By Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
As one politician with roots in Plant City’s government vacated his seat in the Florida House of Representatives, voters gave another the nod.
Former mayor and Plant City Commissioner Dan Raulerson cruised to a victory for the District 58 seat, beating Democrat Jose Vazquez and garnering nearly 57.45% of the vote.
Raulersonm who celebrated with family, friends and supporters at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill in Plant City, said he is looking forward to representing Plant City at the state level.
“I want to make sure the constituents gets the most bang for their buck,” he said. “I want businesses to have a chance to do enjoyable business here. And I want to streamline processes.
“I want to give back to the community that’s given so much to me and my family throughout the years,” Raulerson said. “I want to help people of the district.”
The new representative plans to focus his attention on Midtown as his first order of business in Tallahassee.
“The first project I want to work on is the Midtown project and getting the asphalt removed and greening that are up,” he said. “The Midtown project is a good example of where we could have some wiggle room with certain laws or regulations. We have the money, but because of a legislative hiccup, we’re now in a position where we can’t do something good for the community.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and honored that people have faith in me,” Raulerson said. I’m going to go in and put up a fight.”
Raulerson also praised Vazquez for his campaign.
“God bless Jose Vazquez for stepping up and getting in the race and going through with it,” he said. “It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there. I have had an absolute blast campaigning. It’s been educational. It’s been inspiring.”
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Plant City resident and former state Rep. Rich Glorioso lost his bid for Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections. Democrat Craig Latimer, who served in the office as its chief of staff, defeated the Republican, garnering 55.95% of the vote.
Glorioso and his supporters learned of the outcome at his election party at O’Brien’s Pub & Grill in Brandon.
“We did everything we thought was right, but it just didn’t happen,” Glorioso said. “I guess Hillsborough County has decided it’s time for me to move on.”
Glorioso said he has enjoyed the time he spent as state representative and will look back with pride.
“I have enjoyed serving my country,” he said. “I’ve been in the military. Probably the proudest thing I’ve done as state representative was working with foster kids as they age out of the foster-care system.”
Now, Glorioso said he will be able to spend more time with his family.
“My grandson asked, ‘What if you lose?’ And I said, ‘I’ll get my old boat fixed up, and we’ll go fishing,” he said. “And then he asked what would I do if I won. I said, ‘Get my old boat fixed up and go fishing.’ So, it was a win-win situation.”
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 4
Plant City’s voice on the Hillsborough County Commission will remain strong, as Republican Al Higginbotham won 58.24% of the vote to remain a member of the commission.
Even after a long night day yesterday, Higginbotham said he woke up energized and ready to get to work.
“It’s been busy, but I got some rest last night, and I hit the trail with full steam today,” he said. “It’s been a long two years; we’ve been campaigning for that long. “There’s been hundreds of hours put into this by volunteers, financial contributors. And we couldn’t have done this without the volunteers.
“I’m energized, I’m excited, and I’m really humbled,” Higginbotham said. “I know that is an overused word, but I am humbled by the support of the voters. It makes me feel like we’re on the right track. We’re doing what’s right.”
Higginbotham was a guest speaker Nov. 7, at the Istanbul Cultural Center, to promote international trade.
CHARTER CHANGE
Plant City voters approved a charter change that eliminates special elections when city commissioners leave office with less than 15 months to serve.
This is the case with Raulerson’s seat on the commission.
Under the change, the commission will appoint an interim commission to hold Raulerson’s seat until the term is complete in June. City leaders say the change will save taxpayers from paying for a special election, which costs $15,000.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
