Deltona City Commission District 2 up for grabs in August

It’s a big election year for the largest city in Volusia County, with four of seven Deltona City Commission spots up for grabs in August. In District 2, Troy Shimkus is the incumbent, having been appointed to the board in February to fill the seat of Anita Bradford who resigned for health reasons. Challengers Emma Santiago is a former city employee while Elizabeth Chavez is a newcomer to local politics.

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.

Emma Santiago

Age: 54

Occupation: retired City of Deltona employee for 24 years and small-business owner of a travel agency.

Political experience: Worked on political campaigns since 2003.

What are your top three priorities?

1. I am committed to finding ways to lower taxes without compromising the quality of essentialservices.
2. I would find ways for businesses to invest in Deltona, so we can boost our local economy, createmore job opportunities and enhance commercial development.
3. Work to develop long-term solutions to protect our neighborhoods from future flooding incidents.
4. Why are you running? Deltona needs change now. As a resident for 30 years and a retired city employee of 24 years, Ibelieve our community's incredible potential is beyond what the current commission can achieve.
5. What is a life accomplishment that illuminates the kind of officeholder you will be?
6. My work experience with Deltona's city roles, especially with first responders, showcases my dedication. As a volunteer, chamber member, small-business owner and Rotarian, I live by the principles of “service above self" and aim to support and enhance our community.
7. What is something about your community you treasure and aim to protect?
8. The people in our community. I aim to protect them by creating a safe, supportive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. A place we can all be proud to call home.
9. What is something you will seek to change? We need to replace some of our current City Commissioners to save our city. The currentleadership has not adequately addressed the needs and concerns of our residents. I will strive tobring the respect, transparency and accountability that our Deltona City Commission needs, andour residents deserve.

Troy Shimkus

Age: 43

Occupation: data engineer

Political experience: Currently holding my first office.

What are your top three priorities?

1. Creating a sustainable plan for development in Deltona focusing on protecting existing homes and planning for commercial diversity.

2. Stabilizing city functions by working with our new city manager to create policies that bring consistency to process. (Editor's note: Dale Dougherty was hired as the new city manager in April.)

3. Securing external funding sources for projects so we can reduce taxpayer burdens wherever possible.

1. Why are you running? After being appointed in February, I’ve been able to bring a pragmatic approach to topics in front of the commission and I’d like to continue that work to help Deltona prosper. Having been a part of the citizens committee that chose the city manager applicants and then being on the commission to select Mr. Dougherty, I believe our work has just begun.
2. What is a life accomplishment that illuminates the kind of officeholder you will be? I have been involved in leadership roles in professional organizations starting in college and I’ve been able to bring a calm and pragmatic approach to these roles as well as my professional career. When presented with a challenge, I have always built the right team with which to craft workable solutions. Everybody can propose changes, but not everyone can implement effective policies.
3. What is something about your community you treasure and aim to protect?  What is something you will seek to change? Deltona has a unique character built by incredible diversity in people and a residential development pattern to support our community. I want to protect our existing homes and open spaces. To do that, we must change the development approach the city has, and that is exactly what I am doing with the current commission in updating our comprehensive plan.

Elizabeth 'Lisa' Chavez

Age: 46

Occupation: certified nursing assistant Political experience: None

What are your top three priorities? 1. All water issues like stormwater and high water billing rates.2. New commercial development to bring revenue to the city.3. Look at where budget cuts can be made and/or consolidate.

Why are you running?

I have a deep commitment to community and the needs of our city and residents. I don’t like the disrespect shown to residents. I want to be a voice and fight for a better future in Deltona. We are a bright spot; Deltona is not just another gas pump pit stop.

What is a life accomplishment that illuminates the kind of officeholder you will be?

As an ordained chaplain, I know the importance of community. We have been through COVID, as well as hurricanes that have devastated our area with flooding issues and homelessness.

What is something about your community you treasure and aim to protect?

I will advocate for the safety of our children and elderly.

What is something you will seek to change?

I will be an ambassador for change in how we interact with one another.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Deltona City Commission District 2 up for grabs in August