RESPONSE TO RECENT TEXT MESSAGES SENT BY SUPPORTERS OF STACY HAHN, CANDIDATE FOR COUNTY COMMISSION

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Since Stacy Hahn’s supporters have chosen to attack my heritage and personal background rather than defend her public record, let’s set the record straight.

 

My full name is Samad Sultan Rashid, and I am proud of it. My family was forced to flee Pakistan after a socialist government confiscated its businesses. I came to North America at nine years old and moved to Tampa in 1982 at age 20.  I am not some mysterious “Pakistani businessman.” I am an immigrant who built his life in Hillsborough County.

 

In 1985, at age 23, I started HOLTEC (USA) Corporation from my home. Over the next four decades, I built businesses, created jobs, paid taxes, raised my family and contributed to the community I have called home for 44 years. My conservative Republican record did not begin with Stacy Hahn. I have worked to elect Republicans and advance conservative principles for decades.

 

My public service includes appointments from Republican leaders Governor Jeb Bush, Governor Rick Scott and Florida House Speaker Johnnie Byrd. I also helped lead Marco Rubio’s original Hillsborough County campaign when he was polling at approximately 3%.

 

Years ago, I used an offensive term during a political dispute. I will not pretend otherwise. It was harsh but I stood by my words which, in my opinion, were well deserved of a lobbyist working against the best interests of county taxpayers and I hope it doesn't erase more than four decades of business leadership, conservative activism and community service—nor does bringing it back up years later answer a single question about Stacy Hahn’s record.

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Calling me a “millionaire with a grudge” is political theater. My opposition to Hahn concerns her votes, political associations and support for spending billions of taxpayer dollars on a privately owned stadium while Hillsborough County faces serious flooding, road, school and public-safety needs.

 

My birthplace is not a rebuttal. My success is not a scandal. And a racist themed attack is not a substitute for Stacy Hahn’s record.

 

I will not be intimidated, and I will continue holding politicians accountable.

 

I hope you make the right decision on Tuesday. You can learn my truth on this website.  Similarly, you can learn Stacy Hahn’s truth at https://www.votehillsborough.net/

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Pursuant to Citizens United v. FEC (2010), any dissemination by third parties of this message must note that it is independent

and not coordinated with any candidate or campaign or committee.

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