Donald E. Westlake

Donald Edwin Westlake (July 12, 1933 – December 31, 2008) was an American writer, with over a hundred novels and non-fiction books to his credit. He specialized in crime fiction, especially comic capers, with an occasional foray into science fiction or other genres. He was a three-time Edgar Award winner, one of only three writers (the others are Joe Gores and William L. DeAndrea) to win Edgars in three different categories (1968, Best Novel, God Save the Mark; 1990, Best Short Story, "Too Many Crooks"; 1991, Best Motion Picture Screenplay, The Grifters). In 1993, the Mystery Writers of America named Westlake a Grand Master, the highest honor bestowed by the society.

Personal life

Westlake was born in Brooklyn, New York, but raised in Albany, New York.

Westlake wrote constantly in his teens, and after 200 rejections, his first short story sale was in 1954. Sporadic short story sales followed over the next few years, while Westlake attended Champlain College of Plattsburgh, New York (now defunct) and Harpur College in Binghamton, New York. He also spent two years in the United States Air Force.

Richard Stark (politician)

Richard Stark (born July 26, 1952) is a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing the 104th District, which includes southern Broward County, stretching from Pembroke Pines to the Collier County border, since 2012.

History

Stark was born in New York City, New York, and attended the University of Denver, where he graduated with a degree in political science in 1974. After that, he moved to the state of Florida, where he worked as a private insurance agent, and for twelve years, lobbied the state and federal government to pass health care reform.

Florida House of Representatives

In 2012, following the reconfiguration of Florida House districts, Stark opted to run in the newly created 104th District, based in Broward County, including the cities of Pembroke Pines, Weston, Southwest Ranches and the Everglades Wildlife Management Area. In the Democratic primary, he faced Robin Behrman and Alanna Mersinger, and he campaigned on education reform, noting, "Of the people that are running in this race, I've spent almost the entire time as a private businessman but I do have an education background. I know what it's like to be on the education side. Education is really important to me." Stark narrowly defeated both of his opponents, receiving 39% of the vote to Berhman's 32% and Mersinger's 29%. Advancing to the general election, Stark faced Douglas Harrison, a former prosecutor and the Republican nominee. Though Stark was praised by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel for his plan to "bolster public education, particularly the state's universities and their ability to offer scientific and technical programs to help the state's workforce," the paper endorsed Harrison, citing Stark's likelihood to be a "reliable Democratic vote." In the end, Stark defeated Harrison in a landslide, winning 61% of the vote, and was sworn in later that year.