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By Jason Davis DELAND -- Now that all the noise has subsided, and the political dust has settled here we are in a new year. I hope everyone that is reading this had a safe and happy holiday season and I hope for health, happiness and prosperity for all as we move forward in the early days of 2013.
I, of course, have a lot of work ahead of me for I am now the Volusia County Chair, the highest elected official in our fair county, and I do take the responsibility of this office very seriously.
How serious? I am so serious about my position, that I have been fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this office for free for the past few months: Reading and understanding things such as the “Sunshine Law,” as well as asking the tough questions about resolutions brought forth to our County Council.
I have been in the council offices, almost daily, and working very hard to learn the “lay of the Land” so to speak.
Not all of this time has been work, though. I have had the pleasure of reading and giving proclamations, attending Veterans Ceremonies,and I was the one that had passed the gratuitous gavel to Frank Bruno, though I was unable to be there for that ceremony due to illness. I felt that it was necessary to thank him for his many years of service to our community.
So what does our new Council have to look forward to in the new year?
We have a lot of work ahead of us. The first year will be a transition year. New policies, new ways of doing things (thinking out side of the box), reductions of budgets, as well as cutting the non-essential spending. Believe me, it will not be easy, there will be a lot of debate in chambers, and a lot of revisions of proposals. I know I am up to the challenge, and I hope that all of the council members are willing to work together for the common good of our citizens.
During the campaign I came up with the "big" three questions that must be answered for my support on any issue: Do we need it and why? Do we have to tax the citizens to pay for it? What are the long term costs of this project?
I do ask these questions and I believe that the staff that is recommending these projects are beginning to understand the answers that need to supplied with their proposals, with proof. I will not support a project that is not needed.
Economic times being what they are, we do not need to spend frivolously. I do not support tax increases. Expensive long term costs cannot be tolerated.
We can no longer expect our economy to thrive, we must begin to live within our means. Basic business 101, payouts must never be more than revenue, that would be fiscal irresponsibility.
So how will you know if things are working out? I will be writing, periodically, to news agencies such as this one and informing you.
If you have a question, Please contact me at: jdavis@volusia.org or you can call the county manager's office and set up an appointment to meet with me. I am "always" available to our citizens for their input and comments. Remember, you hired me, and I work for you.
So, in closing, I thank all of you for your support and I look forward to serving you as your County Chair. Remember that together we can accomplish anything and I look forward to your continued support throughout this nw year.