Write-in candidate's residency questioned

Write-in candidate John M. Taylor's surprise candidacy for Pasco County Commission ran into some surprises of its own -- he lived outside the district,  at least until days before qualifying. And he already supported a candidate, Republican challenger John Nicolette. Taylor signed a pledge card for Nicolette, there's a Nicolette sign outside his (new) address -- Taylor even bought land from him.

Why the fuss? Taylor's candidacy means 170,000 Democrats and other voters won't have a real say on who the next commissioner is -- triggering threats of a challenge by Democrats and Schrader.

-- David DeCamp/Times staff writer

Comments

I was a Nicolette supporter but after this NO WAY! Why is he afraid to let voters have their say? This is so un-American. Bill Bunting is sure to have taken part in this regardless of his protestations. This is the exact same tactic he used on the Superintendent's race last time around.

I'm thankful that someone did this. If Democrats want a choice for their commissioner, someone should run.

So what if Taylor signed a petition card for Nicolette. Check the public records and you will see that Ted Schrader signed a petition card for John Nicolette. Likewise of Nicolette for Schrader.

They did that to give the person an opportunity to particpate in the process. Just because someone signed a petition card, it does not mean that they will vote for the issue on the ballot--it merely means that they believe that the person or issue deserves to be on the ballot for the people to choose.

[Michael Pollard]

It is really sad when a branch of the media, one that is supposed to take an unbiased neutral position on issues of sports, religion and politics has slammed the legitimacy of an individual's right to participate in the political process. IF complete research had been done, some of the questions regarding residency would have been answered. Instead the writer chose to only research and report speculation based on incomplete information as it sought to serve the incumbent. The perception left with this reader is Mr. Schrader is very generous with endorsements to elicit such biased comments and assertions. I guess we should all be glad the writer didn't work for the New York Times, eh?

Bill Bunting put John Nicolette, up to running in the first place against Ted Schrader, and Bill Bunting and John Nicolette are real good friends. I feel that Bill Bunting is 100% behind all that is going on here in Pasco County. Now watch out. Watch Bill Bunting turn against John Nicolette to save face.

I went by Mr. Taylor's "residence" to see the signs for myself, all I could do was shake my head and laugh. I mean if Mr. Nicollete or even Mr. Bunting put him up to it you would think they would at least remember to take the signs down. Well done gentlemen, well done.

"I'm thankful that someone did this. If Democrats want a choice for their commissioner, someone should run."

He is a registered Republican, that doesn't make sense.