By Andrew Meacham, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Times Staff Writer
TEMPLE TERRACE — Ophthalmologist Ray Sever moved to Hillsborough County in the late 1960s, a time when civil rights, gay rights and the women's movement were all developing.
But in Hillsborough County, only two women held elected office. That went against his grain, so in 1972 he campaigned for Betty Castor for the Hillsborough County Commission.
She won, becoming the first female commissioner.
He did the same for Fran Davin, who ran successfully for County Commission in 1974; for Helen Gordon Davis, who in 1974 became the first woman from Hillsborough County elected to the state House, and former commissioner and current clerk of courts Pat Frank.
"He really believed in women, and in women having the brains to be just as good as men or better in politics," said Davis, 83.
Dr. Sever died at home ...