Osceola County Commissioner District 5

Chuck Dunnick

Chuck Dunnick
5335 Marilyn Ln - St. Cloud, FL 34772
407-383-4694
dunnickcd@embarqmail.com
www.chuckdunnick2008.com.com
Democrat
Age: 55
Occupation: Real Estate Broker
Total Monetary Contributions To Date: $6700.00
Total Monetary Expenditures To Date: $2989.11
Download Financials as of 7.18.08

Previous/Current Elected Office:
Served as an Osceola County Commissioner from 1992-2004

Previous Campaigns for Elected Office:
1992, 1996, 2000, 2004

How Long have you lived in Osceola County?
37 Years

What is your history of community service?
little league manager/ board member 14 years ; deliver meals on wheels for council on aging ; former member St. Cloud Rotary and Kissimmee Bay Rotary; parks and recreation committee 10 years; board of directors for St.Cloud and Kissimmee chambers of commerce for 10 years; lakes advisory committee; regional planning council 10 years; metro planning organization 2 years; Silver Spurs Riding Club; Florida Association of Counties 12 years, elected president 2002; Board member National Association of Counties 12 years; helped start Anglers Against Cancer raising money for research; Nine County Coalition which addresses the Kissimmee Valley and River basin; served on the Board of Adjustments for 7 years with 4 years as chairman; served as County Commissioner for 12 years elected 3 years as Chairman

Why are in you seeking this office?
Our small businesses are struggling to survive. Our taxes have increased at an alarming rate. The morale for our county employees is at an all time low. This concerns me! Strong leadership, knowledge, and statesmanship are needed now. I have a passion for serving the citizens and would focus on dealing with the challenges that affect our citizens daily.

What makes you the best-qualified candidate?
I have 12 years of government experience and knowledge that will enable me to hit the ground running. I have a strong record of accomplishment. I built relationships with decision makers across the region. You partner and save money where you can. Working with the cities, school board, state agencies, state and federal officials you get things accomplished.

Current or former elected official you most admire and why?
Oren Brown served as county commissioner for over 20 years. He never let his head get to big for his hat. He listened and helped people quietly without much fan fare.

If additional revenue becomes available where would you spend it?
All revenue streams have certain restrictions on use. Depending on the revenue source I would then address immediate needs that could be funded and do not require recurring funding. Not knowing if the additional revenues will continue is a factor where you use them.

If revenue falls short, what are the areas you would target for cuts?
Government has to live within it means just like family and business owner. Micro managing a budget the size of Osceola County’s would not serve the constituents well. Knowing the % you need to cut I would instruct the County Manager to have his department heads make recommendations of what to cut and forward it to the BCC for discussion and a final decision. Justification of expenditures is an important process.

Under what circumstances would you raise taxes?
If county revenues were to drop below what was necessary to provide basic services to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens I would not hesitate to take appropriate measures.

What is the top issue facing Oceola County?
Revenue shortfalls will impact this county for a long time. The taxable value, determined by the property appraiser, will be reduced significantly next year. Coupled with the constitutional amendment there will continue to be less revenue to operate government services. I strongly believe it is time to say time out. More building lots have been approved in the last 3 1/2 years than in my entire 12 years as a commissioner. It takes courage to say STOP but I think it is time.

What does Osceola County government do well?
Provide friendly basic services with qualified staff and employees. Road and Bridge, animal control, parks and recreation, and mosquito control affect us daily. They do a great job and would be missed.

What does Osceola County government do poorly?
Maintain a high profile with state agencies as it concerns our lakes and environment. They are suffering and nobody knows it!

Rate the job performance of the County Manager.
It is a tough job having 5 bosses. Rating his performance would not be appropriate at this time.

How would you help businesses in Osceola County?
Eliminate expensive delays that hinder business. Always look for a local source first when purchasing goods and services. Review codes and ordinances that have a negative impact on small business. Holding in abeyance those that cost business time and money. Begin a dialogue with small business owners to get their input on challenges they are facing. Have an attitude of HOW CAN I HELP!