Hillsborough County Commission District 6 | Republican primary

Winner: Brian Blair

Incumbent Brian Blair is seeking a second term, touting a record of cutting tax rates and supporting economic development. Opponent Don Kruse says he will be a bridge-builder on an often divisive board and rein in spending.

	Brian Blair, 51	Don Kruse, 48
Experience	The incumbent, elected in 2004, is a native of Gary, Ind., a former pro wrestler who previously owned four Gold’s Gyms. He is a Forest Hills Youth Baseball League coach. He attended Saint Leo University and University of Louisville. He advocated lower taxes, and tried first to eliminate, then streamline county review of development near wetlands.	A third-generation Floridian, he is a sales manager for Bill Currie Ford. He is on the board of directors of the groups Wheels of Success and the Veterans Day Parade Group. He holds a certificate of general educational development. He ran unsuccessfully in 2006 for the District 1 County Commission seat won by Rose Ferlita.
The pitch	Says keeping taxes low is the best way to foster the economy. Also supports efforts to lure new businesses to town, and says building the economy is the way to pay for transportation fixes, parks, recreation and social programs. He was the behind the county’s largest tax rate decrease ever in 2006	Wants to “put out the fire on our tax dollars” noting dramatic increases in county spending in recent years that have necessitated recent cutbacks. He wants to promote public-private partnerships to address issues facing the county and to serve as a bridge between Democratic and Republican factions.
Quote	“I have worked hard to make sure your taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.”	“I look for ways to open the gate to bring people together.”
Chief asset	Highlights his experience on the commission, saying he has earned the trust and respect of his peers.	Says he has compassion for people, an ability to listen and loyalty to the public over special interests.
County mayor proposal	Opposes. Says the current system lets all voters pick a majority of commissioners and fosters transparency while the proposed mayor will be a more costly form of government.	Opposes the proposed change. Says it is backed by people who don’t like some recent commissioners. Prefers to work toward consolidating city and county government..
Extend ELAPP, yes or no?	Opposes doubling to $200-million the amount that could be spent to buy environmentally sensitive lands if voters approve the extension.	Supports it, says he’s “100 hundred percent for it. We need to do it now while the (land) values are low.”
Assets	Home, rental property, stocks, bonds, IRA, cash	Home, condos, bank account
Liabilities	None	Mortgages, car loans
Net worth	$1.33-million	$180,000
Income	Commission salary, rental income, investments	Car dealership
Personal	Married to Toni; two sons	Married to Rita; six grown children.
Web site	Yes	Yes
E-mail	Yes	Yes

About the job: Commissioners approve the county budget, currently at $3.9-billion, run the Environmental Protection Commission and approve local ordinances and zoning. District 6 is countywide. The job pays $91,995 per year.