My opponent has voted for more taxes and fees, at least 5 times in the past year.

While I had the privilege to serve as your commissioner I voted against bloated and wasteful government. I urged the Board to vote for an operational audit. I advocated against spending down the county reserves. I believe that the county should live within its means and not keep raising taxes.

Raising taxes discourages people and businesses from coming to our county. Raising taxes does not create a job-friendly environment. To raise taxes and fees in five areas of government, resulting in hundreds of dollars out of the pockets of our citizens, is wrong, especially in a depressed economy when Wakulla’s unemployment rate has almost doubled in the last four years.

I, like many of our citizens, do not especially like government micro-managing my life. But, we all must understand that some rules are needed in order to have a functioning and healthy society. If we don’t take care of our water, we will have polluted water. If we don’t take care of our wetlands we will lose them and it will cost every citizen more money. We cannot simply rely on the state or federal agencies to do what is right to protect our resources. We must take an active role to ensure the protection of our natural resources and our way of life. Our natural resources are a significant part of Wakulla’s economic engine both now and in the future.

Our environment is important and brings people, money and jobs to our county.

Our county government needs to be open and listen to its citizens. Our commissioners must respect all of our citizens and not just the citizens that they like or happen to agree with. They must encourage and value citizen input. That is not asking too much; it’s the civil and courteous way to conduct the county’s business.

Wakulla can do better.

This past month a terrific photographic exhibition opened at the Tallahassee Airport. Dr. David Moynahan, retired physician, renaissance man and Wakulla County resident, showed off his incredible photography. There was a full “house” or should I say airport lobby. If you have the chance to see his photos at the airport, you should. If not, google him and enjoy.

Bring your family and friends.

We’ll have great food, entertainment by Grant Peeples and an opportunity for me to explain how I would represent your interests on the Commission.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Time
Friday, March 30^{th
7:00 PM}

Place
Wakulla County Extension Center
Cedar Avenue between Hudson and Azalea Parks

RSVP on Facebook!

As a citizen I encourage the development of small businesses, the backbone of our country’s free enterprise system.

Through my life I have started and run businesses of different sizes. Knowing what is takes to keep your books balanced, knowing what it means to be responsible for making payroll for your employees who depend on you for their income, and knowing what it takes to be competitive in a competitive work place are vital to understanding small business.

I have done all of those things and have experienced the rewards of a successful business as well as its disappointments. In order to promote small business you need to experience being a small business owner. I can understand the struggles of our small business owners and I can help them.

We need to lower our taxes. Our county must learn to live within its means.

Create a Job Friendly Environment

With a more efficient and focused government we can lower your taxes, provide necessary services and make our county a more favorabledestination for businesses and jobs as well as a better place to live.

Provide Transparent and Accountable Government

Our county needs to be open and listen and respond to its citizens. I will keep you informed, seek your input, and voice your concerns.

Protect our Natural Resources

Our natural resources are an important economic driver. Preservation of our resources is vital for a successful Wakulla County. Our environment attracts businesses, tourists, and people.

We live in a shared region and we are impacted by the actions or inactions of our neighbors. How we grow affects our common quality of life.

I care about the quality of life in our region and you can trust me to work hard to preserve that quality of life and the natural resources we all value and share.

The concept of a bike pedestrian path, Capital City to the Sea Loop, that will cover 120 miles and bring not only people but jobs to our area as it continues to be developed, is a concept I brought forward while serving on the Capital Regional Transportation Planning Agency. Healthy sustainable jobs supporting healthy and sustainable activities; that is just one example of a healthy way to grow.