Conservative radio host and Florida House candidate Fabian Calvo is slumlord, critics say

CLEARWATER — While campaigning for the state House of Representatives, property owner and radio host Fabian Calvo has touted his skill in running a $20 million real estate company that spans the state.

"I am a successful small-businessman who believes state government should be run like a business," Calvo wrote in campaign literature. "This is the type of leadership that is needed in Tallahassee, leadership from the small business world, people that have created jobs, paid payrolls, balanced budgets."

Renters and former property managers of Calvo say that's precisely his problem. He's a slumlord, they say, alleging he fails to pay his debts and lets property degrade into disrepair. Two ex-employees are taking him to court.

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Calvo doesn't hide his politics. His weekday talk show, broadcast on 1340-AM from 3 to 4 p.m., discusses daily news with a conservative nationalist viewpoint. His Web sites and Twitter feed rail against socialism, liberal policies and the Obama administration.

He hopes his conservative platform will win him the state House District 45 seat, represented by Dunedin businessman Thomas Anderson. Three other Republicans — Kathryn Starkey, Carl Folkman and Richard Corcoran — have filed to vie for the position in next August's primary election.

Calvo lives outside of the borders of District 45, which covers parts of north Pinellas and Pasco counties. He said he would move to Dunedin if elected.

Though considered a newcomer to the race, Calvo on Thursday earned his biggest endorsement yet: Pinellas Clerk of the Circuit Court Ken Burke.

"He's conservative," Burke said. "He's energetic. I think he's a person of values."

Allegations of misconduct, he said, are a side effect of running a company.

"I think if you see anyone in business for a long time," Burke said, "you'll see them involved in lawsuits."

His former managers couldn't disagree more. They said they're still waiting to be paid.

"He put his political career ahead of his payment plan," Wedemeier said. "If you're not paying your employees, you're putting your money somewhere."

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/radio-host-and-florida-house-candidate-fabian-calvo-is-slumlord-critics-say/1027956