PROView - May 2008 - (Page 6) PROActive Pinellas County’s Political Landscape by Mike Mayo, Director of Public Affairs Without question, Pinellas County’s political landscape is just teeming with activity. After an elongated and entertaining presidential primary season, voters in Pinellas County have some very difficult decisions to make. At the county level, there will be five (5) constitutional offices on the ballot, including Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sheriff, Supervisor of Elections and Tax Collector. Perhaps the most competitive race taking shape is the one for Pinellas County Property Appraiser, where long-time incumbent Jim Smith has decided not to seek re-election. The candidates for that open seat so far include Deputy Property Appraiser Pam Dubov (Republican), and PRO members Ben Friedlander (Democrat) and Frank Gregoire (Republican). This race is taking place during a time when citizens, lawmakers and REALTORS® alike have many questions about appraisal laws and practices. Stay tuned as this should certainly prove to be an interesting race. Also at the county level, County Commissioners Robert Stewart (At-Large District 3) and Ronnie Duncan (At-Large District 1) have decided not to seek re-election, creating two open County Commission seats. Also on the ballot will be County Commission District 5 and District 7, currently occupied by incumbents Karen Seel and Kenneth Welch, respectively. The school board races on the August 26 ballot promise to provide their share of entertainment value as well. A very competitive race for District 4 is taking shape in northern Pinellas County, as current incumbent Jane Gallucci has decided to run for the Pinellas County Commission. Incumbents Janet Clark (School Board At-Large District 1) and Carol Cook (Single-Member District 5) have already filed to run for re-election. At the state level, there will be eight (8) Florida House seats and two (2) Florida Senate seats up for election in Pinellas County. While 2006 had at least half-a-dozen open seats up for election, we do not anticipate any open state legislative seats this year in our county. More Property Tax Reform? Last but certainly not least, PRO is closely monitoring the work of the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, which may very well place at least one Property Tax Reform Constitutional Amendment on the 6 PINELLAS REALTOR® ORGANIZATION November 4 statewide ballot. One idea that seems to have momentum would expand the sales tax base, and use the additional revenue to eliminate local property taxes devoted to schools (the required local effort). This could reduce the property tax bill on all classifications of property ownership by an average of 25%. Essentially, the proposal would eliminate $9.5-billion a year statewide in property taxes for schools starting in 2011. It instructs the Legislature to replace the money through a combination of raising the sales tax up to 1-cent, cutting spending, identifying new revenue sources and/or eliminating sales tax exemptions. The proposal would also include a 5% assessment cap on non-homestead property. The primary election is scheduled for August 26, and the general election for November 4. For more information about elections in Pinellas County – including how to register to vote or request an absentee ballot – visit: www.votepinellas.com May 2008 http://www.votepinellas.com http://www.homebuyerexpo.net
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