Early voting in Lee County begins on Thursday, October 15, and there are several races on the ballot. The Rant asked questions to several of the candidates for office and published the answers in September and October. Answers from candidates for the Lee County Board of Commissioners are below. The answers are published as submitted, with no edits.

The candidates for the Lee County Board of Commissioners are as follows:

District 1: Democratic incumbent Robert Reives Sr. and Republican challenger Louis Williams. Neither Reives nor Williams responded to questions.
District 2: Unaffiliated write in challenger Jonathan Boyce and Republican incumbent Kirk Smith.
District 4: Republican incumbent Eric Davidson and Democratic challenger Jamey Laudate.

Republican Andre Knecht is on the ballot for re-election to the board’s District 3 seat, but has no opposition. Find your commissioner district here. Early voting is open from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday between October 15 and October 30, as well as from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 18 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31.

1) Introduce yourself, give your professional and educational background, and tell readers why you’re the best candidate for the seat you’re seeking. If you’re an incumbent, describe some of the accomplishments you’re proud of from your most recent term. If not, tell readers what you’ll bring to the board that’s currently lacking.

Boyce: I’m Jonathan Boyce, running as a write-in candidate for Lee County Commissioner in District 2. I never planned to run for office. But when I saw hardworking neighbors struggling to be heard about our county’s future, I knew someone needed to step up.

Our county is changing fast, and the choices we make today decide our tomorrow. District 2 is special. From our working farms to the neighborhoods where we raise our children, we have a rural heritage worth protecting. We need leaders who take a calm, careful look at the facts before voting. If you elect me, I promise to study the details before making decisions, ask the tough questions others avoid, and keep you informed with honesty and common sense.

As an Unaffiliated candidate, I am not tied up in political noise. I can focus 100% of my energy on doing the actual work for you while never shying away from the hard conversations needed to protect our home. I would be deeply honored to earn your write-in vote (fill in the oval and write in “Jonathan Boyce” on the line provided). Together, we can make sure our local government actually works for the people who live here.

Smith: My name is Kirk D. Smith, currently serving as the Lee County Commissioner for the 2nd District. I am a US Army combat veteran, First Sergeant (Retired) achieving a Master Parachutist Badge and recipient of the Bronze Star. I hold a bachelor’s degree in history with the University of Maryland and master’s degree in history from the University of Rhode Island. I have over ten years teaching history at the high school and university level. Oversaw the financing, planning, construction, and completion of a truly remarkable attraction, the Lee County Athletic Park (LCAP), our New Lee County Library, improvements of Horton, Kiwanis Children’s, OT Sloan, and Temple Parks. Funded Cooperative Extension’s Local Foods Coordinator overseeing the Farmer’s Market at the new Pilgrim’s Sanford Agricultural Marketplace. All improving and contributing to the quality of life in Lee County. Supported the purchase of the Magnetti Marelli plant for Central Carolina Community College to establish the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center, a one-of-a-kind facility on the east coast. Supported the incentives to attract Kyowa Kirin Pharmaceutical Company and the Health Care Company STERIS combining an investment of over $1.1 billion in capital development bringing good paying jobs to Lee County.

Davidson: My name is Eric Davidson, and I am asking for your vote and for the opportunity to represent you as a Lee County Commissioner for District 4. I believe government should be “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” This idea is not original to me. Abraham Lincoln delivered this famous phrase on November 19, 1863, in his Gettysburg Address, following the Battle of Gettysburg. This quote emphasizes that political power originates from and serves the citizens. I believe in servant leadership, where government truly serves Lee County citizens and helps them achieve the best possible quality of life. I currently serve as the Commissioner representing District 4 on the Board of Commissioners, filling the unexpired term after your previous Commissioner resigned. I resigned from the Board of Education near the end of my four-year term after being chosen to serve as the District 4 Commissioner until November 30, 2026. I have lived in Lee County for 40 years, so I know and understand our community. I will lead with common sense, character, commitment, collaboration, and Christian values. I have proven myself on the Board of Education and will continue to do so on the Board of Commissioners.

