MARTIN PYSZCZYMUKA

1. Protecting quality of life: slow the growth - infrastructure first.

I will never approve a project on a 172% overcapacity road as my opponent did. She caved to developer threats with zero negotiations. Giving into threats sets a precedent for more threats. If legislation is passed that takes way local rule, we must join other counties to fight back - with advocacy and, if necessary, by legal means. We can't afford a wait-and-see approach when our state constitutional rights are being infringed. Loss of local rule costs tax dollars and quality of life.

Ensure that developers are paying for the costs of infrastructure and services associated with new development.  As an example, commercial development is getting a free ride - literally - with zero fees for their impacts on roads. Only Commissioners Joseph and Taylor voted to resume Transportation Concurrency fees, but would still allow exemptions for small businesses. I will be a third vote.
 

2. Protecting the first responders who keep us safe.

I will continue this county's strong support of Fire and Rescue and Law Enforcement.  Being a retired law enforcement officer, I understand first-hand the importance of making safety and security the #1 priority. Our first responders must receive the highest level of training and funding necessary for them to effectively execute their duties, and continue serving with excellence. 

3. Protecting your tax dollars: fiscal responsibility

Our county should be run like a business: leaner, smarter, and as if it's our money we're spending, not someone else's. We've watched our budget increase by 106% from 2020 - 2026, yet our population has only increased by 32%. How did our budget get so bloated? How can we control the spending?

• Call for a full independent audit of spending to identify waste in all departments.

• No pay raises for elected officials for the next four years.

• Shrink our staff through attrition, when feasible.

• Reasonable salary for county administrator. Governor DeSantis has criticized the $300,000+ (including benefits) our county pays our county administrator as way too high. My opponent voted for excessive pay raises.

4. Protecting us from corruption with transparency and integrity

Transparency should be more than a buzz word. It should be a policy that's woven into every aspect of county business.

• Review county contracts for conflicts of interest.

• Full conflict-of-interest disclosure before every vote.

• Strengthen ethics enforcement and whistleblower protections.

• Make all commission votes public and easily accessible by date and category,  going back four years. The current administration refuses to do this, and does not prioritize transparency. 

• During BOCC meetings, ban use of cell phones, computers and all communication devices by all commissioners, attorneys and county staff present at the meetings. Why should a developer be able to have a private text conversation with a county commissioner during a meeting about that developer's project? All personnel would be reachable for an emergency.