I hope that you will join me in our third Town Hall via Zoom to be held on Sunday, September 20th @ 6 pm. To receive a Zoom invitation, please send an email to elect@rossambrose.com or sign up at RossAmbrose.com.

QUESTION/ISSUE: Water, sewer and infrastructure. Understanding how water and sewer systems impact economic development and our quality of life.

LET’S START THE DISCUSSION HERE:

Did you know that High Springs moved forward with the new city sewer system only 18 years ago? The idea had been discussed for a long time but there was no will to make the investment. That changed when the State of Florida told High Springs that the city had to stop issuing building permits until plans for a sewer system were in motion. Water and sewer systems are basic needs for cities because they support the density of business and residential development that come with growth.

High Springs has hosted a number of “economic development” workshops and forums over the 19 years I’ve been here. The single take-a-way from all of them has been that, ideally, people want to live where they work. Short commutes and living in a community that attracts them is important. The number one reason a business relocates to an area is that the CEO or business owner wants to live in that community. Expanding sewer and water capabilities help create opportunities for the community to attract residents and businesses that value what we have.

Buying a brand new home is an amazing experience. My first home was a three-flat built in the summer of 1885 and I spent a LOT of time fixing it up and keeping it current. I’ve purchased a brand new home only once, here in High Springs, and in the first 10 years I kept thinking, “I live in a brand new home – what will I need to fix?” The reality is when a city commits to providing services like roads, water, sewer, fire, police, and parks there is an ongoing cost to maintaining these facilities – just like our homes require maintenance. Some things are easy – like mowing the lawn. But the time comes when you need to paint or replace a roof or worn out carpets. Roads need to be repaved – not just patched. Pipes that have served us well for fifty years need to be replaced. Has our city been investing in our growth or simply trying to get buy with the infrastructure we have?

In Sunday’s Town Hall, we can talk about issues that face both our water and sewer systems. Our city is at the point where we will need to recommit ourselves to maintaining what we have so that we can maintain our basic services and meet the expectations of those that live, work and play in our community.

Feel free to email questions in advance to elect@rossambrose.com.

On Sunday, I hope we can answer some of the questions you might have about the City’s infrastructure and learn about the issues you are concerned about, or maybe just wondered about.

As you look to vote to fill Seat #1 on the High Springs City Commission, I hope you select the candidate that can listen, understands the important job of governance and who will make choices for our community that keep High Springs a place where people want to live, visit, work and invest. My experience as an involved citizen for almost two decades has prepared me to serve you. I will work with our other commissioners to define priorities reflected in the many voices in our community.

Please join me at the Town Halls to learn more about me and to ask your questions. If you can’t make this zoom meeting there are three more coming and we will have recordings available afterwards for you to review.

Most importantly, THANK YOU for your interest and participation in our local government and community.