Tuesday night’s election results brought a chapter of public service in my life to a close. While the outcome was not what I had hoped for, I have no regrets about the campaign I ran.
I stood firmly on my principles, conducted myself with integrity, and focused on the issues, my record, and my vision for Charlotte County.
Throughout this campaign, I believed voters deserved a meaningful discussion about qualifications, education, experience, accomplishments, and the challenges facing our community — not personal attacks. Public office is tasked with elevating the conversation, and informing with the facts.
Serving as a county commissioner is both an extraordinary honor and a profound privilege. The role and responsibilities of the office are vast and complex. The decisions made by the commission have real consequences for the lives, livelihoods, and future of our residents.
When advocating for Charlotte County in Tallahassee and Washington, experience matters. Home rule is continually challenged, and unfunded mandates remain commonplace. Having a knowledgeable, seasoned commission is more important than ever.
I am proud of my 16 years of service to Charlotte County, and it has been an honor to represent the citizens of this community for four terms. I am grateful for the trust they placed in me and for every opportunity to work on their behalf as our representative to the Gulf Consortium, the Water Authority, the West Coast Inland Navigation District, the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, as chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and Tourism, and serving on the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, the Marine Advisory Committee and Finance committee.
Serving as president of the Florida Association of Counties made Charlotte County’s issues more visible statewide. Always remaining committed to advancing Charlotte County’s mission, vision, and values with honesty and conviction, I never compromised my principles or surrendered to special interests.
To everyone who supported me, volunteered, encouraged me, and stood beside me: thank you. I could not have had the privilege of serving this community for so many years without your friendship, faith, and encouragement. Your confidence in me has meant more than words can express.
To my fellow commissioners and colleagues, I am grateful for your professionalism and partnership in servant leadership. I wish you success as you continue working to keep Charlotte County safe, clean, prosperous, and affordable. We all understand the economic challenges confronting our community, and I know the responsibilities and decisions ahead of you will not be simple.
Most of all, I thank the citizens of Charlotte County for allowing me to serve. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
I will always cherish what we achieved together and take pride in the manner in which I held the position throughout my tenure.
Although this chapter is closing, my commitment to Charlotte County is not. I remain deeply invested in this community and optimistic about its future. I encourage all of us to remain engaged, constructive, and united in purpose. Elections may determine who serves, but they do not change the fundamental truth that we share a common hope: to see Charlotte County thrive.
I leave office with gratitude in my heart, pride in our accomplishments, my faith in God and an abiding commitment to the community I have been privileged to call home.
Stephen R. Deutsch is a Charlotte County commissioner, a United States Coast Guard veteran, and a candidate in the Aug. 18 Republican primary. Learn more at www.StephenRDeutsch.com.