St. Petersburg Times Endorsement

As a freshman Democrat, Bill Heller made a solid contribution in his first term and demonstrated he can work across party lines. The former head of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg is well-positioned to become a more significant voice in the next two years.

Heller, 73, drew on his education experience to lend a valuable hand in crafting legislation that reduced the FCAT's influence in determining high school grades. He passed legislation that bans bars from forcing customers to purchase a minimum number of drinks, and he worked on bipartisan legislation to ensure health care coverage for autistic children. He voted to place the property tax amendment on the January ballot that delivered little relief and failed to spur home sales, but he said voters wanted the opportunity to consider the proposal in District 52, which covers portions of Largo, Clearwater, unincorporated Pinellas and St. Petersburg.

With more budget cuts looming, Heller's influential voice on higher education issues will be even more important. He recognizes the need to invest in universities - and that the state cannot afford to create every expensive program on every campus. He also will push for a study of whether the state should set and collect all hurricane windstorm premiums to make property insurance more available and affordable.

Ross Johnson, 55, a retired real estate agent, lost in the Republican primary two years ago. He opposed the property tax amendment but acknowledges he has few policy differences with Heller. He notes he would be part of the Republican House majority and embrace ideals such as smaller government. That is not a compelling reason to make a change.

In House District 52, the Times recommends Bill Heller.