Wasteful Spending of Your Tax Dollars Needs to Stop!

I hope you and your family had an amazing 4th of July weekend. We certainly did with the Key Largo Parade, Big Pine Fireworks, and the Key West Key Lime Pie Drop! Now it’s back to business.

Fourth of July Festivities!

I've often spoken about wasteful spending at the county level, and here's a clear example. Last year, the BOCC considered a referendum to make Monroe a “Charter County.” A Charter County allows Florida Counties to design their own government rather than what is required by the Florida Constitution. This change also allows for a potential 1 cent sales tax for transportation, requiring careful deliberation.

The county spent over $100,000 on a consultant and attorney to explore this idea. A special meeting was held in November to discuss it with the public. Options for improving our government were presented, including single-member districts and non-partisan offices.

However, the focus quickly shifted to the easiest way to get that 1 cent tax. There was minimal discussion about empowering residents; instead, it was about consolidating their power. I spoke at that meeting, and you can view it HERE (I speak at the 1:38:45 mark). In the video I urge the commissioners to use this opportunity to improve our government by considering non-partisan county offices to reduce unnecessary party politics. My plea was ignored. They suggested a “starter charter,” which merely replicated our current government structure while granting them access to the additional tax.

The Charter County item was placed on the agenda for each upcoming regular BOCC meeting for discussion. However, as a result of resident dissatisfaction with yet another tax, commissioners abandoned the idea in April, paid the consultant, and moved on. Your tax dollars were wasted.

If I had been on the BOCC at the time, I would have emphasized using this opportunity to get resident and expert input to highlight the benefits of such a significant change. Instead, they essentially burned $100,000 of our money just seeking another tax. 

We need a BOCC that engages seriously and doesn't rush through important decisions. As I stated in my comments to the Commissioners last November, after the largest tax increase in history, they just wanted more of our money.

I'm running as a fiscally conservative Democrat to ensure your tax dollars aren't wasted. As your County Commissioner, I will engage, ask tough questions, and seek efficiency in taxpayer spending every year—not just during election years. My job will be to look out for YOUR interests, NOT special interests.

To speak with me directly, email me at chris@chrisformonroe.com or call me at 305-394-1108. To donate to my campaign, visit https://www.chrisformonroe.com/donate. Please forward this email to anyone interested in joining our campaign.

Thank you for your support.