Incumbent
Yes
Education
Eustis High School, Eustis, FL; Furman University, BA, Greenville, SC; University of Florida, College of Law, Juris Doctorate, Gainesville, FL
City of Residence
Eustis, Florida
Campaign Phone
352-455-4633
Owning my own business, raising a family in Lake County, being actively involved in all aspects of our local community, and practicing law related to environmental, land use, property property and government law, make me uniquely qualified to tackle the most difficult issues we face in Lake County. I am committed to preserving our quality of life and our beautiful natural resources and rural landscapes as we manage incredible growth pressures we feel throughout our county. Having served as a city attorney in three cities in our County, I am well-versed in the necessity of efficiency in government and negotiating contracts that protect taxpayers. My understanding of land use law is an asset as we seek to prevent irresponsible growth.
In Florida, local governments rely on property taxes to fund essential services such as EMS, fire protection, and law enforcement; in addition, road safety projects and infrastructure are often funded through property taxes, as well as libraries, parks, and stormwater projects. The challenge of meeting the most basic functions of local government while also assuring our children have safe places to play, to attend summer reading programs, and we still have boat ramps available for families to use our amazing lakes, is going to require complete collaboration between cities and the County, and participation by the public in decisions regarding prioritization of levels of service. Creativity and adaptabilty will be a necessity in this process.
I believe that public workshops and outreach are essential to obtaining feedback and participation by the public. However, many residents and families do not have the time to actively participate in public meetings because they are making a living and handling the necessities of life. It is critical to obtain feedback from all sectors of the community through one on one discussions, and by being involved in the business community and all as,pects of the community so that we hear from everyone. This requires interacting with residents of all ages and stations in life. While surveys and public meetings are important, there is no substitute for one on one discussions to assure a broad cross section of views if heard and understood.
I am a common sense decision maker and a problem solver. I believe it is extremely important for an effective public servant to be responsive, practical, and energetic. I am a list-maker who each day tackles priorities of a large scale that impact our total community as well as priorities brought to me by constituents, whether it is a safety concern, a maintenance condition, or an idea for improving the quality of life of residents in Lake County. I am committed to keeping our taxes as low as possible while making decisions that give us the best value in the delivery of services. For example, I have worked very hard to improve EMS response times in Lake County through collaboration between Lake County and each of the cities in our County.
Incumbent
No
Education
Some college
City of Residence
Umatilla
I was born and raised in Lake County and understand the challenges our residents face because I live them every day. As a small business owner, I’ve learned how to manage budgets, solve problems, and make responsible decisions. I also served as Vice Chair of the Lake County Board of Adjustments, where I reviewed land use issues, listened to residents, and made fair decisions based on county policies. My experience in agriculture, business, and community service has prepared me to represent the people with integrity, transparency, and common sense. My focus will always be serving the citizens of Lake County—not special interests.
If voters approve Amendment 3, it’s our responsibility to respect their decision and adjust accordingly. County government should live within its means just like families and businesses do. I would support a thorough review of the budget to eliminate waste, prioritize essential services like public safety and infrastructure, improve efficiency, and delay lower-priority projects if necessary. Before asking taxpayers for more, we should ensure every tax dollar is being spent wisely and transparently. Responsible budgeting, not higher taxes, should be the first solution.
I believe the best decisions are made when the people affected have a voice. I’ll be accessible, hold regular community meetings throughout the district, attend local events, and encourage residents to share their concerns before major votes. I also support making county meetings more accessible so working families can participate. I’ll listen to all sides, communicate openly, and explain the reasoning behind my decisions. My job is to represent the people of Lake County, not make decisions behind closed doors.
I want voters to know I’m not running for a title—I’m running to serve. I’m a lifelong Lake County resident, a small business owner, and someone who understands the challenges our families face because I live them too. I’ll always put our community before special interests, be transparent in my decisions, and remain accessible to the people I represent. My priorities are protecting our rural character, preserving our waterways, practicing fiscal responsibility, and ensuring Lake County remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Together, we can build a stronger future while preserving what makes Lake County special.
