Keri Pitzer

Infrastructure / Transportation In North Okaloosa, growth has been prolific in both the city of Crestview and in the unincorporated County, overloading our country roads and stretching our water supply to its limit. To protect farms and preserve the rural character of North Okaloosa, the County should implement policies to protect and preserve the rural agricultural character through actions such as land preservation programs and zoning regulations that emphasize agricultural use. Roads and schools already strained to support existing homes and businesses must be improved before additional growth is considered. Infrastructure / Transportation Fundamentally, and to protect the taxpayer, growth should be required to reasonably pay for its impact on the community. Throughout the county, implementing accurate infrastructure fees on new development can help ensure that growth significantly offsets the costs of infrastructure expansion and maintenance. Updating development regulations to require infrastructure assessments and adequate provision of services for new developments can help prevent overburdening existing infrastructure. Furthermore, it should be required that infrastructure fees paid for a specific development be used to address infrastructure impacts caused by that specific development. Infrastructure / Transportation It is time to end the one-size-fits-all approach to growth management and implement Community Based Planning that recognizes each community within Okaloosa County has its own distinct identity and values. South Okaloosa is densely populated and has beautiful beaches, museums, and vacation resorts while North Okaloosa is filled with prime farmland, unique wildlife, recreational areas, and natural resources. Growth management strategies need to fit the specific needs and characteristics of each area. Zoning ordinances and land-use regulations must be sensitive to the scale, density, and character of each community. Government Reform I will encourage the County to keep its social media and web sites effective in informing Constituents of County activity, including explaining the purpose, scope, timeline, potential benefits and drawbacks of projects. I will work to implement a one-stop spot for an encompassing County Calendar of Events and Public Notices. Government Reform Some County programs are large and complicated, and simplifying complex programs into clear language and presentations that residents can understand is essential. Ample time for community engagement and feedback should be provided. Government Reform I will hold regular Town Halls in my District and be available to constituents of the entire County.