Martin County Election 2022: Candidates reply to questionnaires
In June we began to ask candidates to fill out questionnaires to help you understand your choices on the ballot.
The following candidate responses were not edited.
Our editorial board planned to interview candidates in July for races that would have a presumptive new officeholder based on the
The latest election news from TCPalm: TCPalm.com/elections
TCPalm's list of candidates running for office this fall
Who is running in
Video: 2022 Editorial Board interview
Age: 47
Educational background: Bachelor's
Current occupation and work history:
Public Relations Consultant and realtor
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Indian River Lagoon Council Board member and immediate past chair
Metropolitan planning Council board member
Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council Board Member
State Committeewoman
numerous other advisory groups, youth sports and members of several Chambers of Commerce
Why are you running for office? One of my Dad's favorite sayings growing up was, "all I want for you is to be better off than I was." That's exactly what I want for
Residents have entrusted me to serve nearly 4 years as District 2 County Commissioner, and I am running for reelection to continue to serve.
As your representative, I have always prioritized protecting our unique quality of life and putting our tax payers first.
As a fourth generation
I understand our challenges we continue to face with our vulnerable waterways which is why I have worked hard to secure funding and solutions to these environmental challenges. The funding secured to complete water quality projects in
I support the core principles of freedom, smaller government, and keeping your tax rates low. One thing I have never forgotten is as your representative, I work for you and those hard earned tax dollars belong to you!
I believe in accountable and transparent government. My top priority has always been to have a local government that is fair, truthful and that works for the betterment of our community. The County developed an app at my request to provide another tool of transparency and communication with our residents.
Public Safety and Education are a vital part of our community and I will continue to actively support maintaining the highest standards in both in
Solving problems in our neighborhoods and on local roads has been a priority and in fact one of the most enjoyable parts of serving this community. I will continue to work with our neighbors to protect their quality of life.
For these reasons, I am running for RE-ELECTION to continue my service as District 2 County Commissioner with balance and integrity.
Together we can continue to keep this community the greatest county in
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
We have just begun on water quality and there is so much more work to do! I will work with
I will continue to watch out for tax payers and look for ways to eliminate wasteful spending.
One of my top priorties would be to continue what I have started in
I will continue to be an independent thinker, when considering items before me, and vote in the best interest of all residents for of our quality of life. I will continue to look for ways to make it easier for resident to access information on what is happening in their local government and how their taxes are being spent.
I will finish the lighting and
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
I have a proven track record as the District 2 County Commissioner.
I have been independent thinking, carefully studying and weighing out all information before making a decision.
If you were to ask residents in different areas of my district, I believe they would concur that I have worked very hard on their behalf to resolve probelems in their neighborhood, problems that were there before I came into office and were not addressed.
I have always been transparent and communicate with all residents.
In addition to working hard the last four years as County Commissioner. I have been active and engaged in our local community since I arrived back here from college. I've sat on boards. I've volunteered my time to make this community better. I have helped clean up after hurricanes. I've been honored with community service awards.
I have demonstrated long before running for office that I love this community and want to serve it and I will continue to demonstrate that long after serving in an elected position.
My opponent has no footprint in
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No
Link to campaign website or social media page: https://hetheringtonformartin.com/
Age: 41
Educational background: B.A. in Philosophy, Masters of Divinity in Theology
Current occupation and work history:
Registered Nurse- COVID-ICU & CVICU caring for post-open heart surgery patients
Catholic Priest- Associate Pastor at two Diocesan Parishes in
Landscape design and sales
Construction contracting sales with a focus on hurricane and storm damage restoration
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Visiting the sick in hospitals and ministering to patients and families, especially in end-of-life settings.
Volunteer at multiple churches offering housing, food, and dignity to the homeless population of
Youth soccer coach
Why are you running for office?
1. To return power to the people of
2. To keep
3. To use for taxpayer money efficiently while ensuring we have the best-equipped and best-trained first responders in the region.
4. To ensure our county government never issues lock-downs and mask mandates again, favoring individual freedom over governmental overreach.
5. To fight for the restoration of our waterways, which have been drastically altered by decades of discharge from
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
To defeat the efforts of outside developers trying to make
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
1. Unlike my opponent, I am beholden to no one except the people of
In her previous campaign of 2018, over
2. I promise to only accept campaign contributions from residents and businesses of
3. I will not try to pick winners and losers by offering particular companies tax incentives to open a business in
4. The people of
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://tj-mcgowan.com
Video: Editorial board interview
2018 Editorial Board recommendation
Age: 67
Educational background: Bachelor's degree in literature/history
Current occupation and work history: 20 years as a
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Why are you running for office?
