Issues
CUT TAXES AND SPENDING
Clay Ford is a proven tax cutter. As a longtime City Councilman he helped ensure Gulf Breeze residents pay the lowest property tax rate of any city in our region, and he’ll bring his conservative credentials to the state government. Ford believes surplus tax dollars should be returned to the people who earned them and paid them — not spent on pet projects for powerful legislators or the narrow “needs” of special interests. At the same time, state mandates should not shift the burden to local taxpayers and property owners, and local governments should be required to cut taxes or cap spending when escalating real estate values provide a windfall in revenue.
BRING DOWN PROPERTY INSURANCE RATES
Recent hurricanes have driven up the cost of property insurance and driven out many private insurers, forcing the State of Florida to pick up the pieces and become an insurer itself. Clay Ford believes any responsible, permanent solution to this problem must expand the market — and spread out the risk — so private insurance companies are competing for Florida’s business again, and Floridians are getting more choices at a lower cost. Instead of being in the business, the State should provide incentives and proper oversight to the insurance industry to protect against price gouging. Ford will work closely with Governor Crist to restore public confidence and resolve the problem.
KEEP THE AMERICAN DREAM WITHIN REACH
Escalating real estate values in our area are providing temporary windfalls to local governments, but working families — including many teachers, cops and firefighters — are being squeezed out of the market. That’s why Clay Ford will insist that state and local leaders work together with builders and developers to ensure that our citizens have adequate, and affordable housing. At the same time, local homeowners who are outgrowing their homes shouldn’t be held hostage by the threat of outrageous insurance premiums or unaffordable tax bills. Expect Ford to lead the charge so that the American Dream remains within reach of Northwest Florida families.
KEEP US SAFE AND SECURE
From sexual predators harming our children to computer thieves stealing our identity, criminals have “set up shop” in our part of Florida. Count on Clay Ford to be our crime fighter in Tallahassee, to partner with local law enforcement and provide the tools they need to stay one step ahead of those who prey on the vulnerable. We can also expect Representative Ford to lead the way in disaster preparedness, ensuring that adequate hurricane shelters and supplies are readily available for seniors and citizens with special needs.
PRESERVE THE ‘NATURAL’ FLORIDA
Clay Ford will be a good steward of our environment; he understands how much Florida’s economy depends on it. He’s committed to environmental policies that preserve sensitive lands, protect our water supply, and promote “clean” economic growth. As our State Representative, Ford will work with local authorities to restrict overdevelopment and preserve our area’s natural charm for this and future generations.
TRADITIONAL VALUES
Clay Ford’s faith and family are an important part of what makes him the man he is today. A member of Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, Clay’s faith guides him in the decisions he makes each and every day. He has a strong pro life stance and believes in the sanctity of life. Clay and his wife Carol are childhood sweethearts and have been married since high school. He believes marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman, and supports a Marriage Amendment.
