- April 19, 2024
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What would you do to improve the housing market?
My opponent has indicated that he prefers to focus on state issues rather than local ones. That’s exactly the problem! All politics are local. People don't just buy a home in Florida — they seek out a community that matches their needs, expectations and desires. Some people like the hustle and bustle of a big city — they move to Daytona, or Jacksonville. Others like the historic charm of St. Augustine. Others prefer the rural and agricultural allure of Bunnell or Hastings. And still, others like the laid-back beauty and diversity that sets Palm Coast apart from much of the rest of Florida.
What the Legislature needs to do is allow counties and local municipalities to do what it is they do best. Tallahassee should not try to "homogenize” our state — one size does not fit all! We need to give local government an opportunity to capitalize on their strengths by creating a local “curb appeal” that will attract folks of a like mind — this is how you grow our state, by growing our communities.
What would you to do bring jobs and businesses to Florida?
Begin by streamlining state government. Instead of introducing more and more “Band-Aids” to address special-interest issues in our property tax code (just look at the confusion created by the proposed Constitutional Amendments), let’s try real tax reform that creates a fair and balanced playing field for all.
We need to inventory our strengths — which are far more than just tourism and retirement living. We have a strong agricultural employment base. Let’s promote it. We have outstanding biomedical and marine science institutes. Why not capitalize on these employment centers? Let’s recognize, once and for all, that a strong educational system, pre-k through graduate and post-graduate school, is essential to business and industry in the 21st century and beyond.
Once upon a time, industry depended on high-pressure steam and abundant cheap labor. The industry of the 21st century that we want to attract needs fiber-optic networks and highly skilled workers. If we can provide them, business and industry will come. Meanwhile, in the short term, we need to focus on developing our service industries that can serve our still-growing elder populations.
Why should people vote for you instead of your opponent?
We must put partisan politics aside if we want things to change for the better. I have been a local resident for 25 years. I have raised my three children here. My husband and I are committed to living and working in our community. I have a proven track record — both at the local and state level. I have demonstrated real leadership as a member of the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners and have developed bipartisan support as a result.
Not only have I dealt successfully with local issues, but I have been a successful voice for this county in Tallahassee. In a few words: experience, dedication, commitment and success separate me from my opponent.
Following the questionnaire, we had each candidate come in for a follow-up interview. A sample of Holland’s responses are found below.
“I think what I bring to the table is that demonstrative discussion point of saying .... (which) legislative action is going to impact local governments and local communities ... and how. ... Without having that experience in local government, I don’t think you have the ability to have those discussions. ... You have to understand the needs of the district.
“I’ve had the experience, and I’ve had the time on the commission to really understand the complexities of these issues of the day. ... I think I’m probably the champion of home-rule. ... I think that’s why I have such bipartisan support.”
She also opposes tax breaks for online retailers, she said.
“Do I think it’s unfair, and would I like for us to actually move forward on instituting a sales tax for online companies that don’t exist in our state? Yeah.”
On education, she said:
“I think, over time, many people interpreted the law differently. ... There’s not an inner-city … within District 4.” So she sees no need to diverge from the public school system or more toward charters. “Standardized testing ... is one small model that you take into account for student achievement and success.”
On campaign donations, particularly those from out-of-county donors, she said:
“I don’t think you can buy elections. ... When else in Flagler County time has any resident been able to go in the grocery store and shop with their representative? I will be here, for nine months out of the year. I live here, my family’s here. ... You have a clear choice at the end of the day.
“I think (my and Travis Hutson’s) philosophies are different. ... He doesn’t want to dwell on local issues and that’s not what a good State Representative does. ... I don’t think he understands what the job entails. ... A vote for Milissa Holland is a vote for Flagler. ... I have made government work for the people of this community.”
