Tatted Up Former Hip Hop Artist Runs for County Commissioner - "It's Time for a Younger Generation."

HERNANDO – He says the community needs new blood and that he's the right choice to represent the younger generation of voters in District 4 for County Commission.

Born on an Airforce Base in South Dakota, 35-year-old Anthony Arenz lived in New Jersey before settling in Spring Hill, where he has resided for the last 24-years.

Arenz admits he got a late start entering the race and that he's far behind his opponent Jerry Campbell in campaign contributions, but he says, "not to worry, it's still early." So far, Arenz has spent his own money printing campaign signs and cards, but he also has several businesses endorsing him.

Many of you may remember Arenz as the anti-bullying Hip Hop artist who used to perform for different charitable events around the county.

If there is an elephant in the room, it's definitely Arenz's multiple tattoos, especially the musical notes peppered on his face. But Arenz makes no apology for his appearance and says, "you cannot let your appearance, your scars, or imperfections determine your future."

Arenz says he's the only candidate who can walk down the streets of Brooksville and engage with a mostly Democrat, African American base to discuss local politics. "My youth and relation to the Hip Hop culture gives me an advantage, despite my support for President Donald Trump," says Arenz.

I asked Arenz what major issue he believes has been overlooked or ignored and how he would address that issue. Arenz didn't stutter when he said county inmates need a career program to help reduce recidivism. "I recommend giving inmates HVAC, plumbing, or electrical training," says Arenz. He also believes it would help relieve jail overcrowding if the county would change to gain time ratio from 1.5 days for every 40 to 2 days full days.

At 35, Arenz would be the youngest County Commissioner, but he says, "I just want to show them, and people need to realize, that my age demographic is going to be running the show one day."

Arenz did get some pushback from Veterans and fellow Republicans over the use of the word HERO on his campaign rack cards but Arenz, who is not a military veteran, says it's an acronym for Hearing Everyone's Respectful Opinions. Arenz says he in no way intended to steal valor away from U.S. Military Veterans.

Arenz, a diehard Trump supporter, always ends his speeches by stating, "We're going to do what we can to make this county safe, we're going to do what we can to make this county strong, we're going to do what we can to make this county rich, and I'm going to do what I can to make this county great again.

Arenz is up against former Domino's Pizza Owner Jerry Campbell and, if elected, he would be the second Domino's Pizza owner to sit on the County Commission at the same time. The other is current District 1 County Commissioner, Beth Narverude.