- April 19, 2024
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Dear Editor,
I applaud the candidates who have qualified to run their race and admire the energy, time, and effort put forth. As a candidate to Ormond Beach Commission Zone 1, I have personally experienced many wonderful folks eagerly sharing their thoughts and concerns for the city. I do not think there is one person who would disagree that clean water, public safety, beautiful parks, adequate infrastructure and low taxes are good.
I strongly believe that my experience on the Planning Board for the last six years has provided challenges as well as opportunities to support the community and its citizens. I have listened to citizens' concerns and provided feedback to planning requests based on balanced, critical assessment. I have found that our recommendations to the City Commission may not always please the request on hand or the citizen at the podium.
A good board member must know the history of the request and be knowledgeable of the current regulations placed upon it. The Planning Board simply provides a recommendation to the commission. The role of the commission is the provide direction in matters of the city. We are fortunate to have professionally qualified and experienced personnel as heads of city departments and city manager. The commission and city work best as a collaborative team. As a candidate, I strongly support efforts that respect our precious resources (water and green space), development that is a good neighbor, public servants, and their ability to keep us safe, and affordability by keeping taxes low.
I appreciate the lessons learned and shared by retiring executive editor of the Observer Brian McMillan:
I consider this candidacy an opportunity to continue to serve this wonderful town I call home for the past 34 years.
Lori Tolland
Ormond Beach
Editor's note: Lori Tolland is a candidate in the race to represent Zone 1 on the Ormond Beach City Commission.
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