Campaign Phone
727-433-4048
Education
B.A. - Trinity College, Hartford, CT; M.B.A. Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, IL; M.S. Financial Services -The American College - Bryn-Mawr, PA; Juris Doctor- Rutgers University School of Law - Camden, NJ
Professional Experience
Over 42 years' experience in Financial and Tax Counseling and Law; 17 years' experience as a City of Belleair Bluffs Commissioner
Public Service
City of Belleair Bluffs: 2006-2009 Member of Board of Adjustment and/or Planning Board; 2009-present City Commissioner
My background in Taxation and Financial Services has helped me to be knowledgeable in many of the issues our Commission deals with on a routine basis. My Law background helps me to understand and provide guidance in the issues Belleair Bluffs faces. I consistently work to utilize my education and experience to help preserve the unique nature of Belleair Bluffs.
1. Currently, all Florida cities including Belleair Bluffs are faced with a possible loss of a steady income stream from property taxes. The Florida League of Cities is leading the charge to try to stop Tallahassee from eliminating our source of revenue. 2. Florida is constantly facing a severe weather situation which could destroy infrastructure as well as public and private property. I am a member of The Florida League of Cities Finance and Taxation Policy Committee, which works diligently to preserve effective revenue sources for all Florida cities.
Belleair Bluffs has developed effective communications and procedures to help protect our citizens from the most severe damage to life and property. We are uniquely situated in that we sit on a bluff approximately 50 feet above the gulf water level. This unique location provides substantial, but not complete, wind and water damage protection to our residents and businesses. We contract with outside agencies and the City of Largo to provide swift issuance of Building Permits and Inspections to allow repairs and rebuilding in a timely manner.
As noted in the answer above, the idea of eliminating the primary source of revenue for all Florida cities is both irresponsible and impractical. Cities would not be able to provide adequate services such as Fire, Police, Water and Sewer, Education, Library, Public Works, and many other required services. Property values would decline and citizens would leave the state of Florida. Cities would decay as a result. The solution would involve a recall of all State, County, and Municipal officials who would be foolish enough to propose and/or vote for such a destructive concept. As a Commissioner, I would vote against such a self-destructive law. Moreover, if it were to be enacted, I would work to repeal it.
I am an active member of the Florida League of Cities. I have consistently voted for and been a proponent of Home Rule. Over the 17 years I have been a City Commissioner, I have been a strong proponent of Home Rule. There is a constant struggle for power by the State to control more of the actions of Florida cities, and the Florida League of Cities has played a big part of providing us with a tool to preserve Home Rule.
This is a difficult question to answer. As previously noted, I serve on the Florida League of Cities Finance and Taxation Policy Committee. Belleair Bluffs is a relatively small city and is fully built out. There are no building lots, and only a small number of inexpensive apartments and low-cost housing units are available. Most of our city dwelling units are single family houses or relatively expensive condominiums. Owners of single-family homes and expensive condos want the values of their dwellings to rise, not fall. Therefore, Belleair Bluffs residents are probably going to suggest that larger cities such as Clearwater and St Petersburg are more suitable for low-income housing.
Beach property is non-existent in Belleair Bluffs. The few waterfront lots in Belleair Bluffs are on the inland waterway and are not beachfront. Most Pinellas County beachfront properties are individually-owned, and beachfront homeowners are very protective of their properties. The primary funding sources for renourishment operations are the Federal and State governments. Beachfront homeowners are not willing to relinquish sufficient property rights to satisfy state and Federal requirements to fund beach renourishment. Thus, the dilemma continues.
Campaign Phone
4042594361
Education
BA from Ohio State University, Masters and Specialist of Education from Kennesaw State University
Professional Experience
Educator in Georgia for 22 years, currently a Realtor in Belleair Bluffs
Public Service
Member of Belleair Bluffs Planning Commission and Member of the 2025 Belleair Bluffs Ordinance Review Committee
As a Belleair Bluffs resident, local business owner, and former educator with 22 years’ experience, I bring practical leadership and a community-first mindset. Serving on the Planning Board and Ordinance Review Committee, I’ve worked on smart growth, home rule, and responsible development. I’ll focus on safety—especially traffic and pedestrian access—and fiscally responsible governance.
Over the next five years, our municipality must maintain fiscally responsible governance while adapting to changing revenue policies and rising service costs. I would prioritize disciplined budgeting, strong oversight, and transparent reporting to protect core services and deliver measurable results. A second challenge is strengthening the local economy through responsible business growth. I would support clear, predictable rules, efficient processes, and targeted improvements that help businesses succeed, broaden the tax base, and preserve the community’s character and quality of life.
Belleair Bluffs showed strong readiness, communication, and emergency response before and after the storms. I will continue to support our administrative staff and first responders. To strengthen future resilience, I would prioritize stormwater runoff solutions—maintenance, targeted improvements, and clear, frequent public updates so residents understand risks, projects, and how to protect their property. For recovery, I would push a streamlined, resident-friendly permitting process after storms and coordinated inspections. Regarding FEMA’s 49/50% rule, we need earlier guidance, consistent determinations, and proactive education so homeowners can plan compliant repairs.
