By: Jeremy Fetzer (2/25/2010, 1:45 p.m.)After his first year in office, newly elected County Commissioner Chairman Fred Hawkins Jr. understands the importance of hard decision making to address critical issues facing Osceola County comes at a price.
Fred Hawkins Jr. was elected as Osceola Commissioner District 5 in 2008 and has had a tough first year facing major policy decision regarding the county budget, the increase of county millage rates and fire fees, and the controversial vote by the Florida State legislature regarding the commuter rail system known as SunRail.
Through all these tough decisions, Chairman Hawkins realizes his conservative and free market principles which he holds dearly to his heart will help Osceola County find real, long term solutions to job creation here locally and will be able to limit the tax burdens on each family in the county.
Chairman Hawkins’ top priority for 2010 is not to increase taxes, focusing on economic development to create long term employment opportunity for county residents, and focusing on creating a smaller/smarter local government.
During our conversation I asked Chairman Hawkins about the unanimous vote to increase millage rates and fire fees which he stated, “He did not feel if he voted against the increase it would have changed the outcome but he understands it was the wrong solution and he still gets heartburn over it”. He went on to say he is not going to vote on a fire fee increase the next time around until the fire budget has been thoroughly reviewed and all options have been put on the table first. He stated he would rather cut back services than increase the financial burdens on families during these hard economic times.
As for the controversial SunRail legislation which Osceola County residents have a $121 million dollar bill, he stated while the County Board of Commissioners supports mass transit the County cost for the system is unaffordable and voted against the final resolution because of the price tag. While the Florida Department of Transportation is working with the county to lower some of the cost, Chairman Hawkins still believes the county just can’t afford the SunRail system at this time.
Chairman Hawkins went on to say, “If it is in the yellow pages, government should not be doing it!” He believes the government’s role is to provide the basic services to the community which they cannot provide for themselves and doesn’t mind if people say he is to the right wing Commissioner…
When looking back at the first year in office I asked Chairman Hawkins what inspired him to run for office? He stated, “His 6 year old daughter”. He said when he looks around Osceola County and thinks about every father’s dream of having their child go to the best college, get the best degree, and have the opportunity to fulfill the American dream he believed those opportunities where not available here in Osceola County. He said his goal and reason for going into public service is to rebuild the trust with the citizens of Osceola County and to provide an opportunity for economic development so one day his and everyone’s children can come home to Osceola County to build the American dream.
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