About the Race
I'm Bob Hackworth and I want to be your next Pinellas County Commissioner.
Let me tell you why I'm running. I have a proven record as an honest and capable leader. While mayor of Dunedin, I delivered better, faster, and cheaper government services. I cut taxes, balanced budgets in both good and bad economic times, and always looked beyond partisan politics to actually solve problems.
In 2008 the Florida League of Cities recognized the City of Dunedin as the Florida City of Excellence, and I was so honored to accept that prestigious award on behalf of my community.
I'm a leader who listens to the people I represent and I have fought for fairness and transparency in government. I am a citizen legislator, a small business owner, and a family man raising two children with my wife of 30 years. Gwynne and I feel blessed to be raising our children here in Pinellas County, the same town where I grew up, and I'm passionate about making sure that their future in Pinellas will also be bright.
I believe that's the kind of leadership Pinellas County government needs, but it can't happen as long as special interests are able to bankroll our Commissioners. And I am the only candidate in this race willing to fix what's wrong with the system by turning down the cash that corrupts it. I am the only candidate who will put the voice of the citizens first by refusing to take any contributions from developers or special interests.
I want to be the best County Commissioner that money can't buy.
I'll work hard each day to restore the faith and confidence that you deserve to have in your leaders.
Here's my plan:
My campaign will put message before money. I will self-limit contributions to my campaign to no more than $100, and will accept money only from individuals -- not a dime from developers or corporations with business before the County. And I will serve no more than two terms in office, as the voters of Pinellas County intended.
The incumbent in this race has taken hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, most of it in $500 amounts, from developers and LLCs. While this is all perfectly legal under the current porous campaign finance system, and you can't really blame the developers for trying to get what they pay for, I am drawing a bright line to show that the way things have always been done is not the way to face the problems of today.
About Bob
Age: 54
Date of birth: June 12, 1955
Place of birth: Ft. Ord, CA
Education: B.S., University of Florida, 1978
Married: 30 years to Gwynne Hackworth
Children: 12-year-old daughter Maddie, 9-year-old son Bobby
Residence: Dunedin
Occupation: Partner, H&H Publishing Co., Inc.
Former Political Office: Mayor, city of Dunedin
Biography of Bob Hackworth
Bob Hackworth was elected to the Dunedin City Commission in 2002, won election to a second term resoundingly in 2005, and was elected mayor with 87% of the vote in 2006. He is now running for the Pinellas County Commission District 4 seat.
Mayor Hackworth's accomplishments include leading the way for greater openness, transparency, and ethics in government. He fought for legislation restricting gifts to public officials, won the effort to create single seat districts for commissioners and eliminated eminent domain as a city practice. Bob Hackworth secured unanimous approval to increase efficiency and cut tax rates by more than 21% without cutting municipal services. He led the way to create an Economic Development & Housing Department and a Neighborhood Enhancement Program. He ushered in The Gateway mixed use project, potentially bringing hundreds of jobs to the community. He worked on development codes that complement the community and doubling the Homestead Tax Break for seniors.
Under his leadership downtown Dunedin continued an outstanding redevelopment that is recognized nationally for its charm. The PBS Series, America's Walking, honored Dunedin as among the most walkable small cities in America. Dunedin was also recognized as one of the best Florida cities for providing residents of all ages with quality recreation, facilities, and programs. Bob was elected chairman of the Pinellas Planning Council in 2008 marking his fifth year of service on the council. Dunedin currently has one of the lowest per capita costs for fire and police protection services and is often cited as a model for downtown revitalization and smart redevelopment of a coastal community. Mayor Hackworth was the leader in the city's efforts to expand and recognize human and civil rights. He led the effort to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by promoting Dunedin's Inclusion Initiatives resulting both in the local observance of the national holiday as well as renaming a local street and recreation center for Dr. King. Additionally, under his leadership, the city formed an Inclusion Committee, created a Diversity Week, took part in the National League of Cities Inclusion Partnership and changed Dunedin's employee rules and regulations and benefits to include gay and lesbian partners.
Under Mayor Hackworth's leadership Dunedin became one of only three cities in Florida to be awarded the prestigious "Green City" designation. Specific policies implemented under Dunedin's Green Initiatives included Magna Gas Testing, Hybrid Vehicles, creating a Sustainability Coordinator Position, instituting a Recycling Program, working with the school system to get them to recycle, creating green standards for new building and starting the Reclaimed Water System. Received City of Excellence Award in last year of office.
Personal History
Currently a partner in his family's educational publishing firm, Bob began his professional career in sports marketing. A varsity cross country and track athlete and Recreation major at the University of Florida in the 1970s, he succeeded in combining his athletic abilities and entrepreneurial drive by founding the Colorado Conference Group, a sports marketing and publishing business that grew with the fitness boom of the '80s. With business booming, and his competitive fire still burning, Bob began bicycle racing again at the ripe old age of 35 and soon became known as one of the oldest professional bike racers in the country. This renewed commitment to athletic competition led to the expansion of his business overseas.
In 1995, Bob retired from racing and sports marketing and he and Gwynne settled permanently in Florida. He joined H&H Publishing Co., Inc., partnering with his father in the publishing of textbooks, testing instruments, and Internet courses for university and community college students. In 1997, after 17 years of marriage, Bob and Gwynne were blessed with the arrival of their daughter Maddie, now twelve, and in 2000 with their son Bobby, now nine.
Donate to Bob's Campaign
