| |
|
<<Return to Candidate
List
District:
Beach Mosquito Control (BCHMQ)
|
 |
John Smith Candidate For:
Beach Mosquito Seat 3
Nonpartisan
Elected
8205 Grand Palm Blvd
Panama City Beach, Fl 32408
Phone: (850) 233-6895
Email: smith_j@popmail.firn.edu
|
|
|
|
Note: The candidate's statement is
supplied by the candidate and is not endorsed by the County Supervisor of
Elections! The statement must advance the candidacy of the candidate and
not attack the opponents or issues in the election.
| Comments : | Registered voters living on the “Beach” will be asked to vote for three mosquito control commissioners during the general election on November 2, 2004. This is a non-partisan election and I am running for Seat #3. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to inform you about why I am running for Beach Mosquito Control Commissioner. I hope you choose to vote for me and that you will encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same.
Qualifications: I am a native Floridian born at Eglin Air Force Base in 1956. I graduated from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville (UA) with a bachelor’s degree majoring in entomology (the study of insects) and Masters of Science in entomology specializing in mosquito research. I continued my education by receiving a PhD in entomology from the University of Missouri. My first job was State Medical Entomologist for the Nebraska State Health Department. In 1985, I returned to Florida upon accepting a position with the Florida Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services as a medical entomologist located in Jacksonville. I worked in the state office that regulated mosquito control programs throughout Florida for 6 ½ years. In 1991, I was promoted to director of the State Health Department’s mosquito control research laboratory located here in Panama City (now known as the Florida A&M University, John A. Mulrennan Sr., Public Health Entomology Research & Education Center). I have been the director for over 13 years. Aside from management responsibilities, I am actively engaged in research. For the last several years, I have managed West Nile virus surveillance programs for Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Washington, and North and South Walton Counties. I have also conducted repellent and trapping systems research for the State of Florida and several private companies.
For the past 30 years, I have trained and worked as a medical entomologist specializing in mosquito control. I have also served as a contract manager and an administrator for several years and am experienced in managing programs, personnel and budgets. Compare my background and experience with the other candidates, and I think you will conclude ... no other candidate can match my qualifications in entomology and mosquito control. Many mosquito control programs in south Florida have PhD entomologists involved in guiding their operations. If elected, I would be the first PhD entomologist ever affiliated with Beach Mosquito Control District since its inception in 1952. I have lived and been part of the Beach community for over 12 years. Like many of you, I have noted the District has had some bad press in the last few years (e.g., helicopter crash, pesticide disposal and employee issues). Unfortunately, this does not present a good impression of the District. I would like the opportunity to use my entomological expertise and experience to improve the District’s ability to provide better service in the control of mosquitoes and biting gnats (sandflies). Further, I would like to help taxpayers become more aware of the District’s programs and how to better take advantage of them.
It is rare to have a professional medical entomologist living in a community of this size. Doesn’t it make sense to elect an experienced entomologist to provide oversight on a area-wide insect control program? I would appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I believe I have a lot to offer and would sincerely appreciate your vote and support.
Background:
Age: 48
Family: I have been married for 25 years to Ann Smith, teacher in Bay District Schools for 11 years (8 years at Patronis Elementary on the beach). We have 2 teenage children. Katie is a Senior at Arnold and Adam is in his 2nd year at Gulf Coast Community College.
Education:
-B.S. Agriculture (entomology major), University of Arkansas, 1977
-M.S. Entomology, University of Arkansas, 1979
-Ph.D. Entomology, University of Missouri, 1984
Experience:
-30 years studying, researching and working as an entomologist
-21 years working specifically on mosquitoes
-13 years Director of a State of Florida Mosquito Control Research Laboratory
-6+ years working for the State of Florida mosquito control regulatory office
-12-year member of the Florida Coordinating Council on Mosquito Control
-19-year member of the Florida Mosquito Control Association
-23-year member of the American Mosquito Control Association
-29-year member of the Entomological Society of America (ESA)
-22-year ESA Board Certified Medical/Veterinary Entomologist
Community Service (Past):
-Beach Cub Scout Den Leader
-Obtained grants to incorporate entomology into the curriculum of pre-K, kindergarten, and 4th grade classrooms at Patronis Elementary
-Guest speaker on entomology at local elementary schools
-Developed with Patronis Elementary an insect faunal collection for St. Andrews State Park
-Gulf Coast Triathlon and Ironman of Florida Volunteer
-Arnold High School Sports Booster
-Palm Bay Homeowner Association board member & Vice President.
|
|
|
|
As stated in section 106.011(14), F.S. the candidates running for State,
Multicounty, District or Judical office must file with the Department of State
Division of Elections, click here for a link to the Division of Elections.
|