Leadership and previous local government elected and appointed positions, along with strong communications skills, qualify me for the role of Commissioner. I consider myself a public servant, not a politician. I am independent of any outside influences and have not take contributions from any special interest group. I have always made a commitment to working toward the best quality of life for citizens of my community. I have served as a City Council member, member of plan and park board commissions, as well as other community boards, including the State of Indiana's Ivy Tech Board of Trustees.

I have not been "retired;" I have been continually engaged in local Sumter County issues since 2016.

First, and foremost, by ensuring that everyone pays their fair share – businesses and residents. I will also support and encourage sound economic development that provides jobs and an increase in overall taxable value. This helps spread the tax burden for everyone.

Areas outside of The Villages in Sumter County have felt "left out" and now, more than ever, it is time for the Commissioners to step up and address issues such as Fire & EMS, and growth and development. There must be an understanding that growth will pay for growth before new projects are approved. This may include increases in road impact fees and implementing a fire impact fee to ensure that all areas of the county can be served.

By always being accessible and listening to all perspectives, not just those of a puppet master.

The cities of Wildwood, Webster, Center Hill and Bushnell have city council meetings, and it is important that Commissioners attend periodically to understand what is important in those communities. Others, like Lake Panasoffkee, have monthly town hall meetings which is another opportunity to connect with residents. I have already attended most of these meetings to listen and gain an understanding of their hot button issues. Engaging with organizations such as the Property Owners' Association of The Villages is another way to hear from and connect with residents.

Impact fees, including fire impact fees must be used to fund new development infrastructure. Some development may need to be delayed if services and infrastructure cannot be funded. One of the most important issues facing the County now is funding the Sumter County Fire & EMS to what has been defined as "Level 3" services. This means that hard choices in funding will need to be made in other areas where funding may be used for these public safety services, and there needs to be a carefully guided funding plan to get to this level of service by the end of this current fiscal year and in years that follow.

I am guided by my values of Fairness, Integrity and Truth. I have been immersed in issues in the Villages and the County since 2016, as the contracted Editor of the POA Bulletin. I have attended Sumter County BOCC meetings and workshops, including budget workshops. I have been challenged to make sure the POA provides truthful, complete information to residents so they understand how decisions have been made about separating and paying for two Fire & EMS departments. I have tried to educate, through articles, about how the county is funded, to help voters understand how it came about that the Commissisoners in 2019 raised the property millage rate by 25%, and how it has come back to the lowest level in history. Educating voters is key.

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