Candidate: Jerri Lynn Schlueter

Hello everyone, my name is Jerri Lynn Schlueter. I am a 1990 graduate of Okeechobee High School and earned an AA degree from Florida State University in 1992. My husband, Barry Schlueter and I have been married for 24 years and have three daughters, Shelby, Savanna and Skye. I have been very involved with school organizations including the Glades County Youth Athletic Association, Moore Haven Middle High School Advisory Council and Project Graduation. During my daughters’ school years, no mother was more involved than I was. I have also been a member of the Chalo Nitka Festival Committee. I am currently a member of the Glades County Public Library Board and the Glades County Economic Development Council. As a third generation, lifetime resident of Moore Haven and Glades County, community involvement is an important part of my life because I care about my neighborhood, city and county. Civic pride is not just a nice sounding empty phrase to me. I am well known for my can-do attitude and willingness to help out by working with or heading up civic committees.

A strong work ethic was instilled in me by my parents and grandparents, also long-time residents of Glades County and my employment record reflects dedication, diligence and productivity. After college I worked 4 years with the Office of the Auditor General, then 3 years in the position of office manager for The Middlesex Corporation. For the last 18 years I was employed by the City of Moore Haven, starting as a permits clerk, working hard to achieve my final position of Public Works Director. As my tenure lengthened so did my duties and authority. Public works includes code enforcement, utilities (water, wastewater, electric and solid waste collection), parks, streets, flood control and emergency preparedness. I was the go-to person for questions about provision and maintenance of municipal services provided by the City of Moore Haven. Whether it was fielding complaints of street signs down or interruptions of water supply and/or solid waste collection, I responsibly directed staff and contractors to provide and restore public works. I became FEMA certified and helped prepare the City of Moore Maven for storms, most recently Hurricane Irma. My position as public works director also included serving as advisor to the City County Public Works Authority where I worked closely with engineers and construction contractors for installation of sewer lines within the City of Moore Haven and other areas just outside of the city.

Why should you elect me? I have deep roots in Glades County, with no divided loyalties. I am not seeking this position for personal gain or for what it can do for me. My goals are to help promote and enhance the economic, academic and commercial growth of our great county, while protecting our wonderful natural resources. I believe my experience and background in public works provides insight into matters that I can use to help make positive changes. I’ve worked closely with county staff over the years and realize the inherent struggles and successes and am uniquely prepared to hit the ground running. Glades County’s form of government is a five-member commission over a county manager who carries out the commission’s directions and policies. I am well prepared to work serving you as commissioner helping develop the policies and overseeing the management thereof. But I need your vote to put me in the position to serve you. Thank you.