His name is Jake Mullens and he's a surprise qualifier in the District 5 Pinellas County Commission race. He'll be on the ballot in November along with Democrat Norm Roche and incumbent Republican Karen Seel.

A first time candidate for office, Mullens, 55, of Clearwater, is a licensed Realtor and owns Jake Mullens Building & Roofing. He said that after years of complaining about government waste, he finally decided to run for office and do something about it.

"Somebody at some point has to stand up and say enough is enough," said Mullens, who paid a qualifying fee and has no party affiliation. "I know that I can be more fiscally responsible that any of them have been."

--Will Van Sant, staff writer