County Commission District 5 – Aug. 20 Primary
This not a Universal Primary Contest, so the candidates will only appear on republican Primary ballots. The winner of this election will run against the democratic candidate chosen by the local democratic party in the Nov. 5 General Election. Candidates must reside in the area of the county they are running to represent. All voters in the county vote for candidates from a single district.
Each candidate was given the opportunity to provide a 150-word bio and respond to our questions within 700 words.
PAM EVERETT (REP)
What inspired you to run for county commissioner? Or why are you seeking re-election?
I decided to run for the seat of County Commissioner after many conversations with family, and community members, and much prayer. My family and I have lived in Hernando County for 34 years, this is home. I have for about 12 years been advocating for students and families to navigate the educational system helping them get services to make their child’s education journey successful. Like you, I have watched this beautiful rural area change, and not always for the better. My goal as County Commissioner will be to keep the lines of communication open. We need to have responsible growth. We need to keep taxes fair and put our hard-earned dollars to good use. I believe term limits need to be in place. It’s time for a leader who will put the needs of the community above personal interest.
Please describe up to three county projects that are most important to the county and why.
There needs to be a pause to the over-development of our county, concerns with the lack of schools, public services, utilities, and roads not meeting the needs of the community, and the loss of green space and wildlife. The community has made it abundantly clear they do not want this mass growth and their voices are being ignored. Growing responsibly and keeping the charm of our county is a must. With guidelines/restrictions in place of what can and cannot be built and designated areas that are to be kept rural and/or protected, developers cannot come in and request change. Instead of meeting the needs of developers, we must meet the needs and desires of the community. While protecting the property rights of the homeowners who chose to move and/or build in rural areas.
We have land that has been zoned industrially. The focus needs to be on bringing manufacturers and industrial growth to provide jobs with better wages and opportunities to keep our residents from traveling out of the county for work. Collecting taxes from these industries would benefit our county. Helping to ease the burden on property owners.
Do you see any areas where the county needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?
Growth needs to pay for growth. Impact fees need to be raised, to be competitive with neighboring counties. Without putting the burden on the taxpayer. Impact fees are then proportioned to our infrastructure needs.
Do you see any areas where funding/the budget can be cut?
We need audits throughout the county departments and conversations with counties on their operations. Putting in place where funds are needed and where cuts can and should be made to create a cost-effective operating government. Without this first being done we would not be good stewards of our tax dollars. While being transparent with our tax dollars.
In hindsight, is there anything you would change about how the county handled the recent ransomware attack? What measures would you like to see enacted to help prevent future attacks?
With the recent ransomware attack, keeping our county and community’s vital information secure is of utmost importance. I believe the county did everything possible to protect the county and the public’s vital information. The failure I believe happened when the attack was withheld from the public. While limiting the information to protect the security of the investigation, transparency of the attack, and what precautions were taken place to protect their information should’ve been shared. Being transparent by keeping the community informed builds trust.
Describe your position on the county’s efforts to increase revenues through the one-cent sales tax. Do you feel future boards will respect the promise to rely less on property taxes if the one-cent sales tax is passed?
The one percent tax would increase revenues and help reduce the property tax where you only pay for what you spend within the county, minus gas and consumables. This makes all that spend pay their fair share of tax. Now if this tax was for a 2 or even 4-year term I would support the tax. However, the tax term up for a vote is 29 years, an overreach that will affect upcoming generations of taxpayers. As a voter, I will be voting “no”. I feel the “new” board will serve the people, respecting their vote (voice).
STEVE CHAMPION (REP) (INCUMBENT)
BIO:
Commissioner Champion’s family dates back to the 1930s in Hernando County and he has served on the Board of County Commissioners since he was elected in November of 2016. Champion earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Hamilton College and has five kids, with his oldest son being a U.S. Marine. He is also the owner of American Gun & Pawn and the survival store, Tactical Supply and Surplus.
What inspired you to run for county commissioner? Or why are you seeking re-election?
I’m seeking re-election to continue our fight for our conservative values as a county ( Low taxes and small government ). I’ve never voted for a millage ( property tax rate ) increase and I never will. I continue to lead the commission by asking to restore our citizens rights by deleting unnecessary regulations put on citizens like unnecessary permits, Ordinances that restrict watering days for your lawn and freedom like being able to lawfully drive a golf cart or atv on certain roads. I also lead the charge to allow ALL county employees in 2017 to carry a firearm in lawful areas for self defense. I will ALWAYS be your Conservative FIGHTER!
Please describe up to three county projects that are most important to the county and why.
Roads, Smart development and Job Creation are the top projects in the county in my opinion.
Do you see any areas where the county needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?
There are always needs ( in some cases wants ) for this county. However our citizens are taxed too much. I am NOT for any additional taxes that will burden our citizens. Instead let’s make the government leaner and focus on the most important things like first responders and roads. Government should be as minimal as possible.
Do you see any areas where funding/the budget can be cut?
We need cuts across the board. County and constitution staff continue to ask for more. Bottom line we just can’t afford it!! Our people are struggling in the community. I proposed at our 6-11-24 meeting to freeze the budget this year. We’ll see if the other commissioners will agree when our meetings start for the budget.
In hindsight, is there anything you would change about how the county handled the recent ransomware attack? What measures would you like to see enacted to help prevent future attacks?
It was impossible to predict this unlawful attack and the clerk’s office is doing everything it can to correct and protect our systems for the future. The Clerk of Court leads all technology in the county.
Describe your position on the county’s efforts to increase revenues through the one-cent sales tax. Do you feel future boards will respect the promise to rely less on property taxes if the one-cent sales tax is passed?
The one cent sales tax is meant to be a swift in how we collect taxes to pay for capital projects like the $350 million the sheriff is asking for and the major road projects that are not covered by gas tax. I expect a huge tax cut on property taxes if the one cent passes. This Is a better way to collect taxes since everyone pays including visitors like tourists etc. If the public votes it down then I consider that a mandate to cut spending and curb some of these projects.
