Brevard County Commission District 4 Republican Primary Candidates
Brevard County Commission District 4 includes portions of Melbourne, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Indian Harbour Beach, and Palm Shores.
The District 4 seat is currently held by Brevard County Commission Chair Mary Bolin-Lewis who's term limit expires this year.
The Primary Election will be held on August 26, 2014.
+-+Copy.jpg)
Age: 63
City of Residence: Melbourne
Occupation: Owner: Armstrong Custom Homes, Inc., established 1987
Website: www.armstrongforbrevard.com
Experience:
57 Year Resident of Brevard County; 27 in District Four, State Certified Building Contractor; State Certified Home Inspector and State Licensed Realtor
LISTEN TO THIS CANDIDATE'S INTERVIEW ON BILL MICK LIVE
What makes you the best candidate (300 words or less)?
I am a small business owner and not a career politician. I know the importance of planning for the future while dealing with today’s issues. I understand the importance of setting aside reserves in good times to prepare for the future and any economic down times that we may face. I understand that to move forward we need to find consensus among the Commissioners. It is my belief that no District is an island; we are all part of the whole that is Brevard County. I am adept at managing assets to maximize their value. Before we look to the taxpayers for further revenue in the form of taxes, we need to evaluate our current resources and see where we can find solutions with existing revenues. I believe that one of our greatest resources is the Indian River Lagoon. Let’s stop studying it and start it on the path to recovery.
We have many challenges facing us today and I have the ability to assess them and suggest viable solutions. Throughout my life, I have faced adversity head on, never looking for the easy way out. I am not afraid to fight for the right decision but I know how to do it in a reasonable manner. I believe that it is time to take all that I have learned and apply it on behalf of my community, my children and my grandchildren.
.jpg)
Age: 63
City of Residence: Satellite Beach
Occupation: President of Charbonneau Family Foundation/ Investor/ Philanthropist
Website: www.whoischarbonneau.com
Experience:
Degrees in Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, 40 years Owner of construction management consulting firm, 40 years a pilot including pilot for NW Airlines, Volunteer, Space coast Center for women, Daily Bread, Chaplain for the homeless at Holmes Regional, Brevard Mediation Center, Guardian Ad Litum.
What makes you the best candidate (300 words or less)?
I am the most knowledgeable candidate, I attended every county commission meeting for the past year, spent hours with County Manager Stockton Whitten and Lynda Weatherman at EDC, met with every commissioner and department head. I have spent hours with Sheriff Ivey on Animal issues, school security, and homeless. Spent hours working with homeless vets, Guardian ad Litum, and the County mediation center and private mediation/arbitration, did volunteer work at the Haven, Space Coast Center for Women, and Chaplain at Daily Bread/Health First.
I am the only candidate that has managed 97 construction jobs, at over 100 million dollars, with all coming in on time and on budget in the three hurricane years of Francis, Jeanne, and Wilma.
I pledge not to vote for any New tax increases, work hard on the Lagoon, infrastructure, and good jobs.
.jpg)
Age: 50
City of Residence: Melbourne
Website: http://electgregjones.com
Education:
Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration with dual
concentrations in Production Operations Management and Industrial
Psychology from East Tennessee State University.
City of Melbourne Vice Mayor
Honor America and Liberty Bell Museum - Executive Board
Florida Institute of Technology - Executive Council - Student Support Systems in Entrepreneurial Leadership
Florida Institute of Technology - Business Mentor for Student Business Incubator
South Brevard Sharing Center - Executive Board and Treasurer
Melbourne Public Housing - Board Chairman
Small Business Development Center of Eastern Florida State - Advisor to Small Businesses
Keiser University - Business College Advisory Committee
Boy Scouts of America - Eagle District Committee (Brevard)
Young Professionals of Brevard - Founding Chair
Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast – Board of Directors
MyRegion.org – Board of Directors
Spaceport Commerce Park – Board of Directors
Melbourne Main Street - Economic Restructuring Committee
Leadership Brevard – Board of Directors and Executive Committee through YPB
Brevard Tomorrow - Chair - Civic Infrastructure Committee
Brevard Tomorrow - Economy Committee
Palm Bay Economic Development Task Force
Florida Institute of Technology - Executive Council - Student Support Systems in Entrepreneurial Leadership
Florida Institute of Technology - Business Mentor for Student Business Incubator
South Brevard Sharing Center - Executive Board and Treasurer
Melbourne Public Housing - Board Chairman
Small Business Development Center of Eastern Florida State - Advisor to Small Businesses
Keiser University - Business College Advisory Committee
Boy Scouts of America - Eagle District Committee (Brevard)
Young Professionals of Brevard - Founding Chair
Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast – Board of Directors
MyRegion.org – Board of Directors
Spaceport Commerce Park – Board of Directors
Melbourne Main Street - Economic Restructuring Committee
Leadership Brevard – Board of Directors and Executive Committee through YPB
Brevard Tomorrow - Chair - Civic Infrastructure Committee
Brevard Tomorrow - Economy Committee
Palm Bay Economic Development Task Force
.jpg)
Age: 65
City of Residence: Melbourne (Suntree)
Occupation: EFSC Fire & EMS Department Chair. Retired Police Officer
Website: www.votebillklein.com
Education:
Education:
Master’s Degree in Management & Leadership and a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences
Experience:
Public Sector:
Police Officer – Served for 30 years in three police departments in Nassau County, NY.
