Candidate: Douglas W. Tucker

At election time some believe the best person for an elected position is the one who collects the most money, I do not. In 2004 we moved from Atlanta Georgia to Charlotte County. We believed our family would have a better future and more opportunities for our two sons. Working for an independent regional lender I became involved in the community. I volunteered for numerous activities including the Babcock Ranch Project. I enjoyed serving our community and soon developed a compelling vision for Charlotte County. As my involvement in the community grew people began encouraging me to “run for public office” As a relatively unknown political I submitted my name for the 2008 Commission race. We offered a vision that few in Charlotte County dared to consider. That vision was one of a community who embraced economic development while preserving the quality of life that attracted so many of us. We understood the challenges of the future and outlined ideas to address them, Many topics were discussed; the budget, economic development, Murdock Village, and the looming economic recession. We lost in a three person primary. After the election my involvement in our community continued. I dedicated myself to helping make Charlotte County a better place for us all. I actively opposed the $48 million dollars for the jail expansion; now sitting half empty! I opposed using $40 million of our cash reserves on Murdock Village! In 2010 the Board of County Commissioners asked me to participate in the Economic Development Working Group. The group was responsible for developing ideas and strategies to promote economic development in our county. Some examples of those ideas and strategies include (1) tax abatement, which was approved by the voters in August 2010, (2) the \"land swap,\" which is now taking place for Murdock Village, (3) identifying distribution companies that would be interested in relocating to Charlotte County (Cheney Brothers), and (4) other similar economic-stimulating ideas. I am active in my church, a member of the Mid-Charlotte County Storm Water MSBU, the Port Charlotte Little League, the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition, the Republican Executive Committee of Charlotte County as the Committeeman for Pct. 75 and am the past president of the West Charlotte County Republican Club. I am running for Charlotte County Commissioner District 5 because I believe the citizens deserve a strong leader, with passion and a commitment to improving the quality of life in Charlotte County - a leader that puts forth bold ideas – like the Ripken Baseball Experience, - a leader who is responsive to the concerns of the county - the water quality problem in Sunshine Lake and the Sunrise Waterway in Parkside, Both of which had been overlooked and neglected since 2009. As a member of the MSBU, I have fought to bring the issue to the Commission We need leaders who understand that tax payer’s money isn’t theirs to just spend how they like! Leaders who understand they must be honest with the people at all times, not just when it serves them the best! And leaders who understand that the government’s main responsibility is the health, safety and welfare of its people. Our quality of life. Join with me! Let’s chart a bold, prosperous course for our future. Take a close look at the issues and review my opponent’s record. There is only one real conservative candidate, Douglas Tucker, and together we can make a difference. You can find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Douglas-Tucker-For-County-Commissioner-District-5/206694242732258 Website: electdouglas.com Email: dougandami@comcast.net