Drew Wilson
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells announced this week that his re-election campaign picked up another endorsement, this time from county Clerk of the Court Paula O’Neil.
“I have known Mike Wells for many years and am pleased to offer him my support and endorsement this year. Mike is an active member of our community who works hard to promote government that is accountable to the people of Pasco County,” O’Neil said.
“I am confident he is the best choice to continue serving on the Board of County Commissioners and know his presence will help to build upon the positive momentum we have Pasco County. I hope you’ll join me and support Mike Wells for Pasco County Commissioner this election.”
O’Neil is the latest in a long string of endorsements for Wells, who was elected District 4 commissioner in 2014. Past endorsements include Pasco’s police and fire fighter unions, Tax Collector Mike Fasano, Tarpon Springs U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Sheriff Chris Nocco, Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, former House Speaker Will Weatherford and Zephyrhills Republican Rep. Danny Burgess.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Pasco Clerk and Comptroller Dr. Paula O’Neil,” Wells in a press release. “Clerk O’Neil serves our community each and every day by making sure our budget balances, records are kept and available for public review, and serves Pasco residents by ensuring the timely and efficient handling of officials records and documents. I am grateful for Dr. O’Neil’s service and professionalism and appreciate her friendship.”
Wells is running against Democrat Brandi Geoit for a second term on the commission in 2018. Through April Wells held a commanding lead in campaign fundraising with more than $160,000 raised and nearly $140,000 banked. Geoit, through the same date, had about $10,000 in total fundraising with $6,000 on hand.
District 4 covers western inland Pasco County, including parts of New Port Richey and Land O’Lakes.
Wells’ seat and the neighboring District 2 seat, currently held by first-term Commissioner Mike Moore, will be on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.
