Gwen MyersGwen Myers

This one is easy. Democrat Gwen Myers has the experience and a strong grasp of the ins and outs of county government. Her opponent doesn't.

Myers, 72, is a former state tax auditor who spent 25 years in Hillsborough County government and retired in 2013 as a supervisor of healthcare programs. In 2020, she won a special election for a vacant county commission seat. Two years later, she ran unopposed.

Myers is active in her district, which covers East Tampa, Ybor City and Progress Village, and she is strong on healthcare, social services and housing issues. She wants to expand transit options to help make the county more affordable for workers. She favors securing state and federal funds to build a light rail system and expand bus rapid transit lines. She also wants to widen existing driving lanes and add bicycle lanes.

Republican Luiz F.F. Garcia, a USF grad who runs Just Love Coffee Cafe in Brandon, is personable and appears to care deeply about the county. But to be a serious candidate, the 28-year-old would need a much clearer idea of how local government works and what he hopes to accomplish.

We appreciate Garcia's willingness to participate in the democratic process, but Myers is the best option for District 3 voters.