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Incumbent Schrader Touts His Experience

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By JULIA FERRANTE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 17, 2008

District 1 County Commissioner Ted Schrader is seeking a third term, running against Tampa firefighter John Nicolette in the Aug. 26 primary. The winner faces write-in candidate John Taylor in the November election.

The Tampa Tribune asked the candidates why they should be elected and which issues would be a priority.

Why Are You The Better Candidate?

Schrader said he still enjoys his job after eight years and wants to follow through on several initiatives.

"Certainly, I have proved that I have the ability to get things done," he said. "I have integrity and honesty, leadership, vision. I certainly haven't seen that in my opponent. Some say there's a time when you have served too long. I am a fourth-generation resident of Pasco County ... That's something John doesn't have."

Schrader counted among his and the board's accomplishments a major revision of the comprehensive growth plan, which included protections for rural northeast Pasco and a blueprint for development in Pasadena Hills, between Dade City and San Antonio.

Schrader said his experience and knowledge of the county will be critical in selecting a new county administrator when John Gallagher retires in two to four years, as Gallagher has indicated he would. Schrader said he has experience in selecting leaders as a member of Tampa Bay Water and in selecting a county attorney last year.

"It is critical that the next commission have people with experience and a track record and that have been through a selection process," Schrader said.

If re-elected, transportation improvements would be among his priorities.

"It is extremely frustrating not to have road improvements under construction," Schrader said. "We have been doing right of way acquisition. It's necessary, and it can be done. The frustrating side of the job is because we recognize the public really doesn't see the full benefits until the construction trucks show up."

Pasco needs to work with the state Department of Transportation and state leaders to secure funding for future projects, he said.

"Because we have a sizable impact fee, we need to make sure we are spending the appropriate amount."

Nicolette has criticized the county commission for approving large expenditures on a consent agenda often containing 100 items approved with a single vote. Schrader said he reviews each item and publicly questions expenditures.

"I make every attempt to get answers. At least half the commissioners over the last eight years have pulled items off of consent," he said. "Honestly, I think that's a non-issue."

Schrader was a vocal proponent of changing the commission's meeting schedule so the board meets twice each month rather than four times a month. The board also made its meetings earlier to reduce the number of late-night public hearings.

"We have availed ourselves to the public," he said. "I think we have made our meetings more efficient for staff."

Economic Development

As a commissioner, Schrader suggested setting aside $2.5 million per year for economic development incentives to companies looking to build or relocate to Pasco. The state Legislature appropriated matching funds this year in the hope of attracting larger businesses.

"I made the suggestion of setting aside $2.5 million for economic development incentives," Schrader said. "I never envisioned the state would match that, but they did. We will write ordinances to affect these plans we have in place. There will be major corporate players coming into town. We're not quite there yet."

Environmental Protection

Schrader spearheaded efforts to buy the Cross Bar Ranch in central Pasco from Pinellas County Utilities, which purchased the 12,500-acre tract during the height of the regional water wars. The property includes a wellfield now owned and controlled by Tampa Bay Water.

"That is obviously a very critical piece of property," Schrader said. "Some people would say it is already owned by another government but it is owned by a utility that is an enterprise fund. They would have every right to liquidate that asset. I am confident we will work to keep it in public ownership."

Schrader does not support plans by Angelo's Aggregate Recycling to expand a landfill in east Pasco. He said there is not a need for a landfill now that Pasco is shipping out excess trash to Osceola County. The county also owns a waste-to-energy plant that has room for expansion. He supports adding on to the incinerator.

"Pasco County in my view does not have an excess solid waste issue," Schrader said. "There is no need to expand landfill space ... There is absolutely no reason to pursue or support a landfill in Pasco. The application from Angelo's hasn't even been submitted, but I'm not supportive of it."

Schrader supports efforts to expand recycling in Pasco, but he does not think recycling should be mandatory. Instead, he supports adding drop-off centers throughout the county and encouraging apartment complexes to promote recycling.

"The cost to go to mandated recycling is cost-prohibitive," Schrader said.

Construction Impact Fees

Schrader would not support lowering construction impact fees as a way of reducing costs for builders and boosting the economy, as some developers have asked.

"Impact fees are tied to the actual cost of building the road," he said. "You have to look at state Department of Transportation construction numbers to see if there is supporting data that shows those numbers are high. Lowering impact fees for 18 months is short-sighted because it doesn't solve the overall problem."

Cost-Cutting

Schrader and Gallagher met with Sheriff Bob White to talk about the budget early in the process, and the sheriff agreed to freeze salaries and otherwise hold back on certain expenses. The cordial meeting was a far cry from a year ago, when the sheriff and county commission were engaged in a battle about spending.

"I'm certainly pleased. It looks as if the current budget year won't be as contentious as it has been," Schrader said. "Obviously, the sheriff understands how difficult these times are."

AT A GLANCE

NAME: Ted Schrader

AGE: 52

EDUCATION: Bachelor of science in agricultural economics, University of Florida, 1978. Associate in arts degree from Pasco-Hernando Community College, 1976.

FAMILY: Married, three children.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Citrus grower, cattle rancher, lincensed real estate broker.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Elected to the Pasco County Commission in 2000. Mayor Pro Tem for two years in San Antonio.

WEB SITE: www. tedschrader.com

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