In The News Former State Legislator, Art Argenio, Files For State Bid To Represent Treasure Coast VERO BEACH — An anti-tax Tea Party founder is going to take on a deeply entrenched Republican on the Treasure Coast. Former state Rep. Art Argenio has dropped out of what was billed as a potentially bitter Republican primary rematch against state Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, in order to take on freshman House member Debbie Mayfield, R-Vero Beach. Argenio, a Fort Pierce resident and founding member of the Treasure Coast Tea Party in St. Lucie County, said Mayfield has been personally helpful and a steady Republican vote, but he disagreed with Mayfield regarding her votes to increase fees, as well as use trust fund money and federal stimulus dollars to balance the budget. Argenio said she wasn’t as aggressive as he would be on conservative issues. Finally, Argenio considered her support for the SunRail system in Central Florida during the December special session the tipping point in his decision. “I thought it was done in Pelosi-esque style. She voted for what I consider the SunRail stimulus bail-out debacle,” Argenio said. “When this happens on the federal level, you have Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and others, and FOX News, crying from the rooftops. When it happens in the state of Florida, you have Art Argenio and Ed Dean (editor of the Brevard Political Journal) crying at the rooftops.” District 80 includes most of eastern Indian River, St. Lucie and Brevard counties, and goes west into northern St. Lucie County. Negron also voted in favor the state putting up $610 million towards the 61-mile commuter line as a means to improve the state’s chance to land $2.5 billion from the federal government for a high-speed rail system. However, Argenio said, “My inclination was to run for the House (a year ago), I ended up running for the Senate because I thought she was going to do a good job.” Argenio had filed for the state Senate District 28 race nearly a year ago, but decided against opposing Negron in last year’s special election to replace Sen. Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, who retired early. Negron, still expecting to face opposition in the fall, said he isn’t going to change his campaign strategy now that he has no announced competition. “I still plan to run a strong grass-roots campaign and to make my case to the voters on why I deserve the opportunity to serve,” Negron said. Argenio, who served in the state House after winning a 1999 special election for District 82, only to be defeated by Negron in 2000, said it would be fair to consider the 2010 District 80 House primary race a contest between “party establishment against conservative principles.” Mayfield, who has maintained strong Republicans backing since she ran in 2008, started this year with $109,120 in her campaign account. Argenio said he’s returned the more than $9,000 he received from contributors to his Senate campaign, holding on to the $10,000 from the Republican Party of Florida. He also put $40,000 of his own money into the campaign. Former State Legislator, Art Argenio, Files For State Bid To Represent Treasure Coast After nine years in the private sector, former District 82 Representative, Art Argenio, has thrown his hat back in the ring, running for the State Senate, district 28. He noted that the recent drift to the left in all levels of government and the “politics as usual, all things to all people” crowd has pulled him back into the fray. Known for his strong conservative positions, the prominent chiropractor plans to run on school choice, sanctity of life, property tax cuts and a return to the original intent of our founders. Argenio sees his 40-20-20 for Freedom of Education plan as a win all the way around. “I think everybody should love this plan as it gives parents choice; the public schools benefit with less responsibility; and best of all, money back to the people. “For those who opt to stay in the government schools nothing would change; for those that opt out of government schools this is how it would work: “Forty (40) percent of the cost of public education would go to the parent in the form of a voucher for the school of their choice. “In most cases this would cover the cost of tuition. If it does not, it will be the parent’s responsibility to pay the difference by private scholarships and/or their own contribution. “And Twenty (20) percent will go directly back to the people as a reduction in property taxes,” he said. District 28 includes parts of Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach and Okeechobee counties. Dr. Argenio, formerly of Hobe Sound, currently resides in North Hutchinson Island with his wife and daughter, a student at the Masters Academy in Vero Beach. Dr. and Mrs. Argenio attend the First Church of God here. The family also owns a popular 24-hour gymnasium and fitness training center in the Indian River Mall. To learn more about Dr. Argenio, residents and visitors may contact him by calling (772) 464-0969. “For the next few weeks, I plan to listen to the residents, learning from each about what needs to done to improve the quality of life for all on the Treasure Coast. I have my own ideas, but ideas from voters are most important.” |
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