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Carlson Favors Consolidating Services

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 12, 2008

Jeff Carlson is a certified public accountant. He's originally from Highlands County. He's married, and has two children.

At 38, he's politically experienced: nine years on the Sebring City Council and nine years on the Central Florida Regional Planning Council for nine years, where he is the current chairman.

He's giving back as chairman of the Sebring Playground Builders; member and past president of Kiwanis, the group that helped start Heartland Horses for the Handicapped.

Q: How will you balance the needs of services with calls to cut taxes?

Over the last several years the budgets have increased due to increased level of service and general market price increases. I believe there are efficiencies to be gained by partnering ona local and regional basis. We can join together with other local governments to consolidate services and with not-for-profits to help manage some facilities.

Q: Did you support Amendment One and the effects it has had on county revenue?

I did not support this initiative. I believe in the power of the people to elect representatives to serve them locally.

Q:Describe your leadership style.

Cooperative.

Q: Do you support impact fees? Do you agree that not having them forces residents already living here to foot the bill for growth?

I support impact fees. This is a quality of life issue that affects all residents. I also believe that once collected impact fees should be utilized in a responsible way.

Q: What will be your most important task during your next term?

Rebuilding relationships with the community and its leaders. We have lost the cooperative atmosphere needed to truly have a government run by the people.

Q: Why should voters select you for county commission?

We are experiencing tough economic times right now with more to come. As budgets get tighter we need to have an experienced leader with the education and business background to make sure government gets smaller and more efficient. I promise to work hard to make that happen.

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