BRIAN BLAIR TO RUN FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DIST. 47

Source - Brian Blair:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2009

-- Files paperwork with State Division of Elections on Monday, 8/17/09 --

Tampa, FL - Brian Blair will officially announce his candidacy for the Florida House of Representatives on Monday, August 17, 2009. Blair spent four years as a staunch supporter of the taxpayer, and now he is ready to take that same watchdog mentality to Tallahassee.

"I am running for State Representative because I want to use my experience as a businessman to help create jobs, reduce the size of state government and defend traditional values," said Brian Blair. "I believe we can accomplish these goals without raising taxes."

Blair served as a Hillsborough County Commissioner. As a Commissioner, he fought for tax relief for residents and businesses and won. As a result of his efforts, the largest property tax cut in county history passed. "I'm very proud of having kept a lot of the hard-earned money of Hillsborough residents in their pockets rather than the government's. I feel we need the same kind of effort on the state level."

In addition to serving as a County Commissioner, Blair points to his eleven years (1989 - 2000) as owner of Blair's Health and Fitness, Inc., d.b.a. Gold's Gym where he created jobs and met payrolls, as giving him the experience to ensure Tallahassee manages taxpayer money wisely.

"I ran a successful business with a multi-million dollar budget and approximately 100 employees," emphasized Blair. "Our Fitness Centers received more achievement awards than any other operation in the Gold's Gym's worldwide network, which was more than 500 locations. I know what it takes to balance a budget, make payrolls and make a difference."

Blair listed access to quality, affordable health care, improving infrastructure and mentoring programs for children as top issues facing Florida. Blair has over 7,000 documented hours in community service, including managing and coaching baseball at Forest Hills Pony League. He also speaks as part of the Great American Teach-In, American Education Week and other events.

"Mentoring children is something that's very important to me," Blair said. "We have to keep our kids safe. The best way to do that is to keep kids on the right path to becoming upstanding citizens and positive contributors to our society."

Brian Blair lives in Tampa with his wife Toni. The Blairs have been married for twenty-three years and have two children - Brett, 17, and Bradley, 14.

House District 47 is being vacated by Republican Kevin Ambler, who is term limited and is running for State Senate. House District 47 is comprised of parts of Hillsborough County. The Republican Primary is on August 24, 2010 and the General Election is on November 2, 2010.