Martin County Primary Election 2024: Candidates reply to questionnaires

This file will be updated as new information comes in and can be processed ...

In June, we began to ask candidates to fill out questionnaires to help you understand your choices on the ballot.

The following candidate responses were not edited.

Our editorial board planned to interview candidates in July participating in the Aug. 20 primary. Our main focus was on those races that could lead to a presumptive officeholder. The editorial board planned to consider making recommendations in those races.

Who is running in Martin County this fall?

County Commission District 1 (Republican)

Doug Smith, Jensen Beach

Age: 62

Educational background:

NACO leadership, certified commissioner Florida Assoc of Counties,

Current occupation and work history:

MC Commissioner, 24 years, Pres of Florida Assoc of Counties, past Chair of National Assoc of Counties Environment Energy and Land Use committee, Chair Regional planning Council, Board member of Florida Local Government Investment Trust.

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Decades of Non Profits boards and volunteering

Decades of all Martin County Chambers membership,

Why are you running for office?

To continue my work on all things Water Water Water, To finish the conversion of Setic to Sewer,

Establish the missing gaps in our County and region for Wildlife corridors, to continue the efforts of our CRA program, to ad to our successes of open space and environmentally sensitive land acquisitions. To complete the installation of the first innovative technologies Bio Solids processing facility in the State. To further advance the saving and restoration of our Coral Reef

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:

The above

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

Knowledge of our community, experience in office, Long-term relationships, both in Tallahassee and DC.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No

Eileen Vargas, Jensen Beach

Age: 68

Educational background:

University of Miami Bachelor of Arts Broadcast Media, Journalism, Telecommunications

Current occupation and work history:

Wealth Advisor

Real Estate Experience

Teacher Florida and Overseas

Author

See Bio on website for more information eileenvargas.com

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Good Samaritan Ministries Faith Based Recovery Organization

Care Net Crisis Pregnancy Center of the Treasure Coast

4 Kids Treasure Coast Foster and Adoption

Why are you running for office?

As a citizen and voter, I do not feel represented and cannot idly stand by while our County is being sold to the highest bidder.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:

I will work with landowners to avoid zoning changes and find all development options within the Comprehensive Plan. I also want everyone to be assured that the best use of the property is being considered.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

Integrity. I will always be transparent, and my decisions will be what is best for the community and not special interests.

Experience. My broad array of worldwide business and educational experiences gives me a unique perspective and foresight into financial and planning matters.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: NO

Link to campaign website or social media page:

County Commission District 3 (Open)

Blake Capps, Hobe Sound

Age: 60

Educational background:

B.A. in History, University of Florida;J.D., Mercer University

Current occupation and work history:

• Founding partner in family owned and operated Capps Roofing, Inc., a Hobe Sound business since 1993

• Over 8,000 satisfied customers from Boca Raton to Vero Beach – several thousand in Martin County

Volunteer and civic engagement:

• Martin County Local Planning Agency: 2023

• Martin County Metropolitan Planning Organization: 10/21-present

• Hobe Sound Neighborhood Advisory Committee: 2019-2022

(Chair 2021-2022)

• Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency: 2021-2022

• Member of the Board of Governors for Citizens Insurance: 2017-2020

• Board Member, Martin County Leadership: 2010-2011

• Board Member, Business Development Board of Martin County: 2010-2011

• Board Member, Martin County Maritime and Classic Boat Museum: 2010

• President of Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce: 2008

• Martin County Leadership graduate: (Class 17)

• Martin County Cares graduate

• Former Committeeman, Republican Executive Committee of Martin County

• Former President of Homeowner’s Association

• Former Church Board Member

Why are you running for office?

Deeply vested in our community, it’s time to give back and make a difference in public service. My first priority will be to preserve the Martin County Difference by upholding our Comprehensive Plan which has done us well for over 40 years. My second priority will be improving water quality in our rivers by purchasing conservation lands to store and clean water before it’s returned to the rivers and to convert septic tanks to the sewer system. My third priority will be keeping our taxes in line by controlling expenses.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:

Early in my term, I would focus on District priorities:

1. Community Re-Development Agency improvements on Dixie Highway in Downtown Hobe Sound.

2. Advocating for Loxa-Lucie Headwaters Initiative in western Hobe Sound to establish wildlife corridors and re-establish historic water flows between Atlantic Ridge State Park and JD State Park.

