top of page

UPDATES

Search

Are you a registered voter in the city of Winter Springs?


A part of the election process is petitioning supporters to have a candidate's name officially added to the ballot. Will you add yours?


I have a meeting with the Winter Springs City Clerk on Tuesday, August 27th to turn in my petitions before qualifying week ends on the 30th.


Let me know when I can pick up your petition before then or you are welcome to drop off to me.


If you would like some time to chat about your needs in the city of Winter Springs, please let me know and we can schedule time!


To download the petition form click the PDF below.



Thank you for all your support! I look forward to serving you the next 4 years.


Sarah

12 views0 comments

Dear Neighbor,

 

It's time to get a dais that can work together, even when they disagree. Having commissioners who are prepared and involved is imperative for fostering a more balanced political landscape, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented and heard.

 

My name is Sarah Baker and I’m running for Commissioner in Winter Springs, FL.  With your help, getting elected would lead to more comprehensive discussions and solutions that address the needs of all residents, promoting greater community cohesion and progress. This vision can become a reality with the right leadership—and I am committed to being that leader.

 

I am running for the commission because I am deeply invested in the future of our community. As a resident of Winter Springs, I bring passion for my community’s future and believe there are opportunities we can seize together.

 

My platform reflects and focuses on:

 

Public Safety: Ensuring our law enforcement and emergency services have the resources they need to keep our community safe and advocate for those in need. (Read this related update)


Environmental Stewardship: Promoting sustainable practices and protecting our natural resources for future generations through smart development, updating harmful infrastructure, and waterway cleanup. These tasks need to be planning with the foresight that they are ongoing initiatives.


Diversity and Inclusion: At all levels in our city, more focus on inclusivity. From handicapped parking, access to community events, to parks that are more inclusive to children with a variety of difference like autism or blindness. There are plenty of "low hanging fruit" items that could be implemented.


Community Engagement: Encouraging open communication and collaboration between the commission and residents to address our community's needs and concerns. As an example, the City of Winter Springs Facebook page has commenting disabled. Cities surrounding us welcome the opportunity for the community to comment. Why are we not utilizing that valuable tool for feedback and understanding the resident's needs?

 

Running a successful campaign requires significant resources, and this is where I need your help. Your generous donation will play a crucial role in spreading my message and securing victory in November. Contributions will be used for digital advertising, campaign materials, outreach efforts, and organizing community events to connect with you!

 

You can make a one-time or recurring donation by clicking the "Donate" button or by mailing a check payable to "Sarah Baker for Winter Springs" to the address at the bottom. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in our efforts to create a prosperous and vibrant future for Winter Springs.

 

Thank you for considering this request. Your support is invaluable, and together, we can make a real difference in our community. If you have any questions or would like more information about my campaign, please feel free to contact me at (407) 588-7250‬ or elect@sarahforwintersprings.com.

 

Warm regards,       

Sarah  


Sarah Baker for Winter Springs

1551 Winter Springs Blvd.

Winter Springs, FL 32708   


PS. Share what is important to you for Winter Springs. I'm making a list!            

61 views0 comments

In the heart of Seminole County, Winter Springs, FL, thrives as a vibrant community. As our city continues to change, the role of the City Commission becomes increasingly crucial in shaping our future. For the Winter Springs City Commission, fostering open communication, maintaining transparency, and ensuring seamless teamwork among its members are not just ideals but necessities. Here’s why I feel these principles are paramount to our city's governance and something the current dais is lacking.


1. Building Trust with the Community

Open communication and transparency are the bedrocks of trust. When the City Commission operates transparently, it demonstrates to residents that there is nothing to hide. Regularly sharing information about city projects, budget allocations, and policy decisions helps residents feel informed and included. Open forums, public meetings, and accessible records empower citizens to engage with their local government, fostering a sense of community and trust. When the dais doesn't trust each other, how can they ask the residents to trust them?

2. Encouraging Civic Engagement

Transparency and open communication go hand in hand with civic engagement. When residents understand the workings of their local government, they are more likely to participate in community activities, attend commission meetings, and voice their opinions. This active participation is invaluable as it brings diverse perspectives and ideas to the table, ensuring that the City Commission’s decisions reflect the community's true needs and desires. If you follow Winter Springs on social media, you've probably seen we are one of the only area cities to disable comments on posts. What are we afraid of in obtaining community feedback in one of the most modern ways?

3. Enhancing Decision-Making

A dais that can easily work together is critical for effective decision-making. Collaboration among City Commission members ensures that diverse viewpoints are considered, leading to well-rounded and inclusive policies. When commissioners communicate openly and work cohesively, they can identify and address potential issues more efficiently, leading to more thoughtful and effective governance. This is something our current dais drastically lacks. There is a clear "us vs them" mentality with personal agendas and interest groups steering the direction of proposed agenda items, projects, and votes. While having support of knowledgeable people in your corner as someone running for a commission seat is helpful, the only agenda acceptable is an agenda to better the city and listen to the needs of those who voted in the commissioners and mayor.

4. Fostering Innovation and Progress

In a rapidly evolving world, cities must adapt and innovate to stay ahead. Open communication and teamwork within the City Commission create an environment where new ideas can flourish. Commissioners can brainstorm, debate, and refine ideas in a collaborative setting, leading to innovative solutions that propel Winter Springs forward. Transparency ensures that these innovations are shared with the community, inviting feedback and further enhancing the developmental process. In addition to collaborating with each other, having a strong working relationship with neighboring cities, the county, and state officials will help bring more ideas to the table on how to tackle the biggest problems.

5. Ensuring Accountability

Transparency is a powerful tool for accountability. When the City Commission operates transparently, it holds itself accountable to the public. This accountability is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the commission and ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the community. Open communication allows residents to voice concerns and hold their elected officials responsible, promoting a culture of honesty and responsibility. How often have you seen Winter Springs take accountability in the last few years for shortcomings? Not that the city doesn't also do great things and they should celebrate those wins, but also sharing failures and learnings builds trust.

6. Strengthening Community Relationships

Effective communication and teamwork within the City Commission set a positive example for the community. When residents see their leaders working together harmoniously, it encourages them to adopt similar attitudes in their interactions. This sense of unity and cooperation can extend beyond the commission, fostering a stronger, more connected community. This is something I vow to bring to the dais once elected your commissioner. I know others running against incumbents also seek this same desire.


For the Winter Springs City Commission, open communication, transparency, and teamwork are not just values but essential components of effective governance. These principles build trust, encourage civic engagement, enhance decision-making, foster innovation, ensure accountability, and strengthen community relationships. As Winter Springs continues to grow and thrive, let us remember that the success of our city lies in the hands of a commission that works openly, transparently, and collaboratively for the betterment of all its residents.

By committing to these ideals, the Winter Springs City Commission can lead our community into a future marked by trust, progress, and unity.


What do you want to see from the future city commissioners?


Sarah

64 views0 comments
bottom of page