After much prayer and conversation with my family and friends, I have decided to run for the District 1 seat on the Bartow City Commission.

Here’s why.

I’ve grown up in this city. I’ve ridden my bicycle from the Civic Center to Dairy Queen, from Carver Rec to 555. I’ve played sports here, went to school here and fell in love here. This is where I want my kids to grow up.

My story in this city was made possible because men and women carved time out of their schedule to commit themselves to public service. They wrestled with difficult decisions and did their best to put the public interest first.

I love this city. And, I want to try to give back a small portion of what it has given to me. I want our kids to enjoy it the same way that we did. I want the city to flourish. For this to happen the next generation of leaders need to step up.

I want to protect what makes Bartow a great place to live, work, and play and I want to position the city for smart growth in the future.

Bartow should be the kind of place where parents want to raise their kids. And, the kids once grown, want to stay, find great work and settle down as well. I am a 4th generation Bartow resident and I plan to make sure Bartow thrives for the next 4 generations.

I’m not running because I am angry or dissatisfied. In fact, I think Bartow is poised to grow in new and exciting ways, and I would like the opportunity to help shape our future.

Of course, that is not to say that things are perfect. We live in a day and time when we must demand integrity, transparency, and accountability from our elected officials. We must be good stewards of the city’s resources. If elected, I will provide these things.

The election for the City Commission seat will take place April 3, 2018. That gives me 4 months to earn your trust and hopefully your vote.

Between now and then I want to hear from you. What do you love about Bartow? What needs to be better? When you dream about the future of the city what do you see? I would love to know so we can work toward that future together.

Soon I will be scheduling events to hang out and discuss the issues that are important to you. Those dates will be announced on the website and my social media channels. You can follow me on Twitter or like the page on Facebook to interact through social media.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

SS