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2 Commissioners Will Face Challengers

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By JULIA FERRANTE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Three challengers have filed paperwork to run against longtime Pasco County Commissioner Ann Hildebrand, and Jack Mariano also has drawn opposition in his bid for re-election.

Republican Wil Nickerson, of the nonpartisan HAC (Having Affordable Coverage) Florida Inc., which opposes increases in property insurance, has joined Democrats Teresa (Terri) Conroy and Nicholas E. Planck in the race against Hildebrand.

Rich Jenkins and George F. Vera have declared intentions to challenge fellow Republican Mariano, who is seeking a second term.

Mariano, who recently gave up a part-time sales job at Coastal Cadillac for less demanding promotional duties at Ed Morse Buick, said he does not know his opponents and has no plans to change his strategy.

"I'm gonna run my campaign like I'm 20 points behind," he said Tuesday. "I think I've done a lot, and I have more to do.

"I stress doing good constituent service."

Jenkins, who owns a mortgage company in Port Richey, said commissioners need to dedicate more funding to public safety and trim spending in other areas, such as for third-party consultants.

A retired social worker, Hildebrand said she plans to stress her record of working on transportation issues and of supporting social services. The county commission, the Republican said, is facing tough decisions with state-mandated property tax cuts and higher demands on services.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at jferrante@tampatrib.com or (813) 948-4220.

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