Meet Commissioner Burke
My time as your District 5 Clay County Commissioner has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. In my first term, along with my fellow commissioners, the best county staff, leaders and constitutionals anywhere, we have been able to accomplish so many of the priorities I promised to focus on just a few years back.
Communication and transparency have always been key to me. Slowing down development to let infrastructure catch up was on the top of my priority list. Within my first year I proposed the approval of a moratorium to not allow increased density in any new developments in the Lake Asbury Master Plan. A unanimous vote for 2022 occurred and was extended to 2023 after I proposed the extension and received a unanimous vote a second time.
I also supported the increased salaries for our Sheriff’s office and Fire/Rescue, to enable them to hire more employees and retain the men and women who have been serving and protecting our people for many years, as well as decrease the response times at the most crucial times of emergencies. I feel this is one of the most important roles, as our mission as a Clay County Commissioner is and always has been to increase the quality of life, safety and health of Clay citizens.
Other initiatives that I supported in my first term were:
The approval of the much-needed gun range, to allow our law enforcement to recieve much needed training.
Increased the access that our Senior Citizens have to their centers and voted to approve the expansion and new construction of the Senior Center kitchen.
Pushed for an increase in financial support for pickleball courts and was able to obtain I for new courts, as well as resurfacing old tennis courts.
One of my biggest priorities that I have pushed for is obtaining funding for a detox center for Clay. $3 million was just approved in Tallahassee. I am so looking forward to seeing that project begin and come to fruition.
And last, I continue to push forward with my passion in demanding FDEP guarantee the safety and health of the people who live around the contaminated Solite property. I requested the Board to stand behind me and write a letter to FDEP. I am so very grateful as together, we asked for independent testing of the entire property before any development is approved, to ensure no other innocent victims suffer due to the horrendous actions of Solite.
I have so much more work to do, and I am asking for your support in my re-election as your District 5 County Commissioner.
I look forward to continuing to make Clay County the best county for residents to live in and visitors to enjoy, this beautiful place we call home.
Thank you,
Kristen