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Corley Ideal Fit For Elections Post

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 5, 2008

Pasco County voters have the tough task of choosing an elections supervisor to succeed Kurt Browning, who left the post after 26 years to become Florida's secretary of state in early 2007.

Browning set a high bar. He made the office one of the state's best, a place other elections officials turned to for advice and guidance. He left the organization in excellent shape.

The candidates are Brian Corley, a Republican living in New Port Richey, and attorney Pat Carroll, a Democrat from Wesley Chapel.

Corley, 38, has an advantage over Carroll because Gov. Charlie Crist appointed him to serve the remainder of Browning's term. The appointment should be given great weight by voters because since taking office, Corley has successfully conducted four elections and shown a commitment and enthusiasm that demonstrates he is up to the job.

Corley's previous work experience is another big plus. For seven years he was the Pasco County Sheriff's Office chief personnel officer, a job that requires good people skills and detailed management. He also has a master's degree in public administration from the University of South Florida.

In addition, Corley - who, it should be stressed, has never missed voting in an election - is a strong believer in transparency. He knows that public schools can play a great role in developing future voters, and he implemented "electronic poll" books in precincts to speed up voter check-in times.

Carroll, who has her own law practice in New Tampa, has impressive attributes as well. Her previous work experience includes time as a state prosecutor and a supervisor of child-protection investigations, one of the toughest jobs around.

The high-energy Carroll, 50, has the skills to do the job. But Corley's "free trial period," as he calls it, and his sincere eagerness to serve the public make him an excellent fit for the job.

The Tribune enthusiastically endorses Brian Corley for Pasco County supervisor of elections.

Rebuttal Offer

Candidates not endorsed by the Tampa Tribune are invited by the Editorial Board to write rebuttals. Rebuttals should be limited to 200 words. 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. Check out TBO.com's Election 2008 special report for more information on candidates.

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