Issues:

Open Government

Open government builds trust. Taxpayers need easy access to government records so you can know how your money is being spent. Public information ought to be readily available to the public, and in today's digital age "transparency" is defined by full and easy access to information online.

At least 18 states and numerous municipalities have instituted online searchable databases for all revenues and expenditures; information that is already a matter of public record. This includes payment amounts, payment recipients, funding sources, date of payment, etc... In other words, how your money is being spent.

Accountability is especially crucial during tough economic times, and the technology to take the public’s right to know to the next level has arrived. As your councilwoman, I will work diligently to implement technology that opens local government to you. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “We might hope to see the finances of the Union as clear and intelligible as a merchant’s books, so that every member of Congress and every man of any mind in the Union should be able to comprehend them, to investigate abuses, and consequently to control them.”

Unemployment

Having a satisfying, well paying job is the foundation for the most important things in life; the ability to provide for our families, not only the daily necessities, but healthcare and education as well. A stable job today means the hope of financial security tomorrow. I have been laid off in the past, and I know the uncertainty that it brings. The recession that has affected our entire country has hit Ocala especially hard. With Marion County’s unemployment rate over 12%, it is time to examine the way things have been done in the past and decide if 'business as usual' has worked.

The people of Ocala have ingenuity and drive, and it’s time to infuse our local government with some new ideas and fresh approaches. We need to create an atmosphere that is friendly and fair to anyone and everyone interested in starting or growing their business in Ocala. I believe our policies should encourage entrepreneurs and that our main objective should be to create a level playing field where everyone has opportunity for success.

The City of Ocala is facing dwindling tax revenues. We have two choices. We can either increase taxes and fees by looking for alternative revenue sources, or we can tighten our budget and get back to basics. I choose the latter. The basics for city government are police, fire, and government services. When government deviates from its core functions, as in the City Walk project, precious resources are diverted and squandered and we all pay the price.