Pinellas County Commission District 1 | Republican primary

Winner: Neil Brickfield

Two political insiders are vying to replace outgoing Republican Commissioner Ronnie Duncan, who opted not to see re-election after one term. The pair will face Democrat Paul Matton of Clearwater in the November election.

	Neil Brickfield, 45	Jane Gallucci, 59
Experience	It’s the political consultant’s second run for the commission, having lost to outgoing Commissioner Ronnie Duncan in 2004. He is a former Safety Harbor City Commissioner and immediate past vice chairman of the Pinellas County Republican Party. He has also served on the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and on the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization. He owns Brickfield & Associates Inc., a consulting firm that advises clients on local government issues and political campaigns.	Gallucci is leaving the Pinellas County School Board after 12 years, including one year as chairwoman. She was president of both the Florida School Board Association (2001) and the National School Board Association (2006). She sits on the Brooker Creek Preservation Board. She owns Xerocost Copier Center Inc. based in Largo along with her husband.
Opinions on experience	“I’ve been involved in our community on a civic level and government level. I’ve had the experience of not only making the decisions, but also living in the community and seeing how those decisions effect our everyday lives.’’	“I’m seasoned. I’m running on my legislative, financial and leadership skills, and my ability to work with a seven-member board. I’m running on my reputation.’’
What should the county’s priorities be in tight economic times?	“Public safety should be the number one priority of all local governments.’’	“We need affordable housing, and with the cost of gas, mass transportation. ... We need to take the congestion off the roads.’’
What is the biggest non- financial issue facing the county?	“It’s our commitment to government in the sunshine and fully engaging the public in our decisionmaking process.”	“The County Commission needs to communicate with the public and be absolutely transparent with everything they do.’’
Assets	Home, two cars, business.	Business, home, car investments, jewelry.
Liabilities	Mortgage, car loans.	Mortgage, car loan.
Net worth	$211,230	$1.9-million
Source of income	Business.	School board salary.
Personal	Married to Kelley Brickfield; three children.	Married to Bob Gallucci; two children.
Web site	Yes	Yes
E-mail	Yes	Yes

About the job: The District 1 seat is elected by voters countywide, although candidates must live in the at-large Mid- and North-Pinellas district. Commissioners are elected to four-year terms. They oversee an annual budget of roughly $2-billion. They’re paid $90,934 a year.