My platform has been consistent for the past 20 years and will remain so for the next 4. Clean up our water. Control growth. Keep taxes low.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
The Board needs to provide logical, transparent, accountable, and predictable urban development policies, not knee jerk reactions to market trends. The Urban Services Boundary isn't a NIMBY contrivance. It's a legally enforceable construct that keeps our taxes low and protects our rivers. Urban services like potable water and sewer, police and fire protection, schools, and roads are very expensive to provide in a compact geographic area. If you allow these to be expanded all over our western lands with no enforceable or predictable plan, they become prohibitively expensive for all residents.
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
I have a solid 20 year record of protecting the public's interests, not special interests. I have lived here for 35 years, voting here in every eligible election. I have detailed knowledge of each of the last 20 county budgets, clearly understanding my role as the taxpayers' fiduciary representative. I have often been the sole and always the reliable fiscal conservative on our Board. Because of my leadership, the Indian River Lagoon Plan became one of the first components of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan to be authorized into federal law, paving the way for millions of dollars in state and federal funds to be channeled here to improve the quality of our waterways.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No
Age: 34
Educational background:
Bachelor's in Business and Psychology from
Current occupation and work history:
Chief Information Officer for
Consulting Chief Operating Officer for Tierra Healthcare Concepts 12/2017 - 12/2021
Chief Operating Officer for
-Deployed to
-Lean Six Sigma Project Coach and Instructor
-Hazardous Material Program Supervisor
-Aviation Electrician on the F/A-18 Fighter Jet
Volunteer and civic engagement:
1) Martin County LEADERship Class 31 – Class Representative
2) Operation 300 – Attended the past 8 camps where we provide father/son experiences to
3)
4)
5) 1st
6) American Warrior Initiative – Assisted in getting a service dog for USMC Retired Major
7) VFW & American Legion Member
Why are you running for office?
I'm running to secure lower taxes, a stronger economy and a planned sustainable future for all in
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
1) The county blames the city for growth and takes no responsibility. We need a better partnership with the city, town, and village governments to implement a joint vision for our community. Having met with three of the current city commissioners I look forward to a future that includes us all.
2) Continuing the policy work that protects our waters and creates a more resilient ecosystem.
3) Increasing the amount of work-from-home jobs in our county.
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
1) Being endorsed by your Martin County Firefighters, Karen and
2) Being Born in
3) Honorably served our country as a United States Marine, deployed to
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No.
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://PickMustapick.com
Video: Editorial Board interview
Age: 37
Educational background:
B.S.B.A. Finance UCF, B.S.B.A. Economics UCF, Master's in Economic Policy from
Current occupation and work history:
Since 2014, I have owned and operated a small, successful wellness business,
Research Economist,
Economist, National Income and Wealth Division, BEA (2009-2013)
(2004-2007)
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, weekly youth education volunteer (
One
Why are you running for office?
I love
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
It is essential that the entire community get behind our public school system and that all stakeholders be involved. Of my many priorities, safety is the most time sensitive. Kids can't learn and grow if they don't feel safe. I will conduct a thorough review of our current school safety measures, meet with school resource officers, the Director of Safety and Security at the school district, listen to our law enforcement partners at the
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
There are a lot of differences between my opponent and I, but the most important is that I am a
I grew up here and moved back with my husband to start our family in 2019. My opponent just moved here in late 2021 for the first time.
I have multiple higher education degrees including two separate bachelor's degrees, one in Economics and one in Finance from the
One of the most important responsibilities a school board member has is overseeing a budget of nearly
I know how to work effectively in a team environment on difficult and important issues. I was responsible for leading a team of economists, statisticians, and policy experts to create our nation's first Healthcare Price Index.
I am a lifelong learner and care deeply about education. I'm a certified experienced yoga therapist, a comprehensively certified Pilates teacher, a certified graduate of the two-year
I am an independent thinker who, if elected, will serve with integrity on the school board.
Please visit my website at www.liz4kids.com for more information about my background and qualifications.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No, I have never filed for bankruptcy.
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://www.liz4kids.com
Age: 38
Educational background:
Studied at
Current occupation and work history:
Current Occupation - Stay at Home Mom
2016 - 2021 Assistant Administrator at
President of a
2014-2021 - Accounts Receivable/Payable, Payroll
2003 - 2013 - Office Manager - Building Supply Company
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Volunteer at
Volunteer at
Volunteer at Our Community Table
Member of
Why are you running for office?
