On the Ballot: Helen Voltz, Candidate for West Melbourne City Council

Helen Voltz moved to Florida in 1968 and has lived in Brevard County since 1978. She and her late husband, Norman, raised three sons, two of whom have passed away. A registered nurse, Helen served three years on the Palm Bay City Council and eight years on the Brevard County Commission. She holds a bachelor's degree from Barry University and an MBA from Webster University. She joined the West Melbourne City Council in 2023 and was elected in 2024. Helen volunteers with several organizations and attends Coastline Community Church, where she serves in children's ministry and on the prayer team.

Why are you running for West Melbourne City Council?

I was privileged to be appointed to this position in 2023 because of all my experience, then I ran for election in 2024 and won a two-year seat. I believe that I have made a difference since being on Council and want to continue to make a difference. I believe that God has called me into politics, something that I never wanted to be involved with. When God calls, I answer.

What does it mean to you to be a Brevard resident?

I'm very proud to be a Brevard County resident. When I first moved to Florida after I got married in 1968, we moved to Broward County. After living there for 10 years, even though we were not Christians at that time, we did realize that we did not want to raise our three boys in the school system there, so on our way home from vacation in 1978, we stopped in Palm Bay, put $600 down on a new house and when it was finished being built, we moved to Brevard in December of 1978 and we never looked back. Brevard has always been a dream come true for me.

What is the top issue driving your campaign, and what can voters expect you to do about it?

The top issue right now is our water system. We are currently purchasing water from the City of Melbourne. And as of Jan. 1, 2027, the new West Melbourne water treatment plant will be up and running. This water will not be coming from Lake Washington, but from the aquifer, so it will be much better water.

Next is managed growth. We have very little vacant land left in the city, so we need to be very careful how we use it.

Also, we are debt-free as a city and the citizens need to be proud of the management of the money they give to us as we handle it very well; there is no waste.

What is one misconception people may have about you or your platform?

I think that when I vote for a rezoning of a parcel of land and citizens don't want it rezoned, most of them don't realize that there are property rights and people who own the land do have a right to rezone their land as long as it is cohesive with the surrounding area. People think we can just deny anything, when we just can't. It's always about the way I vote, some people support the way I vote and some don't, but I can't please everyone.

How has your Christian faith shaped your life, and how can voters expect it to influence your approach to public office?

I have never shied away from my beliefs as a Christian. When it comes time for the 'moment of silence' at the beginning of each council meeting, I pray out loud in Jesus' name and no one has ever said anything to me about doing it. I have no problems bringing my faith into any decision I'm about to make.

People know where I stand, some like it and some don't, but I'm not going to change who I am. Honesty and integrity have always been part of everything I do and who I am.

Readers can learn more, contact the campaign, or support Helen Voltz by emailing helenvoltz@gmail.com, or by calling 321-837-7774.

— Christians of Brevard is a multi-church initiative that seeks to amplify the voices of local churches and ministries for the purpose of encouraging the local body of Christ and advancing the Kingdom of God. Join our Facebook community @ChristiansOfBrevard