What are your top goals if you are elected?
My top goals are a healthy, safe and prosperous county. I want to discuss the healthy part first. I think, by some of the partnerships and initiatives the we already have and keep expounding upon those, it could really benefit the health of the county. Some of the examples are Mr. Steve Hutson and his work with the veteran services and Mr. Norm Conti with our senior center. That’s wonderful. But we also have our food banks that are out there, and the library does several different classes, from nutritional education to cancer support. And I think that’s wonderful, and that we should continue to partner with them and lift them up. I also think we need to support our local law enforcement, EMS and fire, and lift up our county employees. They do an amazing job, and they work very hard, and I think that’s important for us. And then, of course, one of the goals is to maintain some spending awareness. Even if a budget is being spent a little bit over, I think it’s important for us to take a step back and see why that we may need to reallocate a little bit in order for them to achieve their own particular goals for their entity.
What are the biggest issues you think the County Commission needs to address right now?
So Gilchrist County is the Springs Capital of the World, and that is a big deal. I think it’s very important that we protect our water, we protect our springs and our agricultural land. So all the issues that arise. Every single day, we have issues that arise that will impact our land and our water, and I think it’s very important that we continue to be proactive in that. Growth. You see it every day, it’s there, it’s in our face, but it’s also a long-term issue. And I believe, you know, that we have to be aware of that and plan out for the long term issues that growth will bring. But immediately, there are some things we can do, and that’s identify gaps within policies, zoning, regulations, codes, that sort of thing, and see what kind of impact that it’s having immediately on our services, our roads, education and crime. Solar is always an issue. We’ve heard it since it started coming in our county, and I think the issue there is going to be the saturation within our population, the safety of the equipment they’re actually utilizing and, of course, the decommission plan. Contracts. Who oversees our contracts? What happens if the contracts aren’t being adhered to? So contracts will be something that I think we need to pay attention to. And then, of course, our budget and maintaining a healthy budget.
What are some changes you would like to see made once you are elected?
I myself will not be making any changes. There are five board members, and the commissioners make up that board. So we need to keep in mind that it takes three members to make something happen within the board. But some of the changes I would like to see is us going beyond minimum standards, especially for things like notification. When it comes to quasi-judicial hearings that the board may be having, there’s a lot of complaints with regard to there wasn’t enough notice. They’re supposed to be able to bring clear and convincing evidence before the board prior to the board making their decisions, and if there isn’t enough notification, then it’s difficult for the citizens to prepare clear and convincing evidence. So I think there are some things that we might be able to acknowledge that and help in that manner. And I believe that I am an outspoken person, and I believe in asking questions and holding people accountable, so that is something that I would do.
What are the biggest challenges you think Gilchrist County faces right now?
So the challenge with any person, any individual, any family, is balance. Balancing work and family, balancing our time, or diets, our checkbooks, and I think the county is no different when it comes to that. And right now, we’re looking at balancing state mandates along with public interest, and there is some conflict there. The other thing that we see regularly is a demand for the lower taxes, yet a demand for an increase in services. So it’s all, to me, about balancing and coming together and finding that.
What are some things that you think the County Commission is doing well right now?
Well, I think it was great that they brought their meetings online. I think it was wonderful. Not everybody can escape from their daily responsibilities to make a 4 o’clock meeting. I think it’s really important for the community to hear how they’re being represented, hear the issues and concerns of other citizens, of board members, and be able to respond to those issues. So, I think that was a really good, positive change. The new jail coming on board was wonderful. The Sheriff and board making that happen was instrumental to the safety and security of our county. There are security issues when you’re transporting inmates back and forth from Levy County to Dixie County back to Gilchrist County for court events and such. The board’s trying to keep our taxes down. And again, providing services and trying to maintain that, but they appear to be attempting to do the job. Research and securing grant money is instrumental for Gilchrist County because we just don’t have the funds coming from our community, from the citizens. We’re a small county, so the grant money and the state money that comes in and the way that the board is utilizing it is pretty good.
The public service communication system that went online was essential, and we have a nice positive fund balance. So think those are all good things.
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
So, I think you have to look at a candidate’s motivation. And my motivation is simply that we are put here to serve others, and we have a responsibility to do that. We have a responsibility to the provisions that God has provided for us, be it our land, our water or our community. And I am a praying woman. I’m a Christian woman, and I just ask that the Lord use me and my abilities for the betterment of every and in the way he sees fit. And so I was called. I was called to enter this race, and, win or not, his plan is always perfect, and I’m excited to see what he has in store.
What experience do you bring that will help you if you’re elected?
I have a lifelong experience in public service. I’ve been a public servant since I was 18 years old. I have experience in training, working within Florida State Statutes and interpretation, and liability as Critical Incident Stress Management member, and I have training in planning the effective use of financial resources. I understand the liability and bringing issues before the county that could present a liability issue for us. And I’m a local small business owner, so I understand the importance of job creation, of employee retention and taking care of those that take care of you.
What can the citizens of Gilchrist County expect from Tammy Hale, County Commissioner?
They can expect me to respect them. They can expect access and candor. I am not the kind of person that will just say something to appease somebody else. I will be honest and forthright, whether you want to hear it or not. I appreciate when people are that way with me, so that what I will do. I will represent you to the best of my ability.
Is there anything we haven’t talked about that you feel like everyone needs to know?
So, many candidates talk about transparency and accountability, and I am about transparency, accountability and I tried to take action immediately when I announced that I wanted to run for county commissioner. And the transparency part was doing the public records requests immediately following the meeting so that the community can listen to how they are actually being represented and actually listen to and hear the candidates that would step forward and bring concerns forward and how they will represent the community. Aside from that, I love this community. They have been good to me and my family and my desire is to give back to them everything they have so wonderfully done for us.