Laudate: My name is Jamey Laudate, I’m running for County Commissioner in District 4. I moved to Lee County 41 years ago in 1985, graduated from Lee County High School in 1994, attended NC State where I earned a degree in Computer Science, and returned home to Lee County with my wife Kelli (also from Lee County) to raise our 3 children. I love Lee County unconditionally, and want to serve its residents. The people here and the county’s character are truly special.  Professionally, I have a 25 year career with two Fortune 500 companies, and I currently manage a Software Development Team for SAS Institute, where I’ve been for 15 years. I’ve served on Lee County’s Board of Education, coached middle school and high school golf teams, Served on NAF advisory boards for both high schools, and served as a deacon at First Baptist Church. While serving on the BOE, I was proud to hire a wonderful, home-grown superintendent — Dr. Chris Dossenbach. As chairman of the Facilities and Technology Committee, I worked to stabilize the technology budget and save Paul B. Gay stadium from demolition. Finally, I was proud to lead the charge and add Lee County Schools as a plaintiff on the lawsuit against Social Media platforms like Meta, X, and TikTok. As commissioner, I’ll bring a common-sense, data driven approach, focused on building Lee County for the Next Generation — with RESPONSIBLE growth, strong schools, and good jobs — that benefits our residents without sacrificing our resources and our character.

2) For two consecutive years, the county manager has recommended a budget which increases property taxes. Twice now the board has held the line on taxes, paying for increased budgets using savings and money earmarked for debt service to pay for recurring expenses. This comes after a property revaluation that allowed the board to cut the property tax rate but still collect more from most property owners. What suggestions do you have for the next year’s budget that would result in neither a tax increase nor the spending of reserve funds on recurring expenses?

Boyce: Managing our county’s budget is a balancing act. We want low taxes, but our growing community has real needs. I respect how hard our current board has worked to hold the line on taxes. Now, I want to build on that success with long-term strategies so we never have to just “hope” our savings last.

To keep taxes low and services strong, we must work smarter. Here is my plan:

  • Track revenue closely to prevent budget crises before they happen.
  • Review old county contracts to ensure taxpayers are getting the best deal.
  • Have new businesses pitch in for the roads and services they use, so everyday taxpayers aren’t stuck with the whole bill.
  • Use the right technology in our county departments to get more done for less money.

Most importantly, you deserve to know exactly where your hard-earned tax dollars go. When government explains the math clearly, it builds trust. I will bring a strong focus on clear facts and smart planning to keep our county financially healthy for generations to come.

Smith: During my tenure as Commissioner, the number one issue I receive the most criticism from citizens is our property tax rate. This has a dramatic effect on our growing fixed income community. The County Manager, as the experienced financial director for Lee County, has continued to advise the Board of Commissioners to increase the property tax to maintain our current and future expenses. Earlier this year we had a surplus because we projected a 1% sales tax revenue increase for FY 2025-2026. We were able to direct this money to the Lee County School Board to partially cover a backlog of pay increases for the classified staff.  That said, we continue to see the growth in our retail sector. The redevelopment of the Riverbirch Shopping Center is attracting a Target as an anchor store with a yet named “new to market” grocery store, with the estimated $60 million capital investment, compiling annual sales and property tax for Lee County estimates $3 million. The LCAP is attracting out-of-town visitors thus increasing sales tax revenue at our local restaurants. We have yet to factor the coming Ashby and Adams Village projects of mixed use residential and retail centers along the NC-87 corridor.

Davidson: People are concerned about high prices, which have forced many to make tough choices about how they spend their money . Disposable income isn’t an option for many people, so local government must learn to operate within a fiscally conservative budget. Budgets include “wants” and “must-haves,” and Commissioners must keep making hard decisions while finding the right balance without adding another expense for citizens by raising property taxes. And we can’t keep spending from our reserves to fund recurring expenses. One of the best things the Board of Education did immediately after selecting a new Superintendent was to authorize a Performance Audit. This action alone found about $1 million that could be saved by implementing the audit’s recommendations. I highly recommend the Board of Commissioners authorize a Performance Audit to determine how much can be saved of taxpayers’ money, money that can fund the necessities in the budget. The Board must then ensure staff follows through on implementing the recommended changes in the County’s operations. As we continue to add new businesses and industries that bring higher-paying jobs to Lee County, we can grow our tax base to the point where we can consistently reduce property taxes instead of raising them.

