2008 LWVOC Voter Guide

Office Profile: Office Title: Orange County Commission Term: Salary:
	Candidate: Scott Boyd
	Educational Background: I attended elementary, middle and high school in West Orange County. After graduating West Orange High School, I earned a two year degree at Valencia Community College, then my criminology degree at Florida State University. After graduating FSU I enrolled in numerous agricultural and real estate business courses with Valencia Community College and obtained my Real Estate Brokers License in the late 90s.
	Age: I turn 39 on August 10 of this year.
	Current Occupation: I have managed our family agricultural citrus business for the past 15 years. This experience has given me the understanding of the pressures firsthand that affect our rural and agricultural areas, lakes, open green spaces, and environmentally sensitive areas. I am the only candidate who has worked closely with our county reclaimed water programs as well as with the various water management districts.
	Civic Organizations: I am a past member of the Orange and Lake County Sheriff Office's Rural Enforcement Communication Network and have thereby worked closely with our local law enforcement officers. As a believer in an "ounce of prevention," I have also helped organize sports events for at-risk youth at the Roper YMCA as well as raised money for its summer camp scholarships. I now serve as Vice Chair on the Orange County Building Codes Board of Adjustments & Appeals.
	Why are you running for this office and what qualities and skills do you bring to this position? My desire to make a difference in this community was born out of three distinct events in my life - surviving cancer, having a very bad experience with a building contractor, and becoming a dad. They are why I have become so actively involved in various volunteer efforts over the years. I serve as the Vice Chairman, Orange County Building Codes Board of Adjustments & Appeals. This experience has given me working knowledge of issues that affect citizens and a working relationship with department staff who deal with these issues. As an agricultural businessman, I have experienced the pressures which growth brings to our lands, specifically those dealing with transportation, water, crime, and appropriate land management. These issues are what made me want to be of assistance in forming the first green community in Central Florida. I feel uniquely qualified to help the county grow in a more appropriate manner, without sacrificing our agribusinesses and green spaces.
	What are the top three priority issues facing your community and what actions would you take to address them? I will make crime prevention a much higher priority in county government, specifically as it pertains to juvenile crime. That's why I am such a strong advocate for organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, church youth groups, and the YMCA, and why I organized West Orange County's first four-community basketball tournament focused on at-risk youth. I will keep public awareness of resources available to citizens a top priority in spite of the county's tightening budget. I have already done this as the only candidate who has been actively involved with the county's building codes board on behalf of our citizens. I will protect our sensitive green spaces and water supply systems through strong, reliable growth management rules as I have done with family land which has been past down through generations before me by bringing to central Florida the first certified green community that utilizes these practices.
	What is your experience in working with large budgets, revenue shortfalls and oversight? As an agricultural businessman farming lands in both Central and South Florida, I know firsthand the unforeseen challenges that volatile markets, weather and pests can create. These challenges are similar to the ones we see today due to an unpredictable economy which in turn affects the state of our county budget. My experience with maintaining a payroll, working to diversify our resources, and managing thousands of acres of citrus groves, will bring a practical and fresh perspective to the Commission. As a business owner, I cannot pass off overruns to my clients; the County should not do so as well to its tax payers. Lastly, the County has some 15,000 acres of land, whether through Parks and Recreation or purchased land for preservation. I am the only candidate who can offer the experience needed when tackling the broad spectrum of issues associated with this land which the County will face in years to come.
	Campaign Contact Information:	http://www.electscottboyd.com/ Campaign to Elect Scott Boyd P.O. Box 784611 Winter Garden, Florida 34787 407-595-9964