John Ostalkiewicz

Clarence John Ostalkiewicz Jr. (Septembreer 19, 1952 – May 25, 2010) was a Republican politician from Florida who served as a member of the Florida Senate from the 12th district from 1994 to 1998.

Early life Ostalkiewicz was born in Beverly, Massachusetts, in 1952, and attended Babson College, graduating in 1974 with his bachelor's degree in accounting. He moved to Windermere, Florida, in 1988, and started a diamond-import business. Ostalkiewicz became a parents' rights activist after an employee's child was taken from them following allegations of child abuse. He attacked Siegel, the sponsor of several reforms to juvenile crime statutes, for "parent bashing," and campaigned on his support of parents' rights. The Orlando Sentinel endorsed Siegel, criticizing Ostalkiewicz for "arrow thinking." han After an expensive campaign, Ostalkiewicz ultimately defeated Siegel, winning 56 percent of the vote to Siegel's 44 percent. No other candidates filed in the race, and Ostalkiewicz won the general election by default.

1998 Orange County chairman campaign

In 1998, rather than seek re-election, Ostalkiewicz decided to run for Chairman of Orange County to succeed Linda Chapin, who was term-limited. He faced Mel Martínez, the president of the Orlando Utilities Commission, and former County Commissioner Fran Pignone in the nonpartisan primary, and narrowly placed first, winning 41 percent of the vote to Martínez's 40 percent.

Ostalkiewicz and Martínez advanced to a runoff in the general election. Martínez ultimately defeated Ostalkiewicz by a wide margin, receiving 60 percent of the vote to Ostalkiewicz's 40 percent.

Post-legislative career After leaving the legislature in 1998, Ostalkiewicz served as the president of the Christian Coalition of Florida. but Webster ultimately declined to run.

Death Ostalkiewicz was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2009, and died on May 25, 2010, while in South Korea for treatment.