Laudate: Since we’re currently spending from the county’s savings account, cuts to programs will need to be made to keep the same tax rate. I think two things need to happen. First, I fully support the performance audit that has been proposed by the current commissioners. I think we need to be diligent and see how our spending compares to our neighboring counties and to other counties similar to us, and adjust spending where it doesn’t align. Second, if cuts from the audit don’t go deep enough, then we’ll have to have some hard conversations on what programs to keep and what to cut to balance the budget. In my conversations with constituents in District 4, they don’t want to compromise on the services that they use… which are public safety/first responders, schools, and parks. These important services are needed when attracting new businesses (which will increase tax revenue without increasing the tax rate), and in turn build Lee County for the Next Generation. 

3) The Lee County Board of Education has signaled that the need for a new elementary school is on the horizon, and the need for new middle and high schools is likely to become apparent within the next decade. What is your plan for putting the county in a position to meet these needs as growth continues?

Boyce: We all agree our children deserve a great education. As our county welcomes new families, making sure we have enough space in our schools is essential. We cannot wait until classrooms are overflowing to figure out how to build a new school. We must plan ahead, rather than waiting for a crisis.

Here is how we stay ahead of the curve:

  • I will work side-by-side with our School Board, teachers, and business leaders to predict exactly where new families are moving so we can prepare right away.
  • When new industries bring growth, they must be part of the solution. We need to guarantee our schools are ready before new development arrives.
  • We shouldn’t scramble to catch up. I will aggressively look for grants and fresh funding so the money is waiting the moment the School Board needs it.

Our children’s future is too important to leave to the last minute. By looking ahead, we can turn our county’s growth into a huge win for our students and teachers.

Smith: The Board of Commissioners Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2030 has future school projects beyond Fiscal Year 2029-2030, projecting $51,700,440 for a new elementary school, $61,077,412 for a new middle school, and $31,398,575 for High School capacity expansion project.  Of course, inflation in the future could increase the projected construction costs.  In the meantime, our private and charter schools provide a pressure valve on the pending student population increases. We should strive to grow our industrial and manufacturing base with the goal of providing 35% of our total tax revenue.  The FY 2026-2027 annual public education portion that the county pays per student is $2,522.   The average single-family dwelling in Lee County pays annually $1,558 in property taxes, not enough to cover the cost of one student living in the home.  This does not include the children living in the numerous apartment complexes throughout the City of Sanford. The County needs to expand our industrial base in order to reduce the impact of a potential tax rate increase necessary to meet future school needs.

Davidson: After four years on the Board of Education, I am certainly aware of the need for more classroom space in Lee County Schools. The process for a new elementary school has begun, as this has been identified as the greatest immediate need. What most people don’t consider is that from start to completion, a new school will take approximately two years, or more, to build, depending on everything progressing as anticipated. In the meantime, the Board of Education is looking at alternative and perhaps creative ways to find student space, teachers, staff, buses, etc. I believe the relationship between the Board of Education and the Board of Commissioners is much better than it was four years ago. Many people have been working to make this improvement, and there is on-going discussion to better understand the schools’ needs and the challenges local government faces in providing money and resources. We must keep working together for the good of our students and our community. I hope to be a helpful “bridge” for both Boards. Lee County’s 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan was adopted June 15, 2026. This plan will guide Lee County Government’s Capital Projects. The plan includes 11 projects for Lee County Schools. Funding is outlined in this plan.

Laudate: The residents of District 4 want schools they can trust. As chairman of the Facilities and Technology Committee from 2022-24, I’m very aware of the need for a new elementary school. Deep River Elementary and J. Glenn Edwards Elementary are bursting at the seams. I led the charge to get a new elementary school site added to the CIP in 2024, and commissioners approved funding for a new site… but later pulled funding mid-year. Middle schools and high schools have capacity, at least in the near term. My core approach is one of fiscal responsibility for the residents of Lee County. For the middle schools, I’d prefer to enhance the current campuses and increase capacity if needed. At the high school level, Southern Lee was originally planned to have 3 wings, and only 2 were built… I’d prefer to expand Southern Lee (with an auditorium) vs. building a new high school campus. This would save the county money. As for funding, there are several state level grants available and our Board of Education has done everything they can to lobby for those grants to offset school construction costs. I think the county can be a better and more active partner in the Board of Education’s lobbying efforts.

4) Name two or three unexpected issues you think the Board of Commissioners may have to deal with in the next four years.

