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| Nickeson |
Nadine Nickeson
My husband Rob and I chose Safety Harbor as our Florida home 14 years ago. We loved the charm of the downtown, the elementary school and the city’s unique location on Tampa Bay. Our sons, Matt and Stephen, attended Safety Harbor schools. I remain an active school volunteer and placed myself into our political arena because I felt I could make a difference. First elected in 1997, I have now served almost ten years. Although I had not planned to run, an unexpected vacancy presented me with another opportunity to serve you. I have one agenda — Do what is best for Safety Harbor for the present and the future.
To ensure stability in city government — keep me. Since 2004, sixteen people have served on the commission. I offer ten years of hands-on experience and dedication to the job. I have a 99% attendance record at commission meetings and workshops. I am there for ribbon cuttings, special events and education sessions. I have always done my homework on the issues.
To preserve our quality of life — select me. To preserve our old Florida charm, careful attention is needed for all development proposals. Three years ago I called for an update of our downtown development plan. This ongoing effort has included many public meetings for citizen input. I spent eight years on the Pinellas Planning Council and can assess what a good project brings to a city. I learned that projects cannot be successful without planning, coordination and education. A grand tree ordinance was recently passed after careful study and expert guidance. Our visioning process conducted a survey that showed that 96% of residents were happy with city services and 57% felt the city was moving in the right direction.
To keep us moving forward — choose me. Although we have added essential personnel to maintain service levels, we retain the lowest tax rate in 30 years. The challenge to keep this millage low requires careful attention to our finances and continues to be a priority. Of course we have more to accomplish. Our city set up an in-house recycling program and I want us to explore more ways to be “green.” The library expansion is still on paper and I want us to begin the building. I am particularly proud of city beautification efforts. Public art was placed at the library and the marina. New parks include Marina, Veterans, Baranoff and the Ian Tilmann Skate Park. We completed the first municipal ‘boundless’ playground in Pinellas County.
I love Safety Harbor and volunteer much time in our city. I have painted homes with “Paint Your Heart” for over ten years. I was Safety Harbor Kiwanis President and now serve as Secretary. I volunteer for coastal clean-up, Chamber, City and Museum events. I am a Doorways Scholarship mentor and Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Also, I serve on the Juvenile Welfare Board Community Council and the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. It is so important that local perspective is represented so that regional impacts do not adversely affect our city.
I believe that a balance of new ideas and proven experience will make our city stronger. I respectfully ask for your vote on January 29, 2008.
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