Fire Fighter – Served in two Long Island volunteer fire departments from 1967 to 2001.
Fire & EMS Department Chair – Eastern Florida State College 2002 to present.
Homeland Security Course Presenter – FEMA / West Virginia University.
Private Sector:
Grumman Corp. – Plant 36 in Garden City, NY.
Unique Protection Services – Security Company Operations Officer, Long Island NY, 10 Years
Retail Travel Consultant – Entered the industry pre-deregulation of the airline industry. Built clientele list over many years by providing a quality service.
Travel Agent Course Instructor – Developed and instructed a travel agent course for 10 years at the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in Dix Hills, NY.
Other Qualifiers:
Brookhaven Town County Exploratory Committee – Served on the Public Safety sub-committee that addressed Police, Fire and EMS needs.
Florida Firefighters Employment, Standards and Training Advisory Council – Appointed by Jeff Atwater, Florida CFO in October 2011.
Brevard County Animal Advisory Committee – Appointed by Mary Bolin Lewis, District 4 Commissioner in May 2012.
Sawgrass at Suntree Homeowners Association – Served as a charter member of the Board of Directors.
Vietnam Veteran – U.S. Army 1969 – 1971
LISTEN TO THIS CANDIDATE'S INTERVIEW ON BILL MICK LIVE
Experience:
Public Sector:
Police Officer – Served for 30 years in three police departments in Nassau County, NY.
Fire Fighter – Served in two Long Island volunteer fire departments from 1967 to 2001.
Fire & EMS Department Chair – Eastern Florida State College 2002 to present.
Homeland Security Course Presenter – FEMA / West Virginia University.
Private Sector:
Grumman Corp. – Plant 36 in Garden City, NY.
Unique Protection Services – Security Company Operations Officer, Long Island NY, 10 Years
Retail Travel Consultant – Entered the industry pre-deregulation of the airline industry. Built clientele list over many years by providing a quality service.
Travel Agent Course Instructor – Developed and instructed a travel agent course for 10 years at the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in Dix Hills, NY.
Other Qualifiers:
Brookhaven Town County Exploratory Committee – Served on the Public Safety sub-committee that addressed Police, Fire and EMS needs.
Florida Firefighters Employment, Standards and Training Advisory Council – Appointed by Jeff Atwater, Florida CFO in October 2011.
Brevard County Animal Advisory Committee – Appointed by Mary Bolin Lewis, District 4 Commissioner in May 2012.
Sawgrass at Suntree Homeowners Association – Served as a charter member of the Board of Directors.
Vietnam Veteran – U.S. Army 1969 – 1971
LISTEN TO THIS CANDIDATE'S INTERVIEW ON BILL MICK LIVE
What makes you the best candidate (300 words or less)?
As a Vietnam Veteran and police officer with private sector experience, I am a uniquely qualified well-rounded candidate who will bring common sense back to local government. Integrity, fiscal responsibility, and open government policies, are several of my cornerstone beliefs. I will work diligently to restore your faith in government by lowering taxes through responsible government, implementing common sense zoning laws, and insisting on accountability, transparency, ethics and honesty by all who serve the residents of Brevard. It’s time for a professional, engaged commission that is willing to work to preserve the quality of life we all deserve.
.jpg)
Name : Rick Lacey
Age 59
City of Residence: Viera
Occupation: Realtor
Website: www.VoteLaceyforCommissioner.com
Experience:
A strong record of community and political involvement including School Advisory Council- Viera High School, Head of the Respect Life Ministry at St. John the Evagelist Catholic Church, Vice Chairman of the Brevard Republican Party, Space Coast Association of Realtors, the Friends of the Viera-Suntree Public Library, volunteer for The Haven Guild, and the Sons of the American Legion.
Age 59
City of Residence: Viera
Occupation: Realtor
Website: www.VoteLaceyforCommissioner.com
Experience:
A strong record of community and political involvement including School Advisory Council- Viera High School, Head of the Respect Life Ministry at St. John the Evagelist Catholic Church, Vice Chairman of the Brevard Republican Party, Space Coast Association of Realtors, the Friends of the Viera-Suntree Public Library, volunteer for The Haven Guild, and the Sons of the American Legion.
What makes you the best candidate (300 words or less)?
I have always believed that one person can make a difference. That is why I am a candidate for Brevard County Commissioner in District 4. Taxpayers want our County Government to stop runaway spending, keep the lid on taxes, and provide government services more efficiently and effectively. I could not agree more! My years of experience in the private and public sector have given me the knowledge to provide a new direction for Brevard County. A more hands on approach to county government, with more input from the citizens of this county, is sorely needed.
With my degree in accounting from Villanova University along with my experience as a cost accountant, Brevard taxpayers will benefit from my skills in auditing, budgeting and accounting. My experience working in the tourism industry will allow me to be an active partner with Brevard’s hotels, attractions, and tourism officials to increase our share of this critical visitors market.
