Candidate: Phil Montalvo

CONSERVATIVE LEADERSHIP FOR WILDWOOD’S FUTURE”

Thank you for taking a few minutes to learn about me, and why you should support my candidacy in the race for City of Wildwood Commissioner, Group 5.

My wife of 38 years, Linda, and I moved to The Villages in the City of Wildwood nearly five years ago after living in the Orlando area for eight years. Before moving to Orlando, Linda and I lived in Illinois, where I practiced law for over 40 years.

Linda and I have four children and eleven wonderful grandchildren. We are truly blessed.

Education:

·       Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

·       Law (JD) degree from Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Work experience:

·       For over 40 years, I practiced law in Illinois, Wisconsin, and numerous other state and  federal courts. 

·       City Attorney, City of Belleville, Illinois. I wrote & enforced municipal ordinances, reviewed municipal financing structures, advised the Board of Aldermen and Mayor, participated in labor negotiations and represented the city in state and  federal regulatory matters.

Serving as City Attorney equipped me with the skillset to better fulfill the duties of City Commissioner. The City of Belleville is comparable in size to the City of Wildwood and mirrors many of the issues facing Wildwood.

·       Corporate attorney (Advanced Underwriting Division), Northwestern Mutual Life Ins. Co., Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

·       Partner and principal owner of several private law firms in Illinois where I specialized in litigation representing banks, farmers, small businesses and mid-sized corporations.

·       Of Counsel with Peoria, Illinois law firm that specialized in environmental and eminent domain law cases. Although I was not a member of the firm, I handled environmental and eminent domain law cases referred to me by the firm.

·       Chief Legal Counsel for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. I led the successful representation of the State of Illinois in a complex mediation process, defending against allegations that Illinois had violated prior U.S. Supreme Court Consent Decrees by withdrawing excessive amounts of water from Lake Michigan.

·        Member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Development Finance Authority (IDFA). IDFA was a State of Illinois Commission that issued tax-exempt and taxable bonds and other financial instruments to help capitalize projects, businesses, and other entities in order to promote economic development throughout Illinois. During my tenure at IDFA, it issued financing instruments in excess of one billion dollars.

       The Villages Community Development District (CDD), District 12. I am currently a member of the Board of Supervisors.

·       Champions Gate Community Development District (CDD). I was a member of the Board of Supervisors for seven years, having served the last two as its chairman.

·       Bella Trae at Champions Gate Master HOA Board of Directors. I served as the Board’s president.

OUR FUTURE TOGETHER

My knowledge of municipal law, my understanding of public and private financing structures, and my knowledge of how county and state governments work, give me the necessary tools and skillset to help lead the City of Wildwood to a bright and prosperous future.

As a Conservative, I will insist that the City’s finances continue to be managed as we manage our own: with careful planning, responsible budgeting, and through spending policies and practices that are neither wasteful nor overextended.

The City of Wildwood is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Florida. As such, it must continue to pursue well-reasoned policies that accommodate that growth while providing the necessary amenities to maintain its quality of life. The implementation of the Downtown Master Plan is an excellent example of how this is being done.

As a resident of The Villages, I have worked with the City of Wildwood in the past to address issues that are unique to the new areas of Wildwood.

I will prioritize the continued delivery of high-quality services to the citizens.

I will always listen to the residents’ concerns.

I support strong law enforcement and believe that our police force should be provided with all necessary resources and tools to continue to make our city a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. Public safety is a fundamental quality of life issue.

Finally, as City Commissioner, I will always serve the public’s interest above my own. Honesty and integrity will always be my guiding light.

THANK YOU, AND I RESPECTFULLY ASK FOR YOUR VOTE.