Bob Hackworth for Congress

Background:

I am currently a partner in my family's educational publishing firm and Mayor of the City of Dunedin, I began my professional career in sports marketing. I was a varsity cross country and track athlete and Recreation major at the University of Florida in the 1970s, I combined my 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 my competitive fire still burning, I 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 my business overseas.
In 1995, I retired from racing and sports marketing and Gwynne and I settled permanently in Florida. I joined H&H Publishing Co., Inc., partnering with my father in the publishing of textbooks, testing instruments, and Internet courses for university and community college students. In 1997, after 17 years of marriage, Gwynne and I were blessed with the arrival of our daughter Maddie, now ten, and in 2000 our son Bobby, now seven.

Goals:

As the Mayor of Dunedin, I have a record of commitment to good government, human and civil rights and the environment as well as being a successful businessman in the educational publishing business.
The City of Dunedin is small but well-governed. I have a proven track record of successes as Mayor, including managing a city budget in a time of fiscal downturn with no cuts in services. Under my leadership as Mayor, Dunedin was one of only three cities awarded the prestigious “Green City” designation in Florida. I believe in a non-partisan approach to government and will bring the perspective of a mayor to Washington, which is to work together with people, regardless of political affiliation, to solve real problems.
As a congressman, I will work with the new administration to immediately put a responsible end to the questionable and costly war in Iraq. I will take part in a bi-partisan effort to ensure high quality, affordable health care for all Americans. I will work to bring about a reasonable economic stimulus package that helps working Americans avoid foreclosures and deal with escalating energy costs.

Issues:

Our top issues are the environment, the economy, healthcare, and the environment

Grassroots Support:

Grassroots organizing will play a significant role in this campaign. I am going to be a citizen legislator who is accountable to the people I represent. I believe that the voters should see their congressman or candidate for congress. I am riding my bicycle throughout this district to meet the voters, listen to their concerns, and ask for their support.

DFA Values:

Some of my accomplishments include leading the way for greater openness, transparency, and ethics in government. I 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.
I have secured unanimous approval to increase efficiency and cut tax rates by more than 21% without cutting municipal services. I led the way to create an Economic Development & Housing Department and a Neighborhood Enhancement Program. I ushered in The Gateway mixed-use project, bringing hundreds of jobs to the community. I worked on development codes that compliment the community and to double the Homestead Tax Break for seniors.

Under my leadership downtown Dunedin underwent 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.
I was elected chairman of the Pinellas Planning Council this year marking it my 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.

I was the leader in the city’s efforts to expand and recognize human and civil rights. I 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 my 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 my 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.