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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Deltona Mayor

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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  • Candidate picture

    Santiago Avila, Jr.
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Maritza A. Vazquez
    (NON)

  • Candidate picture

    Jason Voelz
    (NON)

Biographical Information

• What are the two most pressing issues facing the city and how will you address them?

• What are your priorities in drafting and adopting the budget?

• Has the city been impacted by SB 180 which limited local control? If so, what is the impact and what ideas do you have to address the issue?

• How would you seek greater collaboration among cities and the county in the areas of growth and competition for limited resources such as affordable housing?

• What will you do to help improve the relationships among the elected officials including the mayor to promote collaboration and effective leadership?

• How do you propose to decrease residents’ reliance on septic tank systems and convert to central wastewater treatment?

Campaign Phone (386)487-9979
e-mail address savila@reelectavila.com
Campaign Website http://www.reelectavila.com
Campaign Facebook website http://www.facebook.com/reelectavila
1. Infrastructure and Flood Mitigation: Residents deserve reliable infrastructure and continued action on flooding and drainage concerns. As Mayor, I have secured millions of dollars for stormwater, water, and roadway improvements. I will continue pursuing funding, accelerating critical projects, and ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with our city's growth.

2. Economic Development and Job Creation: Deltona needs more jobs, restaurants, healthcare, and retail options close to home. I will continue advancing Uptown Deltona, supporting small businesses, attracting commercial investment, and expanding our tax base to create opportunities, strengthen city finances, and improve quality of life.
My priorities in drafting and adopting the budget are maintaining fiscal responsibility, investing in critical infrastructure, supporting public safety, and promoting economic growth. I believe residents deserve a balanced budget that protects taxpayer dollars while addressing the city's most important needs. That means prioritizing roads, stormwater and drainage improvements, water infrastructure, parks, and essential city services. I am committed to supporting our sheriff deputies, firefighters, and city staff while continuing to pursue grants and outside funding to reduce the burden on taxpayers. Every budget decision should focus on delivering measurable results, improving quality of life, and positioning Deltona for long term success.
Yes. Senate Bill 180 has limited local control by restricting a city's ability to adopt or amend certain regulations affecting development and business activity. For a growing city like Deltona, this can make it more difficult to address local needs and infrastructure concerns.

My approach is to work within the law while advocating for greater local decision making. We must continue ensuring growth pays for itself through responsible planning, infrastructure investment, and impact fees. Local leaders are closest to the community and should have a strong voice in shaping their city's future.
Regional challenges require regional solutions. I believe cities and Volusia County should work together to coordinate growth, infrastructure planning, transportation, economic development, and housing initiatives. Collaboration helps us compete more effectively for state and federal funding while avoiding duplication.

When it comes to affordable housing, we must focus on creating opportunities through strategic planning, workforce housing partnerships, and infrastructure investments that support responsible growth. As Mayor, I have strengthened relationships with county, state, and regional partners, and I will continue building those partnerships to meet future needs while protecting taxpayers and quality of life.
Effective leadership begins with respect, communication, and a shared commitment to serving residents. As Mayor, I will continue fostering an environment where elected officials can disagree respectfully while working toward common goals. I believe in listening to different perspectives, focusing on facts and solutions, and keeping the needs of residents at the center of every decision.

Strong relationships are built through transparency, professionalism, and collaboration. My goal is to promote productive dialogue, reduce unnecessary conflict, and ensure we remain focused on delivering results for Deltona rather than engaging in political distractions.
Reducing reliance on septic systems requires a long term, strategic approach that balances environmental benefits with affordability. I support expanding wastewater infrastructure in targeted areas where it is financially feasible and provides the greatest benefit to water quality and future growth. This includes pursuing state and federal grants, leveraging utility funding opportunities, and coordinating expansion with planned development. We must continue working toward a modern wastewater system while minimizing costs to existing residents and ensuring investments are made responsibly and sustainably.
Campaign Phone 386-956-6293
e-mail address maritzav0614@gmail.com
Property Tax Impacts – The upcoming property tax bill could significantly affect the city’s annual revenue. If passed, it may require the city to identify alternative revenue sources, which could potentially affect residents. This is an important issue to monitor closely, and residents should have a clear understanding of the bill before voting. I will work with city staff to help ensure residents are informed and to minimize potential impacts, particularly for those living on fixed or limited budgets.

Project Prioritization – Another key priority is ensuring that current and future projects are properly prioritized. The city should complete Projects A and B before moving forward with Project C. With six districts, each with its own unique
When adopting a budget, I would like to ensure that cities' priorities are met and that the funds align with our goals. We need to identify areas in need of immediate attention and not focus solely on their appearance.
I do look forward to seeing developers work closely with staff and elected officials to ensure that any future development aligns with the city plans and the safety of current residents and the beauty of our city.
Deltona has its own AHAC Board, which meets monthly. An elected official also meets quarterly with the state and other cities. The problem Deltona faces is that we don't have much land available to build affordable housing. We have tried to encourage developers to do so by offering many incentives, but have not been lucky so far.
Let the people speak! Work with residents by creating groups. Consider their input on their district's/city's needs. Keep promises made during campaigning.
That is a tricky question. This process is extremely expensive both to the residents and the city. We are currently working with staff to find a solution and available grants that will assist both sides. Currently, new developments are required to be hooked up to a sewer system. Planning continues.
Campaign Phone 3866034455
e-mail address jasonvoelz1@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook website http://www.facebook.com/arealvoiceforyou
Property taxes, Water Quality, and Flooding. I know you asked for 2 and these three are very important to me.
Giving Deltona a better government. I want to focus on being our own city.
Deltona was one of the first cities to file a lawsuit against the state for SB 180. I feel the city has taken the wrong actions in its efforts to fight for home rule.
We need a flood alliance in the county. Having every city working together. This would be the biggest collaboration I think the cities can do. Flooding impact housing and everyone in the community.
Improving relationships among elected officials starts with setting a consistent example of professionalism, communication, and respect. Something that is missing now in Deltona.
Reducing residents’ reliance on septic systems and moving toward central wastewater treatment requires long‑term planning and outside financial support. My approach is to hire a full‑time grant writer whose sole responsibility is identifying, applying for, and securing federal and state funding. Deltona cannot take on a citywide sewer conversion alone — the cost would be too high for residents, and I am not in favor of raising taxes to accomplish it.