Artz Seeks District 5 Wakulla County Commission Seat

Lynn Artz, of Medart, announces her candidacy for County Commissioner, District 5. Artz seeks a seat on the Commission “because I believe in what Wakulla County can be. I care about the people of Wakulla and the future of our county. We have an opportunity to preserve what we value, and to develop our county more wisely. I have the experience and the knowledge to help our county grow, and move forward, responsibly. As commissioner, I will work for and with our citizens to shape a more promising future for Wakulla County.”

Artz has followed county decisions closely and she thinks that as a county, we can do better. “Wakulla County needs smarter growth, a government that’s more in touch with its citizens, efficient use of tax dollars, effective ways to reduce fuel and energy costs, and sustainable economic development that protects our natural resources and quality of life. We need a strong leader who has the vision and commitment to pursue a better future for Wakulla County.”

“I bring to the Commission several strengths that are desperately needed in our county. I am a community leader and planner by nature and profession. I maintain a long-term view. If there’s one thing our developing county needs, it is better long-term planning. We must learn from the successes and failures of our own county, and other communities. We need to be clear on what kind of county we want to live in 10, 20, even 50 years from now – and clear on how best to get there. Otherwise, what we value most about Wakulla County will erode away and our dreams for Wakulla County will never come true.”

Because she understands the importance of citizen involvement for planning and in solving problems, Artz will seek input from citizens. “I have great respect for the people of this county. I will propose several ways to routinely find out what citizens value and which alternatives they prefer. I will tap citizens’ ideas and expertise, and involve citizens as reviewers and decision-makers. Many people in our county have valuable skills and experiences and often suggest innovative solutions. We should better use this resource to help solve our problems and reach our goals.”

{sidebar id=1}“I value teamwork, partnerships, and collaboration. Our county government needs to work more collaboratively with the other municipalities in our county. I also favor a much stronger regional approach, collaborating with our neighboring counties on major issues such as water and waste management, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and transportation.”

Though a busy mother, Artz is involved with many local organizations, often taking a leadership role. For four years, Artz has coordinated the annual Crawfordville Arbor Day Celebration. This popular event has given nearly 3,000 free trees to local residents. In 2006, Artz worked diligently with a diverse group to craft a Tree and Landscape Ordinance, now in effect, for commercial property in the county.

Artz chairs the Wakulla Health Care Task Force. Under her leadership, this group, in 3 years, has conducted a community needs assessment, developed a strategic plan, and worked to increase the availability of urgent care and diagnostic services in the county. The group sought federal earmark funding to expand county EMS services, increased the number of providers participating in the Florida Shots program, conducted a community quit-smoking program (Quit & Win), offered free sports physicals to student athletes, and published a brochure of medical resources for visitors and new residents.

Artz is an advocate for children and has been active with the Children’s Coalition and the Wakulla County Coalition for Youth. She coordinates an annual statewide environmental conference for teens, and this summer moved the conference from the University of Florida campus to Wakulla Springs State Park. This move has helped to put Wakulla County on the map as a tourist destination statewide and is contributing economically to the county.

Artz is on the Board of the Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park, the Planning Committee for the annual Green Living & Energy Expo, and was on the Steering Committee for county visioning activities conducted several years ago. Artz is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and participates on the Economic Development Council. Recently, Artz has been working with Historical Society members and County representatives to preserve Wakulla’s historic homes and develop a Heritage Park in Medart. Artz volunteers her time and supports the work of many other organizations, too numerous to mention.

Artz put herself through college by working as a resident assistant and received her undergraduate degree from Penn State in just two years. Artz obtained her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, then practiced medicine briefly, seeing cardiology patients in Memphis and staffing rural emergency rooms in Mississippi. Convinced of the importance of prevention, however, Artz moved into public health and obtained a Masters of Public Health degree from Harvard.

Since then, Artz has held faculty appointments at two Universities, taught undergraduate and graduate students, conducted federally funded research, and authored publications in professional journals. Her focus has been on improving community health and safety. From 1988-1990, Artz served as Senior Prevention Policy Advisor in the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C. Afterwards, she helped to direct the award-winning Good Health Program, which improved health and contained healthcare costs among nearly 4,000 municipal employees in Birmingham, Alabama. Artz also ran her own business as a health program consultant for fifteen years.

Artz has been married for 18 years to Jim Hilyer. An exercise physiologist, Hilyer has coached football (Mississippi State, Auburn University, Washington Redskins, Alabama-Birmingham). He is also a licensed psychologist and provides sport psychology services to the U.S. Paralympic Team. Hilyer fully supports his wife’s candidacy. Together, they have a son, Chase, age 8.

Artz says, “Don’t settle for less. Believe in what Wakulla County can be. Search with me for what is possible. Join me in changing Wakulla County. With your voice, we can grow responsibly, together.”

This letter originally published on June 30, 2008.

Per Wakulla.com policy, all reader comments must include a valid first and last name.

Written by :