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In District 3, lone commission Democrat Rowden tangles with GOP foe Allocco

 
Rowden
Rowden
Published Oct. 19, 2016

As a long-term public servant and the sole Democrat holding elected office in Hernando County, Diane Rowden is used to the challenge of a hotly contested election. And this year's race for the District 3 seat on the County Commission is no different as she goes head-to-head with a political newcomer, Republican John Allocco.

Rowden, 67, is a retired flight attendant who has served three terms on the County Commission and three years on the Hernando School Board. Six years ago, she made an unsuccessful run for the State House.

Allocco is a 41-year-old physical therapist who has owned Fyzical Therapy and Balance Center in Spring Hill since 2006; he previously worked at Spring Hill Rehab and Lymphedema Center and at HealthSouth. He is vice chairman of the Hernando County Republican Executive Committee.

The candidates differ on various issues, particularly on whether County Administrator Len Sossamon has been doing a good job wearing the dual hats of administrator and economic development director.

Rowden has strongly supported Sossamon in both jobs, noting that he has made inroads in improving county management while also bringing in new businesses and jobs.

Sossamon, Rowden said, is "outstanding as a county administrator. His focus has been making our county government more efficient by streamlining and consolidating. He has worked together with county employees building their trust. As economic development director, the numbers speak for themselves. He is doing an excellent job."

To further improve economic development, the county needs to promote its excellent bond rating to demonstrate stability and show "we perform solid fiscal management," Rowden said.

Allocco has no such confidence in Sossamon.

Allocco says has no experience working with Sossamon, but favors a dedicated economic development director.

He identified the most important issues facing county government as "smart economic growth, creating an environment that is favorable to attract new businesses and expand current businesses, and fiscal responsibility. This is accomplished by increasing transparency in the budgeting process, providing a predictable business environment and hiring a full-time economic development director."

Endorsed by a number of Republican officials, including state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia and state Sen. Wilton Simpson, Allocco also has the support of the Fraternal Order of Police.

He was born in Port Jefferson, N.Y., and came to Hernando County in 1999. He has worked on several political campaigns and has been active in several professional organizations and the Greater Hernando County Chamber of Commerce. He also has been the volunteer athletic trainer for Springstead and Hernando high schools and a volunteer in various capacities at Grace World Outreach Church in Brooksville.

Allocco earned his bachelor's degree in exercise and sports sciences from the University of Florida and his master's of physical therapy and his post-graduate certification from the University of St. Augustine.

His platform is "small, efficient government, low taxes, transparency in government and creation of a business-friendly environment."

He said he would not favor any tax increase, saying that broadening the tax base would provide for any future needs in government services. He said he would favor the mining expansion that was previously proposed for property just west of Brooksville if it were compatible with the neighborhood and proper safeguards were followed.

Allocco said he believes he is the best candidate for the District 3 seat because, "as a small-business owner, I know the challenges that job creators face and understand how the decisions of a local board of county commissioners can affect small business and the local economy."

He is married and has a stepson and adopted daughter, both adults, two school-age daughters and several grandchildren.

Rowden is a St. Petersburg native known for her constituent service and efforts to protect the environment. She has been a member of a variety of community and government boards, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, People Helping People, Mid-Florida Community Services, the Early Learning Coalition, the Substance Abuse Advisory Board, the Juvenile Justice Subcommittee of the Hernando County Community Alliance, the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, the Friends of Chinsegut and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

She attended St. Petersburg College. She has had certification training with the Building Performance Institute as an energy consultant and has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration as a commercial drone pilot.

Her platform: "Working to maintain the integrity of the community. Protecting the environment. Working hard to improve the quality of life for our citizens. Supporting businesses and helping to bring in more high-paying jobs."

Rowden was adamantly opposed to the mining expansion proposed west of Brooksville, north of Bayfront Health Brooksville.

Her top issues include "creating good-paying jobs, infrastructure creation and maintenance, grow tourism."

Rowden said she is the best choice for the commission seat because she has been "a proven leader and trusted friend. … I have always maintained my credibility and integrity with the community."

She also said she has been a full-time commissioner and questioned whether Allocco can "give the constituents his full attention'' because he owns a business.

Rowden is married, has one son and one daughter, both adults, one grandson and one granddaughter.

Contact Barbara Behrendt at bbehrendt@tampabay.com or (352) 838-1434.