Candidate: Janet O. McDonald

       My husband and I fell in love with Flagler County in ’86 when locals generously offered assistance as we traveled south with 3 under 5 yrs old in a new motorhome. Our drive along Parkway East began our appreciation of the abundant natural beauty and unique location in what the locals informed us was “The Real Florida”, north of I-4!
       I believe that Flagler County can be the Best Small County in Florida. The most successful communities have citizens who live in balance with nature and responsibly contribute to best opportunities where they live and work. My 8 years of experiences working with other Florida school board members from high achieving districts, like Seminole & Walton (very similar to Flagler on the panhandle), underscores the essential collaborative working relationships among and between all elected boards to provide the best services to the community. I intend to bring that vision and work focus to the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, as your District 2 member.

My Journey to Flagler ~ Reflection 2022…a quick list…
Born NYC, NY 1950; Married to Dennis ’75, blessed with 3 incredibly talented adults:
                   a REBroker/Developer, a Corporate 500 HR Director, and a Dr/HHS
Education: Muhlenberg College ’72 BA(Psychology/Sociology; Elementary Education)
                  Lehigh University ’75 MA (Reading Specialist/Language Arts Consultant)
                  Daytona State College ’10 LMT (FL MA64436) Licensed Massage Therapist
     I am fortunate to have been able to be a classroom teacher (many grades), a Language Arts
Consultant(elementary/middle), and Staff Developer in public schools in Pennsylvania &
Connecticut, experiencing and appreciating the various profiles of learners in all grades, ages,
and stages from pre-k to adults/seniors.
     I have expanded my understandings of learning and functioning through advanced study in
Applied Kinesiology, Functional Physiology through a TCM(Traditional Chinese Medicine) lens,
Functional Nutrition and associated therapies and interventions that support best
development and function for all ages and ‘labels’ of need. I have provided therapeutic services and
instructed therapists in several modalities across the USA, Canada, Trinidad, and Poland.

     I was raised with the expectation to contribute to communities where I live for the health &
vitality of “a shared home.”  In CT I served as Agent for the Elderly, on Regional School Board,
and was elected to Zoning Board of Appeals.   In Flagler County I’ve been a member of Save
Flagler Beach & a Reading Buddy in FCV Early Reading program.  As a member of Flagler Palm
Coast Kiwanis for many years, I’ve been a sponsor of the Wadsworth K-Kids program(5 yrs)
and serve as Foundation Treasurer, annually disbursing $150,000 into FC youth programs and
community agencies which serve children.  I’ve been an Education Advocate for the last 12
years lobbying for best FL education opportunities through  enriching activities and legislation, especially rejection & removal of common core and transparency for school materials purchases with Rep. Michael Bileca, Education Chair.    My husband and I are founding members of Protect Palm Coast.

     It has been my honor to serve as a Flagler County School Board member (FSBA ‘with
distinction’ award), District 2, since 2014. FCS achieved B+ and A rankings (prepandemic),
with FS consistently being regarded as an innovative district for learning spaces, unique K-12
educational opportunities, our Classroom to Career and unique High School programs. My
experiences with FCSO and our terrific SRDs and the EOC staff during our hurricanes in our
first class ‘shelters’ have reminded me of the vast networks of talented people inside FS and
FC, who make this a very special place to call home.

    I am a 2022 Candidate for Flagler County Commission, District 2, focused on ensuring our best future!  We have the best of many worlds with seashore in the east to farms and open spaces in the west, with our vital Hammock and  Natural & Historical Treasures throughout, and a growing community of folks who value the Uniqueness of Flagler County.

Values:  I am a lifelong Conservative, respecting that limited government best enables American                         principles of freedom, self-governance and individual responsibilities, established by our                     founders,  which is our obligaiton ot continue.                                                                                      I value our unique and limited Natural Resources and believe mindful development is                             primary to  maintaining our quality of life in Flagler.                                                                             I value Education and informed, civil civic engagement.                                                                           I value respectful Collaboration with and among all Eleced Boards & Councils and                                   countywide agencies to best serve all Flagler citizens and provide a safe and resourceful                     community.                                                                                                                                            I am a proven Representative, having served two terms on the FCSB, always available to                       listen and respond to constituents' interests and concerns.                                                                  I am a Fiscal Conservative focused on eliminating Wasteful Spending on Contracts to get                       the best Return On all Investments.....

Offering to serve as District 2 respresentative on FC BoCC ...                                                                   To work for Best Solutions for Flagler's Future - The Best Small County in Florida...                                  by being prepared and knowledgeable about issues,                                                                              by being available to listen & respond to constituents' concerns and ideas,                                            by providing informed & thoroughly researched representation,                                                              by respectfully collaborating with other elected boards for best coordinated service,                              by scrutinizing all contracts to eliminate waste, fraud & special interests for best R.O.I.,                        by working to create a magnet for beneficial commercial development.

                 For more information...... let's connect  at forums ~ on Fb  ~ my website  ~                                                               janetomcdonald@gmail.com     or    386.852.9014