2018-2019 Polk Vision Annual Report PV AR 2019_web | Page 48

Before 2030, Polk County will
have a comprehensive system
of government that is effective,
efficient, diverse and responsive to
the basic needs of its citizens.
LEFT: Held at Polk State College Center
for Public Safety, the 2018 Mayors
Roundtable included 11 Mayors as well as
the Chairman of the Polk County BoCC.
The discussion was moderated by Katie
Worthington Decker, Greater Winter
Haven Chamber of Commerce.
GOVERNMENT
The Government Advisory Team’s
mission is to bring together all
levels of local government to create
more awareness, cooperation and
support of the long term Vision
for Polk County. This includes
providing review and guidance
on both foreseen and unforeseen
opportunities that potentially impact
the organization’s objectives and the
work of its various LEAD Teams as
established by the Polk Vision Board
of Directors. The Government Team
also works to effectively engage
citizens by producing the Leadership
Exchange Series which includes
educational offerings such as the
Mayors Roundtable, State of the
County, Legislative Warm-Up, and
other topically relevant workshops.
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2 01 8 M AYO R S R O U N D TA B L E 2 01 8 B A L L O T R E A DY
For the 8th consecutive year, the Polk
Vision Government Team hosted a
half-day roundtable for the Mayors of
Polk County. This unique event allows
local elected leaders to discuss
topics critical to their communities
and the county as a whole. In October 2018, Polk Vision
conducted a voter education
forum in partnership with the Polk
County History Center. The event
featured speakers who explained
the numerous ballot amendments
and referendums that appeared on
the 2018 General Election Ballot.
Topics included the Constitution
Revision Commission, Florida
Legislative and Citizens Initiatives,
the Half-Cent Sales Tax, Homestead
Exemption, and Polk County Charter
Amendments.
Mayors from across Polk County
together with the Polk County BoCC
Chair sat down on September 12,
2018 for a wide ranging discussion.
Topics included transportation,
infrastructure, broadband, affordable
housing, water issues, public safety,
and fire rescue. Also discussed
was how to improve coordination
among city and county leaders when
addressing state legislators regarding
shared concerns.
2019 LEG I S L ATIVE WAR M - U P
On January 18, 2019 renowned
author, political scientist, and
University of South Florida professor
Dr. Susan MacManus moderated a
panel discussion with members of the
Polk County Legislative Delegation.
With the 2019 Legislative Session
bringing changes in key leadership
positions in both the House and
Senate, the discussion included an
overview of how these changes
may impact the state as well as
other important issues likely to
be addressed during the 2019
Legislative Session.
CHRISTINE GODING
Co-Chair
Community Volunteer
MATT MUCCI
Co-Chair
AT&T
MARGARITA ALFARO
Polk County Tax Collector’s
Office
STACY BUTTERFIELD
Polk County Clerk of Courts
& County Comptroller
2 01 9 S TAT E O F T H E CO U N T Y
U P DAT E
BETSY CLEVELAND
Polk County Supervisor of
Elections Office
The State of the County Update held
on April 23, 2019, brought together
residents from across Polk County
to hear from Board of County
Commissioners’ Chair, George
Lindsey, and County Manager, Jim
Freeman.
Topics addressed included county
investments in election equipment
and a new fire station; the Florida
Poly Corridor; the Polk County Water
Cooperative; and an update on
infrastructure projects being forecast
to keep pace with Polk County’s
growing population.
The Government Advisory Team is a critical
cog in the Polk Vision wheel. Working with
the other teams allows the group to advocate
on issues that impact the county. The
members are a cross-section of dedicated
leaders throughout Polk County with the
common goal of making positive changes
to the quality of life of our residents. It has
been an honor to serve as Co-Chair the past
2 years and I look forward to continuing to
identify the challenges, opportunities and
goals that will showcase Polk County to the
rest of the state and country.
— MATT MUCCI, Regional Director,
External Affairs, AT&T
MEAGIN COLSON
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
SUSAN COPELAND
Polk Education Foundation
GWINNELL JARVIS
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
TRACY MOUNCEY
Tracy Mouncey & Associates
DONNA SHEEHAN
City of Winter Haven
MICHAEL SPAKE
Lakeland Regional Health
TOP: 2018 Ballot Ready Panelists
(L to R) Carol Walker and Sharon Hammerberg from
Polk County Property Appraiser’s Office; Polk County
Supervisor of Elections, Lori Edwards; Judge John
Stargel, 10th Judicial Circuit Court; Alice Hunt, member
of the Polk County Charter Review Commission; Angela
Usher, Polk County Public Schools’ District.
LEA ANN THOMAS
Polk County BoCC
LYNN WILSON
Polk County School Board
MIDDLE: Delegation members in attendance
for the 2019 Legislative Warm-Up (L to R)
Florida House Representatives Melony Bell – District 56;
Josie Tomkow – District 39; Colleen Burton – District
40; Sam Killebrew – District 41; and Senator Kelli
Stargel – District 22. The event was hosted by Polk
State College Center for Public Safety.
BOTTOM: During the 2019 State of the
County Update, Chairman Lindsey (L)
answered questions regarding economic
development and jobs growth. The event was
hosted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The 2018-2019 Leadership
Exchange Series was made
possible through funding by
AT&T, Citizens Bank & Trust,
and Duke Energy.
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