Opinion

Corley For Supervisor of Elections

THE SUNCOAST NEWS
Published: October 25, 2008

In the race for supervisor of elections Republican Brian Corley is squaring off against Patricia Carroll, a Democrat, in the Nov. 4 general election.

Corley, 38, New Port Richey, was appointed to the post in early 2007 after Gov. Charlie Christ tabbed then Pasco Supervisor of Elections Kurt Browning to become Florida's secretary of state.

Since that time Corley has performed admirably in the position that doesn't receive much scrutiny until Election Day nears.

Although an appointment, Corley has proven his competency. He's successfully run four elections in 17 months while still having time to conduct voter outreach programs throughout the county.

Corley has a master's degree in public administration and for seven years prior to appointment worked as the Pasco County Sheriff's Office chief personnel officer.

Corley has never missed voting in an election, which is key for this post.

Corley's work with high school students to get them registered and involved in the electoral process should be commended.

Corley has done his homework and has managed his 25-person staff and $3.6 million budget admirably.

Carroll, 50, Wesley Chapel, moved to Pasco in the early 90s.

She has her own law practice that she operates out of New Tampa.

There's no doubt Carroll would be committed and eager to do the job at hand.

If elected, Carroll would assess any potential areas of fraud and "I will eradicate them." To make it easier to vote, she would explore collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service change of address system to update addresses in voter registration records at the same time.

A public-private partnership with utility companies to facilitate changes of address might be another option, she said.

She would also promote an "educational blitz" that jury duty no longer is based on voter registration.

While Carroll has many worthwhile ideas for improving the office, there are no compelling reasons at this time to select anyone other than Corley to lead the office for the next four years.

The Suncoast News recommends Brian Corley for Supervisor of Elections in the Nov. 4 general election.