Two candidates are going head-to-head in a race for the open seat to represent District 2 on the DeLand City Commission held by Charles Paiva. Both contenders — Richard "Charlie" Paiva (the father of the current commissioner) and Harper Hill — are new to the local political arena but are no strangers to community service in the DeLand community.
The News-Journal posed the following questions to each candidate with a request to limit responses to 100 words. Answers that exceeded the word limit were edited for space; otherwise, answers are presented as they were submitted, save for minor corrections to punctuation.
Richard 'Charlie' Paiva
Age: 75
Occupation: I had a 25-year career in marketing and advertising, which I retired from in 1999. I also started, or purchased, three successful businesses. Two of those were in partnership with my son. I retired from those businesses four years ago. I was also a Youth Program Director at the DeLand Family YMCA. And I was a volunteer, and then executive director, of the Neighborhood Center in DeLand, which is West Volusia’s only homeless shelter and crisis center.
Political experience: I am a first-time candidate. I have, however, been active in local political campaigns since I was a teenager. I have helped dozens of good people get elected to lead DeLand and Volusia County.
What are your top three priorities?
- My highest priority will be to make DeLand the safest city in Volusia County.
- I will also ensure that we continue to have an abundant and healthy supply of water.
- I will maintain our small-town charm by controlling development and growth.
Why are you running?
I have deep roots in DeLand. I have lived in the city for 68 years, and I care deeply about DeLand. When my son, Charles, who has been a DeLand City Commissioner since 2001, decided not to run for re-election, I decided to run. I believe that DeLand’s older citizens deserve a voice on the City Commission. Approximately 40% of DeLand is over 50 years old.
What is a life accomplishment that illuminates the kind of officeholder you will be?
The accomplishment that I am most proud of is raising our son Charles. Another accomplishment is fulfilling my marriage vows to my wife, Aida Tatum Paiva, for 50 years. I am also proud to be a member of a family that has been on the front lines of caring for others in DeLand — for three generations. I am proud of starting several businesses. And I am proud of my non-profit contributions to our community.
What is something about your community you treasure and aim to protect? What is something you will seek to change?
I treasure everything about DeLand. The woods across from our home was the kingdom of all the kids in our neighborhood. We spent a lot of time at St. Peters Catholic Church, for school and services. My brothers and I sold oranges to tourists at our family’s citrus grove. There’s more about DeLand that should remain the same than we should change.
Harper Hill
Age: 43
Occupation: Insurance agent, Harper Hill & Associates, Inc. Allstate
Political experience: None
What are your top three priorities?
- Represent my city and its residents with class and dignity.
- Do my best to protect our great city by encouraging and fostering responsible growth.
- Making sure taxpayer dollars are not wasted and focusing on lowering the tax burden on residents.
Why are you running?
I found out my friend Charles Paiva was not running for re-election and wanted to make sure a quality candidate filled the spot he is vacating. I believe my background as a business owner and my community involvement make me well prepared for this position. I currently serve on the City of DeLand Planning Board and previously served as a vice president of the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce.
What is a life accomplishment that illuminates the kind of officeholder you will be?
Becoming an Eagle Scout. Less than 2% of scouts ever become an Eagle. I was also honored to serve as president of the Rotary Club of DeLand leading an amazing group of people who truly value "service above self."
What is something about your community you treasure and aim to protect?
We have a unique community with a vibrant downtown and beautiful Stetson campus. Maintaining its vibrancy while preventing overcrowding will be a challenge we need to deal with.
What is something you will seek to change?
As a husband and father, the safety of our neighborhoods and downtown is a priority for me. People need to feel they can walk, run and play safely any time of day or night. Parents need to feel their kids are safe walking or riding bikes to school and hanging out with friends.
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