Herald Article

Below is the text that I sent the North Florida Herald when I was asked for 400 words.  Please vote on November 3rd at the Civic Center.

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Over the past seven weeks I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many residents and business owners.  I’m often asked, “Why do you want to be a Commissioner?”  My response is simple.  Having been so involved in the community and having had opportunities to learn about our City, its Government and history I’m willing to take on the responsibility of helping to lead and govern our community.  I’m ready to have a voting voice in the decisions that are made.  I’d like to help our government make clear its priorities, set policies and plan for inevitable growth while keeping High Springs a great place to live.   To me, it is a Public Service.

High Springs has so many opportunities available to it.  By removing economic barriers we can bring life back to our core downtown area while increasing the value of the 441 business corridor.  If we are going to allow convenience stores to sell beer and wine seven days a week within 500’ of a church we should allow restaurants to do the same.   The Commission needs to work with City staff to establish guidelines that encourage business development while removing or altering ordinances that no longer meet an existing need.

Complaints are useful as they help us identify problems.  If we listen closely we learn a lot about how others can view the same set of circumstance.  However, if we spend all of our time complaining and finding others to agree with us then we have missed the opportunity to create solutions.  As a community volunteer, I’ve worked to address complaints by being part of the solution.  As a Commissioner I will work with city staff and the other Commissioners to create solutions where problems exist and take advantages of opportunities. 

Leadership is about instilling confidence.  Our community needs elected leaders that understand the issues, are willing to look at the big picture and willing to take action.  High Springs is a growing, diverse community and there will not always be agreement.  We need leaders that understand responsibility is not a popularity contest and are willing to be accountable for their actions.  Results matter and on November 3rd I’d like to begin being a responsible voice for the community of High Springs.

For more information about me please call me (386) 454-8161, visit my website www.RossAmbrose.com or email me at Ross@RossAmbrose.com.