Candidate: Cathy Townsend

A Florida native, I have lived in my District for 25 years and for 35 years called SLC home. 

Throughout this time, I have raised my family, been a small business owner and supported our community through active involvement with local charities and initiatives.

Owner of James L King & Associates Inc. Mother of two amazing sons, 3 precious grandchildren and married to my bestfriend for 26 years. I ran and won in 2016 as a local businesswoman on a platform of openness, fairness, and a commitment to our local businesses to make St Lucie County business friendly, and in that process create jobs in our area.  

As your County Commissioner for the past 4 years, I have kept my promises by:

Being the only County Commissioner to vote NO to higher taxes

I have championed small businesses by spearheading the Small Business Navigator; a complimentary service provided to help make the process of starting a new business less cumbersome. As this service evolves, we continue to make improvements to better accommodate the needs of local small business owners.

I have held government accountable by digging deep into our local budget, policies, and procedures which uncovered almost 1 million dollars that is now back in the taxpayer’s budget.

If re-elected I would be honored to serve St. Lucie County for the next four years.

We have an unacceptable number of homeless in St. Lucie County and we must recognize the need for a homeless shelter. I would like to collaboratively work with non-profits that recognize the pandemic of homelessness and work together to serve our homeless community by giving them a hand up.

I believe we must make better use of our waterfront property and selling unnecessary county owned property and putting it on the tax roll.

We deserve a community in which we can work, live and play. It is imperative that we invest in our future by offering more options in education. We are fortunate to have the Aspen Award-Winning Indian River State College in our backyard. However, for those that are seeking a nontraditional education, to be competitive, we must create more skilled tradesand training opportunities.

I have had boots on the ground for the last 30 years. I know what it is like to overcome government red tape, to live within a budget and overcome obstacles. This real-life experience, along with my commitment to you over the past four years makes me the most qualified candidate for District 5.

I am standing here because together we can make St. Lucie County the best place to live. I am excited to think that we have just begun and that our greatest days are ahead. On November 3rd, I humbly ask for your vote once again, because together we are better.