On the Ballot: Richard Dockery, Candidate for Grant-Valkaria Town Council
In our “On the Ballot” series, Christians of Brevard is asking local Christian candidates for office five simple questions about faith, leadership, and public service.
Richard Dockery is a 19-year resident of Brevard County and a member of Grace Bible Church in Bayside Lakes. A U.S. Army veteran and business leader, he has more than 30 years of executive leadership and financial management experience. Richard and his wife, Maria, have lived in Florida since 2007, raised three children, and founded Femme Fatale Arms & Training. He currently works as a transition chief information officer for a company that supports colleges and universities nationwide, helping revitalize IT departments through operational, financial, and staffing development.
Why are you running for Grant-Valkaria Town Council?
There are currently four council seats and the mayor's seat open. Grant-Valkaria has not had a contested election for 14 years, and several of the current council members are the same people who founded the town 20 years ago. The founding council did a great job establishing this beautiful rural community. However, with the rapid population growth in Brevard County, we are facing many new challenges with development, new legislation, and growing pressure to become something other than the rural community we have always been. My goal in running for council is to preserve the great community we have and to maintain the rural nature and local culture for ourselves and coming generations.
What does it mean to you to be a Brevard resident?
I love Brevard County and would not want to live anywhere else. Brevard is one of the most Christian, conservative, patriotic communities I have encountered. We also have considerable natural areas and beaches, as well as small businesses, great restaurants, and a self-supportive community environment. I also enjoy the level of safety and security provided to us by the leadership Sheriff Wayne Ivey provides, putting Brevard County on the map as a strong law-and-order community and serving as an example to the remainder of the nation.
What is the top issue driving your campaign, and what can voters expect you to do about it?
My top issue is preserving the nature and culture of Grant-Valkaria from overdevelopment. Many people believe our charter protects the community already, but that is far from reality, as we have current ordinances as well as new legislation from the state that bypass the protections the charter was intended to provide. What we need is proactive thinking, strategic planning, and to be actively taking steps to not only head off overdevelopment but to prevent it from becoming an issue up front. That will be one of my primary initiatives on the board. Other issues include fiscal development to account for the upcoming Amendment 3 tax legislation that will enable us to continue to support the needs of the town while allowing our residents to enjoy the tax relief the bill provides.
What is one misconception people may have about you or your platform?
People think I am 100% against all development. Development must be controlled and strategically located in areas that do not impact the residents and do not change the rural character and nature of the town. Thoughtful and strategic measures will control the what, where, and how much. This is where we need to get creative and be proactive.
How has your Christian faith shaped your life, and how can voters expect it to influence your approach to public office?
My faith and study have had an influence on every aspect of my life and have enabled me to see very clearly the role of government and how its design has been divinely influenced. We don't just have a form of government in this country; we have a mechanism that protects that which God has provided us all. A boundary that holds back the nature of man from imposing his will on others and, through position, abusing all our Creator has given. These principles apply to every level of government, from town council to the presidency, and serve as a guide to how we serve others on behalf of Him. As a council member, I will serve the people of Grant-Valkaria accordingly.
Readers can learn more, contact the campaign, or support Richard Dockery at voteforricharddockery.com.
— 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
