Pasco County Commission District 3 | Democratic primary

Winner: Terri Conroy

Terri Conroy and Nicholas Planck come from different backgrounds. But they both say Pasco needs a new kind of perspective — theirs.

	Terri Conroy, 49	Nicholas Planck, 49
Experience	After losing her permitting supervisor job with Lexington Homes, Conroy decided to run for County Commission. She now runs an online publication, Bay Area Tradewinds, and is a part of recycling and grass roots insurance reform. She graduated from high school in Bridgeville, Fla.	Now a self-employed consultant, the retired U.S. Coast Guard member and county signal technician was born in Germany. This is his first run for office, though he has spent time with the Second Amendment Club and recycling efforts. He graduated from high school in Ohio.
Top 3 issues facing Pasco	1. Change budgeting process so services are spared severe cuts. 2. Improve long-range planning for waste management and mass transit to lower burden on taxpayers. 3. Improve business development to broaden tax base.	1. Improve business climate by making permitting easier. 2. Save tax dollars by fusing redundant departments and agencies. 3. Increase availability of mass transit, including adding dedicated bus lanes.
What’s the best use of Pasco’s tourism tax on hotel stays?	“I have never been a fan of public financing of a private business venture. The tourist tax revenue must be used to continue promotion and sponsorship of events and features within Pasco County that draws tourists to our county.”	“I would like to see a stronger partnership with the local youth leagues. Pasco County youth leagues have the ability to draw visitors from surrounding areas for short overnight stays during a time when people are reducing travel distances. I believe that utilizing the money to increase the experience of the tourist would be a wise choice.”
Does Pasco spend enough on public safety?	“We must provide the finest in service and protection to the citizens of Pasco County. Tax dollars must be allocated first to the support and direct needs of our front-line personnel and the upkeep and maintenance of their equipment. Budget cuts must be made from the top of the financial pyramid, where they least affect the daily operations of our public safety on the citizens.”	“The cost savings from increased efficiency can be re-allocated to public safety issues. Should the case exist that the county does not have the resources to properly fund public safety, the Board of County Commissioners will have to ask the constituency what they feel is the appropriate course of action.”
Assets	Home, vehicles.	Home, investments.
Liabilities	Mortgage, credit card.	Mortgage.
Net worth	$23,177	$43,000
Source of income	Publishing company, landscape design.	Coast Guard retirement benefits, consultant fees.
Personal	Single mother with two children.	He and his wife, Julia, have two children.
Web site	Yes	Yes
E-mail	Yes	Yes

About the job: District 3 covers southwest Pasco County. Commissioners are elected countywide but they must live in the district they represent. They set policy on spending, zoning and infrastructure improvements. Commissioners serve four-year terms and are paid $80,200 a year.