Kris Long runs for Santa Rosa County commissioner

MILTON — Kris Long is running as a no-party affiliate for the Santa Rosa County Commission District 2 seat.

Long served in the U.S. Navy for nine years as an information technologist. Since then, Long worked as an Army contractor who worked in Afghanistan, and a Locklin Tech Institution cyber security educator. He's also been involved in the community as a high school basketball coach for eight years, a city of Milton Board of Adjustment member, the President of Milton Sports Club, a graduate of Leadership Santa Rosa, a mentor and council member for Take Stock in Children, and the owner of Gulf Coast Hoops, an NCAA certified scouting service. Long is currently an IT specialist at Baptist Hospital.

Long is a lifelong resident of the county who wants to get involved and create change, he said. He is 33 years old and married to his wife, Angel Long, an LPN. Their two children are their son 14-year-old Zaylin, who attends Milton High School and 7-year-old daughter London, who attends Bagdad Elementary.

As commissioner, Long wants to promote smart, technological growth; repair and improve infrastructure; and increase safety/reduce crime in Santa Rosa County.

While the crime rate is down 20 percent in the entire county, in District 2 it is up 8 percent, according to recent statistics. The county may be doing well overall, but District 2 still needs improvement Long said. Long wants to make sure officers have the resources they need in terms of training, technology, and equipment. He also wants funding for more school resource officers, and reinstatement/expansion of the D.A.R.E. program.

Long said needed infrastructure repairs should be made with citizen input. He is concerned about moving the courthouse to Avalon Blvd. after citizens voted to keep it in District 2. Long said input from citizens must be first.

Long said he'll work to represent everyone, and ensure all voices are heard. His entire career, he said, has involved service above self. He will work to bring together a variety of people who hold a range of ideas leading them toward consensus. Through honest, open dialogue, Long believes we can reach an understanding on issues. Combining respectful thought, and passionate ideas, differing opinions can come together to represent the diverse voices that make up Santa Rosa County Long said.

As a non-party candidate Long said he is not beholden to any party politics, big donors, or political oaths and he is not a career politician.

"Many people have told me that electing the first African American, non-partisan county commissioner in Santa Rosa County is a long shot,” Long said. "I actually like the sound of that."

This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Kris Long runs for Santa Rosa County commissioner