Stacy Frank, an attorney and small business owner who has been involved in a public controversy this year over her company's involvement in developing cell towers in some Hillsborough County public schools, today announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for District 57 in the Florida House of Representatives.  The seat is open due to the exile of Fay Culp, who is term-limited from office.

In a press release issued this afternoon, Frank, who is the daughter of  Hillsborough Clerk of the Circuit Court Pat Frank, said:

“I am running for the Florida Legislature because Tallahassee needs leadership that will make better choices.  Florida is at a crossroads – unemployment is at 11% and our state’s population is declining. Our legislature needs to act responsibly, with an emphasis on lightening the taxpayer’s burden while preserving essential services. We can make fiscally responsible decisions that do not mortgage Florida’s future while preserving what we love about our state.”

Included in her press release is a veritable who's who of Tampa Democrats endorsing Frank, including Congresswoman Kathy Castor and four members of the Tampa City Council (Linda Saul-Sena, Charlie Miranda, Thomas Scott and Gwen Miller).

The District encompasses Westchase, Town N Country, and South Tampa.  GOP candidates who have already declared their candidacy for the seat include A.J. Matthews, Todd Marks, Dan Molloy and Dana Young.

The only other declared Democrat in the race is Clifford Somers.

It's been awhile since a Hillsborough County Democrat took a seat that has been in Republican hands in the legislature, but Frank is well known and could be a contender.  Two years ago, Fay Culp beat first time Democratic challenge Yolie Capin.

But Frank could face organized opposition from some South Tampa parents who targeted her personally when her company, Collier Enterprises II, worked on getting cell phone towers erected on the campuses of some Hillsborough County schools.

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This article appears in Oct 29 – Nov 4, 2009.