I am a mom and former assistant school administrator who cares deeply about our education system. I will be an advocate for students, parents, and teachers. I am committed to maintaining excellent schools, protecting parental rights in education, advocating for school choice, and supporting our teachers. I believe that a stronger school system will create a stronger
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
My top priority would be to address third grade reading proficiency. Based on the most recent data,
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
I bring a fresh perspective as a mom of school age children and a former assistant school administrator. I made decisions every day for our students and staff regarding the curriculum, hiring decisions, managing employees, operations, and budgeting. I believe these tools will be an asset to the board. I also strongly support
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://www.jenrussellforschoolboard.com
Video: Editorial Board interview
Age: 65
Educational background: Enrollment Management of Education
Current occupation and work history: School Board Member/Teacher
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Board of
*For more details see website at Www.andersonknowseducation.com
Why are you running for office?
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
To continue the efforts of my first term representing all stakeholders in our education system. With emphasis on:
*Careful and considerate analysis of how & where tax dollars are spent.
*Challenging our state & federal government for more local control.
*Dedicated to all students achieving success.
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
My overall Education and Training,Work History and Experience. Also being a lifetime member of
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain. NO
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://Www.andersonknowseducation.com
Age: 36
Educational background: Some College
Current occupation and work history: I currently work for
Volunteer and civic engagement:
I am volunteer for the
I am currently the president of
I am a volunteer at
I volunteer my time where ever it is needed I love to help.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I would change for all of us in the community. I want to see real change and I would like to help make it happen with results.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
My top priority would be to inform the residents of what is happening around them.
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
I am personable which makes me approachable to the community.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain. N/A
Age: 61
Educational background: High School, some College, Technical Certificates
Current occupation and work history:
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Indiantown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors,
Why are you running for office?
To serve and represent the Indiantown community with proven common sense leadership and continue to be an advocate for the people.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
Top priority would continue to be water/wastewater, roads, drainage and Parks. For years these issues were neglected in our community and we are playing catch up. Residents consistently say these are the issues most needed and important to them.
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
Not knowing my opponent's platform I can only say experience. I'm not running against anyone. I'm running for something, the people of Indiantown.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain. No
Link to campaign website or social media page: https://www.facebook.com/susangibbsthomas/
2018 Editorial Board recommendation
Age: 66
Educational background: Bachelor of Business and a CPA
Current occupation and work history:
Certified Public Accountant - started my own firm in 1994. Began my career with
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Why are you running for office?
To preserve
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
My top priority would be to engage the Commission and the City staff more with the citizens. We now approve a number of projects in the wee hours of the night, 4 or 5 hours into a Commission meeting. These projects have not been vetted by any community members, and many times the community doesn't find out until it is a done deal, or reported in the
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
10 years of experience working with the City as a member of Mainstreet and 5 years working with the City as a landowner. I have been a business owner in
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://markforstuart.com
Age: 68
Educational background:
Current occupation and work history: Retired
1987-2020 Vice President Investments Certified Financial Planner Wells Fargo Advisors
Volunteer and civic engagement:
1992
1998
Why are you running for office?
Serving on the LPA has given me an in-depth look at development in
I'm also very interested in making sure the
Also, we need to keep up the effort to protect our rivers. Mayor
I'd like to expand the City partnering with private, non-profit organizations. We do some with
After going door-to-door for five weeks, we need to expand our outreach to the public. People really care about what is happening in
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
Implement a zoning-in-progress pause. This is not a moratorium. See above for description. The purpose of this is to give us an opportunity to come up with a plan.
I just sat in a planning meeting and the first line on the first slide was, 'The Comprehensive Plan does not include strategic direction'. The Comprehensive Plan is like a map but its useless if you don't know where you want to go. Downtown was brought back from the dead in 1986 with the help of
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
When he knocks on a door and introduces himself, people don't say, 'You don't look big enough to have played professional football.'
First of all, I am retired and therefore, have the time to devote to the job.
Second, my experience on the LPA allows me to have a strong understanding of almost all the issues that come before the commission. There will be a minimal learning curve.
Third, I pursue with vigor the interests of the City and its residents. This includes challenging staff and those making demands of the City. After the LPAs unexpected denial of the Silverthorn application, the developer was quoted as saying, 'We got our head handed to us at the LPA.' Also the staff went from recommending approval to recommending denial. Commissioner
Fourth, because the Sailing Center is located on County property, I have had a longstanding, good relationship with the County. We are an incredible recreational resource that is available to the public. The severe division between the County and the City needs to be healed. I would hope that I could begin to make progress on this. I have known
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain. No.