3. Converting blighted private roads to public roads so drainage improvements, paving, and re-surfacing of roads can occur.

4. Slough north of Hobe Sound Golf Club - improve drainage into Banner Lake south of Bridge Road.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

1. Direct county government experience on the Hobe Sound Neighborhood Advisory Committee, the Community Re-Development Agency Board and the Local Planning Agency.

2. Private enterprise, small business experience of 31 years where I have learned how to stretch dollars and find efficiencies.

3. Preserving the Martin County Difference by upholding the Comprehensive Plan.

4. 47-year history of involvement in our community.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No

Link to campaign website or social media page:

Frank D'Ambra III, Hobe Sound

Age: 70

Educational background:

BA in Economics, University of Miami; Juris Doctorate Candidate, University of Miami School of Law, Six Sigma Blackbelt Graduate GE Management Program, Graduate of University of Georgia Program in Portfolio Management Program

Current occupation and work history:

Currently retired.

Work history:

Poiesis Medical, LLC

SVP & Chief Operating Officer

August 2010 - November 2017

Jupiter, Florida

As Senior VP and COO I was responsible for leading our overall strategic direction, profitability, operations, sales and marketing strategies as well as customer service efforts for this early stage health services company that was focused on delivering both improved outcomes and reduced costs.

My role included serving as the senior corporate compliance officer to the FDA, ensuring alignment with all relevant regulations. In time I was able to position the company for a successful launch by partnering with the two largest healthcare group purchasing organizations for on-contract status.

 Orchestrated fund-raising initiatives with high net worth investors, raised initial capital investments of $4 million.

 Increased sales of core products by 2000% during tenure by building and executing effective go-to-market strategies and procuring patents in the US, China, the EU, Japan, and India.

 Established productive relationships with Chinese contract manufacturers, incorporating cultural awareness skills to achieve positive outcomes.

CCG - Coastal Consulting Group

Managing Director

January 2009 - August 2010

Tequesta, Florida

In this position I was able to leverage my extensive business acumen, combined with my knowledge of theory, principles, practices, and the techniques of organizational design and development, long-range planning, financial planning, and program and policy formation to deliver superior consulting services. With clients I focused on vision development, opportunity identification, and concurrent strategic, tactical, financial, and resource planning to ensure successful business implementation in the private sector.

Horace Mann

Senior Vice President, Life & Retirement

February 2005 - December 2008

Springfield, Illinois

Over the course of my time with Horace Mann I held full P&L for the business unit, leading continuous operational improvement to increase sales performance, revenue growth, and EBITDA. I re-engineered and improved processes to drive efficiency, increase profitability, and support revenue growth, leading my unit to the top performing division two years running. In addition, I served on our senior operations, investment, risk management, marketing, and compliance committees, and represented management at Board of Directors meetings.

 Revitalized product management process, reversing declining sales; achieved significant increases in net deposits, premiums, and customer retention through replacing or enhancing all product offerings in first 15 months.

 Enhanced management and product development processes through implementation of six sigma methodologies, increased operating profits by 20% to $35 million.

Financial Concepts

President

June 2002 - December 2004

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Tequesta, Florida

With Financial Concepts I demonstrated my knowledge of sound business communications as well as my commercially oriented skill set in consulting practice focused on developing market opportunities. My analytical abilities were key in examining market trends and opportunities, assessing competition, conducting GAP analyses, and evaluating our current state to identify opportunities for improvement.

 Delivered highest quality consultation and advice for leading investment and insurance firms, leveraging key metrics and performance indicators to drive operational performance.

Conning Corporation/Swiss Re Investors

Vice President and Director of Marketing and Client Relations

November 1999 - June 2002

Baltimore, Maryland

In this role I built, cultivated, and managed a high performing team to lead all marketing efforts to support our successful entry into the asset management and advisory services marketplace. To ensure ongoing quality results I incorporated personnel management best practice approaches to oversee and spur continuous development in staff performance. To support profitable growth I contributed to our new e-commerce initiatives and the development of the first ever interactive Dynamic Financial Analysis model designed to leverage the company’s market leadership and service offerings.

