My name is Jose Peixoto, and I am proud to announce my candidacy for Monroe County Commissioner District 5. I’m not only looking forward to serving the community that I raised my beautiful family in, but to be a voice for the people against big development, against unnecessary spending, and against those who simply do not represent the wishes of the people.

For over ten years I’ve raised concerns over reckless spending within the Tourist Development Council. A department that in recent months has proven to have been as untrustworthy as they are unaccountable.

We've witnessed an unprecedented increase in our county's budget.

We have stood by and watched as our current commissioners listen to the pleas of the community for hours on end, and then proceed to vote for projects with no vocal support other than from the developers involved and the commissioners themselves.

This current board would like to pass legislation for Monroe County to become a charter county. A move that will undoubtedly lead to raised taxes on our community. More money for a county with already ballooned spending and no adequate transparency or accountability. As someone who has called Key Largo home for over 35 years, I've seen firsthand the impact of unchecked fiscal policies on our community.

Our priorities need a refresh. Issues like affordable housing, which directly affect the livability and sustainability of our community, must take precedence. We cannot stand idly by as teachers who have been at our schools for decades are being forced to leave. Every department from education, to our hospitals, the sheriffs office, and our enormous service industry, are being choked by the difficulty in finding housing they can afford.

The impact of endless spending and advertising the keys all over the world is seen every single day. Backed up traffic has become the daily norm.

We cannot afford to allow corporations and development companies to lawyer and lobby their way past evacuation regulations. They can and they will, if left unchecked. Our safety is not their priority. But as your commissioner it will be mine.

I'm Jose Peixoto, and I am asking for your support for District 5 County Commissioner. It's time for a change. It's time for leadership that will stand up for a Monroe County that prioritizes the needs of our residents.