Economic Development

Bringing new, profitable businesses and good jobs to Hillsborough County is the key to our success as a county.   As the global economy continues to transform, it is vital that we are able to compete with other areas around the country, and the world, to ensure Hillsborough County takes its rightful place as a center of commerce, trade, and business.   Hillsborough County sits at the crossroads of Florida and the world.  Our port offers excellent opportunities for companies that sell to far-away markets.  Our airport makes it easy for businesses that rely on travel.  Our community is also host to world renowned research and medical facilities that provide us with unique opportunities.  And, our rich history, coastal communities, and entertainment venues, make us an attractive destination for any business or industry looking for a new home or a place to start.

Transportation

We’ve all experienced the gridlock of rush hour traffic, or the one lane misery of road repairs.  Making our transportation network more efficient, not only will reduce our commute to and from work, but will also open up opportunities to move goods to market and attract new business to our region.  That’s why, as your County Commissioner, I’ve pushed for a multi-modal transportation plan that links people to jobs and goods to markets.  Whether it’s connecting truck routes to train stations or ports, or moving people from the airport to hotels, we must keep up with our transportation and infrastructure needs if we are going to improve our quality life over the next decade.
We can invest in our transportation network without raising taxes.  An investment in transportation today, yields great benefits for us all in the years ahead. 

Government Reform

Government reform must be enacted swiftly and properly.  While many politicians and policymakers use government reform as a platitude, it is critically important in shaping our future. We can transform government.  Currently government has become too big and too costly to provide essential services.  An inefficient government serves bureaucrats first, and its citizens last.  We must look to cut waste, make necessary government programs and departments more efficient, and instill accountability in government workers.  We should ask the question:  Is government the only entity that can provide a certain service or execute a certain program? 

Environment

Environmental issues are something that a responsible County Commissioner cannot shy away from. We all live, breathe, play and flourish in a clean environment. It is important that a balance be met between our needs for a better lifestyle and our needs for a clean and healthy environment for us and our children.