Candidate questions for District 5 Commission election: Trish Petrosky
Editor’s note: We sent a set of identical questions relating to Boca Grande to both of the Lee Commission candidates for District 5 earlier this month. In Lee County, the commissioner is elected across the county. This week, we print responses from Trish Petrosky, one of two Republican candidates. Last week we profiled Amanda Cochran.
I am honored to serve as the Lee County Commissioner for District 5 after being appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis. I am a Christian, a seventh-generation Floridian, a wife, and a mother of three boys, and I care deeply about protecting the community we call home. Before serving on the Commission, I built my career in hospitality, real estate, and executive leadership. Today, I am the only candidate in this race with firsthand experience serving on the Lee County Commission – making difficult decisions, balancing priorities, overseeing a multi-billion-dollar budget, and working alongside residents, businesses, and community leaders to solve complex issues. I remain committed to leading with integrity, common sense and delivering results for Lee County.
Q: What do you view as the single most critical issue facing Lee County over the next four years, and what would you like to do to change it?
A: Economic growth is the most important issue facing Lee County over the next four years. We need to continue creating an environment where businesses can invest, jobs can grow and families can afford to build their future here. That means keeping taxes low, cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, investing in infrastructure, and making sure our roads, utilities, and public safety services keep pace with growth. A strong economy benefits every resident, and I believe county government should be a partner in opportunity – not an obstacle. My focus will continue to be creating the conditions that allow Lee County to thrive while protecting the quality of life that makes our community so special.
Question 2: Fiscal Responsibility
Q: Lee County faces potential fiscal tightening. In light of shifting state property tax revenue discussions, how do you propose the county manage its budget while ensuring that essential public services and infrastructure funding are not compromised?
A: Government should operate the same way families and businesses do – you live within your means and focus on your priorities. If changes come to property tax policy, I believe Lee County should first look for efficiencies, eliminate unnecessary spending and make sure we’re focused on our core responsibilities. Public safety, roads, drainage and critical infrastructure should always remain top priorities. Taxpayers deserve to know their money is being spent responsibly, and I’ll continue working to make sure every dollar goes as far as it can.
Question 3: Barrier Island Density
Q: Despite ongoing debates surrounding development on fragile barrier islands, recent years have seen increased square footage via new housing, commercial spaces, the medical clinic and the community center. On other islands there has also been increased building. What is your stance on current density limits and future development on Gasparilla Island?
A: Gasparilla Island is one of Lee County’s most treasured communities, and I believe its unique character should be protected. Any future development should recognize the island’s limited infrastructure, environmental sensitivity and hurricane evacuation challenges. I support responsible growth that respects private property rights while ensuring development does not outpace the ability of roads, utilities, drainage and public safety services to support it. My approach has always been infrastructure before growth, and I believe thoughtful planning today will help preserve what makes Gasparilla Island special for residents and future generations.
Question 4: Taxation
Q: Gasparilla Island properties contribute a disproportionately high share of Lee County’s ad valorem property tax revenue relative to its small permanent population size. Some residents perceive that they pay more than their share for services. How do you see the amount that Gasparilla Island pays?
A: Gasparilla Island property owners contribute significantly to Lee County’s tax base. My responsibility is to make sure every tax dollar is spent wisely and that county government is operating as efficiently as possible. Every community deserves quality services and responsible leadership. I’ll continue working to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and ensure taxpayers receive value for the dollars they send to county government.
Question 5: Local Parking Regulations
Q: The county-enacted parking regulations and the creation of the Boca Grande Parking Committee remain highly contentious, with some local business owners arguing they harm the island’s small-business economy, but others appreciating the change. Moving forward, what specific changes – if any – would you support regarding parking enforcement and management in Boca Grande?
A: Parking in Boca Grande is one of those issues where there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It affects residents, business owners, employees, and visitors in different ways. I believe it’s important to keep listening to everyone involved, review what’s working and what isn’t, and make decisions based on facts rather than emotions. My goal would be to find practical solutions that protect the character of the island, support local businesses, and make sure parking is managed fairly and effectively.
Final note:
Serving on the Lee County Commission has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Every vote I cast is guided by one question: what’s in the best interest of the people of Lee County, both today and for the future? I will continue listening, asking tough questions, and making decisions that are fiscally responsible and rooted in common sense. I would be honored to earn your vote and continue serving the residents of Gasparilla Island and all of Lee County.
Questions in primary
While there are dozens of elections coming up including primaries for governor in both parties, state CFO, U.S. senator and House of Representatives, there is only one contested election for the Lee Commissoin. We reached out to both candidates. In the previous week, we posed questions to Amanda Cochran, who is running in District 5 against the incumbent, Trish Petrosky.
