Candidate: Linda Bartz

A QUICK NOTE ABOUT KEEPING PROMISES….

It’s hard to believe that a new election cycle has begun. Time flies and in St. Lucie County we have worked hard to make the best of that time. As I look back on my 2016 campaign literature, one particular paragraph leaps out at me:

“As the economy continues to improve, St. Lucie County is positioned once again to be the economic engine of the Treasure Coast. With good planning and a business-friendly focus, we will be able to invest in continuously improving the county’s infrastructure and services.”

I am very proud to say that I, the other county commissioners, and our staff took that charge to heart. We’ve had unprecedented job creation, significant expansions in our boat manufacturing sector, made important investments in the port and airport, secured an Amazon distribution facility, and have begun much-needed infrastructure improvements. All without raising property taxes.

Significant achievements from 2016 to present include:

·         Demonstrated fiscal responsibility with no property tax increases over four budget cycles. Is financially positioning the county to begin tax rate reductions.

·         Pushed forward with the active development of the Port of Fort Pierce and expansion of the Treasure Coast International Airport.

·         Supported economic development efforts that led to an unprecedented level of job creation in multiple sectors, including manufacturing, marine industries, aquaculture, healthcare and logistics/distribution.

·         Shared leadership of the initiative to significantly enhance the county’s infrastructure improvement program – critical for our quality of life, our environment and our economy.

·         Co-founded the creation of a Quick Response Team to help combat the opioid crisis.

·         Pushed forward to work on the backlog of road projects that had been back-burnered during the downturn in the economy.

·         Worked with the City of Port St. Lucie and the Economic Development Council on development of Southern Grove.

·         Supported the completion of Crosstown Parkway.

·         And supported the building of the Veteran’s Nursing Home in Tradition.

My platform remains consistent with my actions over the past four years as these are the things I believe matter the most.

STILL FOCUSED ON OUR FUTURE

Our Environment – St. Lucie County’s future well-being depends on solving our water issues. The quality of our water affects our quality of life, impacting our health, tourism, and our economy. We need to be sure our county receives its fair share of the Legacy Florida funding. We need seasoned leadership continually focused on these issues. 

Infrastructure Investment – One extremely important way to protect our waterways is to expand water and sewer projects, decreasing the use of septic throughout the county. Beach re-nourishment, road resurfacing, paving, sidewalks and bridge repairs will continue to be priorities.

Economic Development – Bringing in new businesses and helping existing businesses expand keeps taxes low for our residents. We’ve made great strides toward this goal, but we need to continue our focus on attracting higher-wage jobs. The county’s economic development toolbox should consist of fast tracking, impact fee credits and tax abatements – but no handouts. Focusing on development of the airport and port remains particularly impactful. 

Fiscal Responsibility – In both good times and bad, we must hold the line on costs and use the resources we have wisely. Infrastructure improvements that protect our quality of life and improve our economy are our first priority. Now that the county’s finances have stabilized, it is time to look at a responsible plan for tax rate reduction.

The Census – It is crucial that St. Lucie County’s population is fully counted in the upcoming census. As a fast-growing county, this is our opportunity to ensure we receive our fair share of federal funding and to add to our representation in the state and national arenas. As I campaign and govern over the course of the coming months, I will also be taking every opportunity possible to ensure that St. Lucie County counts!

I have been a champion of serving the needs of our residents for more than 30+ years. My tag line of “A head for business and a heart for community” is more than just a phrase for me.  It’s a way of life.