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.
TIM SCHOCK, REPUBLICAN
Age: 41
Family: Wife, Heather; children, Bailie, 14, and Jeb, 12
Hometown: Tampa
Education: Duke University, MBA; Emory University, bachelor’s degree in international studies
Experience: Small-business owner, Lightning Capital Consulting; Hillsborough County representative on the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? George Washington, a man who could have been king but instead chose a course that laid the foundation for other American leaders to follow.
Website: TimSchock.com
What would be your top priorities if elected?
Economic empowerment; fiscal responsibility; improving transportation infrastructure; accessibility and transparency
What are some of the current challenges in Hillsborough County, and what are your solutions to those problems?
I believe the priorities I listed above are in line with the current challenges facing Hillsborough County. First, focusing on economic empowerment that allows our local entrepreneurs and businesses to grow will create an environment that attracts other businesses. And by retaining our local businesses and talent, we will create an environment that fosters careers, not just jobs.
Second, our county budget has grown 44% in the last eight years, to a proposed FY15 budget of $3.9 billion. And yet, less than $10 million is being spent on transportation improvements. We have to align our budget with the priorities of our county.
Third, we need to build transportation infrastructure that meets the goal of reducing traffic congestion and moving people efficiently and effectively. I am the only candidate opposed to a new sales tax for light rail. Not because I am opposed to rail, but because despite the enormous cost, it doesn’t solve the problem. It is a 19th-century solution to a 21st-century problem.
What are some of the current challenges facing Greater Plant City, and if elected, how would you address those concerns?
Like other parts of the county, I have heard from residents in Greater Plant City facing many of the same issues as the rest of the county. In addition to serving as a hub for county agribusiness, Plant City has shown tremendous growth in manufacturing in recent years. Providing the opportunity for those businesses to grow and expand is vital to future economic opportunities.
In addition, Greater Plant City residents experience significant issues with traffic congestion. It is a problem I have been passionate to solve during my career. One solution that I embrace is the development of bus toll lanes to create a reliable and effective commute that also provides transit options. Such a solution is paid for by tolls on those lanes as opposed to a general sales tax. It is similar in concept to the express lanes developed for the Selmon Expressway in Brandon, reversible lanes that add capacity within the existing right of way. Additional express bus service is provided with limited stops to provide a quick transit commute option.
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?
I believe our County Commission should focus on creating growth plans with a priority on a neighborhoods first approach that allows individual communities to retain their unique identity. To do so, we need to create a comprehensive transportation plan that works with the goal of moving people efficiently and effectively. Further, we need to create a business environment that promotes our local businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and thrive as opposed to spending our economic development dollars as incentives to attract companies from outside the area.
What makes you the best candidate for the commission?
I believe I am the best candidate because of my unique experience in the transportation and technology industries delivering solutions that solve problems we all face every day. It’s what drives my passion and desire to serve as your county commissioner. I have never run for political office and strongly believe the term limits we have placed on our elected officials and the spirit of those term limits should be respected. Doing so ensures that our County Commission maintains a fresh perspective based on relevant and practical experience and is not maintained by career politicians.