Candidate For County Commission District 2 - Chris Constance

The following information is provide to help better inform Republican voters for the Primary election.  We do not endorse one Republican over another. 

Chris Constance Is the current elected Commissioner for District 2. He is running for re-election 

From His Statement:

Chris Constance is a local physician and business owner who has served on the Charlotte County Commission since 2010.  He brings a common sense approach to make Charlotte an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

 He is seeking office to promote efficient and effective government and to continue to bring fiscally conservative policies to our county.  He strives to keep our community safe and support law enforcement with the resources they need, to keep taxes as low as possible while providing excellent service and to promote economic development to create jobs and expand the tax base.  

The primary issues Chris sees the county facing are roadway infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure, avoiding budget increases and smart development, not unrestrained sprawl, and getting educators to teach to workforce needs of the community.   

Among his many committee assignments,  Chris is currently chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, responsible for regional transportation planning working with FDOT on project identification and prioritization.  He is also chair of the Florida Gulf Consortium and chair of the Tourist Development Council.  He believes that the commissioners are servant leaders who must be responsive to the needs of the taxpayers and must hold commercial interests accountable in paying their fair share. 

For more information see: 

https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/commission-office/district-2.stml

 

Candidate for Commission District 4 - Tom Sullivan

 The following information is provide to help better inform Republican voters for the Primary election.  We do not endorse one Republican over another. 

Tom Sullivan   running for Commissioner District 4

From his statement and resume:

Tom Sullivan is seeking to protect established neighborhoods of single-family homes from encroachment by industrial, commercial and high-density residential development. He will champion the county's comprehensive development plan against those who would run roughshod over existing homeowners, proper planning and sound land management practices. 

  

Tom Sullivan will seek more time and more public input to consider fully the likely impact of major new housing projects on traffic, sewage, drinking water and the environment.  

 

Tom Sullivan will also fight to protect our taxpayers from footing the bill for runaway development. Big corporate developers can and should be required to pay for the liabilities of their projects as well as reap the profits.  

 

Sullivan sees  key issues facing county as clogged roads and other infrastructure straining under pressure from new development, defending established neighborhoods from encroachment, and protecting taxpayers, many seniors and veterans,  from paying costs of relentless residential development.   

 

Tom Sullivan retired as a financial reporter and columnist after 25 years with Dow Jones, Barron's magazine and The Wall Street Journal. Tom Sullivan has worked since 2017 as a substitute teacher with Charlotte County Public Schools. He also works part time for a local retailer.  

 

Tom Sullivan is a past president of the Gardens of Gulf Cove Property Owners Association and a lector at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. 

 

See more information: sullivanforcharlotte.com    

 

Candidate for School Board - James Barber

The following information is provide to help better inform Republican voters for the Primary election.  We do not endorse one Republican over another. 

James Barber is running for Charlotte County School Board 

From his Statement

I'm essentially a SW Florida native.  My parents moved home from Spain where I was born (Air Force baby) in 1972 to be closer to my grandparents.  I grew up in Englewood and attended Lemon Bay High School in the 1980's graduating in 1987.  Like many other young people "back in the day" I moved away and settled in the Atlanta, GA area for about 25 years moving home for good and forever in 2014.  My love for Englewood and Charlotte county never left visiting dozens and dozens of times throughout my adult life.  

Now I look forward to the opportunity to serve our community on the school board.  I believe I have values that directly reflect those of the vast majority of Charlotte County tax payers and parents.  The #1 job of the school board is to set policies that align with the values of our community and I'll do just that.  Our #2 job is to be excellent stewards of YOUR money.  I've been a business owner most of my life.  I promise to treat your money like the precious commodity that is.  

Candidate for Airport Commission - Rob Hancik

 The following information is provide to help better inform Republican voters for the Primary election.  We do not endorse one Republican over another. 