 Developed strategic and tactical sales and marketing plans to propel entry into new markets.

 Expanded client base through addition of 12 institutional relationships with $4 billion in assets.

GE Financial Assurance

Co- President, Financial Services Group & Senior Vice President,

Securities Distribution Channel

June 1997 - September 1999

Richmond, Virginia

As you will note from my multiple titles, I advanced rapidly through positions of progressive responsibility, including an appointment to serve as interim co-president upon the unexpected departure of President, charged with accelerating assimilation of recent acquisition, a position I held concurrently with my existing responsibilities. Among my accomplishments was leading the turnaround of our broker/dealer channel functioning as a virtual company dedicated to bringing internally sourced products to a targeted customer group.

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 Implemented new strategic and tactical approach to broker/dealer market, restructured channel operations to enhance customer responsiveness and drive sales growth, exceeding channel profit target of $14M by 20%.

 Created new product management operational model adopted across GEFA system, introduced Six Sigma quality program to security brokerage channel.

 Increased channel sales from $600M to $1.2B, exceeded profit target by 20%, and achieved 25% year over year profit growth in Financial Services Group

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Village of Tequesta

Mayor & Council Member

March 2012 - October 2023

Tequesta Florida

VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA, Tequesta, Florida 2008 – 2023

Multiple leadership roles including Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Chaired the Recreation Center Committee, and the Public Safety Pension Board. Contributed to village governance, forming cooperative relationships to understand and advance shared community goals.

• Drove the implementation of strategic and associated five-year capital plans for the Village and 20 year capital plan for the water system.

 Spearheaded the campaign to build the new $6 million community/recreation center for the Village.

 Led efforts to secure state appropriations for the redevelopment of Tequesta Regional Park.

 Initiated the adoption of a complete streets program.

 Reestablished a defined benefit pension plan for police.

 Championed elimination of the 9% village utility tax on water bills.

Why are you running for office?

After 20 years in Tequesta we made a family decision: which included my wife, two daughters who are single moms and our three grandchildren to relocate to Martin County in large measure because of the "Martin Difference" and the overall quality of life. As I listened and spoke with new neighbors and Martin County friends about the issues and their concerns, both present and future, people encouraged me to run. After discussing it with my family and praying about I decided to throw my hat in the ring. I believe I have the skill sets honed in both the private and public sectors to truly make a positive difference for the residents of Martin County.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:

My first priority is to preserve the Martin County Difference, ensuring that the fundamental character; the heart of Martin County remains intact as we evolve.

In my career as a public servant, I have demonstrated a dedication to responsible and thoughtful development practices that put residents first and prioritize the best interests of our community:

• Committed to Martin County’s Comprehensive Plan.

• Preserve and procure green space. I strongly support the County’s acquisition of green space for environmentally sensitive zones, parks and open areas.

• Stand firmly against variances on density. I believe that development should adhere to established standards to maintain the character of our County.

• Advocate for development or redevelopment within the Urban Development District, consistent with citizen input and CRA recommendations, that is architecturally and contextually consistent with adjacent buildings to create a harmonious and cohesive visual environment.

• Strengthening our landscape standards to improve the visual environment along our primary and secondary corridors.

• Respect for private property rights. Striking a balance that respects the rights of individuals while ensuring compliance with the County’s Comprehensive Plan.

• Encourage open communication that is essential to the integrity of our communities and the County.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

My cumulative business and public service experience. A strong background

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No

Link to campaign website or social media page:

Susan Gibbs Thomas, Indiantown

Age: 63

Educational background:

Martin County High school and IRSC

Current occupation and work history:

Current: Martin County School District 21 years (Extended Day Manager); Seminole Inn (Manager); Indiantown Telephone System (IT); Martin County Health Department (School Health); Talquin Citrus(Office Manager); Bradley Construction (On Site Office Manager)

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Florida League of Mayors Board of Directors, Martin Metropolitan Planning Organization Board, MPO Local Coordinating Board of the Transportation Disadvantage Chairperson, Indiantown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Councilmember Village of Indiantown (Mayor), Past Florida League of Cities Board of Directors, Past Treasure Coast Regional League of Cities Board and 2nd Vice President, Past Florida League of Cities Policy Committee Land Use & Economic Development, Past Little League President, Past 4H Leader, Past Jaycees Officer, Past Girl Scout Gold Award Advisor

Why are you running for office?

