Bob Hackworth for Congress

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 as a Democratic candidate in Florida���s 10th Congressional District.

Good Government
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.

Mayor 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 continues 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 this year 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.

Human and Civil Rights
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.

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development
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.

Personal History
Currently a partner in his family's educational publishing firm and Mayor of the City of Dunedin, 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 ten, and in 2000 with their son Bobby, now seven.