Rob Hancik is current Airport Commissioner District 2.  He is running for re-election 

From his statement: 

OBJECTIVE:  Provide experienced vision and planning to your airport with transparency, maintaining financial stability and capital improvements serving the needs of all airport users.

EXPERIENCE:  Current Airport Authority Chairman. Uniquely quaiilified as the ONLY Commissioner with extensive Aviation/Airport Management experience.  32 years Director of Aviation, Springfield/Branson National Airport (SGF), Springfield, Missouri. Accredited Airport Executive by American Association of Airport Executives, (Recipient 1998 Distinguished Service Award), Past Board Member Airport Council Internationl, Past President of Missouri Airport Managers Association (2017 Lifetime Achiievement Award), testified before US Congress on aviation issues and provided services as an Executive by American Association of Airport Executives, (Recipient 1998 Distinguished Service Award), Past Board Member Airport Council Internationl, Past President of Missouri Airport Managers Association (2017 Lifetime Achiievement Award), testified before US Congress on aviation issues and provided services as an Aviation Technical Consultant/Expert Witness.

Candidate For Airport Commission - Eric Bretan

 The following information is provide to help better inform Republican voters for the Primary election.  We do not endorse one Republican over another. 

Eric Bretan Is Running for Airport Commission 

From interview with the Daily Sun:

“Bretan offers a strong financial background if elected to the board.

He had a career in the financial world, including working for J.P. Morgan for 15 years, before coming to Punta Gorda in 2008 to work with his father-in-law in the jewelry business. They buy estate jewelry, fix it up and sell it online.

Bretan said he and his family are big travelers and that is one reason for his interest in the Authority. He said he began looking at how the airport is run and thinks he can do a better job.

He is critical of Allegiant not flying to destinations that a lot of people would prefer. He says the airport is not doing a good job attracting other airlines.

“If I ran a small business like they do, I would be bankrupt,” Bretan said in a meeting with The Daily Sun editorial board.

Bretan said he is concerned that one day Allegiant could be sold and putting all the airport’s faith in one airline (although there are some flights by Sun Country into Punta Gorda) is foolish. He said he believes the airport could accommodate three times the flights per day that it now handles.”

Candidate for School Board - John LeClair

The following information is provide to help better inform Republican voters for the Primary election.  We do not endorse one Republican over another. 

John LeClair is running for School Board 

From his statement 

John LeClair moved to Charlotte County in 1976 and graduated in 1982 from Charlotte High School. He went into the Marine Corps then back to Charlotte County to get an education degree. He has taught at Deep Creek Elementary and served as assistant principal as well as principal at Port Charlotte High and Deep Creek in a 32-year education career.

As a former student of the Charlotte County School System, parent, educator, and administrator, I will bring a unique and personal perspective to the current School Board. After serving Charlotte County Schools for the past 32 years, I have the knowledge and experience to make a difference in continuing the success of our school district. My comprehensive understanding of our schools as a former Teacher, High School Dean, Assistant Principal and Principal makes me the best choice for the School Board of Charlotte County, District 4. 

Candidate for Commission District 4 - Stephen R. Deutsch

 The following information is provide to help better inform Republican voters for the Primary election.  We do not endorse one Republican over another. 

Stephen R. Deutsch is the current elected Commissioner for District 4. 

 

From His statement:  

As Commissioner, Stephen R. Deutsch has never missed a session or a vote. His only goal is to make Charlotte County better for our children and grandchildren. 

 Stephen R. has a long history of involvement in our community. He has been active at his church, the Homeless Coalition, Habitat for Humanity, YMCA, several veterans groups and numerous other organizations. Deutsch is a faith-driven man who believes it is important to “give back”. He has demonstrated his leadership and ability to work well with others by building bridges of co-operation with all segments of our community.  His accessibility and dedication to the people of Charlotte County is unmatched.  

Stephen R. has served as Vice Chairman of the Commission, as Chairman of the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) and is past Chair and current vice chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and many other boards and committees.

