Healis: 'I Am That Leader'

Since pre-qualifying in January to run for county commissioner for District 5, William "Billy" Walter Healis III has gathered $24,095 in his campaign war chest, more money than his two Republican challengers combined.

Healis, 35, training and development manager for the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, attributes his large contributions in part to the relationships he has built in the 21 years he has lived in Hernando County.

And he is banking on that name recognition to propel him to victory in the Aug. 26 primary.

Healis said it is the negativity swirling around the present county board and the apparent lack of common sense decision-making that convinced him to throw his hat into the ring.

And even though he is the youngest of the contenders in his district race, he believes his job of managing the 1,200-plus employees and a $53 million budget at the distribution center gives him the business sense now lacking on the board.

"I believe we should run the county like a business and make legitimate decisions based upon what is best for the residents of Hernando County," Healis said.

Healis said his work schedule is flexible enough to allow him to work full-time as county commissioner. If he finds that his commission work is taking more time than expected, he would quit his Wal-Mart job, he said.

Healis said it's not about money. It's about his commitment to lead the county out of its current economic morass.

"I am that leader," says the Hernando High School graduate. "Not because I have to but because I want to."

Healis has a three-pronged platform: responsible growth, responsible spending and accountability.

He believes the purchasing department should do more to promote bidding construction projects within Hernando County and keep the local work force employed. He also wants to remove the impediments inherent in the county's present permitting process and make it easier for business to set up shop here. The code enforcement department also has to repair its negative image among citizens, he said.

"Hernando County has an anti-business reputation," he said.

On other issues: Healis wants to tweak the routes and times of THE Bus for better efficiency; explore cutting the number of attorneys in the legal office; replace across-the-board government employee raises with performance-based hikes.

This is Healis' first run at politics. He says he has been criticized for not attending government meetings. However, he believes his time is better spent talking with people in the community.

William Healis III

Age: 35

Married

Education: Hernando High School graduate

Religion: Catholic

Hobbies: family time, boating, fishing, golfing, softball

Last book read: "Leadership Gold," by John Maxwell

Most Admired: mother