Phil Ammann
On Tuesday, Republican Mike Twitty received the backing of two leading Pinellas County political figures in his bid to become the county’s next property appraiser.
The 48-year-old professional real estate appraiser announced endorsements from state Senator Jeff Brandes and St. Petersburg Councilman-elect Ed Montanari. Twitty faces former state Rep. Jim Frishe in the race to replace outgoing Property Appraiser Pam Dubov, who will not be seeking re-election.
“Mike has the knowledge, skills, and professional background to ensure our appraisers office is run efficiently and with excellence,” Brandes said in an email to Florida Politics. “Mike’s 25 years as a professional real estate appraiser and 21 years as a principal and vice president managing private appraisal offices have given him the experience to expertly carry out the complex and important duties of the property appraiser’s office.
“I know Pinellas County will be well served by Mike Twitty.”
Montanari, who said he was “pleased to strongly support” Twitty for the property appraiser’s job, praised both Twitty’s long history of experience in real estate as well as his character.
“His 25 years of experience as a professional real estate appraiser, combined with his state certification, and his memberships in many organizations for both Realtors and property appraisers, make him an exceptional candidate for this important office,” Montanari said. “Besides his experience, Mike has the intelligence, character, and the right demeanor to serve all residents of Pinellas County.
“He will make our great community even better.”
Twitty already enjoys announced endorsements of more than 200 supporters, including Dubov, Pinellas County Clerk of the Court Ken Burke, former Pinellas County Commissioner Susan Latvala and state Rep. Mike Miller.
