As part of our continuing coverage of Dunedin's upcoming elections, we are launching a question-of-the-week feature leading up to the election. This is the candidates' opportunity to answer some questions that might be on residents' minds, right here on the Patch Podium. 

This week, we asked:

• What quality of life advancements do you foresee in Dunedin's future?

Heather Gracy responds:

Advancements in the quality of life for Dunedin’s future? That’s a great question and one that I’ve been answering a lot lately. Just the other day, in the home of one of my campaign supporters, I was told of two people who recently moved to Dunedin from the Midwest. Why? Because the quality of life they found in Dunedin; that is our reputation to enjoy within Pinellas County and the Tampa Bay area. 

Our quality of life is a cornerstone of our coastal community. I believe we should preserve and maintain the assets and partnerships that support Dunedin’s quality of life. And, when it’s financially prudent to do so, we should commit to and invest in quality of life. Let’s keep in mind that future generations, our children and our grandchildren, will one day benefit from all that Dunedin offers in creating healthy, happy and involved community stewards. 

Our walkability throughout Main Street and the Pinellas Trail helps us connect with our friends and neighbors, creating the close knit community that keeps Dunedin attractive. Building on this type of connectivity, many of us rely on and enjoy cycling. Additional bicycle lanes within our streets and corridors will enhance our quality of life and provide for added safety for our citizens. Thanks to the City of Dunedin and members of our arts community, we have some terrifically themed bicycle racks throughout our city, let’s fill them up! 

A longtime fixture in Dunedin has always been the Highlander Pool. A new Highlander Pool and Aquatic Center to meet the needs of our residents is an idea I support for future advancements in quality of life. I believe it’s wise to begin reserving funds now, so that when the time comes to rebuild this important community asset, we are prepared. Dunedin deserves a community pool with year round availability and programming that meets the needs of all age levels. 

The City’s Neighborhood Enhancement Program should, I think, continue to help Dunedin’s entryways into neighborhoods and even be expanded into a residential façade program, as discussed in a recent Commission Workshop. A similar program exists for the businesses and retail shops throughout the city. To envision the same to work in conjunction with qualifying homeowners is a direct improvement to the city’s housing inventory. In these economic times, a little repair and a fresh coat of paint can go a long way.  

The future advancements for quality of life in Dunedin certainly can’t be limited to this one article. I invite you to visit my campaign website www.heathergracy.com to view all of the community partnerships and events that I support in maximizing Dunedin’s overall quality of life. I firmly believe that quality of life in Dunedin is an important driver in our economy. It’s time to reaffirm this idea and to listen to the creative ideas and energy that will keep Dunedin moving in the right direction. 

Related Coverage:

• Heather Gracy on the Patch Podium: Experience
• Heather Gracy Looking to 'Come in Fresh'
• Carson Vs Gracy for Commission Seat 3

See also, David Carson's response.