Candidate: Michael Andrew Groves

Candidate Statement: As a resident of Flagler County, an elementary educator in both Flagler and Volusia school systems, and the president of Family Matters of Flagler, I have decided to seek the stewardship position of Flagler County Commissioner, District 3. The decisions we, the community, make over the next several years on growth and development will affect this county for years to come. It will take vision and common sense to weigh the impact of growth and community maintenance. I am committed to a strong economic and high quality of life for all residents. Our decisions must be fiscally responsible, protect our environment, and attract businesses to provide good paying jobs. The collaborative partnerships must catch up on human services programs too, both health and social and attend to the disenfranchised areas, and infrastructure such as: roads, schools, parks, and other required and established projects. The unique characteristics of Flagler County need to be embraced, preserved, and protected today and the days to come. I will work with all individuals and groups to find necessary solutions that meet our challenges. Allowing a transparent vehicle of communication thought-out our phases, from conception to completion. I have demonstrated I\'m not afraid to take a stand on issues or courageously say \"no\" when the negatives outweigh the good. We need innovative thinking, sound planning, a strong county and municipality partnerships. There must be a vision with responsible project execution, not only essentially prudent, but fiscally sensible, too. Furthermore, decisions, and actions implemented will determine the legacy we leave to our intergenerational and multi-cultural community. I look forward to our future the conversations, pro or con. Personally, I am a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, veteran of Viet Nam and Desert Storm wars. I’m a father of five terrific adult children with six grandchildren. An equine lover, I enjoy trail riding/backpacking, handbell ringing at church, golfing, camping and cycling. I am also an adult educator, community volunteer, and a small business owner. I bring respect, honesty, integrity, and a solid work ethic to the stewardship position as a county commissioner. Displaying daily those core values: Honor, Courage and Commitment. Working diligently with applicable traits: Unity, Service and Navigation to benefit each individual citizen living in Flagler County. I look forward to serving, meeting, and learning from the people of Flagler County as your steward. Let’s make Flagler County the picture of cultural health and prosperity together as one family. One view of mine…“The whole art of government consist in the art of being honest.”, Thomas Jefferson, author of the U. S. Constitution and 3rd President of the United States of American Respectfully yours, Michael A. Groves