This is a Universal Primary Contest since all candidates are from one party, so on Aug. 23, these candidates will appear on all three ballot types: republican, democrat and nonpartisan. Candidates must reside in the area of the county they are running to represent. All voters in the county vote for candidates from a single district.
Each candidate was given the opportunity to provide a 150-word bio and respond to our questions within 800 words.
Thank you to the candidates for providing a bio and answering our questions.
JERRY CAMPBELL (REP)
BIO:
Hernando Resident for over 17 years. Tracy, my wife of 25 years, and I have raised our family here and built our business here. I have 26 years of business knowledge and experience. I have been active in community leadership in many capacities. I am a lifelong conservative. I will always remember that I represent you and will not take this responsibility for granted. I believe in leading with respect and integrity and have a history of proven character. I humbly ask for your vote on August 23, 2022. Ready to Lead- Ready to Serve.
——–
Describe up to three ordinances that need to be modified/removed/added.
County ordinances help set clear expectations, consistency, and help ensure a safe community. One ordinance that I get questions about on the campaign trail is concerning tiny homes. I think there is an opportunity to revisit this conversation and see if there are certain areas in the county that might be a reality.
Do you see any areas where the county needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?
As a fiscal conservative, I believe in limited government and low taxes. The area I will keep a close eye on is the budget reserves, we currently have 3 months’ reserves. With the current economic environment, I believe we need to increase this over time when possible.
Do you see any areas where funding/the budget can be cut?
I will look diligently for line items in the budget so that we can potentially be more efficient. We are a growing county and will need to balance needs with wants.
If you are in favor of decreasing the budget, how do you pay for obligated salary increases, cost of living increases, and other inflationary costs?
Inflation and minimum wage increases are definitely going to impact the budget moving forward. I have the business knowledge and experience to help navigate the potential storms ahead.
Please describe up to three county projects that are most important to the county and why? (Example: Additional recreation, Airport development, etc… )
Infrastructure- With growth, we must get ahead of infrastructure such as roads and septic to sewer.
Economic Development- Small business is an important foundation of any successful community. We must create an environment for families and small and large businesses to have the opportunity to succeed.
Safety- A top priority should be making sure our brave first responders have the tools necessary to keep themselves and the community safe.
Please describe up to three top issues facing the county that need to be addressed. (Example: the opioid epidemic, flooding, managing development, etc…)
Growth- We must have strong planning. I will work together with Administrators, Department Heads, and fellow commissioners to make sure we have top-notch planning.
Do you feel that the county’s COVID-19 response was appropriate? In hindsight, what changes would you make?
I believe Hernando County Commission and Administration handled the Covid-19 response well considering the complexity of the issue. They did not mandate shutdowns. There is always something to learn and potentially adjust. I will seek feedback from first responders, hospitals, and department heads to develop best practices for future emergency situations.
What inspired you to run for county commissioner?
We live in a wonderful country and great democracy. I love Hernando County! I have raised my family here and built my business here. I have been blessed to live the American Dream, and I will ensure this dream is afforded to our kids and grandkids. I have 26 years of business and community leadership. With the potential financial storms ahead, I believe I have the skills necessary to help lead Hernando into the next decade. Ronald Regan wisely said, “ freedom is never more than one generation from being extinct”, I will do my part to ensure Hernando remains free.
ANTHONY ARENZ (REP)
BIO:
My name is Anthony Arenz I was born on Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota I’ve been in Hernando county for 27 years this is home my father was Air Force and my uncle was a sheriffs deputy in Hernando County for 25 years father of five beautiful children and a right side conservative with the voice of the people, not a politician I’m running for county commissioner to show the youth that you can do anything you set your mind to doesn’t matter your past or your appearance scars blemishes or tattoos if you work towards it you can achieve it I love you all and I hope to earn your vote August 23rd
———-
Describe up to three ordinances that need to be modified/removed/added.
To be honest I feel we are fine with what’s in place.
Do you see any areas where the county needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?
Yes, we need to increase funding for the sheriff’s department and do what we can to help small businesses with county-based funding.
Do you see any areas where funding/the budget can be cut?
I do not see any areas where funding needs to be cut I think in certain areas it needs to be increased.
If you are in favor of decreasing the budget, how do you pay for obligated salary increases, cost of living increases, and other inflationary costs?
To be honest with you with the rate of growth in our community we need to come to a solution as a board of commissioners and figure out a way to come up with better opportunities for employment with better pay
Please describe up to three county projects that are most important to the county and why? (Example: Additional recreation, Airport development, etc… )
I’d like to see a splash park in Hernando County that maybe has a decent size lagoon for an attraction.
Please describe up to three top issues facing the county that need to be addressed. (Example: the opioid epidemic, flooding, managing development, etc…)
1. Gangs need to be addressed
2. Drugs and overdoses
3. The continued growth of our community (for example the crazy influx of dollar general and storage companies) these major corporations are coming into our county and taking over land and not offering high paying wages it needs to be stopped.
Do you feel that the county’s COVID-19 response was appropriate? In hindsight, what changes would you make?
To be honest with you I feel like the county handled the COVID-19 response well and justified.
What inspired you to run for county commissioner?
I felt that it was time for somebody who is not attached to a political agenda who is a free mind open spirit and a people person and voice for people to run we have to stop the destruction and construction in Hernando County we have to fix home first before we continue to allow growth I’m all for growth and opportunity but when our hometown is fixed first we have to secure our county to make sure all residents are safe we have to finish projects that are already half finished and I’m also doing this to show the youth and people That you cannot let your past your scars your tattoos or your past determine your future you can do anything you set your mind to
