Four years ago I ran for public office in the midst of COVID-19, where businesses were closing, citizens were unemployed and the economy was in shambles. With the assistance of government, the economy has revitalized (investment with Amazon) and more of our citizens are employed and on the road to enjoying the American dream. Now, in the aftermath of devastating tornadoes and massive flooding, I believe the strong partnership between government and the business and private sector community is essential to again grow our economy and stay on the path of economic vitality. I am asking the voters to allow me to continue my role as Commissioner, because experience matters.

There are several avenues of approach for Leon County to reduce it carbon footprint. 1. The County has a 5-year target to: a. reduce greenhouse emissions by 25% and has reached 15%; b. increase the use of electric vehicles by 500% and has replaced 13 vehicles with electric vehicles to date; c. increase solar power d. required entities contracting with the County to have a certain level of electric vehicles in their fleet.

Based on my observation, I believe the ethics rules adequately cover the parameters of permissible and impermissible behavior for lobbyists. At this point I am not aware of any complaints of anyone stepping outside of the boundaries established by the rules and regulations.

Leon County plays a major role in the provision of affordable housing and increased rental units for households that earn 50% or less than the area median income. Affordable rental developments tend to be multi-million dollar projects, hence, the County supports federal tax credits and tax exempt bonds that allow developers to build and provide housing for low income households at below market rates. Leon County also established the Housing Finance Authority which issues tax exempt-bonds, and recently issued 183 million in bond financing that will yield 1,200 new affordable units within the next 12 to 24 months. Leon County also invested 5.7 million in direct funding to the Orange Avenue Redevelopment Project.

I have been keeping up with Local Politics for several Decades now and just got tired of only hearing about the Issues at Election time. I get frustrated every time I see the Commissioners not listening to the Citizens at the Meetings. Where I am pretty sure I can make a difference is, Reeling in Wasteful Spending and Bringing Communities together, but I will work hard at lowering the Crime Rate, work hard to improve the Local Economy and fight against raising any Taxes, especially Property Taxes. I want to help move Leon County in a Positive Direction.

To reduce the amount of Greenhouse Gasses released into the Atmosphere, we can continue what we are doing with Solar Energy and build on it. I would also like to see, and I would encourage, the County and City to begin purchasing Hybrid Vehicles when it is time to replace their ICE Vehicles. The County needs to become more stringent on Preventive Maintenance at the Wastewater Treatment Plants and Sub Stations to prevent more Sewage spills.

Personally, I think Ethics Rules should be more Stringent. County Commissioners and Staff, Program Staff such as Blueprint, CSC and others should be held accountable, not allowed to accept any Gifts period and should have to report when they are offered Gifts and by whom. Lobbyists on County Payroll should be held to the same if not to higher standards. Backroom Deals should never be allowed or tolerated. Disciplinary action should be handed down equally at all levels when need be. Transparency is key.

I would continue to work with both the County and City Commissioners, the Housing Programs and other Agencies on Affordable Housing issues and work with the group to help improve upon it.