Responsible Growth and Development
As the sixth largest county in Florida, Osceola is the fastest growing area in Central Florida. Between 2000 and 2006, our population grew by an astonishing 41%. While growth and development has been a key factor in our economy for many years, inadequate long-term planning has created many challenges. Insufficient planning has passed many of the challenges associated with growth to the residents. The lack of long-term planning has left large parts of the county with aging, inadequate infrastructure, making it harder to accommodate our current and future growth.
Our vulnerability to flooding during storms and hurricanes in large swaths of our county are a direct result of the Commission's choices regarding growth and development. Our population growth has taxed the water and environmental resources tremendously. The county simply cannot support large unsustainable developments. It is imperative that we implement a responsible, long-term comprehensive plan that addresses and coordinates land use and development with future transportation, housing, educational, industrial, and recreational needs. We must protect our economy and natural resources from the perils of uncontrolled and irresponsible growth, motivated only by gain and profit.
Transparency in Government
When I talk about transparency on the Commission, what I mean is that citizens must be able to "see clearly" its workings. We all need, as residents of the county, transparency on the Commission. Commission decisions that are not transparent are prone to undue influence because there is no public discourse in the process of decision-making.
Transparency protects fairness. It ensures the common good, for every resident. When residents like you know what the Commission business is, you have knowledge that ensures Commission decisions treat everyone equally. That Commission decisions protect the common conditions that are important to everyone's welfare. Democracy depends on an informed citizenry, with access to the information needed to enable them to participate fully in public life, to help determine priorities for public spending, receive equal access to justice, and to hold their Commissioners accountable. Limited public access to information allows special interest decisions to stay hidden, allows back-room deals for major issues, and puts important spending decisions in the hands of special interest groups.
As your Commissioner I will make my County Commission decisions not only transparent, but also inform you who I am meeting with and what decisions are being made for you the residents of Osceola County.
Environmental Protection
Safeguarding our natural resources is one of the most important long-term issues facing the county today. These resources have been continually assaulted in the name of development. Once damaged or destroyed, they are rarely replenished. Each of us is charged with being good stewards of these natural resources for future generations. The Commission must develop and implement plans for cleaner air, water and energy conservation. Our lakes, creeks, cypress swamps, and other natural resources must be protected from harmful development and waste.
As your Commissioner, I will work hard for these plans and protections. Our home is too important to ignore.
Intergovernmental Cooperation
In my time as an Osceola County school board member, I saw many distressing attitudes from the County Commission. The Commission continued, again and again, to ignore or toss aside other governments in the county. The School Board, Kissimmee, and St. Cloud continually took a backseat to the Commission's pet projects. Intergovernmental Cooperation isn't just a buzzword; it's a necessity. The education of our children, adult work force, and future infrastructure all depend on government working together. The partnership of all your elected officials will result in better government, and I am committed to bringing that to the Osceola County Commission.