I feel called to serve the people of Martin County. It’s no secret that I did not support the incorporation of the Village of Indiantown, but I made it a point to stay involved by running for council when the Village was established. I am driven to serve so others like me have someone who can speak on their behalf – a voice for the people.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.

I will prioritize public safety, improving our roads, making sure we have clean water and safe schools. Growth is inevitable in Martin County; I believe in smart growth while preserving what we love about this area, our natural environment, wetlands, and wildlife. Taxes should remain low, and that can be achieved through fiscal responsibility.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

I have a history of service and leadership as a Council Member and Mayor of Indiantown. I’ve built relationships with residents and business owners as well as with leadership across the county. I have lived here for more than 50 years, my family has lived here for more than 87 years, and my two grown sons also live in Martin County. I’ve just welcomed my first grandchild, the 6th generation here. This is our home. People in this community know me for being honest and leading with integrity. I listen, learn, then make the tough decisions that are best for the community.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No

Link to campaign website or social media page:

sgt4mcc.info Facebook: Susan Gibbs Thomas for Martin County Commissioner

County Commission District 5 (Open)

Edward Ciampi, Palm City

Age: 59

Educational background:

College A.A.S.

Current occupation and work history:

Current District 5 County Commissioner

And

VP of Sales & International Development for

Chicago Stainless Equipment Inc.

And

Former Small Business Owner

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Member & leadership on dozens of Non-Profits and Organizations.

Why are you running for office?

To continue the work I have been doing to protect and enhance our quality of life here in Martin County.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:

Housing, in all aspects. Homelessness, affordability, workforce, veterans, senior. Inappropriate development.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

I have been involved in every aspect of the job of County Commissioner. I have earned multiple levels of advanced Commissioner Certifications. My personality and demeanor are well suited for this position. With all due respect to my opponents, their focus on what the position entails is very limited and specific to their personal interests. One, I don’t believe has ever attended a Commission meeting.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No

Link to campaign website or social media page:

Bruce Nathan, Palm City

Age: 63

Educational background:

BS in Psychology, BS in Biology and Physical Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy

Current occupation and work history:

Physical Therapist for 28 years. Recently became a Doctor.

Small business owner; Palm City Farm Camp, teaching children to respect the animals and agriculture

Volunteer and civic engagement:

United States Army Honorably Discharged Captain; 2001-2010.

Nathans Family Farm and Rescue Inc; Over 300 animals rescued and still on the farm to date. Head Farmer.

Why are you running for office?

To have a non politician fix the county’s massive over growth, over taxation and keep agricultural spaces for agriculture. Also teaching the children about agriculture is more important for the future of this country than anyone believes

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:

End re-zoning , stop new construction,Reducing the county debt and cutting taxes appears to be a political statement just like ending the toxic algae issue. Sure, it would be, if I was a ‘politician’, but I am not. I am here to provide solutions to your problems which are potentially county problems in the same way I have solved patient’s issues for 28 years. I am here to be hired by you and work for you for the next 4 years.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

My experience is vast, though none of it holding a political office. I did run for the United States, Senate, and governor of Florida, which gave me the opportunity to understand not only how politics works, but what would make it functional in the role that I would become.

Experience does not come from going to county commissioner meetings or irrelevant numbers that are put into a budget. We live in a time where artificial intelligence can put together a county budget which partially was taken from the previous years budget. This would mean you have to believe those numbers to be valid and not contrived or made up. It takes a lot of research to see what is fact and what is fiction in today’s world.

As a captain in the United States Army, I was not only able to follow orders, but assign soldiers specific duties to help further a working medical unit specifically the 320th out of South Carolina.

28 years as a practicing physical therapist who went back to school in 2019 to become a doctor and graduated at the top of my class.

A farmer at Nathan‘s family Farm and Rescue, rescuing over 300 animals currently on the farm. Palm City Farm Camp as a small business LLC to teach 20 to 40 children per week in the summer, the importance of animals and agriculture and the respect for both.

The father of six children which is an experience all in itself.

