Ross Spano

Ross Spano
Member of the Florida House of Representatives
from the 59th district
Assumed office
November 20, 2012
Preceded by Betty Reed
Personal details
Born (1966-07-16) July 16, 1966
Brandon, Florida
Political party Republican
Spouse(s) Amie Spano
Children Kali, Vince, Caleb, Isaiah
Alma mater University of South Florida (B.A.)
Florida State University College of Law (J.D.)
Profession Attorney
Religion Christianity

Ross Spano (born July 16, 1966) is a Republican member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 59th District, which includes central Hillsborough County, since 2012.

History

Ross Spano was born in Brandon, and graduated from Brandon High School. He later attended the University of South Florida, where he graduated with a degree in history in 1994, and the Florida State University College of Law, receiving a law degree in 1998.

Florida House of Representatives

In 2012, following the reconfiguration of the Florida House of Representatives districts, Spano ran in the newly-created 59th District, and faced Joe Wicker, Betty Jo Tompkins, and Mike Floyd in the Republican primary. He emerged victorious with 40% of the vote, with Wicker close behind having 38% of the vote. Spano ran in the general election against the Democratic nominee, Gail Gottlieb. The Tampa Bay Times originally contacted Spano to interview him, but ultimately decided not to when he refused to meet with them. Instead, they endorsed Gottlieb, calling her approach "more sensible", and noting that Spano's plans, which included "reducing corporate taxes to create a business-friendly environment," have already been implemented in the state."[1] The Tampa Tribune concurred, observing that, despite the fact that Spano impressed them as "principle and qualified," the agenda that Gottlieb presented deserved attention.[2] In the end, Spano defeated Gottlieb with 51% of the vote, coming out ahead by 1,051 votes. On paper, District 59 is a true swing district, which leans slightly Democrat with 38 to 37 percent. .[3]

In the Florida House of Representatives, Spano serves on the Choice and Innovation Subcommittee, Civil Justice Subcommittee, Health Quality Subcommittee, Higher Education & Workforce Subcommittee, and Judiciary Committee.

While serving in the legislature, Spano authored legislation aimed at allowing human trafficking victims to move on with their lives by allowing judges "to vacate certain criminal convictions if the offender can prove that they committed them under duress," as would happen in a situation in which someone had been illegally trafficked.[4]

Personal life

Spano is currently married to Amie, his wife, and lives with their four children, Kali, Vince, Caleb, and Isaiah, in Dover. He works as a managing partner at the Law Firm of Spano and Woody Law. He remains active in the community, serving as a member of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Seffner Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Riverview Member of Commerce. Additionally, he founded the Brandon Business Network International Chapter and attends Bell Shoals Baptist Church.

References

  1. ↑ "For a better Florida House". Tampa Bay Times. October 18, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Gottlieb, Cruz and Harrison for state House". Tampa Tribune. October 6, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  3. ↑ "Ross Spano "excited" to have Dem contender for District 59 race". St. Pete Times]]. June 26, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  4. ↑ Johnston, Caitlin (April 18, 2014). "Human trafficking issue rises to the forefront". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
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