Candidate: Cheryl Plaugher, Rep
Email: CherylPlaughercampaign@gmail.com
Phone: 904-412-6913
Campaign website: https://www.cherylfornassaufl.com/
Q: Why did you decide to run for County Commission?
A: I decided to run because I became increasingly frustrated with the direction of our local government. Like many residents, I became engaged, met with elected officials, and left disappointed when promises weren’t matched by actions or accountability. Instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining, I decided to step forward and be part of the solution.
I’ve built my career in the private sector, where responsible budgeting, planning and accountability are expected every day. I’ve also been a law enforcement wife for more than 20 years, which has given me a deep appreciation for selfless service and putting the needs of others before your own. That mindset is exactly what I will bring to the County Commission.
I’m not running to build a political career. I’m running to serve the community my family proudly calls home and to help ensure Nassau County remains a place where future generations can enjoy the same quality of life we’ve been blessed with.
Q: As you’ve campaigned, what concerns are residents voicing, and how will you address them?
A: The concerns I hear most often are rapid growth, rising taxes, lack of transparency, traffic and infrastructure, protecting our natural resources and preserving the character of Nassau County. Many residents feel growth has outpaced our infrastructure and that citizens haven’t had enough of a voice in decisions that directly affect their communities.
If elected, I’ll work to ensure growth pays for growth by requiring developers to fairly contribute to the infrastructure their projects require rather than shifting those costs to taxpayers. I’ll advocate for a complete independent budget analysis to identify opportunities to improve efficiency before asking taxpayers for more money, and I’ll support rolling the millage rate back to the rollback rate whenever it’s financially responsible to do so.
Residents have also expressed significant concern about proposed data center development. Based on the proposals currently before the County and the information available today, I oppose large-scale data center development because of its potential impacts on our environment, infrastructure, water resources and quality of life.
Most importantly, I’ll remain accessible and committed to listening. Good government starts with listening to the people you were elected to serve.
Q: What perspectives and experience will you bring that differentiate you from other candidates?
A: I bring a perspective shaped by both private-sector experience and a family dedicated to public service.
My career has taught me that budgets reflect priorities. Every dollar should have a purpose, every project should be measured against results, and every expenditure should be accountable to the taxpayers who fund it. I believe government should operate with the same fiscal responsibility families and businesses practice every day.
For more than 20 years, I’ve also had a front-row seat to the sacrifices made by law enforcement and first responders. That experience has given me a deep appreciation for servant leadership and the importance of ensuring those who protect our communities have the resources and support they need to do their jobs safely.
I’m not a career politician. I’m a resident who became involved because I believe Nassau County deserves better representation, responsible planning, transparent government and leaders willing to put citizens ahead of politics.
Q: What would you do in your first 100 days in office?
A: During my first 100 days, my priority will be laying the foundation for transparent, responsible government.
First, I’ll advocate for and make a motion to commission a complete independent third-party budget analysis so taxpayers have a clear understanding of how their money is being spent, identify inefficiencies, and ensure every tax dollar is being used wisely.
Second, I’ll begin working toward policies that ensure new development contributes its fair share toward the infrastructure and public safety needs it creates, so existing taxpayers aren’t left footing the bill.
Third, I’ll work to improve communication and transparency between the County Commission and residents by ensuring citizens receive meaningful notice and opportunities to participate before major decisions are made.
Finally, I’ll meet with county staff, public safety leaders, business owners, community organizations and residents throughout Nassau County to better understand their priorities and ensure their voices are reflected in county decisions.
Campaign promises only matter if they’re followed by action. If I’m fortunate enough to earn the trust of the voters, I won’t spend time celebrating; I’ll spend it getting to work. The citizens of Nassau County deserve elected officials who roll up their sleeves, deliver results and never lose sight of who they’re working for.
Q: What makes you a good representative of the Nassau County community?
A: I believe I’m a good representative because I’m living the same experiences as the people I’m asking to represent. I’m paying the same taxes, driving the same roads and sharing the same concerns about growth, public safety, and preserving the quality of life that makes Nassau County such a special place to call home.
I’ve spent years talking with residents across the county, not just at campaign events, but in neighborhoods, businesses, community meetings and everyday conversations. Those conversations have reinforced something I strongly believe: people want to be heard, respected, and represented.
My responsibility isn’t to represent special interests or political insiders. It’s to represent the people who live, work and raise their families here.
Whether someone voted for me or not, they’ll have a commissioner who returns calls, explains decisions, listens with respect and never forgets who they’re working for. That’s the kind of representation Nassau County deserves.
Note: The candidate’s photograph and statement are supplied by the candidate and are not endorsed by Nassau NewsLine.
