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Former Mayor Dicks Running For Congress

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 6, 2007

PLANT CITY - Former Plant City mayor and city Commissioner John Dicks, in announcing a bid for Congress this week, said he believes the public wants a change in leadership and he can make a difference.

'We know we're blessed to live in the greatest country in the world, but we worry about our future and about the futures of our children and grandchildren,' said Dicks, who is running as a Democrat. 'We watch our economy suffer because of events that take place far away, out of our control, threatening our way of life, our jobs, and even our hopes and dreams.'

Dicks said Americans have continuing concerns about such key issues as terrorism, the economy, healthcare and high gasoline prices.

'Soldiers and sailors are fighting bravely for us, in Iraq and around the world,' Dicks said. 'But our politicians in Washington can't find the funds needed to provide the best protective equipment they need to fight the enemy. Partisan politics and political bickering has become more important in Congress than finding solutions. We need to change that.'

Regarding the high oil prices, Dicks said the U.S. foreign policy needs to change.

'We are enriching countries run by terrorists and evil dictators who get rich off of soaring oil prices,' he said. 'We pay $3 per gallon when we fill our tanks because pork barrel politicians ignore innovation and fail to encourage the development and use of alternative energy resources to end our dependence on foreign oil. Their inactivity not only drives up prices, but it makes us less safe. It's not just about high gas prices; it's about security here at home.'

The District 9 seat is held by freshman Gus Bilirakis, a Republican.

Bilirakis has one other Democratic opponent, William D. 'Bill' Mitchell, a Tampa employment lawyer and Navy veteran. Mitchell filed to run for the seat in 2006 but withdrew in deference to Phyllis Busansky, whom Bilirakis defeated in November.

Dicks said Bilirakis has voted against congressional bills designed to encourage alternative fuel sources, improve fuel efficiency standards in new cars and set a standard rest period for soldiers between combat assignments, among others.

A Bilirakis spokesman, John Tomaszewski, said that without the bill numbers it was difficult to know what Dicks was referring to but he thought Dicks should consider supporting Bilirakis' work in Congress.

'Dicks seems to be in favor of the same things Congressman Bilirakis supports,' Tomaszewski said. 'Supporting a strong economy, national security and our troops is the Bilirakis platform.'

Dicks said he wants to be a vehicle for change in Congress.

'Florida's working families deserve a Congressman who is focused on getting things done for the people he represents,' Dicks said. 'I can be an effective leader for our district on both sides of the aisle. I will work to find real solutions to the challenges facing the American people.'

His Web site, www.John DicksForCongress.com, touts changes Dicks said are needed to battle terrorism, keep taxes low and the economy growing, and encourage workable alternative energy sources.

Dicks was born in Lakeland and has lived in Eastern Hillsborough County all his life. A resident of Plant City's Walden Lake community, he graduated Plant City High School in 1971 and received a bachelor of science in public relations from the University of Florida in 1975. He attended law school at Florida State University and passed the Florida Bar exam in 1979.

Following his final term as city commissioner, Dicks joined the Trinkle-Redman law firm in Plant City. He is also a self-employed international financial adviser and speaker.

He and his wife of 29 years, the former Sharon Brooks, have two sons, John Jr., 23, a graduate of the University of Florida, now attending law school there, and Jarod, 21, a senior at the U.S. Naval Academy. Jarod Dicks will serve as an officer in the Marine Corps upon his graduation.

Dicks ran for the Florida Senate in 1996. He was defeated in the general election by Tom Lee, who later became Senate president.

'My time on the Plant City commission allowed me to gain political experience,' Dicks said. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the people of District 9, my home district, during a very important time in America's history.

District 9 is a diverse district that includes parts of Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451 or gnewman@tampatrib.com.

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