Home Upcoming Event Open Letter Essays on the State of the County Campaign Shirts and Stickers About the Candidate Robert Connors, 46, is a long-time resident of Polk County, having moved here in the 1950's with his family. He grew up in Lake Wales, attended Polk County public schools in Lake Wales and Frostproof, and Barry University in south Florida. Robert worked for 12 years in the insurance claims industry, and served as a property claims investigator for Johns Eastern Company. He is married to the former Susan Cihocki of New London, CT, and has one daughter and two grandsons, all living in Polk County. Robert and Susan Connors He first sought public office in 1990, when he was elected Polk County Commissioner, serving with distinction. As Commissioner, Robert was a leader in working for a county program to acquire and protect endangered natural areas, resulting in the eventual adoption by Polk County voters of the CLASAC program. A fiscal conservative, he voted against a ten-percent increase in property taxes, but supported a one-cent increase in gas tax for local road maintenance. He refused compensation for personal travel expenses within the county, returning thousands of dollars to county coffers. An activist commissioner, Robert Connors successfully opposed construction of a facility which would have imported dangerous hazardous waste for incineration in Polk County. He worked to expose waste and improper activities within local government, and brought a halt to illegal dumping in unlicensed pits. While commissioner, Robert served on the board of a state-wide public insurance trust, bringing the program back from the brink of default to renewed stability. Connors worked for neighborhood empowerment, and opposed intrusive commercial development in residential areas. Robert left his commission seat upon the completion of his four-year term in 1994, when he won nomination for election to the United States Congress. He lost to the incumbent in the general election, and returned to private business. Robert believes strongly in giving back to the community, and making the world a better place. Since leaving office, he has remained active in the community, and serves on numerous civic boards of directors, including: The Florida Bi-Partisans Civic Affairs Group (president), The Kiwanis Club of Lake Wales (director), The Lake Wales Airport Board, Polk County Green Partners (president), Lakes Education / Action Drive (director), Ridge Audubon Society (director), and the Conservation Land Acquisition Selection Advisory Committee (director). He performs volunteer work for many area causes including Habitat for Humanity, the Black Hills Passion Play, Lake Wales Little Theatre, The Literacy Council, Pied Piper Players, Polk County School District, and The Depot Museum. Robert's personal interests include reading, dramatic arts, sailing, computers, and history. With his wife he has traveled extensively in the US and Europe. He especially enjoys Italy, and is a self-taught speaker of Italian. Professionally, Robert is a business consultant and writer, and co-owner of INsight America. He has written numerous newspaper and magazine articles, and has recently completed a novel based on the history of Florida. Return to Robert Connors Home Page Upcoming Events with Robert Connors An open letter to voters from Robert Connors Essays on the State of the County Send email to Robert Connors Paid political advertisement, paid for and approved by Robert Connors campaign fund.