Only residents of the City of Brooksville vote for City Council candidates.
Each candidate was given the opportunity to provide a 150-word bio and respond to our questions within 700 words.
Joe Santerelli
BIO:
Joe Santerelli, long-term resident of Hernando County since 1995. City of Brooksville resident since 2011. Married to wife Christy for 34 years. Very active in community including schools, ministerial associations and Greater Hernando County Chamber Commerce, including Brooksville Matters. Former pastor of Hillside Baptist for 24 years. Recently awarded Alumni of the Year for Trinity College. Now a small business owner and concerned citizen of Brooksville. Looking to use servant leadership skills to help our great city as we move forward while preserving the southern charm of Brooksville.
What inspired you to run for city council?
Two things, really, the first being the availability of two seats opening mid-season. Secondly and more importantly the lack of action for the residents of the city of Brooksville. I had one issue that literally took almost 11 years to get resolved. Multiple people from a former city administrator, the head of public works. All I received was empty promises. I want to be a voice for those with issues who are not being heard.
Do you see any areas where the city needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?
Absolutely! There are many older issues that have been ignored for many years and I’m tired of hearing its not in the budget. I personally live in a black cast iron pipe area that desperately needs to be replaced. However, I hear that’s not in the budget. Well it needs to put in the budget and stop being ignored. I know there are grants and other funds available if we look for them. Plus fiscal responsibility needs to be a priority for older neglected areas of Brooksville.
Do you see any areas where the city is overspending?
I need to spend more time coming through the budget line by line and see actual numbers. I’m certain there are ways to trim expenses. All of us have had to make cuts personally in our own budgets with this overwhelming inflation. The city has to do the same hard things in some areas. I really need to know the inner workings better to make a more intelligent insight.
What are three top issues facing the city that need to be addressed?
I have two main issues. I’m sure there are many more however, The following need to be addressed. 1) Maintaining existing declining areas that the city is responsible for and not addressing. 2) Managing new growth and keeping Brooksville more rural as in outlaying areas.
What qualifies you to hold this office besides your experience/education?
I want to be a council member who actually listens and gets issues resolved in a timely manor. I want to work with others to be a servant leader to improve the quality of our beloved town of Brooksville.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities of this office?
To operate according to the framework of the documents in order to make Brooksville one of the best places to live. To serve to the best of our ability to honor the laws that protect the citizens and to be the best steward of the finances entrusted to us to do the greatest good,
Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you have heard that you found particularly touching, memorable or impactful?
Yes, just recently many members from the city came to protest at a city council meeting. They were against a new subdivision south of Southern Hills to Powell Rd. The residents are experiencing a great deal of flooding already and believe that this new development will increase their flooding and take away their rural area that they moved here for. They simply do not want the overgrowth that Wesley Chapel and other areas have succumbed to and I don’t blame them.
Betty Erhard
BIO:
I am the oldest of six siblings, a mother of three daughters, and a grandmother of three. As a 23-year breast cancer survivor, I’ve faced life’s challenges with resilience, courage, and determination. Passionate about empowering women and making a positive impact, I am deeply committed to my community.
A resident of Brooksville for 35 years, I’ve served as both Mayor and councilwoman, gaining a strong understanding of our community’s challenges and opportunities. I am dedicated to advocating for transparency, sustainable growth, and giving a voice to those who need it most, ensuring every resident feels heard and represented.
With experience across public, private, and government sectors, I bring a diverse perspective to leadership. I am driven, compassionate, focused, and unafraid to ask tough questions. And, as an animal lover, I have a special place in my heart for cats.
What inspired you to run for city council?
I was inspired to run for city council because of my love for this city that I raised my children in and my commitment to public service. As a mother and grandmother, I’m focused on creating a better city for future generations. I’ve seen the challenges we face and realized I could contribute more effectively in a leadership role. My public service experience has taught me the importance of listening to the community, addressing their concerns, and creating solutions that benefit EVERYONE. I want to ensure that our city is a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and residents feel heard and represented.
Do you see any areas where the city needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?
Yes, several areas require increased funding, particularly in infrastructure and affordable housing. Our aging lift stations and wastewater treatment plants need urgent upgrades to ensure safety and accommodate growth. I am also against allowing developers to move in without first addressing the infrastructure challenges that could arise from new developments.
To fund these initiatives, we should assess the current budget for potential reallocations, identifying areas of inefficiency or overspending. We can also apply for state and federal grants targeting infrastructure improvements. Exploring public-private partnerships can help collaborate with local businesses for specific projects. While raising taxes should be a last resort, targeted increases on commercial properties or luxury developments may be necessary to secure needed funds without burdening everyday residents.
Do you see any areas where the city is overspending?
Overspending is a concern, especially when managing a balanced budget. Administrative overhead and bureaucratic expenses may warrant closer scrutiny. We can streamline processes, reduce duplication, and cut excessive red tape that slows services without adding value. Additionally, public contracts for services should be evaluated to ensure we’re getting the best value for our money. Another area to consider is marketing initiatives. While promoting the city is essential, we must ensure these campaigns are cost-effective and yield measurable returns on investment.
What are three top issues facing the city that need to be addressed?
1. Affordable Housing: The rising cost of living makes it challenging for working families, young professionals, and seniors to find affordable housing. We need both short-term relief and long-term planning, and adjusting zoning regulations.
2. Infrastructure: Aging infrastructure, including lift stations and wastewater treatment plants, is a critical issue. Investments are essential for accommodating growth and ensuring the safety of our residents.
