I believe the growth of our community should be actively managed to curb sprawl, minimize environmental impacts, and protect the interests of current residents. I support impact fees on new development, a firm urban growth boundary, and strong landscaping and open space protections.
Even when properly managed, growth threatens Alachua County's extraordinary natural legacy. In every county policy and with each new development application, I seek to reduce impacts and expand protections for our water, air, and land resources.
Criminal Justice represents the largest and fastest growing segment of Alachua County's budget. The concept of "Public Safety" must be broadened to include a stronger emphasis on prevention of crime, through programs that reach at-risk children, and those struggling with substance abuse or mental health problems. This approach will not only create a safer community, but will save substantial public resources in the long run.
These values need representation on the Alachua County Commission. During my time on the Board, I have initiated a number of policies, programs, and budget priorities that further these goals, including the following.
-
A new Open Space ordinance that permanently protects 20% of every new development has created over 400 acres of urban/suburban park land, to date, at no cost to the public, and without decreasing overall development density.
-
Two new funding sources will provide for the construction of bicycle and pedestrian facilities: a one-time bond of $1.6 million, and a dedicated portion of the gas tax that will generate some $250,000/year for the life of the tax. Standards for these facilities have also been improved.
-
A Transfer of Development Rights program is being developed that will allow development rights in environmentally sensitive areas to be transferred to more appropriate areas.
-
Ordinances that protect trees and native vegetation during land development have been strengthened. A new program has planted hundreds of trees along county public roadways, and future "canopy roadways" have been planted.
-
A new Energy Conservation advisory committee is developing analysis and recommendations for improving efficiency and reducing waste in Alachua County.
-
Impact fees now insure that new development in the unincorporated county pays its share of the costs of new public infrastructure, easing the burden on taxpayers.
-
Each budget year, I have sought and secured additional staffing for the county's Environmental Protection Department, most recently including two new positions in the county's land conservation program, Alachua County Forever.
-
The county has established and steadily expanded substance abuse and mental health counseling services, and Work Release and Community Service programs. The county's jail population has declined nearly twenty percent in the past year, thanks in large part to the success of these programs.
During the past few weeks, Mike has received the endoresements of our area's leading social, environmental and political organizations! Here are a few of his latest endorsements:
-African American Accountability Alliance
-North Central Florida Central Labor Council
-Sierra Club
-Progressive Democrats
-Human Rights Council of North Central Florida
-Gainesville Iguana
-NOW, Judy Levy PAC
District #1: Alachua County is repesented by five county commissioners. I have served the 1st District for eight years.
