Our Differences:

All Americans want the same things in life. Whether we are a Republican, Democrat.... Lean to the Right, Left or in the middle as a Moderate; all of us desire Freedom, a chance to Prosper, good Education, Crime-free streets, Healthy families and as few people as possible suffering. All those things we define as 'quality of life'. The difference is in the answer to the question, “How do we achieve it?”.

It is important to understand that Republicans and Democrats classify themselves as leaning left or leaning right or as a moderate and in the middle of the political landscape. This is the defining principle that affects every aspect of Government.

LIBERALS – by, definition, believe government action is the solution to achieve equal opportunities for everyone. It is thru government that we alleviate social ills and issues. Thus, larger government in size and roll touching every aspect of society.

Conservatives – on the other hand, tend to believe in personal responsibility, limited government and individual liberties holding that the solution to our “ills” lies within the empowerment of individuals to solve their own problems. That government is not the solution but rather people.

These two opposite concepts are at the core of the issues we face here in St. Johns county, our state and our nation. They affect the size of our budgets and the manner in which we grow and maintain our community. Whether it is the responsibility of government and politicians to build them and pay for it by taxing or whether it is the responsibility of the people to take the initiative to enrich their neighborhoods and lives thus creating their 'quality of life'.

Government is entrusted to protect society thru law enforcement, to see to it that various codes and ordinances are in place that maintains safety and proper ethics in industry. But we have become extreme in relieving individuals of personal responsibility. In California legislators are preparing to vote on legislation that would make it illegal to use flat sheets in hotels. Really? It is not the place of Government to relieve us individuality for responsibility and common sense or due diligence.

So how do we achieve it?

Here are a few of my suggestions:

1.  Full audit of the county budget to alleviate duplication of services.

2.  Make the focus of every department of the county as servants to their employer – who is their employer? Those whom they exist to serve. We will be recognized as and will give awards for excellence in Customer Service.

3.  Local government review of every local ordinance as having validity today and whether it serves as a hindrance to business development. If so we should repeal it.

4.  Those services we decide meet the criteria of necessary for government to service must work to provide alternative sources of funding there budget internally by 10% through creative sources. This includes our libraries, Fire and Rescue, Parks and Recreation, Public Transportation, Cultural Centers, etc..

5.  Lobbying our State legislators to change the manner of legislation they pass down to the local level. If it is mandated by the State then the State must fund it otherwise we will explore all options available to us concerning implementation.

6.  If a service currently being done in house by the county can be done by private business we put it to LOCAL business to bid on it. If you want to do service with the county we attempt to award contracts to those who live in the county.

7.  Reform the Tourism Development Commission

8.  If you are involved in another group or organization and a vote is necessary on that group you must make full financial disclosure on that board and absolutely having continuing conflict of interest. Transparency in all aspects of Government.

9.  Reduction or elimination of impact fees.

10. Re-align the technology aspects of the County so that it better serves the citizens making our websites revenue centric. (Birth Certificate, renew licenses, paying bills, document searches, etc...)

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER..... TRUE LEADERSHIP IN RESPONSE TO OUR NEEDS OUR HOPES AND OUR PRIORITIES AS CITIZENS IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY