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Political advertisement paid for and approved by Gary Bauman Republican for County Commission District 5. Bauman's hat in ring - 09/19/2007
By STEVE GIBBS
Free Press Staff Cook Communications
 KEY LARGO -- Gary Bauman, serving his second stint as chairman of the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District Board, is seeking the District V seat on the Monroe County Commission currently held by Sylvia Murphy.
He announced his intentions Monday after filing paperwork with the Supervisor of Elections.
Bauman, 56, would have to resign his position on the Key Largo utility at least 10 days prior to the first day of qualifying, which is June 16, 2008. The two Republicans would face off in the Aug. 26 primary. The general election would follow in November.
One of the original members of the Key Largo sewer board, Bauman said he would bring business and wastewater experience to the seat.
"I have been involved with wastewater for many years and plan to take my knowledge to help the county with wastewater," he said. The county and municipalities must meet state-mandated advanced sewage treatment standards by July 2010.
"We've done an outstanding job with wastewater in Key Largo over the past five years," Bauman said, citing the district's construction of a treatment plant, laying of transmission lines and service, so far, of two neighborhoods.
Bauman said he also has 30 years of business experience, including work with Zenith and Compact, and previously owned a small software business. Most recently he owned and operated Dolphin Patio and Grill in the Pink Plaza, which he closed last winter.
Bauman said the county has an obligation to help with workforce housing for educational and emergency professionals by forging partnerships with developers.
He was critical of the county's fiscal record.
"I don't think departments are doing enough to streamline their operations," he said. "Nobody seems to want to change the way they operate. We have to make changes if we want to save money."
Asked why he would be a better choice than incumbent Murphy, Bauman said the commissioner has not done enough to secure more money to lower sewer hookup costs, nor has she done enough to cut property taxes.
Murphy said wastewater funding is being addressed by leaders at the state level. She pointed to last week's meeting in Key Largo that included state Rep. Ron Saunders, D-Key West, Stan Mayfield, chairman of the House Environmental Resources Council, and Mike Sole, secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
"There's no reason for Commissioner Murphy to put her oar in the water," she said.
Murphy said she intends to seek re-election.
"I plan to run. I thoroughly enjoy being a county commissioner," she said. "I've met Mr. Bauman and he's a very nice man. He behaves well."
Murphy acknowledged that she has a name recognition advantage, but concedes being in the spotlight and having a record provides fodder for any challenger.
"I'll run on my flaws and freckles. I don't plan to change. What I have dwelled on is what I can stop. I have stopped some negative things before they became a public issue," she said, declining to identify those issues.
"When I quash something I don't want it to rear its ugly head by mentioning it," she said. "I'm transparent. Things may not always go my way, but the public will always have the same information I have."
Bauman, meanwhile, says he represents no special interests and is running to improve a county he loves.
"I'm financially stable. I have money to retire on," he said. "My wife, Barbara, is very supportive. She understands that I have a passion for the Keys. I am so grateful I live here and I want to give back to my community."
Bauman must either gather 472 signed petitions or pay a fee of $2,656.98 in order to qualify for the office. The winner of the election will serve a four-year term.
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