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Hernando Today

Incumbent, Newcomer Square Off For County Seat

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: October 18, 2008

Republican Jeff Stabins says he needs another four years on the District 1 county commission board to finish some of the initiatives he started.

But Democrat Ramon Gutierrez doesn't believe Stabins has earned another four years on the board and is doing what he can to spread the message of government reform.

As always, the voters get the last word as to who they want to represent them in that district, which covers a small but population-rich swath of Spring Hill along Mariner, Elgin and Deltona boulevards.

Stabins, who won the August primary, said he wants see the department streamlining efforts recently begun by County Administrator David Hamilton reach fruition.

"We have begun a process of reducing the size of local government and making it more efficient, and I would like to continue participating in that endeavor," Stabins said.

And Stabins, 48, is relying on his familiarity with the voters to propel him back into office.

He was elected county commissioner in November 2004, after serving as District 44 state representative from 1992 to 1998.

"I also believe I have the intelligence and temperament to be an effective and compassionate commissioner," he said. "I have a good sense of humor, which comes in handy on occasion."

It was Stabins in 2007 who substituted the traditional moment of silence at the beginning of commission meetings for invocations. He also started inviting local veterans to recite the pledge of allegiance at meetings.

In July, Stabins unveiled his economic incentive program called the Housing Enhancement Loan Program (HELP).

He pitched it as an alternative to the lowering of impact fees by at least 25 percent for a minimum 18 months so first-time homebuyers could take advantage of a $25 million state pool of money for down-payment assistance. In fact, it was one of the reasons commissioners threw out the impact-fee reduction.

As of this month, only two senior residents have qualified to get their homes repaired as part of Stabins' program.

Many people may remember Gutierrez, 55, from when he owned Ramon's Cafe, which is now Mykanos Restaurant.

A resident of Hernando County since 1984, Gutierrez said the watchword is "frugality."

"In these current times, with this down economy, high unemployment and the downfall of established financial institutions, frugality is a must," Gutierrez says. "We need to unite and work together for the betterment of Hernando County and its residents."

Gutierrez believes the anti-incumbent attitude is alive and well in Hernando County and that his fiscal conservatism platform will resonate with voters.

Gutierrez believes in government transparency, more aid to struggling local businesses and is reluctant to start building a multi-million dollar judicial center during this time of financial crisis.

He plans to work with the school board to improve the county's academic level "so that we may have an eligible future work force."

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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