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Professional Experience
1985-1988 Transportation Analyst, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (KHA), 1988/1989 VP KHA, Self Employed 1989-2026. Sold O'Rourke Engineering & Planning in 2024
Education
BS in Engineering Science, Vanderbilt University
Campaign Phone
7724758088
I have lived in Martin County for over 24 years, raising my sons here and serving the community through church, civic, and charitable organizations. I have been a business owner for over 35 years and in the practice of engineering for over 40 years. I have developed the professional, logical and analytical skills for problem solving and working across various organizations and stakeholders to achieve the best results. I have developed and honed my business acumen running a small business as well as managing and participating in large- scale public works projects. My involvement in public sector transportation projects coupled with my understanding of the private sector makes me uniquely qualified to serve the county.
The state has taken a strong position on bringing local agencies in line with the overall goals of the state regardless of individual County goals. I plan to aggressively represent our local position while understanding the state’s position to avoid a stalemate that results in the State imposing a “worse” situation on the County. I do not believe we can sue our way out of these situations. I believe we can minimize or avoid these situations by understanding what is at stake when we are negotiating. However, if we find ourselves with an onerous law, I would propose language and processes within our plans and regulations to offset and minimize the impacts.
I would look to life cycle costs to see if we can modify the frequency with which we provide certain services, building maintenance, restoration, pavement. Similarly, delaying replacement of certain items. I also, would propose a portion of the sales tax be returned to the originating County. I would address user fees on non- essential services and look to the private sector to invest in or sponsor services or capitol purchases in areas of aligned interest.
If these steps do not get us in balance with our budget, I would look next to those areas outside of Fire and Sheriff departments where we exceed levels of service, meaning we could cut and still be in compliance with our Comprehensive Plan.
I would like to establish a baseline on the unhoused and what are the "growing needs" ; quantity, local folks or people moving in from another area, demographics and location, causes and constraints to return to being housed to create a basis for policy related to this population. Shining light on a topic is the first step to getting it discussed and action taken. I will collaborate with local agencies operating in this space, state legislators and law enforcement to understand, assist and minimizing impacts to and from this community. Addressing housing demands and costs at all levels is critical.
The mental health pod at the jail and other mental health dollars were vetoed. I will work with the legislature to restore funds.
My position is to follow the lead of those who have fought the good fight before me. We have a multi -tier approach here in Martin County. From the individual homeowner to the Corp of Engineers, and every agency in between, we have created a network to restore water flow and provide clean water. Our Comprehensive plan spells out restoration of water flow, restoring hydrology through maintenance of our connections, purchasing key lands, preventing run off, planting native and removing exotics. Remaining vigilant and working together on projects that no single agency can create alone has set us up for further improvements. My commitment is to join that fight and maintain and encourage best practices as they evolve over time.
Professional Experience
Private Chef
Education
Martin County Highschool
Campaign Phone
7727730358
My qualifications for serving on the Martin County Commission are rooted in a lifetime of community service, small business ownership, and working directly with residents to solve problems. As a Realtor, private chef, and small business owner, I understand the opportunities and challenges facing working families, entrepreneurs, and seniors. My work has taught me the importance of fiscal responsibility, customer service, and building relationships based on trust.
For more than a decade, I have been actively involved in serving Martin County through community advocacy, volunteerism, and civic engagement.
Home rule is an important principle because local leaders are closest to the people they serve and best understand the unique needs and priorities of their communities. While the State of Florida has the authority to establish statewide policies, county governments should retain meaningful flexibility to address local issues whenever possible.
As a County Commissioner, I will work to ensure Martin County has a strong voice when state actions affect our community. That means listening to residents, collaborating with our legislative delegation, neighboring counties, and local stakeholders, and advocating for policies that protect our quality of life, natural resources, property rights, and long-term economic health.
Property taxes fund many of the essential services that Martin County residents rely on, including public safety, emergency services, parks, libraries, infrastructure, and other core county operations. Any significant reduction in property tax revenue could have a substantial impact on the county's ability to provide those services.
If the state changes the property tax structure, the County Commission should first conduct a thorough financial analysis to understand the full impact before making decisions. I believe we should prioritize protecting essential public services, identify opportunities to improve efficiency, and carefully evaluate all available revenue options permitted by law.
County government must respond with transparency .
I have seen firsthand that no single organization or government agency can solve this challenge alone.
As a County Commissioner, I would support a coordinated approach that brings together county government, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement, businesses, and community partners. We should focus on expanding access to mental health and substance use services, workforce development, job opportunities, and pathways to stable housing while connecting people with the resources they need to regain independence .life experiences have taught me that every person deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to succeed. If elected, I will bring that perspective to every decision I make.
As a County Commissioner, I would support policies that improve water quality, strengthen stormwater management, encourage responsible growth, and protect environmentally sensitive lands. I believe development should be carefully planned so that it does not compromise our natural resources or increase flooding and pollution.
Protecting these ecosystems also requires strong partnerships. I will work collaboratively with state and federal agencies, local governments, environmental organizations, scientists, and residents to advocate for science-based solutions that restore and preserve our waterways while respecting private property rights and the needs of our community.
I believe we can grow responsibly while protecting the natural resource