3. Public Safety: While our city is relatively safe, concerns about response times and staffing levels exist. Strengthening public safety involves supporting our emergency services while fostering trust and collaboration within the community.
What qualifies you to hold this office besides your experience/education?
Beyond my experience and education, my passion for this community and dedication to serving its people qualify me for this office. I have a personal investment in the city’s success as a resident, mother, and grandmother. I believe in listening to the community, understanding their challenges, and advocating for their needs. Additionally, I believe that each city department should utilize an organizational chart to detail roles and responsibilities, which plays a crucial role in budget management and accountability.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities of this office?
The core responsibilities of this office include representing the community’s interests, ensuring efficient management of city resources, and creating policies that promote the city’s well-being and growth. This involves approving budgets, addressing concerns related to city services, and making decisions that impact public safety and economic development. Additionally, the role demands a commitment to transparency, standing up to the status quo when necessary, and actively listening to constituents. A council member must serve as a bridge between residents and the city government, ensuring that community voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process while fostering accountability and trust.
Is there a story that you have heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
One story that has stayed with me is from a local family struggling with housing insecurity. Despite both parents working full-time, they couldn’t afford rising rent prices and feared leaving the community they loved. Their experience underscores that our decisions as a city directly affect real people in profound ways. It’s a powerful reminder of why addressing issues like affordable housing is critical—not just as a policy challenge, but as a human one.
Christopher Rhodes
BIO:
My name is Christopher Rhodes and I am running for Brooksville City Council Seat 4. I own a home and live in Downtown Brooksville but grew up in Hudson. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and own a small private practice in Brooksville. I am the current President of the Board of Brooksville Main Street, a local non-profit dedicated to the betterment of Brooksville. I currently sit on the Cemetery Board for the City of Brooksville as well. I have always enjoyed serving my community. I have not only volunteered countless hours dedicated to improving the livelihood in Brooksville, but I have also volunteered nearly every Saturday for the last two years at an animal shelter in Odessa. I feel as though God put me on this Earth to improve the lives of others, in any capacity that I can. I am committed to enhancing Brooksville’s infrastructure, preserving our small-town charm, protecting our land, and supporting local businesses. Let’s work together for a vibrant and thriving community!
What inspired you to run for city council?
I was inspired to run for City Council because I believe in the power of community engagement and local action. I live in Downtown Brooksville and I want to ensure that ‘Small Town, Smart Growth’ is something that remains. Brooksville is a traditional American small town and I want to help keep it that way.
Do you see any areas where the city needs to increase funding? How could this be paid for?
Of course, there are plenty of areas that would benefit from increased funding within our City. All current available resources need to go towards improving infrastructure while also allocating (or re-allocating) funds to ensure that the next generation has a safe, functional City to live in.
Do you see any areas where the city is overspending?
Over the last few years, I have been studying and following the budget process in the City of Brooksville. There are always areas where government can reduce spending and thus relieve the burden placed on the taxpayer. However, I believe the current council holding the milage rate the same for the last 4+ years shows that our Brooksville City Government is dedicated to not overburdening the taxpayers. This is something I will aim to continue.
What are three top issues facing the city that need to be addressed?
One of the major issues that the City of Brooksville is facing right now is infrastructure. It’s something that has not been the focus until recent years. While the current council has been addressing this, we need to ensure that the conversation continues and allows for appropriate action to be taken to improve it. We must also support law enforcement while making sure that the citizens of Brooksville are safe and secure. We must enact policies that are fiscally responsible including keeping the milage rate low, reduce unnecessary regulations and promote small business growth.
What qualifies you to hold this office besides your experience/education?
I do believe that I am qualified to hold this office for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, I am an American who owns property and lives in the greatest small town in the United States; Brooksville, Florida. I have immense pride for the City of Brooksville. I am currently the Board President of Brooksville Main Street. Being involved with this non-profit organization that is dedicated to the revitalization and preservation of Historic Downtown Brooksville has allowed me to not only put on special events such as the Halloween Howl (Downtown Trick or Treat) and Christmas on Main, but also, to lead an organization that gives back to our City daily in various ways. My involvement in historical preservation shows that I appreciate Brooksville and want to prevent overdevelopment while supporting local business and smart growth in our small town.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities of this office?
When it comes to being an elected official who sits on City Council, my core responsibility would exist in Brooksvillians. It would be my job to ensure that I am representing the many voices of the citizens that live in our great City. My responsibility would be to hear the concerns and listen to the people about what is needed for our City. My other core responsibility would be to preserve our small town. In a time where Florida’s population is expanding, we need to make sure that what we love most about Brooksville doesn’t disappear forever.
Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you have heard that you found particularly touching, memorable or impactful?
I had the perfect answer for this question, however, recent events have changed it. My original answer was to be the bi-annual event, Beautify Brooksville. Hundreds of individuals, families, businesses and city officials coming together to clean up our City. No one expecting a thank you or monetary compensation. Just neighbors helping neighbors with smiles on their faces. Now my answer comes on the back of an unfortunate aftermath. Hurricane Helene was a storm that affected our people in ways that past storms have not. I have seen ‘Beautify Brooksville’ energy quadrupled in these past weeks. I have seen the kindness in our people and our small businesses. Hot meals donated by local restaurants, clothes and physical labor donated by citizens. Thousands and thousands of pounds of debris picked up by Brooksville and Hernando workers. This is Our Brooksville. A city I am proud of and hope you allow me to serve.
