Republican Club Hosts Candidates By Renee Burrell Photo by Renee Burrell Candidates addressed the BRWC earlier this month. When asked if any were willing to take a pay cut, they all raised their hands, with many saying, "We already did!" The Belleair Women's Republican Club held a candidates forum Friday, August 6, at the Belleair Country Club, where each candidate was allowed three minutes to voice their concerns, give their qualifications, and explain their reason for running. The BP oil spill, Florida's economy, Obamanomics, and not raising taxes were common topics mentioned throughout the forum. Three School Board Candidates were in attendance. A math/science instructional staff developer at Northeast Osceola High, Fonda Huff, (District 2 At Large) is a former West Fort Worth school teacher (17 years) and grandmother of a fundamental school student. Her goal is making schools safer. She claimed to be the only candidate who said she'd fix the school system's budget without raising taxes. Other issues Fonda said she'd fix include giving the voters what they want by establishing more fundamental schools, reforming the attendance policy to shorten the number of days students are allowed to miss per semester, and to address discipline issues to give teachers back control of their classrooms. Incumbent Peggy O'Shea (District 3, At Large) has served on the School Board since 2006 and has been active in the Pinellas County Choice Reform Task Force. She also served on several district task forces and School Advisory Councils. Prior to 2006 she was appointed by the Governor to serve as Chairperson of the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas. During her time in office she said she's worked to expand vocational training, and helped the graduation rate go up, while keeping the budget down. "The cuts we've been making and consolidating of departments has worked. We just closed the books and are eight million above where they thought they'd be. We've resized and have learned to do more with less." Terry Krassner (District 2) is a long time Pinellas resident and daughter of former School Board member, Lee Benjamin. She herself taught elementary school and is the former principle of West Gate Elementary. She said, "I keep my ear to the ground and really want to be there for you" and brings to the job, "…not just a teacher's point of view, but a global point of view." Krassner added that she gives voters her direct cell number to make herself accessible to hear their views. A promise she makes in campaign literature states, "One of the most important duties of government is to educate our children. As a parent, teacher and principle, I have devoted my life to bringing young people the best educational opportunities possible."

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