Lower property taxes would be welcome relief, but it’s a double-edged sword if it forces Belleair Bluffs to make service cuts or makes our city dependent on Tallahassee for operating funds. If revenue is reduced without a reliable replacement, core services such as public safety support, stormwater and infrastructure upkeep, code enforcement, and quality-of-life amenities could be impacted. Locally, we should also pursue efficiencies and broaden the tax base through responsible business growth rather than shifting costs onto residents through reduced services.
Florida works best when the state sets clear statewide standards, but cities keep the flexibility to solve local problems. Too much preemption can limit a community’s ability to manage growth, protect neighborhoods, and fund essential services. I would redefine the balance by requiring stronger justification for state overrides, clear fiscal impact analysis and funding for mandates, and more room for local options and pilot programs, so local leaders remain accountable to residents while the state focuses on truly statewide needs.
With a community where most residents are homeowners, few rentals exist, and land is limited, the most practical path is preserving and improving the housing we already have. I would support programs that help income-qualified homeowners with critical repairs, maintenance, and resilience upgrades through grants or other aid. Helping current residents stay safely in their homes prevents displacement, reduces pressure on the limited rental market, and keeps more homes attainable over time.
Belleair Bluffs is the gateway to some of the world’s finest beaches. Beach traffic can be frustrating, but it also supports local businesses—so beach health matters to us, too. With renourishment getting harder to complete, I’d support coordinated regional planning with beach communities and the county, reliable funding strategies, and science-based projects that strengthen dunes and natural buffers for storm resilience.
Campaign Phone
7272396281
Education
B. S. Business Administration -- University of Kansas; J. D. -- University of Kansas
Professional Experience
Law Clerk to Justice Fred Six, Kansas Supreme Court; Partner and co-founder of Case & Roberts, P.C., Kansas City, MO
Public Service
Pro bono representation of low income in Kansas City Family Court; Commissioner of the City of Belleair Bluffs past 2 years
First, I love our unique city, which led me to seek this Office in 2024. Since taking office, I have graduated from the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials I and II and have developed good working relationships with the Mayor, other Commissioners and City Staff. My legal education and law practice experience enable me to identify and analyze legal issues that may come before the Commission. My B.S. degree in Business Administration and my law firm management experience are also helpful.
The top two challenges are: (1) The State Legislature’s erosion of local governments’ home rule power; (2) and Proposed state law changes to property taxes. Cities have unique resources, needs and problems, and local decision making to meet those unique issues is imperative as what might be good for Tampa is not necessarily good for other cities like Belleair Bluffs. The key to addressing these challenges is education of our citizens and transparency. If our citizens understand how their property tax dollars are being spent and the result of taking away the City’s portion of the property tax dollars without an alternate funding scheme, I believe our citizens will vote appropriately.
Belleair Bluffs sits high and dry, and sustained minimal damage from these hurricanes. The FEMA 49/50% rule did not come into play. Our City complies with all requirements of FEMA to have the most favorable insurance rates. Our debris pick up was quick: one each before and after Milton. We have taken steps to facilitate timely issuance of building permits. Under our old system, we would review building permits in our City and then transfer the issuance and administration of the permits to Pinellas County. Now, we have retained a private firm to handle all building permits, which enable the City more control over the permitting process and delays have been not a problem.
Most Florida cities main source of revenue is from a portion of property taxes, which fund essential services such as police and fire protection, emergency services and infrastructure. Until a provision is passed, it is difficult to assess specifically what services would be impacted, but police and fire protection would be prioritized to be protected. Belleair Bluffs has been expanding our revenue base by attracting businesses, such as our first hotel. If this issue is placed on the ballot, it is essential to educate the public on the distribution of their property tax dollars and transparency as to how the dollars are spent so that when this issue reaches the ballot the voters can make an informed decision.
As noted above, the State Legislature’s erosion of home rule is one of Florida’s cities’ biggest challenges. Cities need as much home rule power as possible to address each city’s unique issues. Cities and their local leaders are best situated to address unique local issues. As stated by the Florida League of Cities: Local voices for local choices. Examples of the State’s erosion of home rule are the proposals to eliminate or greatly reduce property tax, which is most cities’ primary source of revenue to provide essential services, without proposing any alternate funding source. Home rule should be strengthened, and the State should be restricted from imposing unfunded mandates.
Belleair Bluffs has a wide variety of houses and apartments in all price ranges,
including affordable homes, and has little if any undeveloped land to construct affordable and workforce housing. I am aware that there are proposals at the state level concerning ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units). If such a law is passed, it should contain provisions allowing some local control to maintain our community standards under our Code. I would also welcome and evaluate any proposal for affordable and workforce housing that should come before the City.
Because Belleair Bluffs is located on the intercoastal and close to the beach, many residents in Belleair Bluffs enjoy the beach, and businesses benefit from visitors to the beach. Preserving and protecting the beach and wild life is important. I support volunteer groups holding regular clean up events. I also support using hotel and short-term rental taxes to replenish the beach on a regular basis. I would also support state and federal laws aimed at the beach front property owner's failure to provide easements to allow access for such replenishment.
