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Citizens;

I have served as your representative on the Alachua County Commission for the past twelve years.  I’ve learned a great deal about how county government works, and even more about the people and culture of Alachua County.  This experience has made me a better public servant.

An elected official should be predictable.  The following principles always guide me when making decisions on behalf of the citizens.  More information is available under the Issues section of this website.

• Good Government.    Public policy should be based on a reasoned and good-faith consideration of all alternatives, and informed by the best information available.  Ideology is not helpful.  Simple slogans that trivialize the complexity of government are not helpful.

• Environment.    As a community, we must do more to conserve water, conserve energy, and protect what remains of our county’s natural legacy.  We must think farther ahead than we now do, and plan for a different future.

• True Public Safety.    Police and jails alone won’t keep our people safe.  I support a criminal justice system that balances the reactive force of law enforcement and jail with the preventive force of targeted investments where crime gets started.  After-school programs, substance abuse and mental health counselling, basic assistance for the homeless, programs that divert non-dangerous offenders from the jail — these are not only the right things to do, they’re cheaper than more police and bigger jails.

• A Balanced Transportation System.    I support a diversified transportation system that prepares our community for a future of rising energy costs.  Transit, cycling, and walking will continue to grow in importance, and funding must reflect that reality.

• A Compassionate Community.    Government has a crucial role to play in helping our neediest citizens, centered on critical needs: food, shelter, and access to health care.  The emphasis should be on the most vulnerable: children and the elderly.

• Sustainable Growth.    Growth should be managed in the best interest of the entire community.  Adequate public infrastructure should be in place before allowing new development to proceed.  I support impact fees on new development, to cover the cost of providing new public infrastructure, and ease the tax burden on the rest of the population.

• Responsible Budgeting.    I support steady, prudent reductions to the county’s budget, to match the decline in property values and reflect the slow economy.  I do not support drastic reductions or lopsided cuts that reflect a “winner take all” philosophy of government.  Law enforcement, fire, and transportation must remain our top priorities, but our environment and assistance for the poor are also important, and should not be abandoned on the pretext of tight budgets.

These principles are being contested this election cycle.  Please join me in keeping Alachua County on the right course.

Mike