Local Candidates Announce at East Hillsborough Democrats Meeting

The 2012 campaign season just got a whole lot more interesting.

Last night at the monthly meeting of the East Hillsborough Democratic Club, four club members announced their intentions to seek political office.

The club, which meets monthly at in Brandon, 926 Providence Rd., encompasses residents from throughout the east Hillsborough County area, including Brandon, Bloomingdale, Valrico and Seffner.

"With four of its members running for office, the East Hillsborough Democratic Club has become a real political force in this election," said Bruce Barnett, a candidate for Florida House District 57.

Barnett was among the political hopefuls who introduced himself to the membership at the Tuesday, June 12 meeting.

Barnett, a Florida native who lives in Valrico, is a U.S. Army veteran with a master's degree in business.

He said he's entering the race for the House "to improve people's lives."

"A state representative should represent the citizens, not big business," said Barnett. "I want to make sure our taxes benefit us in Tallahassee."

Also entering the race for political office was Seffner resident Elizabeth Belcher. Belcher is running for the District 24 Florida Senate seat currently held by Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico.

"I'm running on the four E's — ethics, economy, education and the environment," said Belcher.

Noting that Florida was recently rated No. 1 for public corruption, Belcher said it's time for a change.

"I believe it's time ethics returned to public office," she said.

A criminal investigator for the Internal Revenue Service for 27 years, Belcher grew up in Missouri.

Her platform includes taking measures to protect small businesses and farmers.

"And I believe teachers are our solution, not our problem," said Belcher, noting that her husband was a middle school teacher for 20 years.

Also announcing her intention to seek public office Tuesday night was Gail Gottlieb, who is running for the state House District 59 seat, now held by Rachel Burgin, R-Riverview.

A graduate, Gottlieb was raised in Brandon and said she's concerned about the residents of the area who are now struggling.

"There's been tremendous growth in this area," she said. "Brandon has a lot of talent, enthusiasm and people who care for each other."

At the same time, the community has home health aides who can't afford a home of their own and young people who lack direction and meaningful jobs, said Gottlieb.

"The cards are stacked against everyday working people," she said.

Also joining the political bandwagon was Brandon native Mark Nash.

Nash is running for the District 4 County Commission seat currently held by Al Higginbotham, R-Plant City.

The 1979 Brandon High School graduate who now lives in Lithia said he's concerned about east Hillsborough County getting its fair share.

"Six of our county commissioners live west of I-75," said Nash.

He said he's running on a "smarter growth" platform.

"We have an imbalance of growth versus special interests, and east Hillsborough County gets the short end of the stick," he said.

The club also heard from Jame DeMio, who is running for Hillsborough County property appraiser.

DeMio has more than 20 years of experience in real estate and currently has his own company, Florida Property International.

As property appraiser, DeMio said he'd lower the assessed value of homes in keeping with fair market values. He'd make up for the loss of tax revenues by making sure that corporations don't receive artificial tax breaks on properties they own.

Also speaking to club members was Jose Vasquez, who is running for the state House District 58 seat.

The Puerto Rican native said his goal is to represent the diverse interests of the district, which runs from Temple Terrace to Plant City.

"I'll bring ideas and solutions," said Vasquez. "And I'm not afraid to stand up and tell Tallahassee what we need."

The next meeting of the club will be held July 10 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, email EHCDClub@yahoo.com.