Issues

From Your Commissioner-Elect:

During my campaign, I talked to my District 4 neighbors about issues facing our city. I want to be a leader who is passionate about the community and ready to listen to ALL constituents with empathy. I also believe in gaining trust through transparency and accountability at all levels of city government. As your Commissioner, my goal is to have policies in place to ensure opportunities are provided so that everyone can thrive.

My platform stands on the following pillars:

  1. Ensuring that we stay focused on Water Quality and transparency about 1,4-Dioxane Contaminated Water

  2. Planning for SMART Growth while Protecting Sanford’s Natural Resources

  3. Working with the Owner to Revitalize Seminole Town Center Mall

  4. Keeping Public Safety in the forefront - working with our First Responders to maximize their ability to protect the citizens

  5. Promoting Fiscal Responsibility and Appropriate Funding Allocations

  6. Improving Trust and Transparency during Commission Meetings via better use of Technology

Below are some details on these issues. If you have any thoughts or ideas to share, Contact Us!

– Claudia Thomas

Clean Water

Like many of my fellow citizens, I am concerned about what our city is, or isn’t doing to address water quality, potable water supply, and the 1,4 dioxane contaminants. 

The city has filed a lawsuit and is making progress, but how will the funds be used if we are successful? What is the impact to our citizens if we don’t correct this problem?

Smart Growth and Our Environment

As Sanford continues to grow, let's work together to responsibly manage that growth while still preserving our natural environment. I am often out enjoying our trails, kayaking with turtles, manatees and fish in our community, and as a birder I can also be found exploring the habitats of my favorite bird - the Florida Scrub-Jay. 

Like you, I want to protect them as we grow. I have studied our Comprehensive Plan and I intend to review with rigor any changes that would result in MORE congested roads, too many apartments, and anything that I believe will negatively impact our environment.

Public Safety

While I am not one to talk about crime merely because it’s a popular topic for some candidates, I am nonetheless keenly aware that we struggle hiring enough police officers to support our community. Having talked to some of our first responders, I know that there are ways we, as a city, can improve their lives.

I will work with both the city administration and the unions to find creative ways to attract more law enforcement officers and improve work schedules for both them and our firefighters. Let’s make sure our citizens know the value these folks bring to our community!

Seminole Town Center Mall

Like many U.S. cities, Sanford is dealing with a “zombie mall”. (Remember when it used to look like this?) I pledge to work with the owner and create a new multi-use property. And be ready, Sanford, because good things are coming!

Your Fiscal Resources 

Do you think your city is fiscally responsible? Is Sanford doing the right thing with the budget?

We spent over $3M to end the Heritage Park project. Perhaps the right decision, but what can we learn from that? I am studying our budget to see if current and future allocations are appropriate based on the needs of our city.

Transparency, Trust and Technology

Do you trust your government officials to do the right thing? Do our citizens have equal access to information shared in commission meetings?  Can they understand what is being said, or see what is being shared?  I will work with our team to improve sound quality and have visual aids displayed online for the public.

Share Your Ideas

Here is a link to an anonymous form, where you can share your opinions about the issues I’ve mentioned above.

https://tinyurl.com/ContactClaudia4Sanford

You can also share your ideas or ask a question here. I’m listening!