Real Questions Submitted By Voters

**Questions edited for clarity

 

“What leadership experiences, career/ personal roles do you feel qualify you for a council seat? What standards or qualities do you offer over your opponents?” -DS from Palm Bay**

You ask a very good question. I was born and raised here in Palm Bay, and this city holds a special place in my heart. I've had multiple chances to leave this area (college, job offers, etc.), and I am always drawn back (maybe it's the water). I consider myself a true Palm Baynian. Throughout my life here I have crossed paths with many residents; I speak to them and I listen to them. I learned this from my parents; they brought me up to respect everyone, remain loyal to those things dearest to you, and have faith that others will do the right thing.

A mentor of mine also mentioned to me, "there is someone out there better and smarter than you." All these factors have a play when interacting with residents and people in general. A leader is not a know-it-all. A leader is a listener who gathers intel directly from the source and takes action based on information received.

I graduated from Florida International University, started working for a local municipality when I was a sophomore in college. After graduation, I continued to work for that municipality (Town of Surfside) for over 8 years (5 in the capacity of Law Enforcement). I had the distinction of being labeled as a town employee, town resident, and committeeman.

A leader helps residents when they are in need, serves residents in various capacities, and always treats people with respect. Here is what I am currently involved with in the community:

  • I am employed by a Consulting Firm, delivering technical solutions on awarded private & federal contracts.

  • I sit on Palm Bay Planning & Zoning committee

I have been immersed in government (at all levels) since I was a kid.

“How do you feel about complete transparency with the residents of Palm Bay?” - CS from Palm Bay

I believe it is important not to censure the people of Palm Bay. A trending concern is the censure of residents on the City’s social media account(s). Coupling that with the reduced visuals of public comment in Council Chambers a bad precedent is being set.
Adding that citizen advisory boards are being dissolved (ie: Budget Committee) Resident’s input on city operations / legislation is diminishing at a drastic rate.
Transparency is a must.

“In your infrastructure platform, would there be an increase in assessments or taxes to the property owners?” - CS from Palm Bay

I paid $3400 in taxes this year. I do not feel, nor do I plan to raise taxes any higher than they are; I would actually like to lower them. There are numerous ways to lower taxes, namely grants and enterprise funds. I am still investigating, which are feasible for the City. I will begin the process by examining the annual city budget. Speaking on special assessments, I do not see a need to deploy such tactics now or in the future.

“Where do you stand on 2nd Amendment issues and the increasing growth of firearms ownership?” - RD from Palm Bay

The right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed. I feel the fear of firearms generates from people being unfamiliar with firearms. Instincts dictate, "you fear what you don't know.”

“Also, where do you stand on the funding of the Palm Bay Police Department and the relationship to the vastly increasing population?” - RD from Palm Bay

Tested and proven to be a large supportor for the Palm Bay Police Department.
Since 2022 Palm Bay has added over 10 officers, 30 new police cars, 1 police boat, and a new state of the art Tarradyne SWAT vehicle.
Not to mention a full spec’d Command Center coming to City Hall. (Building E).

“Let’s talk about second point infrastructure. Did you attend the meeting regarding people being made to switch to hook up pay to sewer? People can not afford it. All the sewer release not septic is problem. So what's your plan?” MJ from Palm Bay**

I tend to follow the County's standard when it comes to septic and sewer. If a property lies within the Indian River Lagoon Septic Overlay, I encourage the resident to hook up to sewer if the services are available, this is not a forced hook up. If a resident decides to add on to their house or add a new domicile structure (In-law suite as an example), the county board would recommend that the parcel be hooked up to sewer in lieu of adding a new, expensive advanced septic system to their new structure. The advanced septic system (required by county code) is estimated to be around $10,000 and is near equivalent in price to connect to local sewer (if available).

To answer your question, I encourage sewer hook up over a new septic system for a few reasons-- septic tends to seep into soil and waterways leading to pollution in the Indian River Lagoon, a sewer connection increases the value of the property, and the homeowner relief sewer provides to those who no longer worry about antiquated septic issues. In conclusion, I do not feel that Palm Bay needs any special assessments in regards to sewer, sewer hook up will most likely happen when an upgrade to a property occurs; i.e.: a house being demolished and rebuilt.

“What’s your profession?” - ES from Palm Bay

I am employed by a Consulting Firm, delivering technical solutions on awarded private & federal contracts.
Clients include DHS, CISA, and the VA.