Candidate: Michael Strickland

Michael Strickland was raised in Walton County in a large family, helping him understand that limited resources need not be a stop sign to living, but a cause for increased inventiveness. After graduating from Walton High School, Michael was honored to receive a fully-funded scholarship to Florida State University. The DeFuniak Herald wrote, “It was a rigorous process of which the most highly qualified and meritorious students were chosen.” Michael began his career as a Special Needs teacher at Freeport School in 1976, and ultimately developed a unique reading system that lead him to Hawaii. There he taught Special needs students and he was a conference speaker on the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui and Kauai, instructing other teachers in his reading method. Upon returning to Florida, Michael and his family settled in Freeport almost 12 years ago. Michael with his wife Evelyn and four children live in a house built by former Mayor of Freeport, B.B. Crosby. After more than 33 years of teaching, Michael retired in 2015, having taught the last six years under Mr. Russell Hughes, the current Superintendent of Schools. In the middle of his teaching career, Michael took time off and worked with the WC District 1 Road Crew. He was impressed with the crews’ willingness to work under all circumstances and formed with a number of them a life-long comradery. He found the crews enjoyed the satisfaction of a job well-done, and he continues to practice the lessons learned during that time. Michael served in missions in the Philippines, China, Japan, India, and Croatia. In the Philippines he received medical training and worked at medical clinics. Michael learned the importance of community involvement and planning as the team moved about the islands and into the barrios (villages), helping local mayors and people address health needs. Michael is an active member of the WC Republican Executive Committee and serves as chairman of the City of Freeport Recreation Committee. He is a member of the Walton Heritage Museum. He is also an ordained minister who enjoys helping meet the needs of others. Michael will be an effective and conservative voice for you in: Expanding our economy. Michael will work with the City Council to bring businesses and jobs to the City of Freeport. Controlling spending. Michael will look for ways to hold down property taxes while actively looking for ways to lower taxes and yet maintain a fiscally responsible budget. Parks and Recreation. Michael will work with the City Council to keep our city swimming pool open He will work with staff and the City Council to come up with a sensible ways to improve and maintain our city parks. Improving Freeport Roads & Area Utilities. Michael will work with the City Council to create a solid infrastructure needed for additional homes and businesses and extensions of water and sewer lines along 331. Planning. Freeport has experienced remarkable growth. Michael will work with the City Council to see that this growth is skillfully managed, to make it an asset for decades to come. Our Gateway Community. Freeport is the Gateway to Walton’s Beaches. Initiatives with the area Tourist Development Council should be explored for advertising attractions along the Beaches of South Walton. Citizen input. Michael will encourage and welcome creative ideas from area citizens that encourage community involvement. Protecting Freeport’s Heritage. As Michael has been involved with the people of Freeport since 1976, he has discovered the community is rich in history. Michael says, “For all the welcoming we do of our new friends, we cannot let the history of Freeport get lost, for it is the bedrock of our city, and adds to the beauty of this area.” Meeting needs. Michael will work with the City Council to enhance efforts to assist our local Samaritans by exploring ways to use local resources and help increase community outreaches. A Family Friendly Environment. Michael will work closely with local law enforcement to ensure families live in a safe area with family-friendly events. Visitors should also pass safely through our gateway community, whether stopping briefly for fuel and food and hurrying on their way, or more leisurely enjoying the area. Administration. “I desire to be a hands-on Mayor who gets out and keeps track of the things going on in our town. I want to see that city workers have the resources and encouragement they deserve to get their jobs done. It will be an honor to work with the Freeport City Council and conduct the business of our city in a way that benefits both people well-established in their jobs and new employees.” Please elect Michael for Mayor! A conservative with strong Christian roots and a man of honesty and integrity. Thank You for Your Prayers, Your Vote, and Your Support!