MILTON – Jimmy Messick is currently running for City Council Ward I.
Messick has been a resident of Milton since 2003. Since moving to Milton, Messick said he has volunteered in numerous activities. While previously on the city council, he took a leading role in the development and implementation of a plan for the systematic repaving of the streets of Milton.
He is a Christian, conservative, a certified public accountant, has been a small-business owner for 43 years, and has a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting and Business Administration. He believes his skills as a CPA and a business owner make him the best qualified to be on the council. He said he knows how to help people and businesses with finances. He is also a veteran having served in non-commission and officer roles in the Army.
Messick said as a father and grandfather he knows how to care for a family. He knows it's necessary to provide for their safety and entertainment.
Messick is not under the control of any special interest group, he said, and will work for the entire city, not just downtown.
Messick also wants to find other sources of funding for Carpenter’s Park improvements and splash pad that will not reduce the city reserve funds. Overall he wants to establish a strong fiscal policy, he said.
“I want to balance the budget without reducing reserves by proper management of discretionary spending,” he said.
Messick's biggest goal he said is to advance the building of the waste water treatment facility. Messick said he wants to ensure the city maintains a sound fiscal policy to allow continued accumulation of funds to provide for its investment in the facility.
Since the facility will benefit areas beyond the city limits, “I would seek cooperation with state, county, and other entities for funding,” Messick said. “That facility would remove effulent from the Blackwater River by providing waste water treatment for the continued growth of homes and businesses in the area.”
“I enjoy dealing with the challenges that face the city and will pledge to direct my efforts toward resolving issues in favor of the City as a whole and the citizens in particular,” he said. “With your support, I will help bring dignity back to the Milton city council.”
Messick said he will be careful with the taxpayers' money and would require careful, responsible spending within the budget.
"I believe that the city council serves the entire city and the entire city deserves to be heard,” Messick said. “Milton has been and continues to be business-friendly. In 2014 it was the 17th fastest growing city in Florida and with my help it will continue to grow.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Jimmy Messick for Milton City Council