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Cindy Pearce is in the race for LaBelle Treasurer/City Commissioner. Cindy has been assertive in preparing herself for this role by becoming familiar with current city issues. She has taken the initiative to actively participate in city commission meetings for the past 16 months. The foundation has been set to take her engagement with community service to a higher level. She’s ready to “make it official.”

When asked why she thought she’d make a good city commissioner, Cindy said, “On a daily basis, I am thrown into situations that require advanced leadership and communication skills. I am the Operations & Production Manager at a fast paced printing company. The manufacturing environment I work in requires focus, flexibility, composure, and the ability to motivate the team to achieve lofty goals. I am continually listening and open-minded to differing viewpoints before creating the strategic plan.”

Cindy was raised in a large family who were steadfast in their dedication to community. She said, “My family gave generously of themselves, and placed value in the power of serving the community and doing volunteer work. They instilled core values that showed integrity, honesty, duty, honor and service.” Cindy lights up when she speaks about family memories, recounting, “My Dad served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, while Mom had her hands full managing five children. My late husband Carl Baker served in Vietnam and also volunteered generously in our community. After his death, I was strongly moved to stay engaged in the community and continue our legacy of contribution to others.”

Her parents were long time LaBelle residents, and when Cindy came here to live at the age of 17, she did so with the commitment to civic duty she had been shown all her life.

Her service to LaBelle has taken-on many forms, including her passion for military Veterans’ causes. As the daughter and widow of military Veterans, and a longtime auxiliary member in local Veteran’s organizations, she understands the sacrifice, dedication and needs of Veterans and their families.

She has done her part over the past ten years in planning, organizing and fundraising for LaBelle’s Veterans Park and supporting other veterans fundraising events.

But her dedication does not end there. Everyone in this community has benefited from Cindy’s active support and hard work as a three-year member of the Swamp Cabbage Festival Committee, which is one of the largest fundraisers for LaBelle. Her energetic commitment can also be seen in her work with the LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Council, when time allows.

Her other memberships include the First Christian Church of LaBelle, where she enjoys working with the youth of the church and assisting with the Christian Woman’s Fellowship in various projects. She also participates in the LaBelle Heritage Museum and the Printing Association of America.

Cindy attended Florida Southwestern University where her studies emphasized Computer Technologies, Data Networking and Business Administration. All of her professional work experience and community service engagement s have culminated in her desire to run for city office.

Cindy stated, “The city needs continued improvement and development within its borders, which is difficult when dealing with limited budgets. The downtown area has really shown progress, she said, along with the city’s continued support of recreation.”

She appreciates the work and headway accomplished by the current commissioners and staff and would like the opportunity to participate in an official capacity.

Cindy believes she can apply her hard-earned experience in leadership, management and procurement to city business. She explains that she uses these skills daily and hopes to have the opportunity to translate them to the new challenges of city government. She said her level headedness and ability to find common ground among different people would serve her and her fellow LaBelle residents well.

Cindy tells the voters: “I am passionate about LaBelle. I care about the future of this city and its residents. I consider myself a guardian of our social consciousness and support working toward common goals. I also want to be an advocate for our individual property and zoning rights ensuring healthy financial growth and development, while maintaining the small town feel of our city. The residents and business owners that have built this community need to be represented by someone who will champion new ideas and take a fresh look at how we do things. I have the desire, the focus, and the energy to give this commission.”