Three Republicans are running for the Florida House seat representing southern Clay County and all of Bradford, Putnam and Union counties. Rep. Charlie Van Zant cannot run again due to term limits.
Leslie Dougher | Bobby Payne | Katherine Van Zant
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The winner of the Aug. 30 GOP primary will face Democrat Joe Snodgrass in the November general election.
Leslie Dougher
Age: 52
Candidate's family: Lyndsay Dougher 17 years old daughter
Occupation: Realtor, Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty
Education: BS/BA Business Administration
Political experience: 1998 Precinct Committeewomen for Republican Party of Clay County, 2008 Chairman of the Clay County Republican Party and 2014 Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida. Chairman of RPOF during the historic re-election of Governor Scott, CFO Atwater, General Bondi, Commissioner Putnam, every Republican House and Senate seat in the State of Florida
What do you see as the top three issues in this race?
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
As a Realtor and small business owner, I understand the struggles and issues a business owner faces every day. I've been an advocate for small business as the Chairman of the Government Affairs with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and Planning Commissioner. This gives me a unique perspective and the experience of collaborating with government resources to help improve economic development in my community. I have a proven track record of working for my community and bringing business to Clay County. I'd like to use my insight, experience, and relationship with local and state business leaders to bring much needed jobs and workforce education to District 19.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
My hope is that District 19 would be #1 in job growth for the state and unemployment would be at least at or below the state average. District 19 would see infrastructure funding to help build roads, fix local water issues, and improv economic development creating job growth. Job growth within the District enhanced by workforce education with the objective of placing local people in local jobs. An increased tax base, as a result of improved economic conditions will bring additional funding for local police, fire and rescue.I would like to be remembered as someone who worked every day to help this District become a thriving community.
Campaign Website: LeslieDougher.com
Facebook and/or Twitter pages: Facebook.com/LeslieDougher
Bobby Payne
Age: 58
Family: wife- Margie, Step-son Chance, his wife Sara and 6 month grand-daughter Lillian
Occupation: Senior Project Developer, Seminole Electric Coop., Inc.
Education: BS in Business, MBA
Political experience: none
What do you see as the top three issues in this race?
How can you help voters in a way that the others running for this office can’t?
My Managerial experience, education, community involvement experience and leadership qualities have given me a good business skills- set to get things accomplished to so that we achieve a greater level of economic prosperity and quality of life for folks in our rural district.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office? Making a difference by increasing jobs, improving education leading to a better quality of life for the citizens in our district. Greater economic growth. Personally,being open, honest and truly serving the people of our district.
Website: BobbyPayne.net
Facebook and/or Twitter pages: Facebook.com/profile | @BobbyPayneFL
Katherine Van Zant
Age: 55
Candidate's family: Spouse: Charles Van Zant, Children: Mike Van Zant, Scott Van Zant, Charlie Van Zant, Kimberly Hansen, Katie Tamblingson, Daniel Van Zant, Joshua Van Zant, Lydia Van Zant
Occupation: Professional Engineer
Education: BS Psychology, BS Civil Engineering, MS Environmental Engineering
Political experience:
For the past 8 years I have worked closely with my husband, Representative Charles Van Zant, throughout the district and in Tallahassee. This has included working on district Economic Development needs, major Water Resource policy issues and Criminal Justice issues. This has also included holding over 20 Town Hall meetings throughout the district every year and personally walking door-to-door to invite constituents to come to them. I have personally listened to the constituents throughout the district at their homes and in the Town Hall meetings for the past 8 years and worked together with the Legislative office in responding to the concerns that were expressed to me.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race?
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I bring a full and unique background to this office that provides for me to best serve the voters in the primary needs of the district. I have established relationships with major employers and employment groups in the state and am in the position to encourage them to establish jobs and innovative training opportunities in the district. As an Engineer who has specialized in both water policy and economic development planning, I have a long history of sound scientific leadership for tackling infrastructure as well as water and environmental challenges. As a small business owner, I have first-hand experience with business start-up and maintenance and navigating payroll, insurance, regulation and liability requirements. As a former employee in Special Education I have demonstrated a commitment to meeting education needs and challenges. As a very
active volunteer in our prisons, I have a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by the many Department of Corrections employees in the district.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Having been a Representative who proactively went to the people, listened to them and actively served them both in the district and in Tallahassee.
Campaign website: KatherineVanZant.com
Facebook and/or Twitter pages: Facebook.com/KatherineVanZant