Brown's platform: 'Considering the people before political gain'

Editor’s Note: The Santa Rosa Press Gazette continues its series featuring Santa Rosa County candidates running in the Aug. 28 primary election and Nov. 6 general election. 

MILTON — Tammy Jo Brown of Milton is running as a Republican for county commissioner of District 2. The married mother of three and grandmother of nine is involved in a number of area organizations.

Tell us about yourself.

I have been married to Joe Brown for 34 years. I am a member of the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton. My career background includes being a local small business owner since 1989. Brown’s Hauling, Inc., has been in Santa Rosa County for 21 years and the remainder in Okaloosa County.

Our company has donated its services to Santa Rosa County. We donated the clearing of the lot where the Navarre YMCA is, and we have made it visible by bush hogging and removing debris in front of the Santa Rosa Fairgrounds.　

I currently work with the Santa Rosa Clerk of Courts. I’m involved with community organizations including the Blackwater Woman’s Republican Club, Central Santa Rosa Republican Club, Santa Rosa Community Clean Sweep, and a part of the Citizens Information Center for Santa Rosa Emergency Operations during natural disasters.

More personal information about me can be located on my website, www.votetammyjo.com.

Why are you running for county commissioner?

I have witnessed many county commissioner and constituent discussions over the years regarding important issues facing Santa Rosa County. I feel we are at a critical turning point and have an opportunity for a more proactive approach to implementing solutions within our county.

It is my goal to be part of that shift in thinking that would implement these solutions. I am a firm believer in considering the people before political gain. I believe in an open-door policy and transparency in government.　

I have never had the desire to be a politician, but I see myself as a person that would work for the people and, in doing so, would ensure my actions are based on what is best and most appropriate for the people I represent.　

If elected, what would you like to see accomplished in the county?

I have the unique perspective that is bolstered by my experience as a small business owner in Santa Rosa County. I believe that we can meet the needs of small business and create an atmosphere that facilitates small business growth and also meet the needs of the larger business in our county.

I would develop initiatives to encourage opening of small businesses and would like to begin mentorships for established business. We have great resources within our community that haven’t been tapped into.

I would like to see our county have more walkability options within our communities. I would advocate for prosperity in our rural areas and alleviate development pressures in our metro areas, while protecting our history and environmental concerns.

I also am a firm believer in providing more affordable housing and public transportation options. I would focus on providing much needed advancements for our disabled and/or impaired individuals and growing senior population by advocating more entertainment and activities targeting these individuals.

I would also like to see Animal Control have a full-time onsite veterinarian. That way, animals can be altered prior to adoption and services can be provided county-wide for upkeep and maintenance after adoption and for anyone requiring veterinarian services locally.

Finally, I would also like to see more hotels/lodging options for the north end of the county.

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Brown's platform: 'Considering the people before political gain'