Renee Christopher-McPheeters is running for the District 2 seat on the Citrus County Commission.

1. Why are you running for this office?

I’m running because I have always followed and stepped in where I saw it was useful regarding local politics.  I have been very active in my community and I have listened to many concerns.  I know that because of my involvement and participation I can make a positive difference by being the voice of the people.

There is no greater service than to be able to help your community move forward.  We cannot continue to live in the past, we must forge ahead in order to progress.  With every phase there are unexpected twists and turns and I know that I am flexible enough to be able to provide what citizens expect of a local commissioner. 

I also feel confident that I can make a positive difference for the betterment of our community.  I would like the opportunity to prove this to my future constituents. 

I also see a need for a new and fresh perspective.  We need to be able to address the present challenges with a different set of solutions that will hold and bring us into the future.  We cannot continue to try to solve issues with old and outdated solutions.  Times are changing and commissioners need to adapt and change also in order to provide modern day solutions to modern day problems.

2. Why do you think you are the best qualified candidate for the office?

I value citzens' input and they can count on my listening to them, returning their calls and my holding "Town Hall" meetings for better communication.

I am the best qualified because I have been a leader - recognizing where leadership is needed. Concern for the community is what matters and when help has been needed - when tragedy has struck - here in Citrus County, I have personally led efforts raising thousands of dollars for those needy families. I am involved in many community organizations, learning what the community expects and needs.

I have also been very actively involved in:

The promotion of Patriotism, as I spear-headed the first official 9/11/01 Memorial in Citrus County, now on display at the Crystal River Middle School and also fought along with U.S. Veterans - Against the Unpatriotic Crystal River Ordinances Restricting the flying of the U.S. Flag.

For Retaining our Rights: for Freedom of Speech as the only candidate before the BOCC against their ordinance restricting Public Input prior to voting. I am the only candidate that signed the petition for FL. Legislative passage of the Second Amendment Preservation Act, to protect our right to bear arms.

Having great concern for the safety of the children of Citrus County, and surrounding areas, I have obtained Original Proclamations Against Child Pornography from Seven Cities and Two Counties - Including Citrus County.

Community involvement and participation:

  • Spokesperson, Veteran's Affairs & Rehabilitation, Legislation, American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 155.
  • Chairperson, Legislation Committee, Disabled American Veterans, Auxiliary, Unit 158.
  • Representative for Small Business, Veteran's Economic Development Council.
  • Member, Women of the Moose, Chapter 1434. Charity Organization.
  • Member, Ladies Auxiliary, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Charity Organization.
  • President, Ronald Reagan Republican Assembly, West Central FL. Region

3. If you are elected, what will be your top priorities?

Stop unnecessary spending:  As a fiscal conservative I believe that I am the best candidate because I will put the brakes on unnecessary spending.  Government needs to be held accountable for their financial decisions. 

Government also needs to re-focus their priorities when it comes to spending tax payer revenue.  It is no longer acceptable to tax and spend without proper need and justification. We need to ask if the spending is necessary and if we can afford it without adversely affecting taxpayers. 

Job creation:  I also believe that the best way to create jobs is to reduce or eliminate unnecessary cumbersome and costly regulations that are becoming a detriment for small businesses to grow, expand and prosper. If we want to attract businesses we need to be more business friendly instead of creating financial impediments that may impede businesses from coming to our county.

Reduce and/or minimize the debt and borrowing:  Government needs to tighten its belt just like taxpayers are forced to do during these trying times.  Unless it is absolutely necessary I will never vote to increase our debt. I will instead push for reducing the debt whenever the opportunity surfaces.

More accountability and transparency:  Both go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other. 

Taxpayers need to once again learn to trust their government. This will only happen by completely opening the lines of communication. Information needs to flow freely from government to citizens. 

Explanations for any decision making needs to be an important step for the process to work. This is a two-way street because it will help citizens to understand fully the cost allocation that is attributed to certain expectations.

Proper decorum and civility at BOCC meetings:  It is important for Commissioners to set an example of what is expect at these meetings.  We cannot have commissioners attacking commissioners. 

We need to set the bar higher for ourselves in order for citizens to adhere to rules of conduct and feel comfortable expressing their concerns.