Aakash Patel is running for the District 7 seat on the Hillsborough County Commission.

TAMPA – Aakash Patel, a candidate for the Hillsborough County Commission, has commended Florida Gov. Rick Scott for saving the taxpayers dollars on rail.

Scott, who previously rejected $2.4 billion in federal funding for high-speed rail, announced recently a bid from private enterprise to build rail from Orlando to Tampa. The proposal from Brightline, the company currently building rail from Miami to Orlando, opens up vast opportunity for commuters and tourists, Patel said.

“Every day I hear from voters as I walk door to door and from businesses moving into Hillsborough County that we need expanded transportation options. I know that is a very important issue with our residents. I applaud Gov. Scott for sticking to his conservative principals and waiting out the market for a private initiative on rail,” Patel said. “This is a welcome compliment to travel options across our state and the governor, by refusing to use tax dollars previously, has now encouraged private enterprise to carry the burden. This is a strong move for our regional transportation and I support private transportation initiatives.”

Patel, the founder of Elevate, is running for Hillsborough County Commission District 7. He said he looks forward to working on issues important to residents of Hillsborough County including, transportation, economic development and public safety among many others.

The District 7 seat is currently held by Al Higginbotham. Also in the race for the seat are his fellow Republican Todd Marks; Democrats Ray Chiaramonte, Mark Nash, Kimberly Overman, and Sky U. White; and Green Party candidate Kim “KLARC” O’Connor.

The primary is Aug. 28. The general election is Nov. 6. The deadline to register to vote – or change parties – in the primary is July 30.

For information about Patel, go to Patel2018.com.

Photo shows Aakash Patel, left, and Gov. Rick Scott. Courtesy of the Patel campaign.

Aakash Patel | Rick Scott | Hillsborough County Commission | Politics | Elections | Tampabay News

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