Ross Hancock, for State House District 114
We first met Mr. Hancock almost a year ago at a Concerned Citizens meeting in Cutler Bay. Since that first meeting, Mr. Hancock has immersed himself into our community by regularly attending meetings, participating in the town's 4th of July Parade, and walking the community in the hope of getting to know the residents of the district he seeks to serve.
His opponent, however, is a different story. Erik Fresen, our current state representative, is a bit of a mystery – a man that even Ross Hancock has not had the opportunity to meet. Here's what we do know about him. The Miami Herald has written about his financial woes in the past, including IRS debt and looming foreclosure, alongside an unpaid ethics violation levied against him. A quick Google search provides a wealth of disconcerting information.
But our support of Ross Hancock is not merely a vote for “anyone but Fresen”. We agree with Mr. Hancock on a variety of issues, most importantly his strong environmental stances. Mr. Hancock believes in protecting our environment for future generations. He is championing ideas which will promote energy efficiency and cleaner waters in his quest for a “greener” tomorrow. Ross Hancock believes that our public schools should not suffer at the expense of for-profit charter schools.
By contrast, Mr. Fresen sits on numerous school committees – all while being employed by a charter school construction company. His sister likewise runs one of the largest charter school corporations in Florida. This clear conflict of interest is one that Mr. Fresen chooses to ignore.
Construction funding for public schools has been diverted to these for-profit charter schools to the detriment of our community's public schools. Cutler Ridge Middle School stands as a perfect example of a local school in dire need of repairs. It may get those repairs if we agree to a 1.2 billion dollar bond issue to, in part, make up for the funding the current legislators in Tallahassee have taken away.
Representative Fresen recently committed to participate in a non-partisan candidate's forum in Cutler Bay, but then failed to meet his commitment. How can he represent our community in Tallahassee if he refuses to hear our voices? Why should we vote him back into office if he is unwilling to answer our questions?
We appreciate your taking the time to listen to our opinion. Let's elect a representative who is willing to listen to yours.
You can learn more about Ross Hancock by visiting his website at rosshancockforfla.com. To view a video of the Concerned Citizens Forum, visit cutlerbay.net/elections-2012.
All opinions expressed on this page are the opinions of Tom and Barbara Condon unless otherwise noted