Candidate wants a detailed plan for improving infrastructure
Drew Bastian, 47
Port Orange
Retired fire fighter
Challenger
Q. What do you see as the biggest issue for the office you are seeking?
A. Aging infrastructure is becoming a problem. Hundreds of miles of roads, sidewalks, water and sewer lines either need repair or replacement. A long-range plan must be developed to address this issue as well as prudent fiscal strategies to pay for such repairs and replacements.
Q. What are your qualifications for the office you are seeking?
A. I am a 37-plus years Port Orange resident and worked for the city as a firefighter for more than 26 years. I functioned as the Fire Rescue Pension Fund chairman from 2009-12, also serving as president of Countryside West Homeowners Association from 2005-08. I would classify myself as a fiscal conservative.
Q. If you win what's the first issue you will tackle?
A. When elected I plan on doing an extensive budget review to find areas of waste in an attempt to eliminate the waste. I also plan on shadowing in every department so I can get an employees perspective of day-to-day operations, to help me make the city more efficient.
Q. If you lose, will you continue in politics?
A. Absolutely YES! Port Orange is my home and I love it here. I care deeply about the city's future and want to make sure that we move forward and that future growth is done in a very responsible manner.