Osceola County Commissioner District 3

Kent Bjorklund

Kent Bjorklund
PO Box 470775 - Celebration, FL 34747
407-933-1913
kent@vote4kent.com
vote4kent.com
Republican
Age: 44
Occupation: Operations VP and Strategic Consultant
Total Monetary Contributions To Date: $5,013.13
Total Monetary Expenditures To Date: $644.41
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Download Financials as of 7.18.08

Previous/Current Elected Office:
N/A

Previous Campaigns for Elected Office:
N/A

How Long have you lived in Osceola County?
24

What is your history of community service?
I am a credentialed minister who has served in Osceola County churches both in volunteer and staff positions. Ministry has allowed me to connect to multicultural people from all walks of life. I currently serve at Living Water Fellowship located on Pleasant Hill Road in district 3.

Why are in you seeking this office?
Osceola County needs transition management, fresh energy, and a purpose driven vision. To that end, I want to deploy my leadership and strategic training within our government so that our decendents will inherit good fruit from decisions made today. Additionally, I desire to right-size our county government and drive performance.

What makes you the best-qualified candidate?
I have strong academics with a proven track record in real estate, financial services, and hospitality. As a compassionate leader with character and competence, I bring a genuine commitment to our county's welfare. We need leadership that understands how to build bridges while embracing the diversity within our communities today.

Current or former elected official you most admire and why?
I greatly admire Ronald Reagan. He inherited "stagflation" and economic uncertainty. Despite potential political consequences, he asked America to endure an economic recession that followed his policies knowing that it was the cure for a faltering economy. He showed courage and leadership, and he connected to the people.

If additional revenue becomes available where would you spend it?
Cuts in public safety and transportation allocations in the proposed 2009 budget is concerning. Additionally, if these hypothetical revenues came from tax increases then the county should also look at rebating taxpayers. As public servants we must remember with whose money we are entrusted and why.

If revenue falls short, what are the areas you would target for cuts?
County leaders would need to study non-essential services and underperforming assets, including human resources. A comprehensive budget reduction plan should not just go after easy targets but must strive for a balance that captures and minimizes any unintended consequences. Subsequently, proactive managers must live in anticipation of these events.

Under what circumstances would you raise taxes?
The board is bound by statutory limitations in affecting taxes. Nevertheless, if the safety and security of our citizens were at stake and all other avenues were exhausted, I would examine new taxes as a temporary remedy. I prefer to set policy to induce higher tax revenues without higher taxation.

What is the top issue facing Oceola County?
Amendment 1 - If this constitutional amendment passes, county tax revenues will be affected. To what extent is uncertain due to the portability factor within its provisions. County administration will have to deploy skillful forecasting as well as budgetary and operational adjustments to maintain service levels in light of these potential effects.

What does Osceola County government do well?
I believe that the board genuinely cares about the residents of Osceola County and makes every effort to recognize those who make a positive impact on the community. Also, Osceola County is currently running a balanced budget with good reserves albeit reduced due to recent budgetary challenges.

What does Osceola County government do poorly?
County government does not seem to dialogue effectively with its residents at large. It is a difficult but essential objective to gain buy-in by all stakeholders in the governing process so as to share in the tough choices between limited resources and service demands. Also, proactive, performance-based leadership is essential.

Rate the job performance of the County Manager.
During his short tenure, Mr. Freilinger has been responsive to the challenges within the county. Recently, he had to work through budget cutbacks due to property tax roll-back, and he was able to formulate and recommend a workable solution. His success will depend on his ability to anticipate and to think strategically.

How would you help businesses in Osceola County?
I am concerned about bureaucratic layering where county, state and federal requirements are increasing the burden on business owners. Osceola county has to find ways to make it easier for desirable companies to invest here, to grow our economy, our tax revenues and the median income of our residents.