Viera Stewardship District Map
PLATFORM
"I was raised to always treat others with respect, do the right thing, and serve my community to the best of my abilities. I want to work for you. We need to promote government accountability, represent everyone's interests, and make fiscal responsibility - especially getting the most bang for the buck, a top priority. With a lifetime of public service experience, I know what it takes to find solutions, work with adjacent governmental agencies, and get things done."
LIST OF ISSUES
Accountability & Transparency
I am the first candidate for Viera Stewardship District to not be associated with the master builder or the existing VSD board. Since it's inception in 2006, the VSD has been fully controlled by employees of the master builder or those selected by them to run for the open seats. I want the district to serve the people: residents and our interests, not just the builder’s. For example, the VSD does not have an established schedule for public meetings and performs no public outreach except as required by law. As a neighbor and resident, I bring an independent perspective and fresh ideas to our most local level of government.
Environment
The Viera Stewardship District is responsible for the maintenance of many infrastructural and environmental resources within the district. This includes the storm water management system consisting of pipes and retention ponds to prevent flooding, maintaining the sensitive habitats of dozens of native plants and animals, and performing routine land management within the district such as controlled burns. As stewards of the environment (pun intended), the VSD needs to have members with the dedication to preserve our natural resources and balance them with the desires of developers. Resilience to climate changes must be built into our community to ensure it continues to thrive.
Financial Sustainability
The Viera Stewardship District’s purpose is to finance and maintain the infrastructure that underpins our part of Viera. This includes the collection of assessments (through property taxes) and the issuing of bonds (debt) that are backed by the expected revenue of assessments on residents. Since 2020, the VSD has issued over $50 million in bonds backed by future assessments. Additionally, there are very little reserves for capital expenses when infrastructure needs repair or replacement.
I am focused on the long-term financial sustainability of our community because Viera is my long-term home. A strong community is one that has equitable and sustainable finances, with reserves to fund unexpected maintenance and assessments that are fair to all residents.
Long-Term Vision
I am always keeping an eye on the long-term effects of decisions made by the Viera Stewardship District for it's impacts on my neighbors, the community as a whole, and our environment. I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community as a member of the decision makers charged with responsibly ensuring our part of Viera continues to be a top destination to live and work.