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://campbellrich4stuart.com
Age: 38
Educational background:
Current occupation and work history:
I have owned and operated a chiropractic practice on
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Since the lost Summer almost 10 years ago now, I have been watching progress on limiting discharges, the most promising direction I think personally being keeping lake levels lower going into summer. My wife and I and our 3 small children attend church weekly and have been hosting monthly Worship in The Park events downtown for the last 7 months.
Why are you running for office?
Like many residents, I am unhappy with the overdevelopment that has taken place over the last 4 years since my opponent took office. I believe if we don't protect what makes
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
Immediately stop rezoning for high density apartment projects. Focus on using our existing bottlenecks like US-1 to determine future growth. In just a few years, Commissioners have approved more than 3,000 new units in a city that has for years had a steady population of around 16,000 residents. We need time to see what the impact will be on the quality of life for existing residents from traffic to water quality.
What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?
My opponent and I are very similar in many respects. We both have young families and a heart for clean water. He fishes, I surf. Where we differ is in our vision of how
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain. No
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://docforstuart.com
Age: 65
Educational background:
Current occupation and work history:
Attorney at Law at
Florida Rural Legal Services - Family Law Attorney (1998-1999)
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Martin County Audobon - Board member
Martin County NAACP - Member
Building Bridges, Inc (Actively participated when this organization existed)
Martin County Black Heritage Association-Fouding Member
Why are you running for office?
My love for
Serving on the
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
As a current Commissioner, my top priority is to ensure that there is balance to avoid over development and enhance our vibrancy so that the
Having Town Halls/Listening tours and other methods to gather input regarding concerns on such matters as the designation of Land Uses, allocation of density/zoning regulations and community policing efforts will be central to achieving this priority. Systematically engaging our residents will ensure that all neighborhoods and businesses are involved and that residents are aware of the critical issues facing our city, as active stakeholders in the future of
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
Experience.
My Service on the
As a Passionate and Sincere advocate with planning skills and keen perspective, I am uniquely qualified to continue to address the complex fiscal and planning issues facing the
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain. No.
Age: 55
Educational background: BA Secondary Education Major: History Minor: Biology
Current occupation and work history:
Currently I am principal/manager of
Volunteer and civic engagement:
I have served previously as President of my condominium association and currently part of their finance committee. I was previously deputy chairperson as well as finance committee of the
Why are you running for office?
I've seen enough. I do not like the push toward high-density urbanization. I've heard the vast majority of my friends and neighbors saying the same thing. Good friends know I am in tune with forces pushing this narrative which our current
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
Rescinding the recommended changes to the Stuart Comprehensive Plan. Specifically, the recommended change to gross density, Policy 1.A7.2 which the current commissioners have approved and have already sent to
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
I do not buy into the narrative encouraging changing residential zoning. Where once one housing unit in a given area would count as one housing unit, they would now see two housing units on that same area
still count as the one unit. I do not find the already or near completed multi-family projects, which from a historical perspective appear to have used a blueprint from Soviet Russia, contribute in any way to our small-town charm. Furthermore, I do not believe the large corporations who will own these projects will ever allow the individual to own these units. Additionally, their control of these projects allows margin compression applied against local "mom and pop" type landlords. This ultimately leads to large multi-national corporations monopolizing our housing market, the antithesis of affordable/"attainable" housing.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain:
Yes, 2003. This humbling event was the result of being inexperienced, naive and overleveraged during a collapsing bubble and illiquid markets providing key lessons which enabled me to survive and thrive during the next bubble and this current collapsing bubble.
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://willpowerstuart.com
General Liability Insurance Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2028 : GEICO, Allianz, AXA: General Liability Insurance Market 2022
N.J. Acting A.G. Platkin Establishes 'Reproductive Rights Strike Force' to Protect Access to Abortion Care for New Jerseyans and Residents of Other States
Advisor News
- The first 5 years of your career could determine the next 50
- Your client’s $3 million portfolio doesn’t tell you their insurance needs
- How life insurance can provide liquidity for wealthy families
- Retirement providers turn to digital engagement to retain assets
- Looking out for clients with diminished mental capacity
More Advisor NewsAnnuity News
- What lower interest rates mean to annuity payouts
- AM Best downgrades A-Cap insurers amid financial and regulatory troubles
- Lawsuit claims Delaware Life hid billions in insurer-linked investments
- AM Best to Deliver Presentation at 2026 ACLI Annual Conference
- Global Atlantic Announces Launch of ForeLifetime Income, a New Fixed Index Annuity
More Annuity NewsHealth/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News