The start of a new year always brings challenges, but it can also bring a fresh perspective. In Volusia County politics, there will be change in the air for two separate offices, sheriff and property appraiser, two of the most important positions locally.
Mike Chitwood was sworn in during a ceremony on the campus of Bethune-Cookman University and the new sheriff, who replaces the retiring Ben Johnson, promises to bring his style of policing with him. The former Daytona Beach Police Chief is known for being hands on and outspoken.
“Buckle your seat belt. I can promise you we are in for a fast and furious ride,” Chitwood stated during a news conference following his swearing in ceremony. “For the bad guys on the west side, they’re going to see a whole different way we’re going to police,” he added.
Similar to his role as police chief, he plans to be out on the streets more than inside an office, initially focusing attention on Deltona, the largest city in the county. He said he will improve current technology by enhancing the department’s real-time crime center, creating a CompStat program, installing license tag readers countywide and regularly meeting and greeting citizens.
In addition to the new sheriff, Larry Bartlett has taken the reins of the office of property appraiser. At age 61, Bartlett has been a corporate and real estate attorney since 1979. Residing in Ormond Beach, he is excited to bring his legal experience to his newly elected office.
Bartlett said he wants to use technology to save taxpayers money and to ensure residents know the crucial deadlines to apply for all allowable property tax exemptions. In an interview with the Daytona Beach News-Journal back in August, he said he plans to improve the quality of service the office delivers. He aims to do that through good teamwork, listening to the public and increased professional development.
His top three priorities as property appraiser include:
For more information about Volusia County Sheriff, Mike Chitwood, please visit http://www.volusiasheriff.org/ and for information Volusia County Property Appraiser, Larry Bartlett, please visit http://vcpa.vcgov.org/.