Bob Hackworth

Bob Hackworth is the Democratic candidate in the 2008 congressional elections for the 10th Congressional District (map) of Florida. He is the Democratic nominee seeking to challenge incumbent Rep. Bill Young (R-Fla.). He won in primary elections which took place on August 26, 2008.

The War
According to Hackworth, every minute that passes in Iraq costs American taxpayers an additional $1 million. He has said thousands of American families have lost treasured loved ones, and that an entire region is in turmoil because of a failed American leadership. He wants voters to ask: "Was it necessary? Am I safer?"

Economy
The U. S. is $9 trillion in debt, which Hackworth blames on the Bush Administration. He argues the administration "doesn’t give a hoot" about taxpayers' money. According to Hackwroth, consumers care every time they buy bread, fill their tank, write a check to the electric company or worry if they’ll still have a job. He argues that it is time someone was held accountable.

Health Care
It’s time we provide every American guaranteed access to affordable quality health care. For what folks in your congressional district pay to finance the Iraq War each year, we could afford health care for 100,357 Pinellas citizens. Your choice: A doctor’s care or quagmire in Iraq? http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v272/9/69/1240900195/n1240900195_30081763_8849.jpg

Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Development
Our leaders failed when they chose war over freeing America from oil’s shackles. This administration chose greed over good stewardship of our planet as it ignored laws protecting our forests, wildlife, waters and air. What legacy do you want to leave your children?

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.

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.

Bio
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Fast Facts

 * Age: 53
 * Date of birth: June 12, 1955
 * Place of birth: Ft. Ord, CA
 * Education: B.S., University of Florida, 1978
 * Married: 27 years to Gwynne Hackworth
 * Children: 10-year-old daughter Maddie, 7-year-old son Bobby
 * Residence: Dunedin, Florida
 * Occupation: Partner, H&H Publishing Co., Inc.
 * Current 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 as a Democratic candidate in Florida’s 10th Congressional District.

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.

2008 elections
Mayor Hackworth is the Democratic nominee seeking to challenge Rep. Bill Young (R-Fla.) in the 2008 congressional elections. He won in primary elections which took place on August 26, 2008.

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Campaign contributions
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Committees
Hackworth will be assigned committees if and when he is elected to Congress.

Campaign Contact Information
Official Hackworth for Congress Web site

Bob Hackworth for Congress 715 Broadway Street -- Dunedin, Florida 34698 Tel: 727-565-0108 webmail link

Related SourceWatch articles

 * 2008 U.S. congressional elections
 * 2008 U.S. congressional election dates
 * Portal:Florida and the U.S. Congress

External resources

 * 2008 Race Tracker page on Florida's 10th Congressional District
 * Official Bob Hackworth for Congress website