Name: Harper Hill
Town of residence: DeLand
Background, education, etc.: Stetson University, BBA in finance. Past President of the Rotary Club of DeLand. Past VP of the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce. Currently serve on the board of directors for the Volusia/Flagler Family YMCA. Currently serve on the Planning Board for the City of DeLand. Business owner (insurance agency)
I have spent my professional career as an insurance agent at Harper Hill & Associates Inc. Allstate, where I’ve had the privilege of serving our community. While I may not have political experience, my commitment to our city and its success runs deep.
What made you decide to run for office? My top priorities as DeLand City Commission Seat 2 will be:
Representing our city and its residents with class and dignity.
Protecting our great city by encouraging and fostering responsible growth.
What do you want to accomplish in office? Ensuring taxpayer dollars are not wasted and focusing on lowering the tax burden on residents.
Why should people vote for you and not your opponent(s)? I am committed to working hard for you and ensuring our city continues to thrive. I am deeply invested in our community and want my kids to enjoy the city we do today. My current business experience and hands-on service to our community make me the best choice. Together, we can make DeLand an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Thank you for your support!
How you will handle it when your personal views differ from what your constituents want? I think listening to others is one of the most important parts of being a commissioner and a good leader in general. Although I will certainly have personal views on items, representing the residents of our city would be my responsibility.
Taxation: As inflation has hit everyone’s budget very deep (including the city’s), ensuring taxpayer dollars are not wasted and focusing on lowering the tax burden is a priority.
Growth management: Protecting our great city by encouraging and fostering responsible growth. Overcrowding is something we need to avoid by proper planning.
Affordable housing: Although we certainly need more affordable housing, we also need to focus on bringing in high-wage industry to properly compensate our residents.
Development moratoriums: Development in our area is inevitable; pausing to make sure we are handling it responsibly could make sense. Residents participating in future planning is important.
Inclusivity: I feel DeLand is a very inclusive and diverse place to live. The arts and cultural aspects of the city also play a large part in our identity.
Public safety: As a husband and father, the safety of our neighborhoods and downtown is a top priority for me. Families need to feel safe walking, running and playing.
Home rule: I believe the more local decisions are made, the more our residents have a say in what our city looks like in the future. This should be a good thing.
Name: Richard Paiva
Background, education, etc.: I have lived in DeLand for 68 years. I graduated from St. Peter’s School, DeLand High School and the University of Central Florida. I had a 25-year career in marketing and advertising, which I retired from in 1999. I also started, purchased and operated three successful businesses, which I retired from four years ago.
What made you decide to run for office? Our family has been on the front lines of caring about others in DeLand — for three generations. When my son Charles, who has been a DeLand city commissioner since 2001, decided not to seek re-election, I decided to run. I care deeply about DeLand, and I want to accomplish important things for our citizens.
What do you want to accomplish in office? Make DeLand the safest city in Volusia County. Ensure that we continue to have an abundant and healthy supply of water. Preserve our small-town charm. Control development and growth. Help locally owned businesses succeed. Keep our taxes and fees as low as possible. And use city resources as wisely as possible.
Why should people vote for you and not your opponent(s)? Approximately 40% of DeLand is over 50 years old. We deserve a voice on the commission. All our current commissioners, however, are under 50. And my opponent is 43. I am also retired. My opponent is not. I can devote my full attention to serving our citizens. My opponent cannot.
How you will handle it when your personal views differ from what your constituents want? I plan to base my decisions on what is in the best interests of our citizens. I also plan to constantly interact with our citizens and local business owners. To actively seek out, and understand, their concerns and needs. There may be times, however, when the best decision goes against popular opinion.
Taxation: We all understand that DeLand requires revenue to provide services. That said, growth, and increasing property values, should result in a reduced tax burden.
Growth management: I want to control development and growth. DeLand is a great little city. With a high quality of life. It’s our responsibility to preserve that.
Affordable housing: DeLand has already modified some of its building codes and requirements, to make housing more affordable. I support creating additional strategies.
Development moratoriums: I believe that growth moratoriums may become necessary, if our ability to provide resources and services to our existing citizens nears our limits.
Inclusivity: DeLand has been, and should continue to be, tolerant and accepting of our differences. In whatever ways we are unique.
Public safety: Public safety will be my highest priority. My goal is to make DeLand the safest city in Volusia County.
Home rule: Home rule allows city leaders to make decisions locally. The state continues to reduce our ability to do that. We need to fight to retain that right.
What are you voting for?
Find your sample ballot for the Aug. 2024 Primary HERE.
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