Matthew Crowley

Paraeducator

As a lifelong member of this community, a father, and a working-class individual who has experienced the struggles of making ends meet, I am driven to ensure that Winter Haven remains a vibrant and thriving city where our children can grow and succeed. Growing up in a single-parent household, I know firsthand the challenges that many families in our community face. I remember attending free community events as a kid, because they were one of the few activities that were within our budget. Those events weren't just something to do - they were a lifeline that connected me to my community and provided a sense of belonging. As someone who has walked in the shoes of the everyday person, I am committed to being a leader who truly represents the interests of our community, not just the wealthy or well-connected. I believe in the value of hard work and the idea that people should be rewarded based on their efforts, not who they know. That's why I'm fighting for free community events that bring our residents together and foster a sense of community and connection. And it's why I'm working to increase access to affordable housing, so that every family can have a safe and stable place to call home. I believe that every resident deserves to have a voice in our city's decision-making process, and I'm committed to being a champion for the working-class families and individuals who are often overlooked. I envision a Winter Haven where everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive, and where our community comes together to support each other. A city where hard work and determination are rewarded, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Taxes / Budget Too many working families are burdened by rising property taxes that do not reflect their ability to pay. I will fight for a city budget that prioritizes essential services—like roads, water quality, and affordable housing—without overtaxing homeowners. This includes exploring equitable revenue alternatives, holding corporations accountable, and ensuring that our budget reflects the values of our community rather than catering to big business interests. Drug Policy Our city cannot continue to punish our neighbors for low-level marijuana offenses while resources could be invested in schools, parks, and infrastructure. I support ending the overcriminalization of marijuana possession and usage in Winter Haven. This means redirecting law enforcement focus away from minor offenses and towards serious public safety concerns, while ensuring that individuals previously convicted for marijuana-related offenses have opportunities for expungement and reintegration into our community. Environment / Energy Florida’s natural beauty is part of who we are. Our lakes, trees, and clean air are not luxuries—they are essentials for healthy families and a thriving community. Winter Haven must take better care of its own backyard. I will crack down on polluters who dump waste in our lakes and neighborhoods, and I will ensure that our water and sewer systems are upgraded to prevent overflows, bacteria, and lead from reaching families. To make our city healthier and more inviting, I will expand tree cover, shaded walking areas, and green spaces across working neighborhoods. We must also restore and protect our natural areas so that every child can grow up with clean air to breathe and safe water to drink. Finally, I will launch public education efforts that help residents protect their health while also preserving the beauty that makes Winter Haven such a special place to live. Housing Too many working families in Winter Haven are living in unsafe, moldy, and crumbling homes while landlords collect rent checks and avoid accountability. That has to change. I will work to create a dedicated Housing Enforcement Unit to inspect rental properties and respond quickly to tenant complaints. Landlords who violate housing codes must face real consequences, with escalating penalties for repeat offenders. Renters deserve clarity and security. I will push for lease transparency and require landlords to provide clear written agreements that spell out both tenant rights and landlord responsibilities. I will also establish a Tenant Hotline and Online Portal for confidential reporting and tracking of housing issues, and I will partner with local legal aid organizations to ensure working families have access to free or low-cost tenant counseling and representation.