He sees key issues facing the county as water quality and planning ahead to ensure our infrastructure meets or exceeds the requirements of our expanding community, maintaining a high level of support for first responders to ensure we are safest and best prepared county in the state, and continued support of our almost 30,000 veterans.   

 

Professionally he has served as a city and town planner, Economic Development, Adult Education, Housing Authority and Community Development Directors. He successfully ran his own real estate and development business for 30 years. Elected Town Councilman, State Representative and State Senator in Rhode Island he "retired" to Port Charlotte 19 years ago. 

For more information see:    

 .stephenrdeutsch.com

and https://www.charlottecountyfl.gov/commission-office/district-4.stml 

  

 

Candidate for Commission District 2 - David Kalin

The following information is provide to help better inform Republican voters for the Primary election.  We do not endorse one Republican over another. 

David Kalin is running for Commisioner District 2 

From His Statement and Resume: 

 

It will take strong leadership and hard work in conjunction with the citizens of the community to work together to bring about the much needed changes that will improve the lives of the residents in Charlotte County. My previous experience as an elected official has provided me the knowledge and the ability to examine, analyze and scrutinize the variety of departments that maintain and service our community. 

 

I am running for Commissioner because our community needs strong conservative leadership, a representative of the people and an advocate for the people’s rights, as well as no community being neglected or abandoned as the board of commissioners did with the Charlotte Ranchettes in March of 2021.  As a Charlotte County commissioner, regardless which district or community you reside or own property within, or which commissioner represents your district, I am a public servant for all the residents of Charlotte County and will be available to all.

 

Mr. Kalin is an employee of  Allegiant Air and runs his own business,  Kalin Enterprises.  His past public service includes membership on the South Charlotte Storm  Water Unit and Commissioner for Cumru Township Planning, as well as commissioner for its Planning Board and serving on its Redevelopment Authority.

 

 

For more information see: 

https://davidekalin.com

 

 

Candidate for Commisioner District 4 - Mark "Gunny" Stevens

The following information is provide to help better inform Republican voters for the Primary election.  We do not endorse one Republican over another. 

Mark "Gunny" Stevens running for Commisioner District 4 

From His Statement

Mark "Gunny" Stevens is a conservative Republican.  The nickname "Gunny" refers to his rank in the Marine Corps as Gunnery Sergeant.  Numerous people only know him as "Gunny" and therefore has been adopted in his campaign.

 

As your Commissioner, he has said that he will listen to his constituents and truly be the representative they are looking for and bring their concerns as well as their ideas to his fellow commissioners lot create solutions.  He is not  a career politician, but will be an honest representative who understands the concerns of our citizens.

 

Having lived in the county for over two decades, his concerns about our rapid development and growth are paramount.  Having been a business owner in the county, worked in the real estate market, worked at our airport, been instrumental in the raising of grandchildren in the county, or working on charitable projects to help our veterans or senior citizens, his finger is definitely on the pulse of Charlotte County.  As your commissioner, Mark "Gunny" Stevens will provide integrity, leadership, and the representation you expect and deserve. His decisions will be based on the wishes of his constituents and not influenced by campaign contributors. 

 

Stevens sees the key issues that will face him as a commissioner as crime and drug abuse, growth and infrastructure and responsible government spending.  

 

Stevens retired  to Florida after 22 years of active service with the Marine Corps.  Awards received during his service included a Navy Commendation Medal for his work during Desert Storm and 2 Navy Achievement Medals

 

He has lived in Port Charlotte for over 20 years.  While in Port Charlotte he took the helm of a family business and moved it to Port Charlotte. After the passing of his parents he sold the business.  He is a licensed real estate agent.  He worked at Eastern Avionics at the Punta Gorda Airport and did take a year out of his residency to move to Texas to be the General Manager of an avionics firm in Arlington. He is a licensed pilot.  He is currently a supervisor at Ace Hardware in Port Charlotte.