Shara Brodsky responded to our request for an interview this week. To provide our readers, Palm Coast residents, and Flagler County Residents with the candidates, we have sent interview requests to all qualified candidates in Flagler County who are running for local office. Below, you can read our questions in bold, followed by Shara’s answers.
- Primaries are right around the corner; you are currently running against Kathy Austrino, Ty Miller, and Jeffery Seib. What reasons should voters choose you over the other candidates? Voters need to choose me because I have lived here for 29 years. I went to high school and college here. I am not retired, I am not a real estate agent, I am a dedicated resident involved with multiple local nonprofits, and giving back is my passion.
- Many people are concerned about electing a candidate with ties to real estate and development; what connections do you have to the real estate and development communities? I have absolutely no ties in real estate or anyone involved in any development department.
- Residential development in Palm Coast has been a major concern; in what ways are you planning to balance that out to a manageable level so that the City can catch up on overdue and necessary infrastructure needs? I plan to address the strategic growth plan as it stands now. Growth comes with much more than just residents. Hospitals, schools, and first responders are more important to have in place first to keep up with growth. Our city needs to focus on our infrastructure and an additional water treatment plant as the priority.
- Environmental conservation of our green space in Palm Coast is also a top concern in the community. In what ways are you planning to conserve our green spaces, trees, wetlands, and other natural resources?
Being a 29-year resident I have seen firsthand our green space being destroyed. I understand that some of our “green space” is owned by private owners and they are allowed to build on it if use has been approved. We have too much wildlife that we need to protect. I would have the council collaborate with the local, state, and national EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to ensure our safety now and in the future.
- Taxes are among the top-tier hot topics this election year. Our tax base is 93% residentially funded with only a small percentage coming from commercial tax bases. What plans do you have to diversify the tax base without hurting the residents with added taxes, fees, or other financial burdens? We need commercial revenue for many reasons. Our residents and visitors tend to go out of county to shop and eat which then turns into that 7% tax collected for other counties. For many many years, we have needed commercial revenue. I see a slow movement in that department. Finding that balance will help with the residents not having to take on additional financial burdens.
- Economic development: many claim that to be a successful city, there have to be economic opportunities for residents who live here; meaning quality jobs with higher wages. How do you plan to grow the economic base for Palm Coast and bring in more high-paying jobs for residents? Not knowing all the reasons why some large companies such as Mercedes were denied to conduct business in Palm Coast would be my first question when it comes to economic growth. I have back living here for almost 30 years and have very few opportunities in the “career” department. I almost moved to Orlando 20 years ago because I felt as if there was nowhere to grow here. I did wind up staying hoping for a change in this direction. I will outsource large companies with opportunities so we can all make a fair living.
- Stormwater, flooding, swales, and canals are considered undermaintained by many in the community. What are your plans to ensure that our unique system of canals and swales gets caught up on maintenance and stays maintained in the future? According to the Department of Stormwater & engineering, each homeowner is responsible for maintaining their swales. Our stormwater fees will increase from $22.27 to $39.10 by 2028, which will subsidize a lower property tax. The flooding issue I believe has a lot to do with having new build inspections not being properly done. This has been an issue for years and conveniently now we see a “maintenance pilot” program has been released. The canals have not been dredged in over 20 years. Again this falls into the infrastructure category not being added or maintained.
- How long have you been involved in the local political scene? Have you always been active? Why now? I have never been in politics. I filed to run for city council in November 2023. After living here for 29 years, graduating high school and college here I realized I can make a difference. Managing a successful 21-year local business and helping fundraise for dozens of local nonprofits transformed my thought process into doing bigger and better things for the community I live. I’m excited to see where this journey leads me.
To learn more about Shara Brodsky’s campaign visit her website here.
