MILTON — Shari Sebastiao is running for City Council Ward IV.
Sebastiao has lived in Milton for over 18 years. She is a former military wife who appreciates the service and sacrifices of the armed forces and first responders, she said.
Sebastiao owns a small business and said she believes small businesses are the backbone of our economy.
“I want to want to make it easier for businesses to start or relocate to Milton,” Sebastiao said in an email. “I am a working grandmother who understands the pressures of everyday life.”
Sebastiao said she wants to continue to support community activities that will attract diverse prospective businesses while working to streamline the process for new businesses in the city.
Sebastiao also wants to protect the historical culture of Milton. She said she wants to raise public awareness for the importance of the historical structures of the city. She said she will stand up against any plan that will damage or destroy the historic assets.
Another thing Sebastiao wants to focus on is affordable housing. If elected she plans to work with organizations to look for ways to increase the inventory of qualified properties to get more affordable housing in the area.
Transparency and accessibility are essential in government, Sebastiao said. City government should maintain an open-door policy so that every citizen feels respected, listened to and heard. Sebastiao says she has an open-minded approach on all issues and will always support what is best for the community as a whole.
Sebastiao said she never considered running for council until someone asked her to consider it. She said after looking back at the archived footage of council meetings and seeing tension and dissension, she felt she needed to run.
“Stop the fighting,” she said. “I’m here to help. Let’s work together to make this city great.”
Sabastiao said she feels that she can bring a fresh eye to the city council and help continue to move the city forward.
“I am always smiling," she said. “I am at that point in my life where I am always smiling and helping.”
Sebastiao said in her opinion Milton is, “our family, history, first responders, and the beautiful Blackwater.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Shari Sebastiao for city council