By John Ney

Kirk Faryniasz (51), a Republican who resides in Riverview, has announced his intention to run for the Florida House of Representatives District 67 seat, which encompasses a large part of the South Shore area including Sun City Center, Apollo Beach and parts of Riverview and Ruskin. The seat is currently held by Representative Ronald Reagan (R-D67), who lives in Bradenton and has held office since 2002.

"It's a very large district that encompasses parts of three counties (Sarasota, Manatee, and Hillsborough), but I plan to take my campaign to the people and let them get to know me and tell me their concerns," said Faryniasz, who resides in Summerfield.

A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he saw what voting meant to the people of Iraq when they proudly showed off their purple thumbs in 2005. "I feel it's a shame that for the last two elections Rep. Reagan has run unopposed and the people of the district have had no choice offered to them," said Faryniasz. "So far I have met many voters who are unhappy with the way insurance and tax reform has gone despite Herculean efforts by those elected to serve our interests in Tallahassee. Now voters can make a choice of business as usual or potential change."

Faryniasz plans to run a grassroots campaign and earn a position on the ballot by the petition method, which will require over 1,300 signatures. "Getting out and meeting the people and just asking them to sign a petition and meet the candidate face-to-face is important in our democratic process.  Just signing a check and paying a fee to earn a ballot position, doesn't seem to me to be the way to be connected with your constituents," said Faryniasz.

During his 31 years of military service, Faryniasz performed a myriad of jobs, including air logistics consultant to the Army's First Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a C-5 Galaxy and C-141 Startlifter navigator with over 2,000 flying hours.

Former Valrico legislative candidate Jeremy Zelanes is the campaign's finance manager.

As a retired Air Force officer, Faryniasz realizes unseating a three-term incumbent will be a difficult task. "I am willing to take on the challenge," he said.