He’s originally from Michi-gan, but Rep. Gary Aubuchon has called Southwest Florida home for nearly three decades, and in that time he’s gone from wildly successful Realtor and developer to politician.
Speaking in front of the Southwest Cape Coral Neighborhood Association Wednesday night, Aubuchon said it is important to reach out to the community, especially one he lives in.
He’s lived in the Southwest Cape home for more than 20 years, and was also a member of association.
He said it is important for people to know he is always available to them.
“I’m working hard and fast and my door is always open,” he said.
Aubuchon touched on a number of legislative issues, including marathon sessions that delivered a balanced state budget without the benefit of new taxes and fees.
Other highlights of Aubuchon’s presentation include:
— The tax free back-to-school holiday returns this year Aug. 12-14, and features no sales tax on clothing items up to $75 and school supplies up to $15.
— Legislation that would require drug testing for those receiving public assistance.
— The privatization of prisons throughout the state of Florida.
— First-time home buyer exemptions of up to $50,000, which voters will be able to decide in 2012.
— Gov. Rick Scott has sold the state’s two airplanes used exclusively for travel by the governor’s cabinet.
— The “stripping down” of the state’s Department of Community Affairs, putting more decision-making power for land use regulations into the hands of local municipalities.
Aubuchon also said he’d be seeking his fourth consecutive two-year term in the house in 2012. Each representative serves a maximum of four, two-year terms.
Ever since his arrival in Southwest Florida, Aubuchon said it has been important to serve the public, and he would continue to do so as he seeks his fourth term.
“Its an honor,” he said. “This was always a goal of mine, to serve at the state level.”