Professional Experience
Currently serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for Leo's Construction Services, Inc., President of the Lake Wales History Museum, and Chairman of the Historic District Regulatory Board. Previously served as the Music Department Coordinator for Lake Wales High School and Director of Education for the Lake Wales Arts Council.
Campaign Phone
863-676-7185
I've had the privilege of serving my community for most of my life whether it was through my time as the Education Director at the Lake Wales Arts Council or through the various nonprofits I volunteer for. I'm an independent thinker and I am not beholden to one group of people, party, or ideas. I plan on prioritizing the well-being of all citizens of Lake Wales.
My top three priorities are:
1. Ensuring sustainable development that respects our history and prepares for our future through responsible growth
2. Fostering a thriving local economy where businesses and families can flourish
3. Uniting Lake Wales by bringing together diverse communities for a stronger, more cohesive city
Fully implementing the "Lake Wales Connected" and "Lake Wales Envisioned" plans addresses achievable economic development, connecting diverse communities, and the fear of overgrowth and sprawl here in Lake Wales. It's our best shot at achieving real positive change.
Through "Lake Wales Envisioned" we can address the challenges presented by affordable housing by incentivizing a diversity of housing options in Lake Wales, from apartments, to townhouses to cottage style homes. Doing this and infilling in the core areas of the city helps turn unproductive land into thriving affordable communities that are interconnected and walkable while at the same time discouraging unaffordable urban sprawl often promoted by predatory developers.
Communication and presence is key with these entities and I plan to be present and regularly attend any boards or organizations that I'm appointed to because not having a Lake Wales commissioner in regular attendance is detrimental for all Lake Wales citizens. I also plan to advocate for more Lake Wales voices on regional boards and organizations so our citizens our better represented in the decision making process.
Right now our current commission is hostile and discouraging of public comments. Public comments during a city commission meeting should be a place where all voices can be heard and welcomed. I would also advocate for public comments to be heard during city commission workshop meetings as well. All city board meetings should be recorded for more transparency and this would be something that I advocate for.
Professional Experience
Lake Wales Zoning Appeals Board, CEO/President Circle of Friends Ministry, Inc. Surgical Technician, Medical Office Manager, Board of Directors Circle of Friends Ministry, Inc., Entrepreneur
Educational Qualifications
Currently enrolled in my second year for my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. (from oldest to newest-not all my certifications are listed) Bank Teller Certification. Medical Transcription Certification. CCMA. Associates Degree Medical Office Management. CPR/BLS certification. Florida Notary, Food Handlers Certification.
I come from a fast-paced state of very diverse people and I myself have a diverse background that will help me connect to our growing diverse city population. I have experience in taking an NPO with 2 staff members, one payroll away from closing, and turning it around to where in just 4 short years we closed on a 1.1 million dollar property. My ideas for resolutions derive from real experiences.
1. Responsibly Managing Connected Plan.
Meaningful consideration for residents.
2. Affordable Housing Solutions.
There are many factors to resolving this issue ranging from getting accurate local details, to using available buildings and land, to addressing problems with current affordable housing contracts.
3. Businesses & Community Connection
It is important that we utilize what we have and build up working relationships between local NPO's, students, job seekers, and local businesses. I have extensive ideas on each facet of this that are too long for the restrictions of this response.
Research- Get an accurate view of who needs housing, what they can reasonably afford, and what can viably be offered as housing options before we can move forward on putting a proper resolution together. Assess vacant buildings for repurpose/mix-use
Rules-In the short-term we can open up some established affordable housing units being misused by residents.
Incentive-A portion of rent could be held in a savings acct. where at the end of lease will be released as a down payment for first home.
Collaboration will keep Lake Wales moving in the right direction with fewer undesired results. It is important to hold joint workshops on issues that impact organizations and entities as they affect Lake Wales. Workshops will help expose weaknesses in plans, strength in ideas, and will provide information about resources we may need to address complex issues we may face. Collaborating with these entities could prove useful for getting funding, bringing in businesses, finding useable resources.
Commissioners should hold quarterly townhall-style meetings where their constituents get to ask questions and give input. Then bring their constituents’ concerns to the commissioners during planned workshops where this input is used and considered in planning.
Livestreaming meetings and recording them are two ways to bring transparency to any situation. Access via livestreaming can be done with real-time monitored responses. Physical attendance and timed response is important to remain intact.
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