Herald Tribune Endorses Betty G

She'd bring enthusiasm and a broad perspective to Tallahassee


Published: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 1:00 a.m.


At a time when economic challenges are top of mind in Florida, it is fortunate that both candidates running for House of Representatives, District 71, have small-business backgrounds.

Ken Roberson, a Republican, is the president and owner of Roberson Funeral Homes in Port Charlotte. He points to his service on the state Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers as an entree to the political culture in Tallahassee. He promises to keep taxes low and reduce government expenses -- through unspecified tactics. Roberson lost his first campaign for the Legislature in 2004, but he beat two other Republicans in a primary earlier this year.

Betty Gissendanner retired in 2006 after operating her own State Farm Insurance agency in Port Charlotte for 20 years. Be fore that, she served as an assistant director of nursing at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. A native of Alabama, Gissendanner received her undergraduate degree in nursing from Troy University, the first member of her family to attend college. She went on to earn a master's degree and moved to Florida in 1982.

Though this is Gissendanner's first try at elected office, she is no newcomer to politics. She has held leadership positions in the community, primarily focusing on education. As welfare reform was taking shape, she headed a five-county organization called the Work and Gain Economic Sufficiency coalition. She is past president of the Murdock Kiwanis Club and served as a mentor for Take Stock in Children at Port Charlotte High School.

A Democrat, Gissendanner says she believes the Legislature needs to take a more active role to help families keep their homes and avoid foreclosures. Her strategy for implementing that role needs details and development, but she deserves credit for highlighting one of the most pressing problems in the district.

With a background in both insurance and nursing, Gissendanner has considerable knowledge in areas that are of great interest to residents of District 71, which includes much of Charlotte County along with North Port, portions of Englewood and a small part of North Fort Myers.

Both candidates have solid records of volunteer service and community engagement. Both offer good ideas, though often are short on details.

Gissendanner's enthusiasm, broad perspective and unique experiences in community service give her an edge. We recommend Betty Gissendanner for Florida House of Representatives, District 71.