Palmetto Native Sheldon Jones Aims to be Next Commissioner
By Kelsey Mako
Fourth generation Palmetto resident and veteran Sheldon Jones stands out in the race for city commissioner with his well-defined platform, constructed upon decades of experience in the city. Jones plans to focus on business, infrastructure, and accountability, viewing them all as equally important.
“I’m pro-Palmetto. All I know is Palmetto,”
Jones said.
Jones intends to bring new businesses to Palmetto and improve the quality of small businesses. To do this, Jones suggests reexamining incentive programs and determining where tax breaks are possible. He also mentioned the importance of appearance, stating that buildings where new businesses could potentially be located need to be cleaned, painted, and well-maintained to attract those new businesses.
According to Jones, improvements in infrastructure are needed, specifically in the “inner-parts” of Palmetto. He said he wants to focus on bettering major roads and streetlights.
The importance of accountability in relation to himself and other city officials is emphasized by Jones. Jones said department heads need to be more accountable to their employees, and city workers need to do their jobs. “We need to be responsible. We need to answer their [the public’s] questions and concerns.”
Jones also related accountability to public safety, stating the necessity of funding the police department. Jones cited the amount police are paid in the Tampa Bay area as relatively low. “We need to give them [the police] raises,” he said.
Jones sees himself as the most qualified candidate because his platform is clearer and more defined than those of the other candidates.
“The other candidates haven’t said a word. They haven’t said anything they want for the city at all,”
Jones said.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army, Jones has experience in leadership positions. Through his tenure, Jones was certified to train future U.S. military soldiers. When Jones was eventually honorably discharged, he held the rank of Sergeant.
The time Jones has spent in Palmetto gives him the knowledge and preparation needed for the job, Jones said. For over seventeen years, Jones has been employed by the U.S Postal Service. “I’m a public servant; I see my constituents every day all over the city. That right there provides me with enough experience for this position.”
