Gravitt: Let's Tighten Belts

BARTOW | Blaine Gravitt knows what government projects cost.

He's an estimator for Lane Construction, whose projects include the widening work on County Road 540A.

This is his first attempt at politics in Polk County, though he said he was familiar with the political world from his father's service on the San Angelo City Council in Texas.

Gravitt, 31, thinks there are ways to reduce spending in county government and considers that his main issue in the race.

One way to reduce spending that Gravitt thinks commissioners should explore is to cut back on the use of consultants and hire and use competent county staff instead.

"Consultants are used to divert responsibility and are used as a shield,'' he said.

Gravitt, who also owns a housing company called Lone Star Residential and is a member of the Polk County Builders Association, said he could use his experience to evaluate spending proposals.

Supporter Danny Faulkner said he knows Gravitt from working together on church projects.

"I've been impressed by his maturity and his attention to detail,'' Faulkner said. "He's an incredibly classy guy; the best man for anything he's involved in.''

One advantage Gravitt said he has over his opponents in the race is that he thinks he's more in touch with the average citizen.

"I'm not a multimillionaire,'' he said, a clear reference to County Commissioner Bob English, who lists his net worth at $7 million.

He said former County Commissioner Don Gifford, who's trying for a political comeback, and English, who is seeking a second term, "have had their chance.''

"I think they're a little bit out of touch,'' he said.

Gravitt said an important part of his approach is the fact that he chose to move to Polk County nine years ago and wants to make this his permanent home.

He said he disagrees with fellow political newcomer Jason Brown that being a lifelong Polk County resident makes someone more qualified to run for office here.

Initially, Gravitt financed his campaign himself, reporting contributions of $1,600, but no expenditures. As of July 18, he reported total contributions for his campaign at $9,464.

County commissioners are elected countywide and serve four-year terms. They are paid $40,092 a year.

Although all candidates are Republican, all voters get to cast ballots in the Aug. 26 election because there are no Democrats or independents running.

[ Tom Palmer can be reached at 863-802-7535 or tom.palmer@theledger.com. Read more views on county government at http://county.theledger.com. ]