One candidate is vying for the District 36 seat, while its incumbent is holding on tight.
Bay News 9 sat down with Democrat incumbent Amanda Murphy, as well as her opponent, Republican Chris Gregg.
Both candidates have been busy contending for Pasco County votes. Murphy has only one year in the seat, but says she proved her success and has already passed two bills.
Murphy’s also been fighting to repeal the Duke Energy bill that she says unfairly charges customers.
“We are going to have to do a petition drive with the citizens of this state. Unfortunately, that’s the only out that we see,” Murphy said.
She says aiding residents with their property insurance rates also ranks high on her priorities.
“We can’t have our citizens being dumped onto insurance carriers that they’re not comfortable with. And the prices are going up, so we have to continue looking at that. Instead of an opt-out approach, it should be that you opt in.”
Murphy and her opponent agree on helping local businesses. Chris Gregg says creating jobs is the solution for almost every problem the county has.
“We just keep spending, and the trends are there is more spending, more debt and less jobs," Gregg said. "So we need to get someone up there with good leadership skills, and that way, we can bring the jobs into District 36."
Gregg already has his goals set for his potential first day in office.
“We’re going to file three bills: one for repealing the Duke Energy bill. No. 2, with citizens and FEMA, open up the market for more insurance companies to come here. And lastly, just get jobs.”
Gregg says one way he would like to create more jobs in the county is to stay competitive by offering tax incentives for businesses to move to Pasco.
Both Murphy and Gregg also agree that the U.S. 19 corridor needs to be revitalized by adding more businesses and speeding up the ongoing construction.
Early voting in Pasco County begins Oct. 25.