Let’s Make a Change Together!
We have 6 months to go until November’s election. This campaign is important to me because I know I can make the change that is necessary to put Monroe County back on a fiscally responsible track. You have heard me say it over and over. I am running because I am tired of watching my friends and neighbors leave the Keys because they can no longer afford to live here. It is clear from the most recent budget that spending is out of control, but the one thing we can control when it comes to affordable housing is government taxes.
The fact that the county budget has increased 44% or $202,000,000 in only 2 years for 83,000 residents is astonishing. We have the highest overall budget per resident in the entire State of Florida. However, the reason you did not hear about this is because not a single BOCC member asked WHY this budget is increasing at such an incredible rate during their 6 mandatory budget hearings last year, nor was there any discussion of substance. This is troubling to think that our County Commissioners would pass such a large increase without question.
The Dramatic Budget Increases from 2022-2024
They also passed the largest property tax increase in the history of Monroe County. While this may not affect homeowners that are homesteaded here as much, this absolutely affects every renter from Key West to Key Largo. A 17% increase equates to approximately $90 a month per household, which the landlords will directly pass to their tenants. With skyrocketing rents and the severe lack of affordable housing, the current Commissioners are only making our affordable housing crisis worse.
These are not partisan issues. These are community issues. And these are just some of the reasons that we are in desperate need of change. I want to fight to keep renters here, allowing them to have a quality of life. I will stop wasting taxpayers’ money on large unexplained spending increases. Finally, I want to bring transparency and accountability to our government. The more people are informed, the more they will look for change as well.
“These are not partisan issues. These are community issues.”
With your support, I can ensure this message gets to as many locals as possible. Donate today to my campaign to help me make the change that is necessary. And if you would like a yard sign when they are available click on the button below. If you would like to speak directly with me about how I plan to look out for our future of the Florida Keys, email me at chris@chrisformonroe.com or call me at 305-394-1108.
