DeBary resident Bob Garcia is a retired disabled veteran of the U.S. Army, in which he served 1967-82.

Garcia has reported more than 12,480 community hours with Four Townes Moose Lodge 655 in 10 years.

He received a two-year college degree from the U.S. Army, and took advanced-education classes at Colorado Community College, Pepperdine University in California, and the U.S. Army Advanced Personnel Management School. He also attended the West Volusia Leadership Class.

Garcia has been involved with many organizations, including the DeBary Knights of Columbus, DeBary Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8093 (of which he is a life member), the DeBary Art League, the Parent-Teacher Association of Deltona Middle School (of which he is president), DeBary Four Townes Moose Lodge 655 (governor and life member), the Central Florida Council of Higher Degrees (president), the West Volusia Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, the DeBary Public Safety Advisory Committee (chairman), the DeBary Volunteer Fireman's Association, DeBary Hall Inc., the DeBary-Deltona Eagles, DeBary Community Emergency Response Team, the Volusia County Department of Elections (deputy and poll worker), the DeBary Students Reach Out Program, the DeBary Christmas Parade, the Volusia County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranch, Volusia League of Cities, DeBary Volunteers Inspire Pride, the DeBary Children's Art Festival, and DeBary Festival of Lights.

Garcia is a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in DeBary.

Choose whether you agree or disagree on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being "Strongly Agree" and 1 being "Strongly Disagree." Add a 1 sentence comment to clarify your stance with the readers.

Growth should be encouraged for the progress of DeBary.

5 — Comment: I support growth when it is in the best interest of the people, provided it preserves the Historical and Natural beauty of Debary.

DeBary needs to collect more tax dollars from its residents and businesses to deal with stormwater.

2 — Comment: I do not agree with the idea that DeBary needs to collect more tax dollars from its residents.

A carefully planned gambling business could enhance DeBary's economy.

3 — Comment: The issue of gambling should be a matter of a referendum; let The People decide this issue.

Accomplishment of which you are most proud: One of the most honored and proudest accomplishments for me is being selected as the Volusia League of Cities 2008 Citizen of the Year Distinguished Service Award.

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