I'm running for Belleair Town Commissioner!

Over the past couple of weeks, I have walked over 40 miles going door to door through out Town.  I still have a handful of streets left on my map.  I want to thank each and every person who has answered their door, called me, emailed  me, send me a few bucks or just stopped to talk along the street.  I have learned something from each and every person.  Everyone has a story and everyone's story makes a community.

Most frequently asked question

Is there a candidate forum or debate we can attend to learn about the candidates positions?

No.  Christine Nicole, our Town Clerk did contact the League of Women Voters who conducts local forums and debates.  All candidates were contacted in mid-January requesting their participation.  Of course, I immediately accepted the invitation.  However, about a week later LOWV notified me that the other candidates had declined to participate.  Everyone loses.  Most importantly, the residents of Belleair lose.  What might be important to talk about?

February 25 update.  Today I was called by the the Institue for Strategic Policy Solutions.   They were contacted in an effort to conduct a candidate forum for Belleair Town Commissioner.  Once again, I accepted the invitation and my opponents declined.  I see a pattern.  An unwillingness from my opponents. to communicate and be transparent with their constituents.  In what job are these characteristics more critical than in your local elected officials?

A rumor has been circulating accusing me of wanting to defund the Belleair Police. Nothing could be further from the truth.  In conversation with J. P. Murphy, Belleair Town Manager, many months ago regarding a projected $400K budget shortfall due to COVID, I responded to some of his questions and thoughts with written suggestions. to our Commissioners, JP and the Finance Board.  This is apparently the source of the rumor.  

What I do believe is that every department in the Town of Belleair deserves my scrutiny at budget projections for the forthcoming fiscal year.  Especially in the quickly changing environment of COVID, I also believe that every department’s budget deserves my scrutiny on a monthly basis during the year of operation.  I am familiar with the Belleair budget process and operations. I have attended many  meetings of the Finance Board and dozens of meetings of the Town Commission. I know what it takes.

When I suggested recommendations to a department’s distribution of funds, I made it clear that I believe that, during this COVID 19 crisis in particular, we can make the Police Department’s job easier by providing social worker partnerships to handle mental health calls and suicide intervention. This is not new. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri is already enacting a program like this. 

In addition, we have an abundance of large public spaces that can be more fully utilized for socially distanced community group meetings or summer camps. And, yes I believe our town should make every effort during COVID to make it as easy as possible on families dealing with home schooling and reduced recreational opportunities.

 I am running for Belleair Town Commissioner because I firmly believe that I am the most experienced and qualified candidate.