PCREC Member voting for Harris:

Good morning, I hope your evening went well. Your questions are indeed fair enough and I appreciate your civility. I’m not known for having a “sound bite” approach, but I’ll try to give you a brief response, and encourage you to call me to delve deeper into the topic. My direct number is 727-548-8288. Also, I discussed with Chairman Beyrouti my eagerness to stand before the REC body as a quest speaker and run the gauntlet – so to speak – in an effort to publically address any inquires as to my background, qualifications, platform, ideas, change of Party etc... I’d welcome your expressed support for that if you’re so inclined.

That said:

“Who did you vote for and actively campaign for during the 2008 Presidential Election? If you do not want to say who you voted for and of course you do not have to share that information, do you think Obama is doing a good job as President?”

Who I voted for President is irrelevant to my goal to serve as Commissioner, however, I did actively campaigned for myself as I was on the ’08 ballot as well. I have no problem telling you that I am not at all comfortable with the direction our nation is going. In fact I’m quite concerned about it particularly with respect to the future we’re leaving our children. I do not see the promised “change”. In fact I see very little change in the way our government conducts business, and in some ways believe it is worse.

“Why have you run for 3 times as a Democrat? What party best represents your beliefs and why?”

Actually, as I see it, I’ve run three times as a prepared and qualified citizen who happens to have been a registered Democrat. Why?... because I am prepared and qualified to serve and truly wish to serve. It really is that simple. I registered as a Democrat because like many at 18-years old, I sought guidance from my dad and that guidance was to register as a Democrat. As cliché as may sound, it is no longer my dad’s Democrat Party, and it has gone far to left of common sense for my taste.

The Republican Party best represents my beliefs. I don’t fall prey to the insanity and media-fed hype of the political vitriolic labeling, so I won’t just spew the “trigger” words at you. I consider myself to be a strong fiscal conservative and a social pragmatic. I believe in our Lord and his son Jesus Christ. I believe in the adherence to and defense of our Constitution and the sovereignty of our nation. I do not support gay marriage, but believe it is time to have a discussion on the inclusive concept of civil unions. I believe that abortion is a horrible thing, but recognize that it isn’t going away no matter how many BS politicians stand before you and profess it; in hopes of gaining your vote. I believe that our legal, moral, and societal norms find at their very core the Word of God and the Ten Commandments; and I’m good with that and thank God for it. I believe government needs to stay out of Wall Street’s business and Wall Street needs to stay out of government’s business. I believe that the roll of government is to meet the “needs” of our community by the most ethical, effective, and efficient allocation of our tax dollars. I believe in zero tolerance for political corruption. And I believe that we can achieve far greater things by simply doing it right.

“Why did you shut Republicans and Independents out the last time you ran against Harris?”

I did not shut anyone out of the ’06 elections. There was no Republican candidate in the race. It was a Democrat Primary. There definitely isn’t enough space to detail it all here... but suffice it to say; the entire situation was intentionally and egregiously misrepresented and mis-reported by several select politicos and the Times. The manufactured anger and vitriol hurled at me and my family – to include the intentional and irresponsible “race card” implied by the Times – was not because what Brian did was a “trick”... rather because what Brian did wasn’t a trick and was done specifically to expose the trick that has been and continues to be pulled on the electorate. In fact, about 4-months after the ’06 election, when the state Election Reform Committee had the opportunity to close that loophole... they elected to keep it open for future exploitation of the electorate.

“What would make you a better Commissioner than Calvin Harris?”

First and foremost, my challenge for the seat is not a personal affront to Mr. Harris. He knows that; and I believe he would confirm that to you if asked. Since my first run in ’04, I have consistently affirmed my strong belief in term limits. Although overturned at the state level, Pinellas voters overwhelmingly supported the measure by vote. In fact, one of my ideas recently presented to the Charter Review for improving our County Charter was to put the measure back on the ’10 ballot so our voters can say to the state folks; “We meant it”. I am qualified to serve, prepared to serve, want to serve, and will bring a strong independent mind, solid ideas, and a fresh perspective to the business of Pinellas County as funded by our taxpayers. And as I noted above; “The economic challenges we face today did not sneak up on anyone. Many red flags and warnings were ignored by our county leadership as our county budget and spending nearly doubled in just four years. And I simply believe that those who drove us into the mess are no longer the ones best suited to guide us out of it ... change doesn’t come with just one man in one election; we need sweeping change and new leadership throughout our government, starting right here in our own back yard.”

“Is there any County Commissioner you think is doing a good job or do you think they all should go?”

Notwithstanding my strong belief in term limits for our BOCC, I’m encouraged by our 2 newest Commissioners’, Brickfield and Bostock’s, fresh energy and more inquisitive and detail-oriented approach. I know the current commissioners and they know me. My criticisms of our BOCC are not personal, and I am completely comfortable with having to agree to disagree. But if I am blessed and honored with a win, I have no intention of being a “go along to get along” kind of Commissioner. Civil; yes... but I do not subscribe to the theory of lock-step voting to give the “perception” that everyone agrees. I live in the real world, not the perceptive world. If I do not believe it to be in the best interest of our County and our taxpayers, I will not support it; period. I’ll do my best to present my position, back it up with facts, and try to convince the majority through civil discourse of another option.

Please don’t question my truthfulness. Most people who know me well will tell you that my best and worst trait is brutal honesty. My wife lovingly calls me the equally opportunity offender. As she puts it; I don’t care who I piss off, I just tell the truth. I know that makes some uncomfortable, but I believe now more than ever; what we need from our leaders is truth and a strong dose of reality if we are to recover from this mess.

I appreciate the questions and the opportunity. Please feel free to contact me directly for more a detailed discussion. I’d welcome the chance.