DONATE

ISSUES

Transparency and Accountability

Hillsborough County is at a crossroads. With growing challenges facing our community, now more than ever, we need leadership that is steadfast, transparent, and accountable to the people.

Transparency and accountability have been cornerstone commitments in Rico’s campaign for Hillsborough County Commissioner. Recent revelations have only solidified the need for these principles to be at the forefront of our county’s leadership. For instance, a recent report brought to light that over a ten-year period, a staggering $225 million was handed to nonprofits, largely from the Countywide General Fund, which is primarily funded by property taxes. Such a massive expenditure, mostly influenced by individual commissioner decisions, underscores the pressing need for transparency and sound financial oversight.

It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the trust of the residents of Hillsborough County. When taxpayers contribute their hard-earned money to the community, they deserve the utmost confidence that their funds are being used judiciously, effectively, and for the betterment of all. As County Commissioner, Rico promises to champion that trust, ensuring every dollar is accounted for and used responsibly.

Rico’s commitment is not just about fixing what’s wrong; it’s about building a brighter future for Hillsborough County, where government actions are transparent, decisions are made with the community’s best interests at heart, and every resident feels confident in where their taxes are going.

Thoughtful Growth

The projections are clear: Hillsborough County is set to welcome over 450,000 new residents by 2045, a testament to the inherent opportunities and value our region offers. But with this rapid expansion, Rico believes it’s imperative to prioritize a “Thoughtful Growth” strategy to both harness and guide this growth in ways that maintain the county’s core strengths and heritage.

Central to Rico’s vision is unwavering fiscal responsibility. Before even considering tax hikes, our focus should be on the judicious use of our existing resources. This means prioritizing our most critical needs, fostering partnerships with the private sector to ignite innovation, and trimming superfluous expenses.

A key strategy is urban densification. When executed with foresight, it holds the potential to fuel economic growth. By refining zoning processes and offering strategic incentives, we can channel development towards regions that are primed for it. This minimizes extraneous costs and curtails urban sprawl. In this environment, residents and businesses can exercise choice, selecting options that resonate with their unique needs without wrestling with burdensome regulations.

The essence of our county isn’t just in its bustling urban centers but also in its pristine public spaces. However, protecting our county’s picturesque landscapes should not overshadow the sanctity of private property rights. Solutions like voluntary conservation easements and market-incentivized protections strike a harmonious balance, ensuring landowners aren’t unduly restricted.

Integral to this growth trajectory is the reinforcement of our infrastructure. A commitment to robustly maintain and modernize our roads, bridges, and public transportation networks is paramount. This ensures seamless connectivity, supports walkable communities, and elevates the quality of life.

Rico’s approach is more than just policy; it’s about fostering collaboration. He actively plans to bring developers, small business owners, and everyday residents together, ensuring everyone has a voice. Through combined insights and teamwork, they’ll shape the Hillsborough of tomorrow, fulfilling shared aspirations and mutual goals.

Rico stands by the philosophy that decisions resonate the most when they are rooted in the community’s ethos. Embracing a “Thoughtful Growth” methodology, Hillsborough County is poised to not just accommodate growth but to flourish, all while honoring its heritage.

Taxes

Hillsborough County thrives because of its hardworking residents. Families budgeting for their futures, seniors planning their retirements, entrepreneurs dreaming big—all seeking the promise of financial stability.

However, new challenges loom on the horizon. A case in point is Mayor Jane Castor’s proposal for a 1.0 millage rate hike for Tampa homeowners in her 2024 fiscal year budget. This brings back memories of the soaring tax rates from the 1980s, potentially placing an added burden on our community. Especially at a time when many are already contending with escalating costs of essentials like fuel and groceries.

With a hefty $9.12 billion to manage at the County level, and with the County’s continued growth leading to higher tax revenues, our responsibility is clear. We must approach our financial obligations with both caution and discernment. Our foremost priority is to rigorously assess our current spending, well before broaching the topic of new taxes.

Rico’s vision as County Commissioner is crystal clear: to protect the economic wellbeing of every Hillsborough resident. While some level of taxation is a given, it shouldn’t cast a gloomy shadow over our residents. Through astute budgetary oversight, emphasizing crucial services, and eliminating unnecessary costs, we aim to protect our community from additional financial pressures.

With Rico leading the charge, we are setting sail on a journey marked by fiscal wisdom and considered growth. Together, we will ensure that Hillsborough County continues to shine as a symbol of both affluence and cost-effectiveness.

Housing Affordability

The dream of homeownership is foundational to the American ethos. It represents stability, prosperity, and a tangible connection to one’s community. As more families are drawn to the vibrancy of Hillsborough County, it becomes our duty to ensure this dream remains within their grasp. Obtaining a home should not be a luxury reserved for a few but a viable goal for many.

To guarantee housing affordability, Rico champions a multi-faceted approach:

Reducing regulatory hurdles on housing development is essential. By simplifying these processes, we pave the way for a more streamlined and cost-effective construction landscape. This not only bolsters our housing supply but potentially brings down prices, making homeownership more accessible for our residents.

Moreover, offering tax incentives for homebuilders can also play a vital role. By lessening the financial burden of construction, we can foster an environment where new homes rise up to meet demand, and their resultant affordability brings them within reach of more families.

