Energy - Enthusiasm - Experience

Go For Chris - Chris Lukowiak for Mayor of Palmetto

Experience in Transportation...I work closely with the Metropolitan Planning Organization, ensuring that Palmetto gets its fair share of funding for transportation improvements. We are involved in a mobility study to address better movement and transportation options throughout the City. We are partnering with the FDOT and the City of Bradenton to examine bridge congestion and mobility between the two downtowns.

Experience in Recreation...Working in Parks & Recreation in New Jersey, I learned about not only the technical requirements for park development and maintenance, but also the importance of recreational programs and outdoor, open space for youth. Busy, physically fit children are better students and are less likely to get into trouble. Municipal recreation programs allow residents to meet one another in a social setting and allows for other interested adults to play a role in the "village raising our children." In Palmetto, I've supported the development of recreation activities and serve as the Vice-President of the Board of the Palmetto Youth Center.

Experience in Personnel Management...Throughout my career, I have directly managed up to 300 personnel. I have worked in the Civil Service system, served as an employee representative, and trained both peers and subordinates. As the Director of the Department of Public Works in Palmetto, I am responsible for about 60 of the City's approximately 130 employees.

Experience in Emergency Management...I am certified in the National Incident Management System and have been a First Responder for approximately 15 years. I have had first hand experience in responding to emergency situations - keeping staff and affected residents calm, safe and motivated. In Palmetto, I have been working with staff and experienced emergency managers, and have developed a top-notch Hurricane Preparedness Plan certain to help us to overcome challenges should the unthinkable become reality.

Experience in Recycling...I have initiated new recycling programs twice, and earned SWANA certification as a recycling manager. I negotiated the Palmetto contract with Waste Management to include recycling education and services.

Experience in Finance...I have been involved in planning, projecting and creating multi-million dollar budgets for about 20 years, and then tracking and living within those budgets. I am experienced in monitoring projects to ensure that we meet grant and regulatory requirements.

Experience in Water...I serve on the Manatee County Water Alliance Board, a group that works to ensure the future supply of quality water. I prepare for & distribute Consumer Confidence Reports, annually sent out in water bills to let residents know that we are constantly monitoring our water quality, and providing a safe drinking water system. I work closely with FDEP and SWFWMD regarding our treatment of wastewater and stormwater, creating innovative treatment and disposal programs.

SOLUTIONS - NOT PROMISES:

HAVE YOU NOTICED? Look around Palmetto and notice the improvements thru all of the City. Just a few examples include:

1) Longstanding flooding problems have been resolved on:

· 10^th St. W. between 24^th Ave. and 28^th Ave.

· Jackson Park’s 4^th and 5^th Avenues

· 14^th Ave. W., 10^th Ave. W., 15^th St. W. and 17^th St. W.

2) A section of “old Palmetto” bounded by 5^th St. W. and 7^th St. W. has received updated streets, water, sewer, and drainage facilities.

3) Ward 1, between 10^th St. W. and 12^th St. W. (2^nd Ave. to 5^th Ave.) has received updated sewer, water, drainage, streets, etc.

4) Multiple property sales, swaps, and donations have been arranged that will finally bring Palmetto a new Elementary School.