By Deborah Mitchell

I am Deborah Mitchell. I am running for Commissioner of Pct. 2 to positively impact and progressively change the lives of Orange Countians.

As your Commissioner, I am committed to being on the job full time, and advocate for all citizens and families.

I will make my decisions with integrity, passion, experience and transparency.

I will seek input from knowledgeable staff and community engagement via scheduling monthly Precinct meeting to hear your voices, issues and other comments.

I have lived in this community for the past 40 years.

I married and moved to Orange with my husband and we raised 5 children. I am a graduate of Lamar Institute of Technology and attended Lamar University. My experience includes Licensed Day Care Director, retired WOCCISD County-wide Head Start as Family Services Manager, SETX first 21st Century After School Coordinator.

I wrote a one-time RITA Recovery Hurricane grant and I conducted Administrative duties including hiring staff, staff training, payroll; overseeing the grant funding, planning and the execution of daily scheduling, activities and community outreach.

I was the first to partner with the SETX Food Bank to have a Kids Cafe, feeding hot meals afterschool.

I served two elected terms on the Orange City Council (budget, personnel other city business) and a graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas.

Received the JC PENNEY outstanding Community Award, State of Texas Outstanding Community Parental Engagement Award

Organized numerous health fairs and Celebrity Breakfast honoring other’s contributions.

I am a facilitator and speaker. I am a passionate hands on person and physically served and represented our community during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey. As a Harvey evacuee, I partnered with churches in Louisiana to assist Orange County residents to ensure their needs were met.

I volunteered at several churches and for numerous organizations; my task included organizing donations, handing out gift cards and serving food on site and door to door.

I have worked diligently to earn your Vote with my own merit, out-reach service, volunteerism, representation and leadership.

During the flooding, I visited the Beaumont Lamar University Shelter and served as an advocate and liaison speaking to all Orange County resident and provided clothing.

I am committed to researching solutions that will enhance this County!

My community involvement includes:

SETX Senior Volunteer, Altrusa (Vice-President), Member of Gate City Guild #42, Lions Club (member), Orange NAACP Secretary, Sister to Sister Co-Founder, Greater Orange Area Literacy Co-Founder, SETX Foster Grandparent Advisory board, Salvation Army Advisory Board member and volunteer Orange Train Depot Museum board member

I was instrumental in securing Foster Grandparents for Orange County Schools

One of three Coordinators for the Lion’s Den Playground

Serve as an advisory board member of the County Agri-Life

Committee member for Orange Back to School

I have served as:

Habitats for Humanities board member

I am an active member of my church and believe in assisting with youth, families and more importantly spreading the gospel of love and peace and justice.

I am the “real deal.” I will talk the talk and walk the walk.

As a transient moving to Orange, I have embraced our rich culture and desire to serve in leadership that will grow our county collaboratively.

I am capable and ready to confront the issues for Progressive Change and to work with staff, citizens and others to improve and grow Orange County

• Taxes – spend wisely and you will know
• Economic Development – incentives as feasible /tax abatement to recruit new business!
• Advertise Resources – Piney Woods, River Front, Bass tournament, Port of Orange, mom and pop business
• Diversify our resources.
• Support all Chambers
• Recruit businesses that will provide service, employment and buy-in
• Resolve issues of clean ditches, upgrade roads and county other services.
• Countywide internet towers and accessibility
• No to “loop” being paid for by Orange County residents
• Promote a conducive staff environment
• I support a hospital that will bring qualified staff and quality health care.
• I will continue to work hard and be visible during Disasters and to seek available resources for families and the county.

As Your Elected Commissioner, I vow:

• To work collectively as an individual and a member of the commissioner court
• To represent You/County with a sound mind and openness
• To respect everyone equally without prejudice
• To represent with dignity and compassion
• To listen to You and to gladly participate in open dialogue
• To communicate

Vote Deborah Mitchell