Candidate: Chris Russell

Hello and Thank You for reading my Candidate Biography: When I was contemplating my initial entry into political office, the question I heard most was this: Why would you want to run against a 20 year career politician? Well, the answer is quite simple: As a father of two daughters in the Wakulla County School System, I feel that it\'s imperative to have School Board Members that have kids in the School System. History has shown that those closest to the issues will work hardest to resolve those issues. A fresh new perspective for the next generation is truly needed. It\'s my feeling that 20 year careers in the School System should be reserved for teachers and support personnel, not elected School Board Members. I am a 1987 graduate of Wakulla High School and continued my education by obtaining an A.A. Degree from T.C.C. and a Bachelors of Science Degree from The University of West Florida. I am married to Valerie Russell, ARNP and we are the proud parents of two daughters. I am a Veteran and currently serve as a Federal On-Scene Coordinator with the Federal Government. My job duties include overseeing the implementation of multi-million dollar projects and working directly with Local, State, Federal, and Multi-National Governments to develop policies and procedures relative to each entity. The experiences I have gained from these duties will bode well as your next School Board Member. I fully understand and appreciate the fact that it takes taxpayer dollars to have a successful School System. However, the allocation of nearly $70,000 to hold a Special Election and purchase a new sign last year shows a dire need for a new fiscally conservative approach to managing YOUR taxpayer dollars. The School Board should have never allowed themselves to get into a position where they had to ask the taxpayers for more of your hard earned dollars during a Special Election (which took more of your taxpayer dollars away from the School System). Since the age of thirteen I have held a job. I started by planting trees at construction sites during summers in Middle School. During High School I worked at various local businesses including The Holiday Campground, The Oaks Restaurant, Bills Dollar Store, and Myra Jeans. While working my way through college, I held a minimum of two jobs and often times worked three jobs to make ends meet. My point is this: I truly know the value of a hard earned dollar and as your next School Board Member, I will work tirelessly to ensure that each dollar is spent wisely and in a manner that gives our Teachers and Support Personnel the resources they need to ensure that they and our kids are properly positioned to succeed. Last, but by no means least. I feel it\'s time that we start turning towards Religion in School verses turning away from Religion in School. It\'s clear that society needs to return to faith. I can be reached via email at fcrussell92@gmail.com or at my campaign facebook page: facebook/Chris Russell For Wakulla County School Board should you have any comments, questions, or concerns, relative to my bid to represent you on the School Board. It truly is about \"our kids and their future\". Thank you for reading my Biography. Respectfully, Chris Russell Candidate for Wakulla County School Board, District 3