City Councilman Endorses County Commission Candidate

David Pogorilich, who has served on the Temple Terrace City Council since November 2010, has announced that he is supporting Steve Cona, who is running for Hillsborough County Commission, District 6, a countywide seat.

Pogorilich said he has known Cona, of Westchase, for more than 20 years.

“Steve has always been direct in his business dealings and is a straight shooter,” Pogorilich said. “He is also very knowledgeable of the issues we face and has the drive and passion to see the issues through. All combined, I was and am proud to support Steve. I’m sure he will do a great job.”

Cona is running against Kevin Beckner, who was elected to the county commission in November 2008.

Cona, a newcomer to politics, has also received endorsements from State Sen. Jack Latvala and former State Sen. John Grant. He is the chief operating officer of Associated Builders and Contractors’ Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, a position he has held since 2007.

Pogorilich is chairman of the city’s and works as a construction consultant, testifying as an expert on construction matters. He also represents the city on the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.

In a press release, Cona stated that he is proud to have Pogorilich’s support and friendship.

“I look forward to working with him to consolidate duplicate services and streamline both of our governments,” Cona said in the release.

According to his campaign website, Cona wants to reduce the size of county government by eliminating wasteful programs and regulations, reduce property taxes by spending less money, and attract new businesses and expand existing businesses by better organizing government and economic development.

“As a separate community, the City of Temple Terrace needs a Hillsborough County Commissioner who will represent the entire county,” Pogorilich said in the press release. “We need someone that is familiar with the challenges facing our citizens. We need someone who knows how to get government out of our way and allow for the private sector to create jobs and that is Steve Cona. I am proud to offer him my endorsement.”

Cona graduated from and received a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from the . He has been married to his wife, Audra, for 12 years and has two children, Stevie, 10, and Giana, 7.