by Susan Slater
The East Pasco Republican Club opened with the usual prayer and Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag as well as recognizing first timers and veterans. The introduction and re-introducing of running candidates for Pasco County primaries was the agenda. Although primaries will be over by print, several candidates were heard.
Sean O’Flannery - School Board District 3. A 30-year educator, for change and Fundamental Magnet Program which entails, Strict Structure/Discipline; Mandatory Parent Involvement; Rigorous Academics; Application Selection Process providing themed learning basics like STEM.
Brian Perras running for School Board District 1. His platform entails critical thinking, students learning financial fundamentals, trades, and the Constitution. He wants to put veterans in schools to protect children and prevent bullying. Also, farmers teaching children to grow food.
President Debbie Murray respectfully introduced Democrat candidate for School Board District 1, Dr. Christopher King. He is a registered Democrat that has good values. People were invited to speak with Dr. King afterwards.
Dr. Gino Collura running for School Board District 1. Gino attended Pasco County Schools, was a middle and high school teacher and college professor wanting to talk about educational excellence. He addressed limiting time spent on smartphones and proactive measures for school safety.
Mike Pultorak running for House District 54 - Came with receipts for the retirement system for teachers with no change for inflation as well as for roads, the overcrowding, infrastructure beyond capacity, fire rescue responses too slow, not enough law enforcement and cost of living going through the roof. He mentioned to research SB102 Live Local and HB 1080 Live Local Act on steroids.
Haley Mahadeen represented Pultorak’s running mate, Randy Maggard. Rep. Maggard has been the rep in House District 54 for quite some time. Mahadeen mentioned lowering property taxes, being proud of the conservation of the Kirkland Ranch, his agenda for education, improving quality of schools and passion for special education.
Jonathan Deckard is running for County Commission District 4 talked about housing issues, nature slowly going away. His financial background handling the county budget Housing costs, $295,000 in Pasco County, about $2,000/month mortgage that we can’t afford, but New Yorkers and Californians are used to spending that kind of money, if not more.
Kirk Phillips, running for School Board District 3. He talked about debt building in school operations stating many numbers justifying his statements, administrative functions being 12%, and supporting teachers so that children get a better education.
Amy Yarborough, Zephyrhills Pregnancy Center from East Pasco Networking Group meets at IHOP in Dade City. Nikki Alvarez-Souls and Dr. Christopher King as future speakers.
President Debbie Murray told members that the board selected the charity for this year, the Community Presbyterian Church Food Bank feeding 5,000 people a month. The November meeting is the primary election day, therefore, will be held Tuesday, October 27th at 2n2 restaurant in Wesley Chapel.
President Murray is stepping down from her presidency. Anybody interested, please step up. She is not going anywhere, just stepping down. Several board members will stay. ♥
