Stephanie C. Vazquez

Advocate for new development to include housing options for working families and seniors, not just high-end builds

Strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. In Pasco County, teachers are underpaid, classrooms are overcrowded, and resources are stretched thin, even as development continues at a rapid pace. For Stephanie, this is personal. Her husband has been an educator in Pasco County for over 15 years, and together they are raising six children who have grown up in Pasco schools. We cannot keep approving growth that outpaces our schools. As County Commissioner, Stephanie Vazquez will: Advocate for responsible growth that aligns with school capacity Push for stronger coordination between development decisions and school planning Support efforts to improve teacher pay and retention Prioritize county decisions that protect and strengthen public education When we invest in our schools, we invest in Pasco’s future.

Recent storms have made it clear that poor planning and rapid development are making flooding and storm damage worse across the county. Too many neighborhoods are dealing with water where it shouldn’t be, and the risk is growing. Disaster preparedness should be built into every decision we make, not treated as an afterthought. As County Commissioner, Stephanie Vazquez will: Prioritize modern stormwater systems and drainage improvements in high-risk areas Support flood risk assessments before approving major developments Encourage new projects to include stormwater upgrades, tree canopy, and design that reduces heat and runoff Protect natural systems like wetlands and open land that help absorb water and reduce flooding Push for long-term planning that reflects how quickly Pasco is growing We cannot keep making decisions that put families at greater risk. It’s time to plan ahead and protect the communities we already have.

Pasco families have had to tighten their belts. County government should be willing to do the same. As the cost of groceries, insurance, housing, and everyday necessities continues to rise, families are making difficult financial decisions every day. I believe county government should be held to the same standard. Before asking taxpayers to contribute more, we should make sure we're making the best use of every dollar we already have.

As County Commissioner, Stephanie Vazquez will: Ask tough questions before approving new spending or expanding government Review contracts and consultant spending to ensure taxpayers are receiving real value Look for efficiencies and eliminate duplication whenever possible Prioritize responsible budgeting while protecting essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and emergency response Increase transparency so residents can better understand how their tax dollars are being spent Fight for a county government that tightens its belt before asking taxpayers to do more Every line in the county budget represents money that came from someone who worked hard to earn it. Pasco residents deserve a commissioner who will treat taxpayer dollars with the same care and responsibility families use to manage their own household budgets.

Advocate for developers to pay their fair share for road improvements tied to their projects