Candidate Profile: FL Commissioner of Agriculture: Thaddeus Hamilton

Candidate: Thaddeus Hamilton

Office: Commissioner of Agriculture

Party: Democrat

Democrat Thaddeus Hamilton takes on incumbent Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam in the November 4 election. Hamilton has over 40 years of experience in agriculture and environment, having retired after 36 years from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Services.

While at the USDA-NRCS, Hamilton was honored by President Bush for outstanding service in Agriculture and Environment. He was also the first Chairperson of Broward County's $400 million land preservation advisory council, formed the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Advisory Committee and served on the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force Working Group.

Hamilton is a retired Lieutenant Colonel US Army, having served in the 3220th US Army Garrison Airborne, 1st Cavalry Division. He was HHB Commander 1/9 Field Artillery and an Instructor Commander General Staff College.

"It's time to unite the citizens, agriculture and environment to ensure that Florida is a sustainable state," says Hamilton. "It is time to put the needs, wishes and concerns of the citizens in the state of Florida first. Jobs and economic development, education, consumer protection, environment and agriculture must be our top priorities."