Staff Reports
Doreen Caudell is holding a high-profile kickoff fundraiser Wednesday for her Pinellas County Commission District 2 campaign.
The small-business owner and Clearwater City Council member filed prequalifying paperwork June 9 for the at-large seat currently held by Pat Gerard.
Caudell’s event begins 5:30 p.m. at the Marina Cantina, 25 Causeway Blvd. in Clearwater. RSVP at [email protected].
About 60 local Republican leaders have signed onto the host committee, including state Sen. Jack Latvala and his son, state Rep. Chris Latvala, former Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst, Sr. and his son, attorney Brian Aungst, Jr., state Rep. Chris Sprowls, former state Rep. Ed Hooper, Treasure Island Mayor Bob Minning and Oldsmar Vice Mayor Dan Saracki, among others.
Citing her desire to run, Caudell says: “Pinellas County is beautifully diverse. We have many exceptional communities, and these communities have many needs. I have a record of getting things done. We have large needs throughout the county, and I will take the initiative to be the problem solver that Pinellas County residents deserve to successfully tackle these issues. What we don’t need is political ideology and divisiveness getting in the way of doing what is best.”
Since 2012, she has represented the citizens of Clearwater on the Clearwater City Council. “In Clearwater, we made incredible strides advancing our community’s infrastructure, protecting our environment, and spurring economic growth and vibrancy throughout the city.”
Describing her priorities, Caudell says: “We must protect our environment for us and our children. We need to take steps to invest in our county’s stormwater infrastructure. Additionally, we can do more to grow our economic base, create jobs, expand access to affordable housing, and keep our wonderful talent working in our county.”
“We all must take part in making our communities strong, successful and safe. I know I can provide better leadership for Pinellas County.”
Caudell is president and owner of a woman-owned small business, D-Mar General Contracting & Development. She guided the company through the economic downturn, consolidating business operations while not releasing any full-time employees.
“I made a goal to not lay off any full-time employees during the recession. It wasn’t easy, I made many sacrifices just like everyone else. I tried to do what was right,” states Caudell. Her company won the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce Medium Business of the Year Award in 2006.
After the Great Recession, Caudell expanded the company’s operation to include commercial development, construction management, large scale interior build-outs, and site development. She has taken the company national, having current and completed projects throughout the United States.
“I know what it takes to have a small business and work through government oversight and regulation. As member of Clearwater City Council, I reduced red tape, streamlined internal processes, and ensured the City of Clearwater listened to its residents and their priorities.” Caudell went on to say, “I listened to our communities and stood up against special interest groups. Pinellas citizens deserve to be heard and their needs met by the people who represent us. I offer my broad work and life experience, and a clear vision, to make our county an even better place to live and work.”
Caudell says she has dedicated herself to giving back to the various communities of Pinellas County. She often supports and sponsors various nonprofits in Pinellas County, such as Habitat for Humanity, Clearwater for Youth, Clearwater Free Clinic, Homeless Empowerment Project, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Charity Works and Morton Plant Foundation; she has also served on the following boards:
— Lighthouse of Pinellas Board, Board Director, 2002-2009
— Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation, Ruth Eckerd Hall Education Board Chair, 2002-2012
– The ARC Board, Financial and Advisory Board Chair, 2006-2012
– Advocare Trust Executive Board, Financial and Advisory Board Chair, 2006-2012
– Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce Board, 2006-2012
– Clearwater Community Development Board, 2006-2012
– Clearwater Pension Advisory Board, 2012-2016
– Clearwater Arts Alliance, 2012-2016
– Downtown Development Board, 2016-Present
– Forward Pinellas, Representative of City of Clearwater 2012-Present
– Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority, Forward Pinellas Representative 2012-Present
– Transportation Management Area, Forward Pinellas Representative, 2012-Present
– Metropolitan Planning Council Advisory Council, TBARTA Representative & Chairs Coordinating Committee Chair, 2012-Present
– Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Representative of the City of Clearwater, 2012-2016
