unfortunately, the primary is only open to Republicans because a write-in candidate filed. There will be a general election, but the only name appearing on the ballot will be the winner of the Aug. 26 primary.

The Tribune strongly recommends Ted Schrader for Pasco County Commission, District 1.

Pasco District 3

The contest in District 3, which includes southwest Pasco, is the most crowded, with four candidates hoping to unseat Commissioner Ann Hildebrand, a former social worker seeking her seventh - and last, she says - term.

Hildebrand, a Gulf Harbors resident, is challenged by Wil Nickerson of Holiday and Matt Matey of Elfers in the Republican primary. Teresa "Terri" Conroy and Nicholas "Nick" Planck, both of New Port Richey, meet in the Democratic primary.

Nickerson, 62, a former truck driver and heavy equipment operator, is a promising candidate who has lobbied for homeowner's insurance reform.

Matey, 54, an electrician, has an outrageous idea. He wants to place a moratorium on purchasing environmental lands for a couple of years. That would violate the promise elected officials made to voters when the Penny for Pasco sales tax passed in 2004.

For Republicans, Hildebrand, 70, is easily the best candidate. She has a long record of distinguished service on private and public boards, including Tampa Bay Water. She fought hard to stop the overpumping of county wellfields, which was hurting the county's lakes and wetlands. And she showed strong leadership in helping convince voters to approve the Penny for Pasco, which pays for capital projects and the purchases of environmentally sensitive lands.

Just as important, Hildebrand understands the importance of regional cooperation, such as the governance agreement that created Tampa Bay Water. Hildebrand is now working on a new vision - mass transit - as an officer of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority. Her institutional knowledge and experience benefit her Pasco constituents and the region as a whole.

The Tribune strongly recommends Ann Hildebrand in the Republican primary for District 3.

On the Democratic side, the better choice is Planck, 49, a U.S. Guard and Air Force veteran. Planck, who also spent two years working as a traffic signal technician for the county, is a strong advocate for expanding the county's recycling program, as well as streamlining the permitting process for development, as the Urban Land Institute has recommended.

Conroy, 49, is engaging and personable. She proposes developing small "civic centers" so there could be more gathering places for children and others - a commendable goal, though probably unrealistic in light of today's tight budget. She lacks a strong knowledge of the issues facing the county.

The Tribune recommends Nicholas "Nick" Planck in the Democratic primary for District 3.

Pasco District 5

In the Republican primary for District 5, which encompasses northwest Pasco, Commissioner Jack Mariano, 48, is seeking a second term. He is challenged by political newcomer Richard Jenkins, 43. Both live in Hudson. The winner faces Ginny Miller, a New Port Richey Democrat, in November.

Mariano, 48, a former automobile salesman, does his homework and is always eager to meet with the public. He is working hard to diversify Pasco's economy by creating employment centers and bolstering tourism with sporting events and other partnerships.

He also is a strong advocate for green building and energy efficiency. If re-elected he pledges to continue working to expand the tax base by seeking new industry and businesses, among other goals that will help the county have a better future.

Jenkins, 43, the vice president of a Port Richey mortgage and financial service, is bright and personable, but he lacks Mariano's firm grasp of challenging issues. For example, his big idea to raise more revenue is to sell advertising on the side of the county's buses.

Unlike Mariano, who in March was the lone vote against a resolution opposing oil-drilling off the coast, Jenkins clearly - and correctly - opposes easing restrictions, noting it could be devastating to tourism.

Still, Mariano has developed into a hard-working commissioner who asks good questions. The Tribune recommends Jack Mariano in the Republican primary for District 5.

The Tribune invites candidates not endorsed by the editorial board to write rebuttals. E-mail all replies to tribletters@tampatrib.com, faxes to (813) 259-8080, or write to Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 191, Tampa, FL 33601-0191. Rebuttals should be limited to 200 words.

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