Vazquez seeks Pasco Commission District 2 seat

Stephanie Vazquez, a Democrat, is running for Pasco County Commission District 2 in the Nov. 3 general election. She faces Republican Seth Weightman.

Asked why she is seeking office, Vazquez said in our candidate questionnaire, "I'm running because I want the people who live in Pasco to have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect our lives. We're sitting in traffic, worrying about flooding, and watching new development get approved while roads, drainage, and schools struggle to keep up."

Candidate information

Residence: Wesley Chapel

Party: Democrat

Family: Vazquez said in our questionnaire, "My husband and I have a blended family of six children, and we call Wesley Chapel home. Raising a family here makes the issues facing Pasco personal to me, from our schools and neighborhood safety to the traffic we sit in and the cost of everyday life."

Education: Vazquez said she holds "a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University, a master's degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of South Florida, and a master's degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University."

Background: Vazquez said in our questionnaire, "I grew up in poverty, and I know what it feels like to work hard and still struggle to get by."

Experience and public service

Vazquez said she has not previously held elected office. Asked about her work history, she said in our questionnaire, "I'm a Marketing Manager at Northeastern University, where I work with teams across the university to help people access education and advance their careers. My work involves strategic planning, managing budgets, and bringing people together to get things done."

She added, "Previously, I served as Public Information Officer for the City of Zephyrhills … I also served as Vice President of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking." Vazquez said she is an Air Force veteran whose "experience spans military service, local government, nonprofit leadership, and higher education."

Vazquez said she served five years on the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, with three years as vice chair.

On the issues

Growth management: Asked about the commission's biggest growth-management mistake, Vazquez said in our questionnaire, "The biggest mistake has been approving growth without making sure the infrastructure can support it. When roads and drainage are already struggling, another approval has consequences for everyone who lives nearby."

She said, "Before approving a rezoning that allows more development, I want clear answers about what infrastructure is needed, who will pay for it, and when it will be ready … If there isn't a workable plan, I'm willing to vote no."

What sets her apart: Vazquez said, "I haven't taken a dime from developers. My campaign is grassroots, and I've spent my time talking with residents about what they need from county government." She said she wants "public meetings after work hours so more residents can participate, clearer information about county spending, and real government accountability."

What motivated her run: Vazquez said, "What pushed me to run was seeing the same concerns come up over and over, without enough changing … I don't think you should have to be wealthy, politically connected, or a developer to have a say in our county's future."