Candidate: Christie Zimmer

County Commissioner, District 2 Background: I am a Tampa native and moved to Land O’ Lakes in 1969. I have 2 children, 1 daughter, 10 and a son, 8. I have spent most of my adult life working in the legal field as a legal secretary to an investigator and have spent the last 18 years as a Realtor in Pasco County. Experience: I have spent many hours in Tallahassee addressing our legislators regarding issues concerning insurance reform, workforce housing, eminent domain, veteran’s issues and in this last session was successful in having a bill signed into law protecting the property owners rights to keep their parks and recreation areas private and out of the hands of government in Central Pasco. As an ambassador to our communities as a Realtor, I have had the opportunity for 18 years to listen to the concerns and issues of our neighborhoods. I am keenly aware of the tremendous growth throughout Pasco County and have the knowledge and ambition to help with innovative ideas and pro-active thinking to lead our county into the future. I believe in responsible growth, streamlining technology and pro-active transportation planning. I have learned a lot about County Government from my experience helping with community projects to stop polluting effects of a medical waste incinerator and chlorine distribution plant to an environmentally sensitive area in central Pasco as well as an unsuccessful battle to prevent contamination to the Cypress Creek Well Field. As a community activist and volunteer I currently serve as the Chair to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) to the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Pasco County, a member of the Joint Citizen’s Advisory Committee to the MPO for District 7 of Florida Department of Transportation. Pasco County CAC membership in the Joint CAC had been written out of the bylaws for non-attendance. I have been instrumental in having Pasco’s voice heard and vote counted in the Joint CAC Regional planning by amending the bylaws and implementing teleconferencing meetings with all counties in District 7 of FDOT. It is vital that we continue to address the issues and concerns of transportation and regional impact. As President of the Lake Padgett Civic Association we have been successful in proposing legislation through the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate and signed by the Governor to protect the private parks and common areas established many years ago for that community. As a small business owner in the real estate profession, I understand the need for responsible growth and good communicative skills required to work with the public and be an effective leader. Community Involvement: I am also currently the President Elect for the Central Pasco Board of Realtors and have spent many hours in Tallahassee lobbying for Insurance Reform, Workforce Housing, Eminent Domain and Veterans Issues. I have served as a Board member for Nature Coast Volunteers for Veterans serving the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Pasco County, chairing the Annual Golf Tournament for several years and raising money for the needs of the residents who reside at Pasco’s only State Veteran’s Nursing Home and an Elder of my church. Organizations: 2005 Pres. Elect - Central Pasco Board of Realtors; 2005-2006 Government Affairs Committee – Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce; 1992 Alumni member of Leadership Pasco; National Association of Realtors; Florida Association of Realtor -2006 Director; Greater Tampa Association of Realtors; 2005 & 2006 President Lake Padgett Civic Association; Nature Coast Volunteers for Veterans, Citizen’s Advisory Committee to the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization- current Chair, Member of the Joint Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Florida Department of Transportation – District 7; Past Chairman of the Board for School Education & current Board of Elders – Holy Trinity Lutheran Church; Recognized by the Community: 2004 - 2005 Central Pasco Chamber Citizen of the Year 2004-2005 Florida Healthcare Association Volunteer Organization of the Year for Nature Coast Volunteers for Veterans 2003 Service to Mankind Award – Sertoma Gem Candidate Statement: As a Pasco County Commissioner, I would like to bring a new energy with innovative ideas, pro-active thinking and a different area of expertise to represent the people of Pasco County. I would like to focus on economic development, implement new technology to create a more user friendly government, increase awareness for recycling and solid waste issues, and provide innovative ideas and pro-active thinking addressing future growth and infrastructure. I look forward to the opportunity to represent Pasco County as your next Commissioner for District 2. Your Vote and support is greatly appreciated. You can reach me at christiez@ij.net or 813.404.9797.