Responsible Budgeting

Developing responsible budgets

While our nation and state were in an economic boom, our legislature continued to spend money on more and more unnecessary projects. Now that our economy’s growth has slowed, our leaders are cutting the funding of education and other essential services. After elected, I will fight for responsible budgets. The answer to government revenue problems is not higher taxes, but responsible spending. With foresight and good planning, Floridians can continue to enjoy low taxes and a high quality of life.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Reforming Florida’s insurance policy

Recently Florida’s homeowner’s insurance rates have sky rocketed. This is largely due the fact that the insurance companies have been able to write the insurance laws and make sure that they work in their favor. It is time to put the power back in the hands of the people. In the legislature, I will develop incentives for Insurance companies to offer competitive affordable insurance to residents. Citizens who live in areas of lower risk shouldn’t be charged insurance rates equivalent to those who live in higher risk areas. I will fight for a solution to the rising insurance rates so that Florida citizens may have a reprieve.

Home Rule

Bringing power back to the people

I know that the most effective and responsive government is at the local level. Mayors, city council members, and county commissioners should be the ones making the majority of decisions for their area. Schools should be run by the people who know what is best for the students: the teachers, principles and school boards. “One size fits all” legislation does not work. Because a law may be good for south Florida doesn’t mean it is good for the Panhandle. I will fight to end mandates from Tallahassee regarding issues that would best be handled locally.

Strong Communities

Promoting the building blocks of great communities

District 1 is a great place to live. In order to maintain a strong workforce, we have to strengthen our Community and Junior Colleges. It is also important that we hold true to our values. It is by the grace of God, and the hard work and integrity of those that came before us that we have the quality of life we enjoy today. It is essential that we actively work to protect our industries and court new industries to our area. If we properly manage our resources and promote smart growth techniques, we will continue to be a strong community that we are proud of.