Education
Duke University -BS in Engineering, MBA - University of Pittsburgh
Public Service
Chairman, Tampa Bay Water Board and Forward PINELLAS Board. Currently, Chairman - Board of County Commissioners, Board Member- Florida Association of Counties
Most development in Pinellas County is redevelopment and much current development has no water retention on site. Therefore, through constructive re- development actually comes the opportunity to improve the effects of sea level rise and localized flooding. Will continue pushing for on-site redevelopment storm water retention which enables new development to provide sites for much needed job opportunities in Pinellas. Economic development should be a primary focus for more and better jobs for our residents.
Hearing from our residents will be essential in developing the optimum package of services: what mixture of services best fits our county. No one approach of service mix will come without major adjustments: public safety and infrastructure preservation will remain the core mission of local government. If the premise in lower taxes for our is financial relief, then being "creative" for new revenue sou seems disingenuous. Access to parks, library services, to optimum community and neighborhood infrastructure preservation and social services will all be affected. With that addressed downsizing our sheriff's office and ancillary but needed services for our residents will also need to be addressed as all services will be affected.
Affordability and job access will be critical to address and develop. Therefore, addressing our own housing mix and PRESERVING our industrial lands for business sites for the right mix of companies and jobs will be critical. Working regionally with our neighbor counties for economic development with groups like Global Tampa Bay will help attract businesses to the TB region for our Pinellas County residents which will be critical. Ensuring that our inter county access for those jobs will be correspondingly important as well.
Home rule was developed for the expressed intent of respecting the uniqueness of our states 67counties by allowing residents and local government leaders to define their own "homesteaded areas". Ensuring that access to public hearings on new development continue is important. Allowing local communities to preserve their lands for their own development vision is critical. If the state passes laws that affect all 67 counties similarly then those changes should be considered but so should the aspect of controlling our own destiny be allowed.
TIF funding for our CRA's has always been a shared responsibility between our county and our 24 cities to uplift those communities. There are certainly many areas that have been enhanced but their future use should be carefully scrutinized as this county is pretty much built out and there are few "blighted" areas remaining. The spirit of capital investment has always gone through scrutiny through the budget process annually. Perhaps that budget process should include extraordinary projects anticipated, or at the very least highlighted in the review process of each project with at least two public hearings.
The major corridors within and between counties accessing jobs should be a focus. For those with little access to traditional transportation alternatives for employment, local alternatives to transportation should be supported. Continued efforts should be made to identify and support high use corridors for access to public sites like shipping and beaches and cultural activities. Availability should follow demand... For example, if the premise that young people prefer not owning a car with more use of transit were to develop then a financially viable system would grow organically.
Campaign Phone
727-717-6801
Professional Experience
Business owner and entrepreneur
I would balance economic development with rising sea levels by focusing on smart, resilient growth. That means guiding new development toward safer areas, strengthening infrastructure in vulnerable neighborhoods, and enforcing environmental protections that prevent costly damage. My goal is to support economic opportunity while making sure our community stays safe, livable, and financially secure for the long term.
Property taxes fund many of the services people rely on every day, including law enforcement, fire protection, roads, parks, and emergency services. If the state reduces or eliminates property taxes, counties will need a clear replacement plan before those changes take effect. I don't support shifting the burden to local residents through reduced services or hidden costs. My focus would be on protecting essential services, cutting unnecessary spending, and working with state leaders to ensure counties have the resources they need. Tax relief is important, but it must be done responsibly so we don't weaken the services our communities depend on.
Over the next five years, I believe our biggest challenges will be managing growth and maintaining affordability. More people are choosing to live in Pinellas County, which puts pressure on our roads, infrastructure, public safety, and natural resources. At the same time, rising costs are making it harder for families and seniors to stay in the communities they love. We need smart planning that keeps pace with growth while protecting our quality of life. We also need a fiscally responsible government that focuses on priorities, eliminates waste, and creates opportunities for economic growth without placing additional burdens on taxpayers.
I believe local governments are often in the best position to understand and address local issues. What works for one part of Florida may not work for another. That's why Home Rule is important. Counties should have the flexibility to make decisions that reflect the needs and priorities of their residents while still working within state guidelines. The relationship between the state and counties should be a partnership, not a one-size-fits-all approach. When decisions affect our neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life, local voices should have a meaningful seat at the table.
When you're talking about committing more than $100 million in public funds to a single project, taxpayers deserve a high level of transparency and accountability. TIF can be a useful tool when used responsibly, but projects of that size can have long-term impacts on our community and budget priorities. I believe residents should have a meaningful opportunity to review and weigh in on major financial commitments. Whether through a referendum or another strong public review process, the public's voice should be part of decisions that involve significant taxpayer resources.
Transportation affects everything from jobs and healthcare to education and quality of life. While Pinellas County has made progress, we still have residents who struggle to get where they need to go efficiently and affordably. I support improving transit by making existing services more reliable, expanding access in underserved areas, and strengthening connections throughout the county. We need solutions that work for working families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. My goal is to ensure transportation investments are practical, cost-effective, and focused on helping people get where they need to be safely and efficiently.
