If I am elected to the commission, one of my priorities will be to introduce eco-friendly programs that make sense and are cost effective. I believe that becoming a more green community will enhance the appeal of Longboat Key to future younger more green aware visitors and perspective residents. It is also the right thing to do, especially if going green makes economic sense and enhances our lifestyle. Water conservation is a key area of becoming eco-friendly and green. Each us can make many small conservation efforts that as a whole have a large impact on our community and the planet.

Our current utility billing fee schedule has an adverse impact on the mindful water users who use the least amount of water. The residents who consume 25,000 to 50,000 gallons or water actually pay less per 1,000 gallons, under the town's water fee schedule, than those residents who use less than 7,000 gallons of water. If I become a commissioner I will try to bring some sense to those town fees and charges that do not make sense or are excessive.

Green Bags: doing a little research I have located a local distributor who sells biodegradable bags of all sizes for less than we can purchase non-biodegradable bags at Publix. If I become a commissioner I will work to see that the town not only adopts using biodegradable products, where ever it makes economic sense, but also becomes an advocate for our entire community joining all the other communities that already use biodegradable bags.

I am working with Publix to offer shoppers biodegradable packaging products as well as using them in the produce section and at checkout. Cloth bags are the best solution at the markets but biodegradable bags also add to being green.

Soil Moisture Sensors: are far more accurate than the rain gauges presently used on Longboat to limit irrigation water use. Soil moisture sensors control irrigation by monitoring water content in the soil at the time water is applied to assure that the minimum amount of water is consumed. Rain gauges are ineffective during the dry season when we receive little rainfall. Given the high cost of irrigation water on Longboat, using soil moisture sensors make economic sense and are more effective at saving valuable water.

I believe the time has come for a pro-active commission that has the abilities and the will to lead our community into the future.