As the Aug. 26 primary election draws closer, the Plant City Times & Observer will be publishing profiles and Q&As from each of the candidates who will represent Plant City and its constituents.
In this edition, we introduce the candidates for Hillsborough County Commission District 7.
District 7 candidates include Republicans Al Higginbotham, Don Kruse, Robin Lester and Tim Schock; and Democrats Patricia “Pat” Kemp and Mark Nash.
AL HIGGINBOTHAM, REPUBLICAN
Age: 60
Family: Married to Devon for 34 years; two grown children
Hometown: Plant City
Education: University of Florida, 1977
Experience: Small-business owner from 1978 until elected office in 2006
Favorite author and book: Last book read was a biography on Davy Crocket; authors vary
If you could meet anyone, dead or Alive, who would it be? Abraham Lincoln
Website: Vote4Al.com
What would be your top priorities if elected?
Economic development, planning and growth/transportation, workforce education, budget.
What are some of the current challenges in Hillsborough County, and what are your solutions to those problems?
Continue on the path of Hillsborough County being a leader in job creation. Address transit challenges through community-driven task force, transportation leadership policy group.
What are some of the current challenges facing Plant City, and if elected, how would you address those concerns?
Continue to ensure Plant City has an equal opportunity for economic development, budget issues and transportation opportunities just like any other community in the county.
The county has reached out to residents through Imagine 2040 to help determine how growth should take place. How would you like to see the county grow in the next 30 years?
This effort headed up by the MPO and Planning Commission provides a pathway for the 600,000 new residents and about 400,000 new jobs projected for our county. The report should be viewed as a “living document,” which continues to engage the public, remaining flexible as economic and market conditions mandate.
What makes you the best candidate for the commission?
In 2006, our voters and residents were concerned about our county budget; image and conduct of the board; and growth. I listened, paid attention to the details and kept my word.
Working together, we have enjoyed many successes, but there is still work to do. As your commissioner, I have utilized both my experiences as a business owner for nearly three decades (prior to being elected) and my personal life endeavors as a man of faith, husband and father.
I have learned, no matter what the challenge or difficulty you face in life, that through honesty, hard work and faith, you can succeed. I will continue to apply my experiences and life’s lessons as a county commissioner.