Posted on 08/17/2008 7:31:59 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
In this legislative district, consisting of East Manatee and parts of Sarasota and Hillsborough counties, incumbent Ron Reagan vies with newcomer Kirk Faryniasz in the Republican primary.
The winner will compete with Democrat Richard Jackson in the November general election.
Reagan's passion for politics and policy and the leadership skills and experience he has gained in his three terms in the Legislature give district residents strong representation. Due to term limits, a fourth term would be his last.
The biggest issues again are pocketbook concerns - taxes, property insurance, energy costs - and economic development.
Tired of high property insurance rates? Lawmakers have attempted to handcuff insurers with rate limitations, but like Houdini, the companies wriggled out of the cuffs and only passed along minimal savings. Reagan recognizes the difficult task ahead. He says the state must reduce the risk exposure facing Citizens, the state-backed insurer of last resort. Legislation to attract more competition has been somewhat successful, attracting 13 new insurers - a step in the right direction, Reagan says.
The Legislature must do more to satisfy voter demands. That's a monumental task, one that could defy legislators yet again. With his insurance expertise, Reagan is the right person to push this effort.
Soaring gas prices have convinced a majority of Floridians that offshore drilling should be allowed, but Reagan would only support that if it's part of a comprehensive package that also encourages the development of alternatives such as solar and wind power, and only as long as the rigs were far offshore. That's a better strategy than merely opening up the Gulf.
While Gov. Charlie Crist and some lawmakers have floated the idea of selling off such state assets as Alligator Alley and the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Reagan - like us - stand against this shortsighted plan to boost state coffers now but saddle future generations with sky-high tolls. A one-time shot of capital is not worth later costs.
Reagan's economic plan hinges on boosting the tourism, agriculture and construction industries. We live in paradise, he says, and the state is still growing. But we must stimulate the economy and reform the taxation system in order to keep moving forward.
Reagan, an insurance agent for two decades with his own agencies, earned high marks in the Associated Industries of Florida's 2008 Voting Records Report. The report, an analysis of thousands of votes cast on business-related bills and amendments, scored Reagan in the 90 percentile range. As business goes, so goes the state, and we appreciate Reagan's business-friendly approach.
Faryniasz scores points for running against a veteran lawmaker in order to provide some competition. Articulate and intelligent, he agrees with Reagan on many issues. We expect to see him back in two years.
This time around, Ron Reagan is our choice to return to the Legislature for a final term.
Talk back
Who do you support in the State House District 67 race and why? Share your views at bradenton.com/opinion.
I wonder if any Florida FReepers can shed more light on this namesake of our 40th President.
It’s not the fudge packer. It’s probably just someone with a cool name and a hard reputation to live up to.
“Surely this can’t be Ron Reagan, Jr..”
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As you surmise, it can’t be, and as I know, it isn’t the son of RNR. But this Reagan is an ok guy.
Cheers!
I thought you meant Ron Prescott Reagan the son of Ronald and Nancy Reagan HIM
Don’t scare me like that LOL!
He needs a middle name or initial.
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