Photo for Headline Surfer / Debra Denys has announced she's seeking the Southeast Volusia seat on the County Council in next year's election held by Jack Hayman, who is being term-limited out.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Former school board member and child advocate Debra Denys of New Smyrna Beach is taking on another challenge: She's the first candidate out of the chute to announce she's running for next year's election for the Southeast Volusia District 3 seat on the County Council.
Denys, 55, is the first of what are expected to be several local politicians to vie for the seat that incumbent Jack Hayman will vacate because of term limits. Other potential candidates include the likes of former New Smyrna Beach Mayor Jim Vadergrifft, New Smyrna Beach City Commissioner Jim Hathaway and Port Orange Vice Mayor Mary Martin.
Denys, though, said she has the experience and relishes the opportunity to address and debate with others significant countywide issues such as fiscal spending, growth and economic development, especially in these tough economic times.
"I am running for this office to be a champion of all of the citizens of Southest Volusia," she said Tuesday, the day after filing her papers. "There is an existing need for availability of services for our citizens. I am committed to working collaboratively with existing agencies that provide services and resources.
Denys, who chairs the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties, said one of her goals as a candidate for the County Council is to "convene a Human Services Summit to encourage participation and collaboration of agencies and municipalities to meet those needs. Most importantly, we must review the regulations and time delays businesses deal with. After all, the best stimulus package or social service is not a hand-out, but a job."
Denys believes the county must provide cost effective and efficient government services without raising the bottom line to taxpayers.
"We must aggressively work to attract new businesses and industry to Volusia County while developing additional sources of high paying jobs for residents. We should protect our natural resources, which include potable water, beaches, rivers, parks and open spaces.
FAST FACTS Family: Married to George Denys fore more than 20 years, 4 grown children, 9 grandchildren. The family attends the Rock Church of Port Orange. Public Service: reappointed by two successive governors as Chair, Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia, 2005 - present; vice-chair, Volusia County Children & Families Advisory Board 2005 - 2009; member, Volusia County School Board, 1994-1998. Community Service: Member, Habitat for Humanity, Family Selection Committee - present; board member, Junior Achievement 1992 - 1994; therapeutic foster mother for Children's Home Society 1994 - 1996; memberships in the Chamber of Commerce of Southeast Volusia and Port Orange-South Daytona Chamber of Commerce. Professional: Licensed agent, MetLife,1989 - 1994; graduate, Leadership Southeast Volusia, 2001 Education: BS Business Management, University of Phoenix, expected graduation, 2010.