Boyce: Our county is growing fast, and my goal is to make sure we are fully prepared. To protect our home, we must get ahead of three big challenges:

  • Government decisions can be confusing, especially when we are talking about highly technical topics. I promise to break down complicated technical details and always educate on the “why” behind the choices we make.
  • Massive projects, like the proposed 11-building data center, change our community forever. We must protect the water we drink and the air we breathe. We must shield our neighborhoods from 24/7 noise and vibrations so you can sleep well at night. We must also enforce outside developers keeping their promises, ensuring our roads and power grids can handle the extra weight.
  • The economy has ups and downs. By planning for tough times today, we protect taxpayers from surprises tomorrow.

We do not need to fear growth, but we do need a steady hand at the wheel. By demanding accountability and keeping everything in the open, we can build a strong county our children will be proud to inherit.

Smith: Unexpected issues the Board of Commissioners may have to deal with in the next four years:

1) A Court Order demanding we reduce the overcrowding in our current jail by moving inmates to neighboring facilities or accelerating the building of a new Law Enforcement Center that combines the Sheriff Department and a Correctional Facility.  

2) Any natural disaster on the scope of a hurricane, tornado, floods, or snowstorm that would cripple the County.

3) A manmade terrorist attack, or sabotage of our utilities on the level of the December 2022 attacks on Moore County electrical substations, or any major employer closing operations in Lee County creating severe economic disruption.

The primary responsibility of our Constitutional Republic is to protect life, liberty, and property.  As a member of the Local Emergency Planning Commission and the Fire Advisory Board for nearly 12 years, I have the background and experience of working with our community partners to overcome any emergency challenges Lee County may face. We can only pray that GOD spare us such calamities.

Davidson: This is a tough question to answer because we don’t have a crystal ball to show us what lies ahead. For example, we didn’t know data centers, Flock cameras, or our animal shelter would be hot topics right now. I believe we must first be hyper-aware about what is going on in the world, in the United States, in North Carolina, and in are as surrounding Lee County. I will focus on listening and learning so that, as a Commissioner, I will be prepared to lead to the best of my ability. I am committed to being as transparent as possible with whatever the Board of Commissioners will be dealing with in the days ahead. I am pro-education, including workforce training and development. I am pro-smart growth, pro-business, and pro-environment. I am “A New Voice with a New Vision” for Lee County. I believe that as citizens and elected officials working together, we will not only survive, but thrive in the years and decades ahead. This formula has brought Lee County this far and will continue to help us face whatever lies in our future together. We are so much better together than we are apart. Here’s to Lee County’s future!

Laudate: The data center on Lower Moncure Road is certainly a hot topic, and will continue to be a hot topic for the foreseeable future. I fully support the data center moratorium put forth by Commissioner Reives. We need to get that UDO right and protect our residents and our resources as much as we legally can. In addition, the first thing I hear from almost every resident I speak with is “growth is out of control”. Government should represent the people and I think we need to re-evaluate our county’s growth model and make sure we’re growing in a way that is sustainable and responsible, and preserves what makes Lee County so special.

5) For months, citizens have appeared before the Lee County Board of Commissioners to express opposition to a proposed data center on Lower Moncure Road. Some have called for changes to the Unified Development Ordinance and a temporary moratorium on data centers. In September, a developer successfully challenged Chatham County’s data center moratorium in court, allowing a data center proposal there to proceed. What is your position on the data center proposal in Lee County, and do you think a moratorium or changes to the UDO would be effective tools for the county in addressing future data center proposals?

Boyce: I am one of those concerned citizens who has stood with my neighbors who oppose the process of how this data center mega complex came to our county. I have been to the meetings month after month. I have spoken up. This issue shows why we need new leadership.

When citizens give their time to speak for our county, that takes courage. That shows they care about our future while defending our present and respecting our past. Yes, there is a court case in neighboring Chatham County. But that story is not finished. Even if the case goes a certain way, it does not mean Lee County should wait. We can lawfully act and must do so to protect ourselves.

A full stop on all data centers could put us at legal risk. But updating our rules for future development does not. Our current rules let in companies that take more than they give. That must change. We can and must do better. Let’s update our rules so we have the legal power to protect our citizens. Let’s protect our water, power, and land before saying yes. I have and will continue to fight for that change.

