Involvement

The record of my involvement goes back to the 1960’s when my military service was completed. I soon decided to make my home in Deltona and raise my family. I enjoyed fishing and spent as much time on the water as possible. I joined the local sportsmen’s club and helped with their annual kid’s fishing tournaments and even started a Bass fishing club here in Deltona.

Soon my own son & daughter were starting school and in the 70’s there wasn’t much for the kids to do, so my career as a volunteer soon took on a new look. I began working with many groups, Little League, Boys & Girls Scouting and the school PTA’s to improve the quality of programs in our community. I had a unique

Experience in being involved with many of the true pioneers of Deltona. Mr. Lefty Vann (Vann Park), Mr. Dean Howland our volunteer Fire Dept Chief ( Howland Blvd.), Mr. Dewey Boster

( Boster Park & Soccer Complex), Mr. Wes Crile (Volusia County Parks & Rec), Mrs. Katherine Shea and Mr. Charles True ( fields named after both at Dupont Lakes Park). These are only a few of the many seniors who lead the way in providing for a better Deltona. The one lesson I learned from them was the passion they had for others and for our community. I tried to follow their example, be an involved resident, and do whatever I could do to make Deltona a better place for us all.

My Involvement in local politics started with our MSD and I held most appointed positions and served as Chairman of the board in the 80’s. I had a belief then and still do today that Deltona has the potential to be the best place to raise a family and live in comfort and safety of any place in central Florida.

　I worked on all three attempts to incorporate our community into a full fledge City. In 1995, the residents agreed after more than 10 years of intense debate and a lot of study. It was also in 1995 that I was privileged to be elected your First Mayor. The first commission set out to form a new City and carry out the plans that were promised to the voters in the feasibility study and City Charter. After ten years as your Mayor term limits required me to step aside. A new Mayor was chosen and I went back to my normal day-to-day life. The one thing that did not change was my involvement in our City. I continued to help in various ways and still do today.

Involvement is the responsibility of each of us and the value of the participation and knowledge gained through these experiences cannot be overlooked when choosing who will lead the next commission. That is why I am seeking another term as your Mayor. I have the experience; proven abilities and still have the enthusiasm I had years ago when I first decided to make Deltona my home. My involvement will never stop because I am a true Deltonan and Proud to call “Deltona” my HOME!