By PAT NORTHEY Guest blog written exclusively For NSBNews.net
DELTONA -- It is a brand New Year; an opportunity for reflection and renewal. It was my honor to serve as your Vice Chair of the Volusia County Council this past year. And what a year it was; we adopted a budget with a reduction in dollars while consolidating public safety communications around the county and bringing our ambulance service, EVAC, in house.
This past year also saw the County respond to safety concerns on the beach by changing our service vehicles from trucks to “Utility Task Vehicles,” small all-terrain vehicles adapted for beach safety.
Most importantly, we continued to focus on building a better economy for Volusia County residents by focusing on partnerships with our cities, our education community and our private sector.
We opened a business incubator at our Daytona Beach International Airport and financially supported Team Volusia, a public private economic development entity. We streamlined our business processes and reduced impact fees. Hopefully, we positioned our county well for a much-anticipated economic rebound. So what does 2012 have in store for Volusia County?
As the success of the future is many times rooted in the past, you will see the Council continue its effort in economic development. It is job one for the Council. We will also continue efforts to reduce our budget and seek ways to consolidate services where consolidation makes sense.
Good paying jobs and a few extra dollars in all of our pockets as residents of this county are goals for 2012.
Finally, as we settle into the New Year, it will be important for the County Council to continue its collegial and collaborative work relationship that has been a hallmark of service.
It will be important to focus on our constituents’ needs and work together to make our beautiful county a place where everyone can be successful. With six of seven Council seats up for election, you have my commitment to continued leadership, and not politics, as we ring in a new year.
It will be important to focus on our constituents’ needs and work together to make our beautiful county a place where everyone can be successful. With six of seven Council seats up for election, you have my commitment to continued leadership, and not politics, as we ring in a new year.
As a new year begins, there are new goals, new projects and fresh ideas to bring to the table. I am ready to take on the challenges of 2012. Happy New Year's, everyone.
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