Smith: As a member of the Joint Planning Commission (made up of elected leaders, planning board members, and staff from Broadway, Sanford, Lee County) starting last fall, we initiated and completed a set of rules for the Uniform Development Ordinance concerning Data Centers.  I supported the rule set developed for data centers as it is one of the first in North Carolina utilizing best practices from across the country.  Senate bill 730 has incorporated some of our data center rules.  I suspect our neighboring communities with moratoriums are reviewing Lee County’s rule set as they meet their moratorium deadlines.  As for the Lee County moratorium, we already have rules in place, so there is no need for a temporary pause.  Furthermore, I am not sure the taxpayers would be willing to incur the costs and expense of a lawsuit like the Chatham County lawsuit.  The proposed data center will benefit the county taxpayers through increased tax revenue to sustain the impact of residential growth in the City of Sanford.  The members of the Central Electric Cooperative will not incur any rate increases as the Cyrus One developers are paying for the electric service upgrades. We all depend on a data center.

Davidson: As a member of the Lee County Board of Commissioners since July 20, 2026, I have been in meetings and discussions about data centers. For clarity, regardless of how many buildings (ten or fewer) are built on this site, legally, a moratorium will NOT apply to ANY of these buildings. Three lawyers have attested to this. If future sites are considered for data centers in Lee County, our current UDO regulating data centers has been lauded as one of the first and one of the best in North Carolina. Our UDO is continually being reviewed for areas that can be improved, especially as new technology becomes available and UDOs are being written for other areas in North Carolina and around the United States. Lee County has at least two standards in place that can slow or deny data center approval. One involves water, and the other involves electricity. If our water source cannot provide enough water to meet a data center’s needs, or if there is not enough electricity to power a data center, a data center is unlikely to come to Lee County. I am on record at a Board of Commissioners’ meeting attempting to offer a motion for a moratorium.

Laudate: Generally speaking, it’s not too much to ask the richest companies on the planet to take measures to protect our residents and our resources, or find somewhere else to do business. I will take any and every action that we have legally available to us, to limit data centers and their impact on our people and our resources. The state of North Carolina – by law – prohibits “downzoning” (making ordinances more restrictive after they are already established), which could limit the county’s options moving forward. The current ordinance is flawed and the process was not transparent at all in my opinion, and I fear that Lee County has painted itself into a corner with the current data center. Specifically, the current ordinance doesn’t protect neighboring residents from sound produced by the data center… we need to change that. But all of the above doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. I look forward to sitting down with County Attorneys, and potentially outside attorneys, to see what can be done.   

6) Lee County has experienced significant residential and industrial growth in recent years, with local governments frequently using economic development incentives to attract new employers and investment. What should the county’s priorities be when recruiting new businesses, and under what circumstances, if any, should the county decline to offer incentives to a prospective employer?

Boyce: Our county has a special history. District 2 holds both our past and future. Legacy farms sit near new neighborhoods. Families who worked this land for generations now share it with newcomers. We must protect what makes Lee County unique. Our farms and rural charm are not accidents. They are choices we made.

We no longer need to chase any business willing to pay or give unchecked tax breaks. Companies come, promise jobs, then take our resources without giving back. We already have something powerful. We have skilled farmers and agricultural experts right here. Why not work with them? Agriculture is part of our DNA.

The SanLee Plan exists. It outlines who we want to be. But we keep building around it instead of following it. Yes, industry brings money. And so does farming done right. If we say we value agriculture, we should make decisions that show it. New businesses must fit our plan, not the other way around. Let’s hold ourselves and developers to that standard.

I am also actively looking into possibilities that will incentivize conservation and agriculture. This is an investment into the land that has long-term benefits for our county and its residents. When we reward stewardship, we keep our farms productive and our rural character intact. That is how we grow without losing ourselves.

Smith: As a former member of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance (SAGA) Executive Board, the Town of Broadway, City of Sanford, and Lee County strive to attract manufacturers that compliment, and / or do not compete with our existing industries.  Economic development incentives are one of the tools the Town of Broadway, City of Sanford, and Lee County have to offer prospective industries.  Industry must agree to a set capital investment along with number of employees and salaries, (Cyrus One did not qualify for an incentive), to be eligible for an incentive.  The SAGA Executive Board has rejected industries and manufacturers they felt did not contribute to our industrial culture and environment.  We have successfully attracted differing and unique industries such as Astellas Pharmaceutical, Kyowa Kirin Pharmaceutical, STERIS PLC, blending well with our health sciences community.  This adds to the importance of the E. Eugene Moore Manufacturing and Biotech Solutions Center as Central Carolina Community College supports training for our local industries.   Our priorities in recruiting new businesses must blend in with our community.  The SAGA Executive Board continues working with the: North Carolina Department Commerce using Job Development Investment Grants, One Carolina Fund, and NC Biotech Center as funding sources.  

