Chris Berardi announces bid for state House seat
By DREW WINCHESTER
dwinchester@breezenewspapers.com
Former Cape Coral City Council member Chris Berardi announced this week his intent to run for the State House of Representatives District 74 seat, which opened up once Gary Aubuchon declared his intent to seek the District 14 congressional seat.
Berardi said he had planned to run for the seat during the 2014 election cycle, but Aubuchon’s intentions ramped up Barardi’s plans to 2012.
Aubuchon has served in the District 74 seat since 2007.
“Aubuchon’s announcement changed the time frame but not the actual plans,” Berardi said. “I have the same desire to serve the citizens and help bring jobs to the area.”
District 74 includes Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island and portions of North Fort Myers.
Berardi served as city council man in 2007
According to a prepared statement, Berardi, 40, is a graduate of University of Dayton. He worked as a district manager for a Fortune 100 company and moved to the Cape Coral area in 2000. A Realtor since 2002, Berardi currently is the president elect of the Cape Coral Association of Realtors. He’s a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Civic Association, Republican Executive Committee and Faith Presbyterian Church.
Berardi said he would focus on job creation, education and reducing regulations.
Berardi said he was also going to focus on building bridges between Tallahassee and local governments.
“So many of the goals we try to accomplish require some help, input and the ability to be on the same page with out local officials,” Berardi said.
“The ability to know your constituency is vital,” he added.
Berardi joins Dane Eagle in the District 74 race. Eagle was member of for governor Charlie Crist’s cabinet.
A website and official campaign kick off party are still in the works, according to Berardi.