All that has been mentioned so far is political experience without being an elected politician. Think about the importance of that.

Knowledge is built on our parents and schooling in our younger years and the jobs and careers and peers which leads to them in our older years. This is not conceptually or intellectually available to someone in there 30s because there has not been enough time to see how everything works. There is not enough time to see why things work as they do.

experience plus knowledge equals solutions.

we can formulate solutions to every problem that stands in front of us. I have worked my life with the knowledge that every problem has a solution.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No

Link to campaign website or social media page:

Michael Syrkus, Palm City

Age: 37

Educational background: (In Progress) Master's in Public History through Liberty University. Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary studies (History and Humanities) from Florida A and M University. Asociates of Arts from Valencia College, Orlando, Fl.

Current occupation and work history:

Self Employed Carpenter for aproximately 8 years. Former restaurant manager for 7 years. Small family farm/Homestead operator. Substitute School teacher throughout the year.

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Former member of the Martin County Repubican Executive Committee: (Positions held) Precinct Committee man, Prec. 27. Former chairman of the Community Service and Volunteer outreach board. Former Treasurer of the REC.

Former member of the Martin County Farm Bureau: (Positions held), Former Vice President. Former Chairman of the Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. Founding member/former chairman of the County Legislative Committee.

Volunteer historical researcher for the Martin County Black Heritage Initiaves- focused studies on the Stuart Training School/ early segregated education in Martin County.

Substitute teacher for First Baptist Christian school, and former AWANA leader.

Graduate of the Martin YOUTHleadership Forum.

Lifelong member of the Cigar Rights of American (National 501(c) 3, where I have advocated for consumer rights at the local, state and federal levels.

Why are you running for office?

I believe our community has lost sight of the long haul. We have prioritized shortterm expansions and expenditures that build on commissioner legacies but mortgage both the finances and quality of life that our children will now have to pay for. We cannot continue to spend beyong our means, building unsustainable debts and deplete reserves all on the idea that the next development/PUD will be the magic one to give us infinite tax base growth. We have decades of evidence to show that this approach is faulty, and we need someone to stand up against this idea. We should be focusing priorities of funding on base infrastructure (roads, firestations, maintenance of existing assets), and limiting growth to preplanned and incremental development within our existing COMP plan. I plan to take this approach as well as develop the next generation of future leaders to do the same.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:

The first ordinance I would ask to be brought to the commission is that of a term limit ordinance for voters to decide on. We shouldn't wait for Tallahassee to force term limits onto the county- our commission can bring this to the voters and allow them to decide for themselves. IF we continue to allow 16 and 20 year politicians to run our commission, we will never change anything. Second, I plan to work with county staff to achieve a zero millage rate increase. We should be looking into lowering general over-head, issuing RFP's for our financial driven Parks, reducing the excessive CIP growth projects, all in addition to building tax base values through reasonable growth of value in our struggling areas.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

I have never run for office, and had little desire to. I have instead been a vocal advocate at the local, state and federal levels for nearly a decade. While the incumbant has been a commissioner for the last 16 years (save for a failed run for county clerk of courts in 2012), and the other challanger has run for Governor and Senator, I have simply wanted to live my life with my wife and family in our home town. I have done the homework, engaged in conversation and offered solutions to many of our challanges, solely to leave a better community to my children. Unfortunately, working to guide the commission as a resident has not been enough- now it's clear that to effect change, our commissioners need to be replaced. It's time we had true, salt of the earth residents representing us on the commission, not persons seeking to build their names and resumes.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No.

Link to campaign website or social media page: syrkusforcountycommissioner.com

School Board, District 2 (nonpartisan)

Marsha Powers, Stuart

Age: 56

Educational background:

Bachelors of Science Degree, Florida State University, College of Business

Current occupation and work history:

I am currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Early Learning Coalition of Indian River, Martin & Okeechobee Counties, Inc. I have over 35 years of work related experience as a small business owner and various roles in both private business and government.

