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Hernando Today

Taxpayers' Alliance Endorses Democrat

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: September 19, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - County Commission hopeful Ramon Gutierrez picked up the endorsement of the Hernando County Taxpayers Alliance this week.

Linda Hayward, founder of the grass-roots tax reform group, e-mailed the news Wednesday to all 2,000 of the group's members, urging them to financially support Gutierrez, a Democrat running against incumbent Commissioner Jeff Stabins for District 1.

But even Hayward realizes Gutierrez will be a tough sell to voters, given the candidate's lack of name recognition in the community and his meager campaign war chest. As of the most recent campaign contribution report, Gutierrez had $50 in his coffers, compared to $20,397 for Stabins. The next report is due out today.

"It's going to be a terrible uphill battle for him," Hayward said.

And, based on discussions with other members of her group, she said many of them are unconvinced. They know they don't want Stabins re-elected, but they remain unsure of Gutierrez, she said.

"A lot of them are not sure of Ramon's platform, so I am hoping to educate them," she said.

Gutierrez admits he hasn't been the most visible candidate and that he is new to the campaigning game. But he plans to change that, now that the run-up to the Nov. 4 general election is heating up.

He said his campaign signs are already on order. He also plans to show up at upcoming candidate forums.

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 a reluctance to start building a multi-million dollar judicial center during this time of financial crisis.

He is appreciative of the Alliance backing and welcomes financial contributions.

He said he will not accept money from businesses or organizations that may come before him at the board as a commissioner.

"My vote's not for sale," he said.

Because Gutierrez won't accept money from large organizations, Hayward said she is urging her members to send whatever they can.

The Alliance endorsed Jon "JAZ" Zydenbos in the District 1 primary last month. However, Zydenbos and fellow challenger Michael Burmann both lost to Stabins.

Hayward believes Zydenbos and Burmann "cancelled" each other out, allowing Stabins the win.

She fears the majority of voters are unhappy with their current economic state but, through lack of knowledge of the candidates, don't know the names of the incumbents or the players.

She's hoping Gutierrez will become more familiar to voters once his signs are erected.

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

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