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Taylor Touts Life Experience

By TONY MARRERO Hernando Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 12, 2008

Fred Taylor admits he has a lot to learn about politics.

But the Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient contends he has learned plenty of life lessons in his 60 years to make an effective lawmaker - and the best Democratic challenger to District 11 incumbent and New Port Richey Republican Mike Fasano.

Taylor contends his age gives him the edge in the primary contest for a district with a large senior population.

"I think you must be able to empathize with your constituents," he said.

Taylor still admits he has a lot to learn, though, and vows to use input from constituents to help solve the Florida's problems.

He's already talked to teachers. He said he'll work to ensure more money is spent on education and less on pet projects, and will fight for an alternative to the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

Taylor, like his primary opponent, said insurance companies should be required to write homeowner policies if they offer other coverage in the state, though it will likely be a tough sell: Fasano himself tried unsuccessfully last year to insert language that forbids so-called "cherrypicking."

Citizens Insurance, the state-run company and insurer of last resort, should get out of the business of fire, water and theft policies and instead cover solely for wind damage, Taylor said. That, he maintains, would reduce the company's liability and the risk of leaving taxpayers on the hook if a catastrophic storm hits, and would encourage private companies to write more policies.

Taylor said there should be a "bottoms-up" review of property tax exemptions, which he says would likely bring in more income by closing loopholes that wealthy property owners and corporations are using. The review also would reveal ways to ease the burden of the average resident.

When said he's undecided about expanded drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. He's skeptical it would bring relief, but said he wants to learn more.

As a businessman, Taylor said he has learned the importance of keeping spending in check and would bring that fiscal adeptness come budget time.

"We're going to fund the projects that are important, like education and senior health care," he said. "I don't think we need to tax people more. It's the spending that needs to be monitored."

Taylor has changed parties three times in his lifetime, though when asked about he said, "It wasn't that I changed parties so much as the parties changed."

He was raised a Democrat, but said he was impressed by Ronald Reagan's take on a smaller, less intrusive government and his firm sense of right and wrong. But he maintains that, over the last decade, Republicans seemed to have lost those ideals. He said he was particularly bothered by the Terry Schiavo case, the plentiful sex scandals and the growing national debt. He switched back to the Democrats in 2005.

He still admires Ronald Reagan, though.

"He told you what he believed and he didn't alter it," he said.

Fred Taylor

Age: 60

Resides: New Port Richey

Family: married; four children

Education: bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Indiana University

Professional experience: Business broker

Political experience: None

Faith: Protestant

Hobbies: Golf, reading

Last book read: Quiet Strength, Tony Dungy