My work with corporate executives as Manager of Enterprise Zone Programs resulted in business expansion and job growth. Brevard County’s economy is still recovering from tough times. I intend to spearhead aggressive pro-growth policies to help our local economy grow and to create new opportunity for our citizens.
In addition, I plan to be a Pro Active Commissioner regarding clean up and protection of the Indian River Lagoon, fighting the negative impact of All Aboard Florida, reducing our debt service and serving as an advocate for our citizens on issues like the Viera/I95 exchange. I will be accessible to all the citizens of Brevard and will have frequent town meetings To listen to your ideas, concerns and proposals.
My commitment to you as a Conservative Republican is to exert all my Energy, Experience and Education to control the growth of county government and to provide the Leadership and Consensus Building to achieve that goal.
.jpg)
Name: Curt Smith
Age: 66
I have always believed that one person can make a difference. That is why I am a candidate for Brevard County Commissioner in District 4. Taxpayers want our County Government to stop runaway spending, keep the lid on taxes, and provide government services more efficiently and effectively. I could not agree more! My years of experience in the private and public sector have given me the knowledge to provide a new direction for Brevard County. A more hands on approach to county government, with more input from the citizens of this county, is sorely needed.
With my degree in accounting from Villanova University along with my experience as a cost accountant, Brevard taxpayers will benefit from my skills in auditing, budgeting and accounting. My experience working in the tourism industry will allow me to be an active partner with Brevard’s hotels, attractions, and tourism officials to increase our share of this critical visitors market.
My work with corporate executives as Manager of Enterprise Zone Programs resulted in business expansion and job growth. Brevard County’s economy is still recovering from tough times. I intend to spearhead aggressive pro-growth policies to help our local economy grow and to create new opportunity for our citizens.
In addition, I plan to be a Pro Active Commissioner regarding clean up and protection of the Indian River Lagoon, fighting the negative impact of All Aboard Florida, reducing our debt service and serving as an advocate for our citizens on issues like the Viera/I95 exchange. I will be accessible to all the citizens of Brevard and will have frequent town meetings To listen to your ideas, concerns and proposals.
My commitment to you as a Conservative Republican is to exert all my Energy, Experience and Education to control the growth of county government and to provide the Leadership and Consensus Building to achieve that goal.
Age: 66
City of Residence: Melbourne
Occupation: Retired
Website: Curtsmith2014.com
Education/Experience:
I graduated from The University of Miami, Fl with a liberal arts degree majoring in United States History and with a minor in English History. I am a product of the private sector. I have always been heavily involved with local causes and charities like Candlelighters, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, youth soccer, Little League Baseball, and Board of Directors for Prevent and Friends of Sally's House.
What makes you the best candidate (300 words or less)?
I am a product of the private sector and have almost 40 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur and businessman. I am ready to bring my knowledge and years of fiscally responsible management practices to the Commission. I believe Brevard can provide the essential service of government without raising taxes. In the long-term, the County must reduce its debt by creating surpluses and be on a solid financial footing. Without a long term financial plan, we always seem to be lurching from crisis to crisis.
I want to institute good fiscal practices with a plan indicating where we are, and where we want to be financially. I understand that every one dollar increase in fees and taxes is a dollar our seniors on fixed incomes have to do without. I am debt free and my business was debt free. That is the mindset and determination I want to bring to the Commission.
Restoring the Indian River Lagoon is another problem that is dear to my heart. It is our challenge as a county and as a society. It is our generation's charge to keep. I am ready to lead this charge as well.
If elected, I will be the taxpayer's advocate. I want to be the people's commissioner. I won't run and hide after the election. I will still be involved in all of the civic charities and events I have always been involved in and I will be assessible to everyone.
.jpg)
Age: 54
City of Residence: Indian Harbour Beach
Occupation: Attorney at Zilaitis Law, P.A.
Website: www.321Brevard2020.com
Education:
Juris Doctor, Law, Quinnipiac College School of Law, Hamden, CT 1999
Master of Business Administration, Finance, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT 1990
Master of Science, Electrical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 1985
Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 1983
Experience:
Former Engineer and Program/Project Manager in Aerospace/Defense Industry - 1983-1999
Former Assistant State Attorney - 1999-2001
Attorney in Private Practice - 2001-Present
Brevard County Charter Review Commission - 2009-2010
Brevard County Public Schools Audit Committee - 2011-Present
What makes you the best candidate (300 words or less)?
As District 4's representative on Brevard's Board of County Commissioners, I will utilize my education, training and over thirty years of domestic and international experience in engineering, project/program management and law to deal head-on with the fiscal issues that must be resolved if our county government is to properly serve its citizens now and in the future.
I believe an individual's time, talent and treasure is his/hers and his/hers alone. I stand for individual rights, personal responsibility, free market capitalism, minimum government and maximum freedom. In other words, I STAND FOR LIBERTY. This means I will work diligently to terminate county government's involvement in activities other than making sure Brevard's law enforcement and fire services are best in class and that county infrastructure is expanded in accordance with demand and that existing and new infrastructure is properly maintained thereafter.