Davidson: In most cases, Lee County Government does not directly recruit new businesses to  Lee County. The Sanford Area Growth Alliance (SAGA) recruits businesses and industries to our area. SAGA includes a staff and a Board that direct the recruitment of businesses and industries that are a “good fit” for Lee County. Those factors include, but are not limited to, the number of jobs to be created and the average wage employees earn. The type of product produced and/or sold can be a significant factor, as well as how a new business or industry intersects with businesses or industries already operating in Lee County or nearby areas. The best type of business or industry for Lee County is best known by the subject matter experts who are part of the staff of SAGA and SAGA Board members. Incentives to entice a prospective employer are expected in today’s competitive environment. This doesn’t mean that everyone who wants to come to Lee County will receive some kind of incentive. The incentive is a tool available to SAGA, but local government has the authority to offer it at its discretion. And, yes, in some situations, an incentive will not be offered.

Laudate: Economic development incentives can be an effective way to create opportunities for current residents, when they are structured and used responsibly. Priority should be given to businesses that align with the goals of our current Plan SanLee growth plan, increase average wages, prioritize LOCAL hiring, without placing additional strain on infrastructure and services or increasing the tax burden on current residents. Incentives should come with clear, measurable expectations and accountability. If a proposed project cannot meet these basic criteria, public incentives should not be awarded. Economic development should benefit the people who already call Lee County home while helping build a stronger economic foundation for the future.

7) County commissioners make decisions involving millions of dollars in public spending, economic development projects, land use and other issues that can significantly affect residents. What, if anything, would you change about the way the Board of Commissioners conducts its business to make county government more transparent and accessible to the public?

Boyce: Building relationships is key to transparency. When residents feel heard and informed, they become partners in our county’s success. That is how we create a better tomorrow together. Some information must stay private for safety, security, or legal reasons. I admit I am still learning the safest way to balance openness with protection. That is why I want to collaborate with our citizens. This is solvable, and we must be smart about it. Our citizens deserve honesty, even if not every detail can be public right away.

Here is my plan:

• First, citizens should know when information is kept private and why.

• Second, I propose oversight committees of trusted volunteers with security backgrounds. They review closed-door materials and report what can be shared publicly. This builds trust while protecting what must stay secure.

• Third, we must verify that developers making promises keep them, and that citizens are not burdened when they fail to follow through. Consequences must exist for broken commitments.

Together, we can find that balance. When we earn trust through honest communication and real accountability, Lee County becomes stronger for everyone.

Smith: Criticism that Lee County lacks transparency is unfair to county staff and the Board of Commissioners. The county shares public information and notices through its website, social media channels, and the Sanford Herald. Its website also provides links to the Town of Broadway, the City of Sanford, the State of North Carolina, and the federal government. Disclosure is restricted, only when state law permits the Board to meet in closed session. For example, when the CEO of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance briefs commissioners privately, the CEO must comply with a nondisclosure agreement required by a prospective business or industry considering Lee County.  During my tenure as Board Chair, as a Free-Speech advocate, I insisted that staff provide additional public comment sheets overriding the policy of a 30-minute Public Comments limit on our agenda.  As for land use issues, private property owners in the county have the right to sell their property to either business, industry, or housing developers.  The housing developers desiring to maximize their land always request voluntarily annexation into the city to gain access to public sewer service.  Once that voluntary annexation process moves to the City of Sanford, the County has no say in the action.

Davidson: I strongly support being as transparent as possible in Lee County Government. Some situations cannot be discussed in public by law. These instances obviously limit complete transparency. We should remind the public each time these scenarios occur that, because of legal constraints, we can’t be fully transparent in our dealings. We should continue to ensure all meetings and work sessions are live-streamed, as much as possible, and that recordings are available for people who can’t watch or attend in person. The more we communicate what is happening and why it is the way it is, the more trust grows. Also, responding as promptly as possible to public records requests builds trust and confidence in our commitment to transparency.

