WHY I AM RUNNING FOR MAYOR?

During the 10 years that I was Mayor (1995 -2005) we tried to set up a government that the crafters of incorporation had expected. We contained costs and grew within the revenue that was projected without tax increases.

Now I am asking for your support for another term as Mayor. Why? I am committed to Deltona and have been for over 40 years. During the last few years, I have observed and learned much. I want to combine my years of experience and the lessons learned to improve the lives of the residents of Deltona during my next term.

We must control spending, cut expenses, and recognize that some things will have to wait. We need to carefully prioritize what is needed and avoid spending on items that can wait for better economic times. The next several years will be challenging and I am prepared to recommend the necessary changes that will assure Deltona’s continued success. Our levels of services will need to be adjusted and some programs may need reworking. We must prepare for the unexpected. We can no longer balance our budget by using revenue set aside for emergencies. I governed during some of our challenging times (Fires, Flooding, and the Hurricanes of 2004) and I fully understand the need to set aside funds for the unexpected.

We must create an environment that encourages all Deltonans to work together for a common purpose. Our employees are some of the best around and they deserve a City Commission that sets the tone for a great working relationship: one filled with optimism for the future, not the uncertainty of “What tomorrow may bring” that many of them tell me they feel today.

Open and frank discussion on all issues is another area that needs attention. It has been the policy of this commission to be unresponsive to questions at public meetings. Long delays and possibility of not receiving an answer to inquiries should never happen. Our residents deserve to have open dialogue with their elected representatives. Public participation should be encouraged! Answers should be given immediately f possible, or, directed to staff to obtain an answer and provide it to the resident as soon as possible. Respect must be earned and I will do all I can to regain or strengthen the trust the residents of Deltona deserve from their elected representatives.

These are but a few of the things I would like the next Deltona commission to address. If you can agree that it is time for Deltona to take its rightful place among the other cities in Volusia County and Central Florida, then please join with me and support my election as Deltona’s Next Mayor. Working together, we can make a difference.