Osceola County Commissioner District 1

Michael E. Harford

Michael E. Harford
2310 Babb Rd - Kissimmee, FL 34746
407-908-4348
Mike@michaelHarford.com
www.MichaelHarford.com
Democrat
Age:
Occupation:
Total Monetary Contributions To Date: 4,995.28
Total Monetary Expenditures To Date: 1,002.57
Download Financials as of 7.18.08

Previous/Current Elected Office:
Osceola County School Board 1990-1994, 1998-2002

Previous Campaigns for Elected Office:
I have been a County Commission Candidate in the primary elections of 1984, 1988, 1996, and a Commission Candidate for the general election in 2004, and I have been a School Board candidate in 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002

How Long have you lived in Osceola County?
Born in Kissimmee in 1953, 55yrs ago; Military Service 1972-75 US Army Honorably Discharged SGT E-5

What is your history of community service?
• Osceola County School Board Audit Advisory • Committee, Chairman 2007-present • Osceola County Democrat Executive Committee Member 1984-2008, Chair 2004-2006, Vice-Chair 2006-2008 • Osceola County School Board Member 1990-1994, 1998-2002, Chairman 1992-1993, Strategic Planning Committee 1992 • Florida School Board Association Certified Board Member 1994 • Osceola County School Board Strategic Planning Committee 1992 • SAC Member, Technical Education Center of Osceola (Teco), Poinciana High School, Thacker Elementary, Cypress Elementary • Democrats of Celebration Board Member • Kiwanis Club of Kissimmee Member, President 1998- 1999, President Elect 2008 • OARC Board Member 1988-1990, 1997-1998 • Osceola County Fire Commission Member • Osceola County Board of Adjustment 1989-1990 • American Red Cross Disaster Coordinator • Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce • St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce

Why are in you seeking this office?
Over the past several years, I’ve seen the priorities of the County Commission change. It is disheartening to see how disconnected their priorities are from the needs of residents. Instead of bringing responsible leadership representing people like you, they are instead focusing on large developers and special interest groups. This has, unfortunately, left all of us - and our needs as residents - ignored. I am committed to changing this, and bringing the resident’s priorities back to the Commission.

What makes you the best-qualified candidate?
I was born in Osceola County in 1953 and lived here most of that time except for time in the military and college. I am a licensed state utility contractor specializing in directional boring; my 18 years of experience in the construction industry will provide the guidance to make decision based on sound business principles. This experience of business ownership also provides me the insight to relate to the average working resident of the county. My two terms on the school board will allow me to forge partnerships with the education community to seek new training opportunities for our youth and adults. I would seek a true partnership with the governmental entities (cites and school board) to create a strategic plan to deliver the services needed by the residents.

Current or former elected official you most admire and why?
These three men, John F. Kennedy, Harry S. Truman and Abraham Lincoln, exemplify values that allows me to remain grounded in my mortality, my sense of community and faith in the ability of the any person to accomplish great progress for the Human race.

If additional revenue becomes available where would you spend it?
Diversifying the economic growth in areas such as light industry, assembly, warehousing, medical and professional arts. It is time to reduce our dependence on the cyclic industries of tourism and construction. Focus our growth on the industrial and training centers instead of residential building. I would seek out businesses that would provide jobs paying above the current standard. If incentives were given they would require hourly wages set at a living wage level that allows the residents to fully participate in the American ideals of home ownership and community service.

If revenue falls short, what are the areas you would target for cuts?
I am willing to target anything that does not provide a benefit to the citizens of Osceola County..

Under what circumstances would you raise taxes?
I am concerned about the level of services and the delivery of those services to the residents. The Commission would develop a standard for the services delivered and use out of the box solutions to deliver services in an efficient, cost-effective manner. I would look at all departments to evaluate the services needed and delivered to the citizens. Public safety (Sheriff, Fire and Emergency Services) must continue delivering services at levels that are acceptable by the residents

What is the top issue facing Oceola County?
Diversifying the economic growth in areas such as light industry, assembly, warehousing, medical, and professional arts. My two terms on the school board will allow me to forge partnerships with the education community to seek new training opportunities for our youth and adults. This will stimulate additional businesses to locate in our county to take advantage of a trained workforce. It is time to reduce our dependence on the cyclic industries of tourism and construction. Focus our growth on the industrial and training centers instead of residential building and small strip mall type retail centers.

What does Osceola County government do well?
The County employees continue to serve the residents despite the challenges of the Commission and State mandates. I look forward to assisting with those hard working employees to provide the services and identify the areas of concern to the residents of Osceola County.

What does Osceola County government do poorly?
The County Commission has long has adopted an attitude of it can do no wrong. I would seek a true partnership with the governmental entities (cites and school board) to create a strategic plan to deliver the services needed by the residents. We are only four governments and it is sad we can’t find long-term solutions for the residents of Osceola.

Rate the job performance of the County Manager.
I have limited information as to the CM performance, I do not believe it was the right time to increase his salary 36,000 dollars. He was hired at about six times the average wage of the citizens of Osceola County and the current economic climate does not warrant a raise.

How would you help businesses in Osceola County?
I would help business in the county providing additional consideration for local business, and looking at smaller contracts so more small business in the county can compete for the dollars the county spends.