In an effort to help you make informed decisions during the General Election, ABC Action News has reached out to dozens of candidates running for office. The following statements have been submitted to ABC Action News by the candidate. Every candidate was given the same set of questions. These are their responses in his/her own words.
Name: Steven Horton
Office: Sarasota County Soil and Water Conservation District Group 1
Experience:
I spent 28 years on active duty in the Navy’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps Officer (lawyer) and retired as a Rear Admiral in 2001. Upon retirement from the Navy, I worked 12 years with the Boeing Company as Vice President. My Boeing legal team included the Environmental, Health & Safety law group, and I was personally involved in the leadership of the Boeing Company’s cleanup of Santa Susana Field Laboratory (rocket test site and the Department of Energy’s nuclear site in southern California), as well as the Duwamish River Superfund Site in Seattle. I have extensive experience working environmental issues involving air, water, soil, endangered species, and cleanups in both the Navy and at Boeing. I am a highly successful leader and consensus builder, and I have a passion to serve Sarasota County.
Why should voters vote for you?
I bring 40 years of diverse legal experience as senior corporate counsel at a Fortune 50 company and as U.S. Government attorney. I am a proven leader and consensus builder. I have significant experience working and resolving complex environmental issues. And, I have a passion to serve our local farmers and Sarasota County. I will utilize my experience, expertise and skills to add value to the Soil & Water Board, to protect our soil and water resources, and to better serve Sarasota County.
If elected, what are your top priorities?
- Advocate for our growers and farmers as part of the Sarasota local economy.
- Encourage and promote farmer’s markets in Sarasota County.
- Continue to promote and expand partnerships with related organizations for agriculture education, e.g., 4H.
What are three key messages of your campaign?
- I will bring 40 years of leadership and environmental experience to the Soil & Water Board.
- I will promote and serve our local farmers and growers.
- I will work to conserve our soil and improve our water quality.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Being a steward of our unique Florida environment, by protecting, preserving, and improving our Florida environment and ecosystems including our shorelines, beaches, fresh water conservation & quality, our soil, our wildlife, and our Gulf waters.
What do you believe is the most urgent issue facing the environment and should be done about it?
From a Florida perspective, I believe the red tide is the most urgent and formidable environmental issue facing Sarasota. We need to develop and implement a holistic approach across the impacted and impacting Florida counties to prevent this from recurring in the future.
What motivates you to run for public office?
A continuation of public service. A desire to bring my leadership, consensus building and expertise to the Board. I believe with my extensive experience, I can add value to the S&W Conservation Board and better serve Sarasota County and our environment.
