Decisions Today For A Better Tomorrow

As a graduate of Lecanto High School & Academy of Environmental Science, I knew Citrus would be our home. I met my husband at 17, we have raised our kids here, built a business here, and a nonprofit to teach shop class and home ec skills. Every decision made by our local government affects my quality of life, how my hard-earned money is spent, and the level of customer service I receive as a citizen. With 16 years of experience in the school system and in directing a nonprofit, I recognized that the decisions being made on our behalf, our surroundings, and the quality of life were changing in a way that didn't feel like my home anymore. I need to step up for our county to get back to basics, asking the questions, reading the fine print, and listening. 

Taxpayer money should be treated with respect. Every dollar should be tracked, justified, and tied to a clear purpose. Before asking residents for more, we need to make sure current resources are being used wisely and efficiently. 

What this looks like: 

1.) Transparency in spending

2.) Review budgets and actual spending year over year

3.) Have we taken care of current needs before expanding

4.) Make sound data driven decisions instead 

5.) Analyze staff , duplicate job responsibilities 

6.) Assess program utilization

7.) Long term planning for growth & infrastructure

Growth must be planned, not chased. Citrus county is growing, and we need responsible leadership to make sure our roads, infrastructure, and services keep up. Planning protects both our future and our current quality of life. 

What this looks like: 

1.) No Data Centers 

2.)Plan ahead for roads and traffic needs

Growth pays for growth

3.) Support current infrastructure needs

4.) Balance growth with protecting the Nature Coast 

5.) Environmental Protection of limited resources

6.) Use Comprehensive plan and Land use plan to guide decisions

7.) Workforce Housing Focus

8.) Growth that stimulates the economy and workforce opportunities

People move here because Citrus County is special. We must protect the things that make this community feel like home: our natural beauty, our neighborhoods, our rural character, and our way of life. 

What this looks like: 

1.) Protecting our environment and natural resources

2.) Preserve our community identity

3.) Support safety

4.) Plan for our youth needs

5.) Protect our seniors 

6.) Support resiliency programs for people experiencing homelessness

People deserve to know what their government is doing. Trust is built through openness, honesty, and follow through. People should be able to understand county decisions, see how money is spent, and trust that their voices matter. 

What this looks like: 

1.) Clear communication with the public

2.) Follow through on emails, phone calls, etc.

3.) Openness in government processes

4.) Easier Access to information

5.) Leadership that serves the people and their needs

6.) Accountability for mistakes made

7.) Evaluations for performance 

I love Citrus County and am choosing to step up to work with our commission team for the people & our community. Please reach out to me with any questions, concerns, or information at herndonhere4citrus@gmail.com