Promotion of homeownership is crucial. By championing policies that ease the path for aspiring homeowners—be it through down payment assistance programs or mortgage tax credits—we can turn the aspiration of having a home into a reality.

Collaboration is the key. By forging strong alliances with local governments, housing developers, and non-profit organizations, we can craft cohesive policies that promote housing affordability. With united effort, we can sculpt a county where the homes are not just structures but symbols of dreams realized.

With Rico’s leadership, Hillsborough County will not just grow in numbers, but in homes filled with dreams, aspirations, and the warmth of fulfilled promises.

Public Safety

As an active member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Rico deeply understands the call to duty and the weight it carries. It’s this ingrained sense of responsibility that drives his staunch support for our public safety officials. As Hillsborough County welcomes more residents and businesses, ensuring the safety and security of every individual becomes even more crucial. Rico’s stance is clear: everyone, regardless of where they live or work, should feel safe — whether it’s in the comfort of their home or on the bustling streets of their town.

The backbone of our county’s safety lies with our local police, firefighters, and medical personnel. They’re not just service providers; they are our neighbors, friends, and champions, always ready to step in during our most challenging moments. For them to effectively protect and serve, it’s imperative they have access to the best tools, the latest training, and unwavering support from their community and leadership.

Safety isn’t just about response—it’s also about prevention and community trust. Rico envisions our public safety officers actively engaging with the community, becoming familiar figures at local events, schools, and gatherings. By fostering a strong bond between officers and residents, we will cultivate an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

And here’s Rico’s promise: In his role as County Commissioner, he will always advocate for the needs and resources of our public safety departments. Whether it’s pushing for better equipment, more training, or ensuring they have adequate personnel, his vote will underscore the invaluable role these brave individuals play in ensuring a brighter, safer future for Hillsborough County.

Education

Growing up in a lower-income family, education was the doorway to opportunity for Rico. Now, as he seeks a position on the County Commission, he’s committed to ensuring that every child in Hillsborough County can access those same opportunities.

One of Rico’s primary focuses is on funding. He firmly believes that our schools should have the necessary resources to give every student a chance to succeed. This means investing in hiring qualified educators, creating conducive learning environments, and reducing class sizes to ensure individual attention.

But Rico also understands that the future of Hillsborough County depends on a skilled and adaptable workforce. Strengthening our education system goes hand-in-hand with bolstering workforce development. By supporting programs that help adults acquire the skills they need in today’s dynamic job market, he aims to position Hillsborough County as a hub of talent and innovation.

Yet, while ensuring quality education is paramount, Rico is equally concerned about the content and character of that education. He’s committed to working alongside his colleagues on the School Board to preserve the integrity of our classrooms. For Rico, schools should be places of genuine learning, free from political biases. He will stand firm against any attempts at political indoctrination, championing an education that teaches students to think critically and form their own informed opinions.

In all his endeavors related to education, Rico’s mission is clear: fund our schools, empower our workforce, and keep our classrooms dedicated to unbiased learning. With these principles, he intends to ensure a bright future for every student in Hillsborough County.

Empowering Florida’s Economy

Lowering the cost of living and tackling the pressing issues of inflation and soaring fuel prices are at the forefront of Rico’s agenda. By advocating for policies that put more money back into the pockets of everyday Floridians, Rico is committed to making Florida the most cost-effective place in the country to live, work, and raise a family. Addressing these economic challenges is essential for empowering Florida’s economy and ensuring the prosperity of its residents.

Prioritizing Housing Affordability

Combatting the rising property insurance rates, streamlining housing development, and incentivizing construction are critical steps toward making homeownership more accessible. Rico’s focus on these areas aims to ensure that more Floridians can achieve and maintain the American Dream of homeownership.

Improving Infrastructure

Investing in infrastructure is vital for the vibrancy and connectivity of our communities. Rico plans to direct taxpayer dollars back to our district to enhance our area’s infrastructure, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for all residents. This commitment to infrastructure improvement underscores Rico’s dedication to the district’s long-term prosperity.

Enhancing Healthcare Access

With his extensive background in healthcare, Rico is uniquely positioned to address the challenges of healthcare accessibility and affordability. By securing additional CMS funding, advocating for direct hospital payments, and promoting innovation to reduce costs, Rico is dedicated to ensuring a healthier Florida for everyone.

Supporting Public Safety

Strengthening support for law enforcement and first responders is a cornerstone of Rico’s campaign. Rico is committed to standing with our law enforcement, ensuring that Florida residents feel safe in their homes and communities. Providing the necessary resources and support to public safety personnel is key to maintaining security and peace across the state.

Promoting Transparency and Accountability

Rico believes in the importance of rigorous oversight and transparent leadership in government decision-making. His promise to enhance trust in Florida’s government involves advocating for accountability and integrity at all levels, ensuring that the state’s leadership acts in the best interest of its citizens.

Encouraging Education

Rico’s commitment to education focuses on adequately funding Florida’s educational institutions, supporting workforce development initiatives, and maintaining classroom integrity. Central to his educational platform is the emphasis on parental rights, advocating for an educational system that fosters critical thinking and unbiased learning. Ensuring that parents have a say in their children’s education is fundamental to Rico’s vision for a thriving, well-educated Florida.