Daniela Simic (L), Karen Perez, and Chris Taylor at a candidate forum in Tampa. Photo by Daria Mironova/WMNF News.
Last week, candidates for local and statewide offices met with voters at the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library.
The Hillsborough Democratic Black Caucus organized the forum, which focused on education, public policy, and government accountability.
School Board race
Among the races discussed was the Hillsborough County School Board District 2 contest. The seat is currently held by Stacy Hahn, who is running for Hillsborough County Commission.
Two of the three candidates seeking the District 2 seat participated in the forum.
Daniela Simic, a longtime educator, said one of the biggest challenges facing students is the district’s heavy reliance on testing. She mentioned that students are being assessed too frequently throughout the school year. She suggested the School Board should review its testing policies to better support student learning.
Chris Taylor, a former teacher and school administrator, focused on the ongoing teacher shortage. Taylor said the district must prioritize retaining its strongest teachers by creating conditions that encourage experienced educators to remain in the classroom.
The third candidate in the race, Brittany Lyssy, did not attend this forum. The District 2 hopefuls also addressed topics including student nutrition, obesity, and book removals in schools.
The primary election is scheduled for August 18.
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer
Another candidate, Earle Ford, is running for Florida Chief Financial Officer.
Ford said many voters are unfamiliar with the responsibilities of the office because it has not received considerable public attention in recent years. He described the CFO as an independently elected official who operates as both a watchdog over state finances and an important check on the governor’s administration.
Ford also emphasized that the position protects consumers, oversees Florida’s financial affairs, and helps regulate the state’s insurance system.
“The important job of the CFO is to act like a referee, but also be a consumer advocate, be an ally on the side of Floridians when you’re going against big insurance companies,” he said.
Ford and former state senator Annette Taddeo will compete in the Democratic primary for Chief Financial Officer on August 18.