Flagler Estates Concerned Citizens, Inc.

FLAGLER ESTATES ROAD & WATER CONTROL DISTRICT
SUPERVISOR CANDIDATE INFORMATION SHEET

NAME: Kathleen Fisher OWNER OF LOT(S): 3-1066 & 1067

PERMANENT RESIDENT OF: ST. JOHNS COUNTY: X

DO YOU PERMANENTLY RESIDE WITHIN THE DISTRICT? YES: X

EMPLOYER & POSITION: University of Florida -IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – Program Assistant)

EDUCATION: I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from Flagler College and an Associates Degree in Horticulture from Santa Fe Community College. I am currently pursuing post-graduate studies through the University of Florida School of Engineering in Environmental Policy and Management on a part-time basis through my employer. I hold  certification in National Incident Management Systems for Disaster Preparedness and Recovery.

RELATED PRIOR EXPERIENCE: I served for 3 years as Assistant Office Manager for the Flagler Estates Road and Water Control District, thus I am very familiar with the day-to-day workings and the history of the District.  I have extensive management experience in the plant nursery business and also at a retirement community.  I have been licensed for pesticide application.  I currently serve as support staff for the USDA affiliated Soil and Water Conservation District in Flagler County.  I have written numerous successful competitive grants and I work under a USDA grant so I am quite knowledgeable about the grant writing and administration process.

ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS: Florida Association of Special Districts through the Flagler County Soil and Water Conservation District; Association of Florida Conservation Districts; Flagler Estates Concerned Citizens Inc. Secretary; 10 year member of the Keystone Heights Jaycees – Management Vice-president in 1996.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND: I currently work for the University of Florida as a Program Assistant in the Family Nutrition Program. The purpose of the program is to teach nutrition to low-income populations .  We teach all age groups including pre-school children, elementary school students, at-risk high school students, adults with disabilities and senior citizens. I have held management positions  and have been an entrepreneur. My interests include horticulture, reading and writing.  I love the pursuit of knowledge.

BRIEF COMMENT ABOUT BOARD CANDIDACY:
It has become painfully apparent that, on May 28th, 2008, the Board lost its way when it increased the assessment by 63%.  There is a point at which over-taxation becomes detrimental to a community and we are at that point.  The Board lost sight of the fact that it is their responsibility to control their Staff.  They further have a responsibility to educate themselves on the issues instead of relying completely on Staff when making multimillion dollar decisions.

It is my intention to bring fiscal responsibility back into the equation.  I have been actively educating myself on the issues and will continue to do so. These are some advantages I bring into the situation:
Ø I am a successful grant writer.

Ø Working with the Flagler Soil and Water Conservation District – a DEPENDENT special district affiliated with USDA-NRCS – puts me in regular contact with federal environmental experts as well as farmers and local business people.

Ø  My employment means I have daily contact with environmental experts affiliated with the University of Florida. When needed, I can consult with top experts.  The University consults with and advises regulatory agencies such as DEP. 

Ø My degree in Public Administration has prepared me for running a government agency.