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Hurley Pulls In 50%-Plus Of Votes In 3-Way Contest

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By RONNIE BLAIR

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 27, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Joanne Hurley was elected Tuesday to the District 2 seat on the Pasco County School Board, defeating her two opponents by a wide margin.

Hurley collected more than 50 percent of the vote, which allows her to avoid facing second-place finisher Kurt Conover in November.

Peter Hanzel finished third.

"This is just unbelievable," Hurley said.

"In a three-way race with three viable candidates I didn't dream I wouldn't be going on to November."

Hurley, a Land O' Lakes resident, will take office during the school board's reorganization meeting in November.

She thanked her family and friends, but also thanked the voters who took time to go to the polls on a day that saw a light voter turnout.

Hurley also praised her opponents for running positive campaigns, saying, "This was one race voters could be proud of because we stuck to the issues."

The District 2 seat on the board has been held for 16 years by Marge Whaley, who is retiring.

During the campaign, Hurley said her top priority would be to decrease the dropout rate and increase the graduation rate.

Another priority for Hurley was growth. She said the district must perform a balancing act as it builds new schools - filled with new equipment - while making sure the older schools aren't left behind.

Reporter Ronnie Blair can be reached at (813) 948-4218 or rblair@tampatrib.com.

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