Jill Cranney-Gage for Mosquito Control:

District chair looks to save taxpayer dollars

BY TERRY SCHMIDA

Florida Keys Mosquito Control District Chair Jill Cranney-Gage is banking on her fiscal prudence to see her through next year’s reelection campaign.

The District 1 commissioner, first elected in 2012 stresses her business background, and commitment to public service, as she seeks another four-year term, as a Republican on the five-member board.

“Over the last three years I’ve tried to look at all the alternatives out there before making decisions,” Cranney-Gage said. “I’ve also looked at ways to think outside the box; to finance our new building without raising taxes. I think I’ve been very transparent. I really just want to continue working hard for the taxpayers.”

Cranney-Gage is a mother of three, who has lived in Key West for 26 years.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from St. Leo University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Kaplan University.

She has worked as the senior accountant for the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority, and the district administrator of the Lower Florida Keys Hospital District Board, for 10 years. Cranney-Gage is also the treasurer of the Key West Rotary Club, the assistant finance director at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and is “heavily involved” in her children’s school and sports events.

As an advocate of sound public finances, Cranney-Gage uses the example of the live streaming of bug board meetings to make her point.

“We decided to purchase one camera, and meet in one building, rather than to hold meetings up and down the Keys,” she said. “As a taxpayer myself, I want to make sure that all our tax dollars are well spent. In fact, we haven’t raised taxes in four years.”

At the same time, Cranney-Gage points to areas where the district has increased its use of technology to accomplish its mission.

“We’re now doing field conversions with GPS and mapping, and have invested in new software,” she said. “Whether the money is spent on the ground, or in the air, there has been no waste.”

Looking ahead to future challenges, Cranney-Gage wants Florida Keys Mosquito Control to continue to be “one of the most advanced districts in the word . . . a leader in technology.”

She also sees “ironing out different options” to pay for the district’s new building as a big issue moving forward.

“The mosquitoes develop resistance, so we’re constantly having to try out and test new chemicals,” Cranney-Gage said. “We have to make sure we don’t have another outbreak in Key West. It’s a constant challenge and battle, but I’m proud to be on the board of this great agency, with our hard-working staff. I plan to run on what I’ve done, and to keep being responsible and transparent.”

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