Politics & Government

Riverview Chamber President Set To Run For County Commission

Donna Lee Fore, whose family business, P.F. Auto Glass, has been in business close to 20 years, has announced her bid to run for the District 4 seat.

Donna Lee Fore, this year's president of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, has announced her intentions to run for the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, for the District 4 seat now held by Commissioner Al Higginbotham.

With term limits set to hit, Higginbotham is running for an at-large seat.

In a telephone interview last week, Fore gave her reasons for running for public office.

"I know how it feels to be a small business owner, I've been in business for more than 19 years," said Fore, whose family business is P.F. Auto Glass. "Every time we try to expand we get squeezed out by larger businesses. I want to be a voice for the small business owner."

Another issue close to her heart is the environment; she noted that her business "butts up to a pond and wetlands."

"I leave here every day worried about what they're going to build on the other side of it," she said. 

Noting as well the controversy over the big-box retail and apartment complex development on Bloomingdale Avenue, Fore said the commission "needs to listen more to the people."

"I was very upset over the Bass Pro Shops issue," she added. Despite opposition, she said, "The county commissioners have this attitude, 'We're doing this anyway because this is what's best for you."

Fore said her decision to run came after "talking to family and friends" and "praying a lot about it." She "decided to make it official last week" and seeks over the months to obtain the signatures needed to forge ahead. Candidates running for office have a choice: secure the signatures or pay a filing fee.

"I don't have a dime to my name, I'm just a person who cares," she said. "I'm not a politician, I'm just a small business owner who has a heart for the community."

Fore said she needs 2,100 signatures by May 15 to move forward. 

The district she aims to represent includes Brandon, Riverview, Plant City and Sun City voters.

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This article first appeared July 23, 2013.


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