About Me:
Name:
James Clasby
Political party:
Republican
Office I’m running for:
St Lucie County Commission District 1
Educational background:
FAU – M.P.A. Master’s Degree in Public Administration
FAU – Graduate Certificate in Public Procurement
FAU – B.A. Degree in Political Science
IRSC – A.A. Degree, John Carroll Catholic High School
Lincoln Park Academy Middle School
Fairlawn Elementary
Current occupation and work history:
Middle School Social Studies Teacher - Dan McCarty Middle School
Community Redevelopment Project Manager - Martin County
Facilities Project Manager - St Lucie County
Project Manager - Paradise Homes Group
Volunteer and civic engagement:
I have a long history of civic experience in St. Lucie County:
· SLC Commissioners Intern (2010)
· SLC Citizens Budget Committee (2011 – 2016), Vice Chairman
· SLC Planning and Zoning Commission (2014 – 2018), Vice Chairman
· SLC Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (2016 – 2018), Chairman
· Fort Pierce South Beach Association
Why I am running for office:
I am running for county commissioner because I am dedicated to enhancing St. Lucie County for all our residents. As a lifelong resident and multiple-generation native, I have a deep connection to our community and a strong desire to see it prosper.
With extensive experience in local government and public service, I understand our county’s unique needs and challenges. My focus is on managing growth responsibly while ensuring that our infrastructure supports it, all while keeping taxes low.
I am committed to being an accessible and proactive leader who prioritizes the needs of our community over special interests. By emphasizing responsible development, improving infrastructure, and fostering better communication between the county and federal, state, and our local municipalities, I aim to make St. Lucie County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office?
During my first year as county commissioner and in subsequent years, my top priority will be to manage growth effectively while ensuring that our infrastructure can support it and enhance the quality of life for existing residents. Here’s how I plan to address these crucial issues:
1. Responsible Development: I will carefully evaluate new development projects to ensure they do not outpace our infrastructure capabilities. This includes assessing how new developments will impact our first responders, landfill, boat ramps, parks, schools, and other public facilities. Our infrastructure must be able to keep up with growth and meet the needs of our community without raising taxes.
2. Infrastructure and Quality of Life: Improving infrastructure is vital not only for accommodating growth but also for enhancing the quality of life for our current residents. I will prioritize infrastructure projects that directly benefit our existing community, focusing on necessary upgrades to roads and other public facilities.
3. Enhanced Planning Processes: I will work to update our public notification processes for new developments and strengthen the role of the Planning and Zoning Commission. If the Commission recommends denying a project, this recommendation should significantly impact the Board of County Commissioners' final decision, ensuring a more thorough review process.
4. Increased Municipal Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration with local municipalities are essential. I will work to improve coordination with our cities, building on the strong endorsements I have received from the entire City of Port St. Lucie City Council and most of the Fort Pierce City Commission. This will help ensure that all communities within St. Lucie County have a voice in our development strategies.
By focusing on these priorities, I am committed to fostering responsible growth and making St. Lucie County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.
What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?
What distinguishes me from my opponent is my comprehensive experience in local government combined with a deep-rooted commitment to St. Lucie County. As a multiple-generation native, I bring a profound understanding of our community’s unique needs and opportunities.
My extensive background working in St. Lucie County spans nearly two decades and includes roles such as an intern for County Commissioner Chris Craft, Vice Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Vice Chairman of the Citizens Budget Committee, Chairman of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Board Member of the Fort Pierce South Beach Association, and various project management positions in both public and private sectors. I also teach at one of the most challenging middle schools in the district. This diverse experience has equipped me with a well-rounded perspective on managing growth, infrastructure, and our community’s needs.
I am proud to have the endorsement of US Congressman Brian Mast, Representative Dana Trabulsy, Representative Toby Overdorf, the entire City of Port St. Lucie City Council, members of the Fort Pierce City Commission, the Realtors Association, and the Treasure Coast Builders Association. These endorsements reflect not only my strong relationships with local leaders but also my ability to effectively collaborate with our municipalities, higher levels of government, and community stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and beneficial development strategies for our county.
In contrast to my opponent, I am committed to being highly accessible and accountable to residents. My focus is on responsible development, enhancing our quality of life, and improving communication between our county and all levels of government—federal, state, and local. My goal is to prioritize the needs of our community over special interests, ensuring that growth benefits all residents and enhances our quality of life.
With my unique blend of local expertise and proven public service leadership experience, I am ready to serve as a proactive and effective county commissioner.
Paid for by James Clasby, Republican for St. Lucie County Commissioner, District 1