Name: Susan Starkey

Campaign website: Vote4Starkey.com

Date and place of birth: 5/30/xxxx Wiesbaden, Germany US Base

In your opinion, is your city generally on the right track or wrong track, and why or why not?
Yes, the town of Davie is a great place to live, work, play and get an education. Financially we have kept or reduced taxes and fees.  We have received awards across the board in all departments for efficiency and transparency.  We have a AAA bond rating.  All would not be possible without our community’s involvement and amazing staff and leadership.   Further we have adopted strict code of ethics and put in place policies and procedures to help prevent fraud and abuse.

List in order of importance the three most important issues in the city and briefly explain what you would do about each.
PUBLIC SAFETY -One of the most important services that a municipality should focus on is the publics safety.  The town has top ranked police and fire rescue departments.  We are very proud of this.  I love Davie and what to keep it safe for everyone to come home to for our children, families and businesses.

KEEPING DAVIE AFFORDABLE- Fighting to keep our taxes low (one of the lowest in the county as a full service city) with the quality services our residents deserve while balancing our growth in the right place. The town passed several years ago elements in our Comprehensive Plan based on public input to focus development along the transit corridors and the downtown redevelopment areas.  A strong, diverse, local economy is the backbone of a thriving community.

PRESERVING AND PROTECTING our unique lifestyle- Town’s Historic and Rural identity, opens spaces and trails.  Davie has the most open spaces and trails connecting our parks with miles of trails to be enjoyed by all.

Our strategic plans outline and define these priorities and more.

Do you support or oppose Amendment 3, and why?
As you are aware the Florida Legislature has preempted city officials for supporting or opposing referendums.  I do not want to break that trust but will educate our community of the FACTS.  Including how it will impact our services and payment of existing bonds.

If you are elected and Amendment 3 passes, you will have to reduce services or raise other fees. Can you cite a specific city program or service that is wasteful or unnecessary? YES, all options will have to be evaluated.  I do not believe there is any wasteful or unnecessary spending in our town.  There will be areas that we will have to re-evaluate based on our public process with our community and staff and make these tough decisions together.  Staff have already begun to review.

How would you assess your city’s ability to manage growth, development and related issues such as traffic, noise, pollution and demands on city infrastructure?
The town continues to do short- and long-range strategic planning.  Our future and Use map is the guiding document.  The need for growth ensures a diverse business and housing stock providing a great place to live, work, play and get an education.  Our capital improvement plan guides us with the infrastructure for traffic improvements, drainage/stormwater maintenance and other facilities to be maintained within the town.  We do have noise ordinance.

What single factor most distinguishes you from your opponent and why?
I have the Trusted Proven Leadership for the past 25 years.  I will continue to listen to the resident and community that I care about.

List in reverse chronological order colleges or universities attended with years of attendance and degrees.
Education:  Miami Dade College, course studies non-degree, Licensed State of Florida Real Estate since 1973. Various professional designations in related field studies.  Course studies in Environmental permitting, Fire Academy Basics 101; Ethics in Leadership, Florida Institute of Government for Municipal Officials, National Incident Management; FBI Citizens Academy Graduate and Alumni.

List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Davie Council Member since March 2001; Florida League of Cities Board of Director for more than 23 years.  Florida Municipal Loan Council, Trustee and Vice Chair; Broward League of Cities Board of Director and Past President; Property Manager, Exuma Capital Partners.

Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
Litigation related to our town’s official capacity. Personally, or professionally – no

Foreclosure during my divorce in a downturn of the economy in 2009-10. Once the divorce was settled, I was able to restructure the loan and save our family home.

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No

Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
With the challenges facing the town in the next few years it is not time to make a change.  I believe I am best suited to handling the various issues and with my background and experience able to do the job with honesty and integrity.  I have a passion for good governance for the town I love, call home and raise my family.