County Commissioner District 5 Chair
Re-Elect Our Conservative Republican
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Lower Taxes
Champion of Small Businesses
Voice for the People
What Cathy Stands for
Lower Taxes
The median property tax in St. Lucie County, Florida, is $2,198 per year for a home worth the median value of $177,200. St. Lucie County collects, on average, 1.24% of a property's assessed fair market value as property tax. The county has one of the highest median property taxes in the United States, ranking 362nd of the 3,143 counties. The average yearly property tax paid by St. Lucie County residents amounts to about 4.39% of their yearly income, ranking 148th of the 3,143 counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.
Make St. Lucie County More Small Business Friendly
Commissioner Townsend successfully passed a local bill in 2018 to benefit small businesses in the restaurant industry by lowering the footage requirement for a full alcohol license, significantly increasing business revenue. She also supports the St. Lucie County Business Navigator, which helps implement the county's commitment to quality job creation and economic growth by:
- Helping job creators start up, relocate, or expand in St. Lucie County.
- Acting as an advocate and concierge to businesses.
- Marketing St. Lucie County.
- Promoting activities that improve the economy and create jobs at all levels.
- Developing the workforce.
Transparency
In 2019, Townsend publicly addressed the $156,133 in past due rent and utilities owed to the county by the owner of Sprinter Van City, highlighting the issue of accountability and transparency in county operations.
Our Future
Urban Farming and Backyard Chickens
Embracing urban farming, homeschooling, and 4-H, Cathy supports the backyard chicken ordinance, allowing residents to keep up to five hens for natural pest control, fertilizer, and fresh eggs. The ordinance provides clear guidelines for coop size and placement to ensure community harmony.
Culvert Assistance Program
Recognizing the importance of driveway culverts in draining runoff and stormwater, Cathy created the St. Lucie County Culvert Assistance Program in 2021. This program offers deferred payments to homeowners, spreading the cost of culvert replacement over a 10-year period as part of their yearly taxes.
Lakewood Park Drainage
Since 2019, Cathy has held Townhall meetings in Lakewood Park to address water drainage issues. Her efforts led to the first fully funded project in St. Lucie County, costing $3.5 million and financed through a combination of the half-cent sales tax and grants.
Homeless Transitional Living Facility
Cathy has passionately advocated for a homeless shelter in St. Lucie County. With the support of her fellow commissioners, she has made significant progress, with the property closing set for this month.
New Initiatives and Vision Forward
Airport Prosperity
Cathy envisions a prosperous airport with cargo flights, supported by recent expansions, including a new tower and extended runway.
Smart Growth Planning
Cathy is dedicated to smart growth planning to ensure sustainable and well-managed development throughout the county.
Entertainment District Development
Cathy aims to develop an entertainment district near the fairgrounds, featuring a water park, race track, hotel, and amphitheater, providing residents with local recreational options and stimulating economic growth.
Relocating Government Buildings
Advocating for the relocation of government buildings off the waterfront to Virginia Avenue, Cathy supports selling valuable waterfront property to stimulate downtown business growth and increase tax revenue.
Transit System Expansion
Cathy has championed the expansion of the transit system, partnering with MV Transportation to enhance public transportation services and routes.
Fighting Corruption
Cathy has relentlessly fought corruption at all levels of county government, including exposing misuse of county resources at the airport.
Charter County and Single Districts
Cathy supports transitioning to a charter county with single districts, allowing residents to have more control over their commissioners and ensuring greater accountability.
Cathy Townsend remains committed to fighting for the people of St. Lucie County, always prioritizing the community’s needs and well-being.
Donate to Cathy's Campaign
I firmly believe that every individual should have the chance to participate in fulfilling employment and gain assets that enable their families to provide support and thrive economically. Please consider supporting my campaign so that I can continue supporting you.
Community Involvement
Fire Safety
Stay protected from fire hazards with our fire safety services. We conduct fire safety inspections, provide fire safety training, and install fire safety equipment.
Boards and Committees - Current
- Board of County Commissioners, Chair
- Erosion District, Vice Chair
- Public Safety Coordinator Council
- Transportation Planning Organization
- Law Library Board of Trustees
- Mosquito Control - Chair
- Treasure Coast Education Research Development Authority
- Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
- Transportation Disadvantage Local Coordinating Board, Chair
- Life Builders Board
- Affordable Housing Committee
- Independence Classical Charter School Board
- County Coalition for Responsible Management of Lake Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Caloosahatchee Estuaries (Alternate)
- Value Adjustment Board, (Alternate)
- Homelessness Advisory Committee
Boards and Committees - Past
- Tourist Development Council, Chair
- Sustainability District-Vice Chair
- Chamber of Commerce
- Treasure Coast Workforce Consortium
- Property & Homeowners Associations, Chair
- Workforce Development Board of Treasure Coast
- Mosquito Control
- Canvassing Board
- Value Adjustment Board, Chair
- Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, Secretary
- Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, Chairman 2022
- Police Athletic League of Fort Pierce Board
- Miss America Board
- League of Women Voters, President
