The City of Deltona operates under a Commission-Manager form of government consisting of 7 elected officials and an appointed City Manager. Residents elect, through non-partisan elections, a Mayor who represents the City at-large and six Commission members who each represent a specific district of the community. Elected officials serve staggered, 4-year terms, with a limit of two successive 4-year terms.The Mayor serves as the presiding officer at official meetings and as the ceremonial head of the City. A Vice Mayor is elected annually by the City Commission from among the Commission members. The elected officials serve with compensation as provided in the City s Charter and may request and receive reimbursement of actual expenses incurred while performing their official duties.The Mayor and Commission are responsible for the legislative and policy functions of City Government. These functions include appointing Charter Officers (City Manager, City Attorney); enacting ordinances, resolutions and other official acts necessary for the proper governing of the City; reviewing and adopting the annual budget; reviewing and acting upon recommendations of the City Manager and various boards/committees; appointing advisory board members; contracting municipal services for the City; and promoting the protection, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Deltona.
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1. Expanding our commercial tax base. Homeowners have carried the tax burden for too long. Rather than consume remaining open spaces, we should prioritize redevelopment. By partnering to revitalize vacant and blighted properties, we can transform them into productive, tax generating spaces. This will strengthen our local economy, help protect residents from future tax increases and provide quality services our residents deserve.
2. Creating a more business friendly environment is essential. By streamlining our processes, without compromising our standards, we position Deltona as a city that values responsible investment. For too long Deltona has watched promising business opportunities choose neighboring cities.
My priority is to focus first on the essential services residents depend on and deserve every day. A city budget should be built the same way most families build their household budgets; begin with the revenue we have, prioritize our necessities and make spending decisions accordingly. 1. Public safety. 2. Infrastructure & sanitation, 3. Stormwater. Once these core responsibilities are appropriately funded, only then should we consider additional initiatives based on available revenue or grants. Every proposed expenditure needs to be measured against its long term benefit, financial sustainability and whether is aligns with our city's strategic plan. We must distinguish between the needs and the wants, prioritizing the needs.
SB180 is a one size fits all approach. While I understand its intent , it assumes development and infrastructure needs are the same across all cities. What works in cities like Miami or Sarasota may not be suitable for Deltona. Local leaders and residents are in the best position to understand and respond to their city's needs. My concern with SB180 is that it limits home rule and reduces a city's ability to make development decisions. This weakens the voice of our residents. I believe strongly in preserving local input and decisions made impacting quality of life are made by those who live in the community. We need leaders who support home rule, and will collaborate to identify resolutions and resources that are mutually beneficial.
To improve collaboration with our county on growth and limited resources, such as affordable housing, we must understand we are not in competition. The success of one, strengthens the other.
We should establish more standardized and consistent requirements for affordable housing across the county. This will help provide clarity and ensure fairness while still allowing for local flexibility.
We also need stronger regional partnerships for pursuing grants and federal funding. Many funding resources prioritize collaboration at the city and county level, by working together, we will bring more resources then need to ensure Deltona receives its fair share based on population and need.
I will focus on restoring professionalism, respect and effective communication among all elected officials, to ensure our city functions in the best interest of residents. I bring leadership experience with diverse groups and differing viewpoints, and do not take disagreement personally. My approach is to identify common goals, build consensus and keep the focus on outcomes that benefit residents. When consensus cannot be reached, we should respectfully agree to disagree and move forward without allowing personal feelings or conflicts to block the progress our city needs. Public office is about service, not personal grievances. I will help shift the culture back to productive, solutions focused leadership that delivers results.
Over the last few years, Deltona has taken important steps to expand central wastewater capacity, positioning the city to expand services in a responsible, phased approach.
We already require some new residential development to extend sewar lines and connect to the system. I support making this standard for all new residential projects going forward, so new growth pays its fair share. The city should aggressively pursue grants to help fund expansion and assist existing residents who voluntarily choose to connect, including waiving fee costs to encourage participation.
Most importantly, new development must be held accountable for infrastructure costs before even considering financial impacts to existing residents.
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