Polk County Commission

Troutman: My top 3 priorities are public safety, smart growth, & improved infrastructure, each integral to the well-being and prosperity of our community. Public safety is paramount and a nonnegotiable. Smart growth must consider the needs of our current residents & ensure that personal property rights are protected and not impacted by any governmental overreach. Funding for infrastructure must be a top priority & county leaders must provide the most timely & economic means for roadway construction.

Klymko: Environmental protection by ensuring the growth affecting residential and commercial building is in balance with adequately funded plans for infrastructure which minimizes environmental impact.

Community and Public health support by building health and governmental services to better meet the needs of mental health and the health care needs of a rapidly growing older adult population.

Social Justice such as attention to our asset-limited, income-constrained, employed (ALICE) individuals.

New: Roads, managing the growth of our County, and infrastructure/water issues. Kindness is on the list as well. I have driven 16,000 miles on my Pilot because this is a county-wide vote. I have met with so many City officials and staff as well as County officials and staff. We have great work to do to develop smart policies to manage this astronomical growth that is threatening our roadways and infrastructure to the point that we are facing a public safety issue. I want to simply serve and help.

Troutman: I am running for office because I am passionate about making a difference in our community. I aim to listen to the desires of the residents, establish shared goals and a implement a strategic plan for Polk County’s prosperity. My vision is to create a thriving community where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their version of the American Dream. I believe Polk County can become an economic powerhouse while retaining the charm we all cherish.

Klymko:  have proven leadership and a servant heart with 40+ years experience as a University Professor and Administrator, Hospital Administrator, Clinical Researcher, Business Owner, and Nurse Practitioner in Family and Community health which positions me to bring a unique perspective to the commission table.

I care about the people of Polk County and its environmental protection and resource sustainability evidenced by my immersion in community organizations and leadership positions.

New: I have always had my eye on political science, even as a little girl reading the Ledger. In high school and college, my passion was student council. I was President of the Student Body my Senior year at FSC. After graduating, I had the honor to work for Rep. Adam H. Putnam in D.C. I then was Public Affairs Dir. for the Lakeland Chamber. I am now a minister and archivist. I studied in the Library of Congress last fall. I got home and heard the Call from God to run for County Commissioner.

Troutman: The decision not to send a sales tax proposal for roadways to voters last year was a complex & influenced by various factors. Whether it was the right call depends on perspectives & priorities. To address the funding needs for our roads we must ensure new development pays it fair share & that we explore all funding sources to include prioritizing the reallocation of existing budgets. We must ensure we do not place undue financial burdens on current residents or businesses.

Klymko: In 2023, the commission increased the impact fee for transportation (ex. for a single family home) with projections it will reach the median impact fee for transportation in comparison to other Florida counties during its three-year life. That said, I think the county made the right call. Other funding sources from State/Federal should also be pursued as available. Local studies, as required by law, should be completed before considering any further increases in impact fees.

New: I think the referendum should have gone to the voters. I spoke at the County Commission Meeting that day in favor of allowing it to go the ballot and let the voters decide. When I am around the County, I constantly ask people what are the challenges they face around the County. Number one answer: our roads. Everyone seems very frustrated by the long waits at intersections and the commute time is outrageous. I love democracy and transparency. I am studying municipal bonds as one way out.

Troutman: In October, Polk County will end its curbside recycling service. This decision actually lowers the environmental impact created by the program itself. In the collection process we are creating a much larger carbon footprint in comparison to the environmental benefits gained from recycling small amounts of plastics. I do believe we should constantly explore more sustainable solutions and encouraging residents to reduce and reuse materials.

Klymko: No, I disagree. This program preserves our environment, conserves resources, and promotes sustainability. We conserve our environment by reduction on landfill use and minimizes pollution by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our resources are preserved because paper production uses less energy and water. We can compost yard waster and use for fertilizer. Recycling programs provide jobs and economic growth for businesses. The community can be responsible by participating in conservationism.

New: I have had the privilege of visiting twice with Dale Henderson the Waste Dir. for Polk and actually rode on the landfill! He has taught me a great deal surrounding this waste industry. Though it is hard to think that recycling will pause October 1, there are other positive County initiatives coming out soon regarding bio fuels for the fleet and other technological programs that will help the earth. If elected, I would move to take funds to create our own MRF (Material Recovery Facility). This!

Troutman: Over the past 5 years, Polk County has excelled in addressing pressing water needs and maintaining fiscal responsibility, resulting in lowered property tax rates and a $64 million surplus this year. However, the county struggled to effectively manage trash collection and responding to related issues in a timely manner. I would work to ensure that residents’ concerns are addressed more promptly and that contracts do not include loopholes that allow for continued business with poor performance.

Klymko: YES: Commission creation of the Citizens Healthcare Oversight Committee has ensured the integrity of the expenditures of the Indigent Health Care sales surtax funds for the Polk HealthCare Plan and has provided a forum for residents to participate in health care planning.

NO: Sending to the landfill on October 1 translucent plastic which are currently recycled, along with paper, cardboard, and yard waste. I support continuing recycling of paper and yard waste to reduce greenhouse gas emission

New: The Commission has done well with the Polk Water Co-op that joins cities wanting to participate in the plan to help with water issues over the next 30 years. Currently, the County is spending $650 million (grants and EPA is helping) but then what? Our cities work well together which is a plus. However, the Planning Commission for the County has spent the last 7 years or so allowing developers to track home all over. Smarter growth please. Write me in and I will help fix this growing problem.