Anthony Seeks Commission Seat

By JOSH POLTILOVE

Published: Oct 14, 2006

TAMPA - Kenneth "Ken" Anthony is a Republican running for the Hillsborough County Commission in a district where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a ratio of more than 3-to-1.

His opponent is a Democratic Tampa City councilman with greater name recognition and more money in his campaign account.

Anthony, a State Farm insurance agent for more than 20 years, is undeterred. He said his leadership abilities and broad experience serving the community will propel him to victory over Kevin White in the Nov. 7 election for District 3, which includes central and east Tampa and Palm River.

"I'm a hard worker, and when I am elected, I'm going to be honest and fair," said Anthony, 55, of Tampa Heights.

He said his public service work in Tampa began more than 25 years ago and includes membership in groups such Leadership Tampa Bay and Leadership Florida. Anthony said he also has served on the Hillsborough County Charter Review Board, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the United Way Allocations Committee and Hillsborough Community College's Board of Trustees.

He said he's a consensus builder who would seek to convince the six other county commissioners that his stances are correct.

The Tampa native and Middleton High School graduate, who lost a 1995 city council race to Gwen Miller, said he would work to manage growth, create affordable housing and improve transportation in the county. Anthony said he would ask county staff to examine transportation needs.

Tampa lawyer Frank Stewart, a Democrat, said his friend Anthony's strong business sense makes him a good fit for the commission.

"He's a very intelligent young man, and he would understand the issues well," said Stewart, 67.

As of Oct. 6, Anthony had raised about $57,400 and spent nearly $29,500, lagging well behind White's campaign.

Anthony said money shouldn't matter as much as accomplishments.

"I have a body of work behind me that'll give people a sense of who I am and what I'm capable of doing," he said. "If people will look at my body of work and look at me as a person, I believe I will win."

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 835-2105 or jpoltilove@tampatrib.com.