Name: Steve Stroberger
Office you're seeking: Escambia County Commissioner, District 1
Occupation: Left blank
Education: Left blank
August primary ballot is set.Nearly 100 have qualified to run for local elected offices
Why are you running for this office?
I faithfully served our country in the Navy and United States Marine Corps, and I am tired of fake conservatives who vote for illegal retirement schemes and raised our property taxes by 55% over the last seven years. Our citizens have had it with secret "shade" meetings, decisions made behind closed doors, unethical behavior, and endless legal battles at the taxpayer's expense. I am running to restore integrity, transparency, and fiscal responsibility to our local government, to restore our citizens’ faith in their government, and to include them in the process. As a true Republican conservative, I am committed to reducing government overreach, safeguarding taxpayer dollars, and ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of our residents. It's time for a change, and I am ready to bring that change to Escambia County.
What experience do you have that makes you qualified for this office?
I bring a wealth of experience from both my military career and the private sector that uniquely qualifies me for this office. I have served as both an enlisted man and an officer in the military, which instilled in me the values of discipline, leadership, and dedication to duty. As a Marine, I was trained to answer the call, no matter the challenge.
In the private sector, I have had a successful career as an aerospace executive and a business consultant to Seattle tech startups. My experience includes negotiating complex deals, both for the companies I've worked for and for our country, working with international partners, and navigating intricate regulatory landscapes. These roles have honed my skills in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
In your view, what is the role of county government?
Fundamentally, a county government must protect its citizens and their interests. This includes ensuring public safety, providing essential services, maintaining infrastructure, and fostering an environment where businesses and communities can thrive. It's about being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and making decisions that benefit the entire community, not just a select few.
Our entire country faces significant challenges, and now more than ever, we need strong conservative Republicans to step up and lead with integrity and conviction in all levels of government. Thomas Jefferson said, "The government closest to the people serves the people best." With the right leaders, our county government can do just that.
What do you believe should be changed about the county, and what specific steps you would take to implement those changes?
Escambia County needs significant changes to restore power to our citizens and ensure transparent, accountable governance. One of the primary changes I advocate for is the implementation of a charter government. This would allow us to have citizen-driven referendums on important issues like term limits, giving the people a direct voice in how their government operates.
Additionally, I support transitioning to county-wide elections for commissioners. This change would ensure that every commissioner is accountable to all residents of Escambia County, not just a select few. It would help dismantle the influence of special interests and high-dollar campaign donors, who currently hold too much sway over our county's decisions.
Our current leadership has shown a troubling tendency to prioritize personal gain and special interests over the needs of our community. These actions are not in line with the principles of fiscal responsibility and ethical governance that true conservatives uphold.
To implement these changes, I would take the following specific steps:
1. Initiate Charter Government Discussions: Convene a task force of community leaders, legal experts, and citizens to draft a charter government proposal. This proposal would outline the structure and processes for citizen-driven referendums, including term limits for elected officials. Let the citizens decide for themselves.
2. Promote County-Wide Elections: Work with other elected leaders and local citizen advocacy groups to propose legislation that transitions our county to county-wide elections for commissioners. This would involve educating the public on the benefits of such a system and garnering widespread support.
3. Increase Transparency and Public Engagement: Introduce measures to enhance transparency in county government, such as mandating regular town hall meetings, providing detailed public records of all meetings and decisions, and ensuring all meetings are open to the public.
4. Limit Special Interests: Implement reforms to reduce the influence of special interests and high-dollar donors. Special interest groups should never own the elected leaders.
5. Restore Fiscal Responsibility: Publicly review and audit the county's budget to identify areas of wasteful spending and implement cost-saving measures. We need to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
I am committed to making these changes and giving the citizens of Escambia County their county back. We need leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people over personal gain and special interests, and I am ready to provide that leadership.
What do you believe the county is doing right, and how would you improve it?
The county staff does an excellent job and is highly responsive to citizens. Our dedicated law enforcement officers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and fight crime effectively. Our county employees are committed and hardworking, ensuring that essential services are delivered efficiently and that citizens' concerns are addressed promptly.
However, while the county staff performs admirably, better leadership can empower and support them rather than hinder them. My opponent’s tenure has been marked by actions that undermine trust and morale. We can fix this.
To improve on the great work being done, I would take the following steps:
- Empower County Employees: Provide county staff with the resources, training, and support they need to excel in their roles. This includes investing in professional development programs and ensuring they have access to the latest tools and technologies.
- Enhance Law Enforcement Support: Increase funding and resources for our law enforcement agencies to further improve their crime-fighting capabilities. This includes better equipment, additional training programs, and community policing initiatives to build stronger relationships between officers and the communities they serve.
- Foster a Positive Work Environment: Create an environment where all county employees feel valued, appreciated, and successful. This involves recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance and initiative, promoting from within, and ensuring a collaborative and supportive workplace culture.
- Improve Leadership Accountability: Establish clear accountability measures for county leaders to ensure they act in the best interests of the community and uphold the highest ethical standards. This includes transparent decision-making processes and regular public reporting on county initiatives and expenditures, as well as clear and regular training on ethics.
- Encourage Citizen Engagement: Strengthen the connection between county staff and citizens by promoting greater public participation in county affairs. This includes holding more frequent town hall meetings, creating better opportunities for citizen feedback, and ensuring that public comments are heard and considered in decision-making processes.
By providing strong, principled leadership, we can enhance the effectiveness of our county staff and law enforcement, ensuring that they are empowered to continue their great work and serve the citizens of Escambia County even better. I am committed to fostering a county government that operates with integrity, transparency, and a relentless focus on serving the community.