Volunteer and civic engagement:

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission – appointed in April 2018 to the 15-member statewide commission

Council for Early Grade Success – appointed by the Senate President to make policy recommendations regarding accountability and quality of services provided for the birth to 5 population

Current Member of the Indiantown/Western Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, Jensen Beach Chamber of Commerce and Palm City Chamber of Commerce

Current Member of the Martin County Taxpayers’ Association

Past Member of the Martin County Farm Bureau Board of Directors

Past Member of the Education Foundation of Martin County Board of Directors

Past Member of the Tykes & Teens Board of Directors

Past Member of the Environmental Studies Center Council Board of Directors

Why are you running for office?

Having attended and graduated from Martin County public schools and seeing my children do the same, I’m especially grateful for the privilege of serving on the Martin County School Board.

Each of the nearly 19,000 children in the Martin County School District are uniquely blessed with tremendous promise, talent and ability. We owe them safe, high-quality, well-resourced environments in which to learn, grow, and succeed.

I’m running for reelection to continue these key priorities and principles:

Fiscal accountability: Taxpayers expect and deserve strict standards of transparency. Every dollar spent on the voter approved millage increase, which supports teacher pay, and the ½ cent sales-tax, is publicly posted, regularly updated, and subject to review. There is still work to be done regarding pay for our employees, but I am committed to continuing our efforts without compromising the financial stability of the district.

Career Technical Education (CTE)/Vocational Training: We must continue to expand options for students not attending college. Creating a pathway to a trade-related, industry-recognized credential sets students up for immediate employment in the workforce after graduation. With labor shortages and college debt continuing to capture attention, providing these career pathways for students is more important than ever.

School safety: As one of 15 appointees to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, I gained heartbreaking insights, including school hardening, operational responses, and mental health services, which are essential to prevent and mitigate such tragedies. Through our strong, collaborative partnership with Martin County’s Sheriff Will Snyder, our school district is one of the safest in the state.

School choice: While the Martin County School District was right for me and my family, I realize other families prefer different paths. That’s why I’m an advocate for school choice. Whether private school, home school, traditional public school or charter school, school choice provides parents the option that works best for their student and family.

School Performance: Even while some individual schools have weathered challenges, our dedicated educators have redoubled efforts and achieved notable progress. The district is tied for ninth in accountability rankings statewide in 2022/2023 out of 67 counties, improving 18 spots from the previous school year. More than half our schools improved a full letter grade.

Family Engagement: Credit also goes to our parents, grandparents, and guardians, who remain actively involved. Their contributions enrich the quality of our school system. Our countless partners in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors also offer essential support to our students.

This communitywide effort to support education embodies one of the best lessons we could hope to teach our students.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:

I would continue the important work we are doing to create pathways for ALL students. Ensuring that students have the highest quality educational opportunities whether they choose to go to college, enter the workforce or serve our country in the military.

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

• Proven leadership at both the state and local levels.

• Having been born and raised here and now raising our own children here, I have established, well-respected relationships within the community.

• I fully support School Choice and a parent’s right to choose the educational option that works best for their child and family.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No

Link to campaign website or social media page:

Sydney Thomas, Stuart

Age: 46

Educational background:

Bachelor's of Arts, two expired teaching credentials for general education and special education

Current occupation and work history:

Current- Full time freelance marketer

Prior- full-time marketing director for a private company

Prior to that- MCSD program specialist

Volunteer and civic engagement * Humane Society of Treasure Coast volunteer

Hot Mess Express Stuart Chapter Coordinator

Previous hospice volunteer

previous co-chair for multiple public education advocacy groups

Why are you running for office?

I've watched the reputation and performance of the district decline over the last decade. We've been embarrassed on a national level multiple times. The relationship between our board and teachers is adversarial. The community doesn't trust our school board. It's just been an overall steady decline, and I think I'm a good fit for a school board member.

My experience as an educator and program specialist will help regain trust and provide the board with an educator's perspective on budget and policy.

What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:

- Ask for a policy to review some books that were inappropriately removed

- Improve the relationship between the board and our educators by making sure our offers to the negotiations are high from the first offer

- Improve collaborations with local agencies

What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?

I'm a former educator.

I have students in the school district.

She's going for 16 years of service, which is twice the newly adopted term limit for school board.

I have no conflicts of interest within the county, while she is highly involved in multiple political groups and her job at ELC.

Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No.

Stuart City Commission Group 2 (nonpartisan)

To come

Stuart City Commission Group 4 (nonpartisan)

To come