The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners is the governing body of Sarasota County. It consists of five members, one elected from each of the 5 single member districts. Board races are staggered and conducted on even numbered years at the General Election. Commissioners serve four year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms. In December of each year the Commission elects a Chairperson, who presides at commission meetings. The Board of County Commissioners appoints a County Administrator who is responsible for all county administration and operation. The County Commission meets at least twice a month. Salary: $112,580View a recording of our June 18 forum here.
As a 45-year Sarasota resident and retired Police Sergeant, I bring a unique blend of public service and private sector experience in finance and real estate. During my 30 years in law enforcement, I worked alongside local, state, and federal agencies to combat human trafficking. Having also served on the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee and Traffic Advisory Board, I deeply understand our safety, infrastructure, and environmental challenges. This background equips me to manage growth responsibly, demand fiscal accountability, and prioritize infrastructure first. My lifelong commitment to serving and protecting our community makes me the best candidate for District 4.
My experiences drive my 'Infrastructure First' policy: development must never outpace stormwater capacity. I will hold staff accountable for rigorous environmental studies before any approvals. Crucially, when developers drain retention areas for new construction, we must strictly monitor the runoff so it doesn’t pollute our natural waterways. We must also guarantee our drainage systems can actually handle this excess capacity to prevent flooding our existing neighborhoods."
During the pandemic, inflated property values created a windfall in tax revenues, and the county went on a spending spree. Now, as property values cool and a proposed homestead exemption threatens further revenue loss, we face a projected deficit of nearly $38 million by 2029. My background gives me the expertise to navigate this correction. We must immediately cap spending, halt non-essential capital projects, and refocus every tax dollar on core priorities like infrastructure and public safety, rather than draining our reserves.
The balance of power has shifted too far toward Tallahassee, eroding Home Rule. It must be redefined to restore local control. While state baseline standards are necessary, continuous legislative preemption prevents us from managing our unique challenges. The best government is local government. Sarasota County must maintain the authority to enforce our 'Infrastructure First' policies, protect our waterways, and control local zoning without state mandates overriding our community's will.
This housing crisis extends far beyond Sarasota, but we must do a better job locally. My real estate and finance background shows me firsthand the struggle everyday citizens and our workforce face in securing a home. We must protect local control and avoid relying on controversial state mandates or high-density zoning overrides. Instead, we should explore alternatives like expanding down-payment assistance, fostering employer-sponsored initiatives, and aggressively pursuing federal grants
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