You might recognize her name from all the articles about the Veterans Expressway and the Suncoast Parkway. Now you'll have to get used to seeing turnpike spokeswoman Joanne Hurley quoted in stories about the Pasco School Board election.

Hurley, 63, announced early today that she will pursue the District 2 seat that board chairwoman Marge Whaley is leaving after four terms. See her press release here.

A former teacher in Hillsborough schools, Hurley has worked in state and county government for the past several years. She also has served on the Pasco comprehensive plan review committee. "Everything that I've done leads up to this decision," said Hurley, a Land O'Lakes resident who would face Peter Hanzel of Wesley Chapel and Kurt Conover of Land O'Lakes in the fall. "I think I bring a good understanding to the table."

So, too, does Whaley, who said she would support Hurley's candidacy: "She brings us the best of both worlds."