Daily SL
Citrus Commission chairman aims for state House
LAKELAND - Ben Albritton, a Hardee County resident and current chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, announced Wednesday that he will file paperwork the first week in April to become a Republican candidate for the District 66 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.
The seat is currently held by state Rep. Baxter Troutman, R-Winter Haven. State term limits prevent Troutman from running for re-election in 2010.
Another candidate, Leviticus Reed of Winter Haven, filed paperwork to run for the seat last month. He also is a Republican.
Albritton plans to go to Tallahassee to complete the filing paperwork on April 2, said his spokeswoman, Twyla G. Ely.
A statement released Wednesday said Albritton wants to reduce the "excessive paperwork and regulations Florida's small businesses face just trying to provide jobs in our communities."
"It is the government's place to create a business-friendly environment and allow small businesses the freedom to keep creating jobs," according to the statement.
Albritton is a sixth-generation Floridian and a fourth-generation citrus grower. He is a managing partner for Albritton Companies, a group of family-owned businesses involved in citrus grove ownership, citrus grove care and management, horticultural consulting, risk management and insurance.
Albritton touts "a family history firmly rooted in public service and leadership" and his "effective, servant leadership in a wide array of industry, civic organizations and ... home church."
Albritton earned a bachelor of science degree in citrus/business from Florida Southern College in Lakeland in 1990 and has completed graduate studies at the University of Florida. He also has gone through executive training at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.
Albritton and his wife, Missy, have three children: Rebecca, 10; Joshua, 7; and Ryan, 4. They live in Wauchula.
kara.phelps@newschief.com
posted by The I Ching Capers at 8:21 AM
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