Laudate: In my conversations with constituents, I hear a growing distrust of local elected officials. Lee County residents have been told that growth would help lower taxes, yet tax bills have continued to rise. Projects like the data center have also left many residents feeling that what was promised was not what was ultimately delivered. People are paying attention, and they deserve to be heard.

Lee County needs a Citizens Advisory Board that gives residents a meaningful opportunity to discuss and prioritize local issues, recommend actions, and participate more directly in the democratic process. Right now, the primary avenue for residents to be heard is through public comment at a commissioners’ meeting, which does not provide the opportunity for an ongoing, two-way dialogue between residents and their elected officials.  

The next Board of Commissioners will have an important responsibility to rebuild public trust and strengthen communication with the community. After 40 years in Lee County, I believe restoring that trust should be a priority.

8) Lee County’s population and tax base are growing, but growth also increases demand for services such as emergency response, public safety, recreation and other county facilities. Which county services or facilities do you believe are most at risk of failing to keep pace with growth, and what should the Board of Commissioners do about it?

Boyce: Some say we can afford growth. Others worry we are already stretched thin. Both sides want Lee County to succeed. The path forward is clear: measure our capacity honestly, then build to match it. School capacity is an urgent need. With rapid growth coming, we must act now so classrooms are ready when families arrive. Planning ahead for what is evident is coming means no surprises and no overwhelmed schools.

Fire safety is another priority. New industries bring new challenges like hazardous materials, lithium batteries, and greater risk for larger fires. Our response teams need the right tools to handle whatever comes. Hoping an incident doesn’t happen is not a strategy. Here is my plan to keep services ahead of growth:

• New developments should help pay for the extra services they create. Taxpayers should not carry the full burden alone.

• Track our budget closely so we can spot problems early and fix it before it becomes a crisis.

• Use technology to help staff be efficient. This helps bring better results without unnecessary cost.

Growth should be a gift, not a burden. We can welcome families and industry while protecting what makes this place home. Let’s build responsibly, together.

Smith: This is precisely why we need the expansion of industry and commercial business in Lee County.  Residential growth (77%) has outpaced Commercial and Industrial growth (23%).  The bulk of the residential growth is within the city limits or property recently annexed into the City of Sanford.   According to our County Manager the ideal residential number should be 62% and industry 38% of property tax revenue. Today, the average single-family home generates in annual property tax revenue $1,558.  That amount is even less when you consider the rapid growth in apartment and town home complexes.  The 2026-2027 Annual Budget, Lee County’s contribution for each student attending our public schools is $2,522.  Imagine the average single-family home with more than one child attending public school, that additional burden falls on fixed income citizens living in Lee County.  The annual budget constraints placed on staff by the Board results in the Manager strategically deciding which departments receive additional employees to cope with the population growth in the County.  Either the County attracts additional industry or commercial enterprises reducing the burden on homeowners or consider rate increases to continue to make “Lee County a great place to live, learn, work, and play.”

Davidson: I believe Lee County is struggling to keep pace with growth in at least two major areas. Those areas are schools and the jail. Because constructing new buildings or renovating existing facilities takes time, the situation continues to worsen in both areas. There is not a quick fix for either. Another factor that we must address is how to pay for these facilities. Without shifting more tax income from people to industry, we will continue to struggle to fund the budget. However, there is hope because more industries and businesses are coming to Lee County. In the meantime, we must spend and save conservatively and look for creative ways to lower expenses. I believe the Performance Audit that the Board of Commissioners has authorized will be a great tool to help us achieve these goals.

Laudate: This is where a performance audit could be extremely beneficial. A performance audit would compare Lee County with similarly sized counties, including department-level staffing and budgets, to identify where we are in line with our peers and where spending may be higher or lower.

During my time on the Board of Education, Lee County Schools conducted a similar performance audit in 2022 and identified significant savings. The audit proved well worth the investment, allowing the district to redirect those savings toward programs with greater need.  Lee County Government should do the same. The county’s last performance audit was conducted in 2012, when the annual budget was $63,082,264. The 2026–27 county budget is $128,306,503—more than double what it was then.

With that level of growth in the budget, there is a lot to review and potentially recalibrate. A comprehensive performance audit could help identify opportunities to improve efficiency, control costs, and ensure that funding remains aligned with the county’s highest-priority services and facilities, so that they don’t fall behind.