Candidate: Bill Anderson

Like so many retirees, commuters and nature-lovers in Wakulla County, I bought a home here 14 years ago where I planned to live with my high-school sweetheart and enjoy Wakulla’s natural gifts: weather, water, wildlife, wonderful seafood, and friendships with our neighbors. Unfortunately it has become clear that Wakulla is not fulfilling its potential as one of the most desirable places to live and play. Our county has many attributes which could be strengthened and promoted to improve the economy and citizens’ financial security by increasing property values, yet some of our elected leaders are spending more time making themselves rich than working to do what is best for the county. In addition, our elected officials have no strategic plan for the county and are taking some actions, such as eliminating our local protection of wetlands, which, I believe, are directly counter to the county’s long-term potential for making Wakulla a destination as a great place to live and play. With that in mind, I am running for the Wakulla County Commission District 4 seat to use my 40-plus years of experience in corporate management and decision-making For a Better Wakulla. As commissioner, I will:  Prioritize spending to lower unfair utility taxes and fees commissioners imposed on electricity, water, propane, cable, Internet and phone  Expand the hardship utility tax and fee exemptions for families  Keep our local control for Wakulla’s wetland protections, which are essential as economic drivers, recreational activity and our quality of life  Restore integrity where commissioners work for you, not their self-interest  Increase Wakulla property-owners’ discounts on federal flood insurance from the present 15-percent closer to the maximum 45-percent, making homes more affordable, and easier to buy and sell  Create open government that listens to and works for all citizens, not a privileged few  Hold public workshops to gather information before making long-term decisions  Establish a “vision” for Wakulla that identifies goals for the County’s prosperity, obstacles that must be overcome to reach them, and methods for reaching those goals, and  Strengthen Wakulla’s economy by implementing that “vision.” Thank you for considering my candidacy.