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Volusia County Council Candidates Debate Affordable Housing, Infrastructure

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 16:34 GMT by The Daytona Beach News-Journal
      Locale: UNITED STATES

DEBARY, FL - January 30th, 2026 - Volusia County Council candidates faced a vocal electorate at a town hall meeting held Thursday evening at the Debary Library. Approximately 75 residents gathered to hear from the four individuals vying for two key seats on the council: Christy Winters Snow and Travis Tomlinson for the District 4 race, and Barbara Kuhn and Jake Fewing for District 2.

The evening's discussion centered around the pressing issues facing Volusia County, including the escalating affordable housing crisis, aging infrastructure, environmental protection, and responsible budgetary management. Each candidate presented their vision for addressing these challenges, often highlighting distinct approaches reflective of their respective party affiliations and individual priorities.

Affordable Housing: A Central Concern

The lack of affordable housing dominated much of the conversation. It's become increasingly clear that the dream of homeownership, or even securing reasonably priced rentals, is slipping out of reach for a growing segment of Volusia County residents. Tomlinson emphasized a collaborative approach, advocating for partnerships with developers to incentivize the construction of more affordable units. Winters Snow echoed this sentiment, specifically proposing incentives for developers willing to incorporate affordable housing into their projects. However, Fewing took a broader perspective, arguing that merely increasing supply isn't enough. He stressed the need to address the root causes of the crisis - low wages and limited job opportunities - proposing strategies to boost economic prospects for residents.

Kuhn offered a more procedural solution, advocating for streamlining the permitting process for developers, theoretically reducing costs and accelerating construction. While acknowledging the issue's complexity, she believes reducing bureaucratic hurdles is a crucial first step.

Infrastructure: Repairing the Foundation

Beyond housing, the state of Volusia County's infrastructure emerged as another key point of contention. Tomlinson prioritized immediate repairs to existing roads and improvements to the overall transportation network. He painted a picture of proactive maintenance as essential to prevent further deterioration and costly future repairs. Winters Snow, however, looked towards long-term solutions, proposing investments in public transportation systems to alleviate traffic congestion and promote sustainable mobility.

Fewing expanded the scope of infrastructure discussion, suggesting the exploration of alternative transportation methods, such as dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly walking trails, to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce reliance on automobiles. Kuhn, mirroring her approach to housing, focused on securing external funding - from state and federal agencies - to finance necessary infrastructure projects.

Environmental Stewardship & Fiscal Responsibility

Environmental concerns were also prevalent, with the Indian River Lagoon receiving particular attention. Winters Snow passionately advocated for the protection of the region's natural resources, recognizing the ecological and economic importance of preserving the lagoon's health. Tomlinson, taking a more regulatory approach, emphasized the importance of rigorous enforcement of existing environmental regulations. Fewing championed a forward-thinking strategy, calling for investment in renewable energy sources to reduce the county's carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Kuhn reinforced the theme of sustainability, suggesting promotion of practices which are eco-friendly and financially viable.

Turning to the county budget, candidates presented differing philosophies. Winters Snow emphasized the importance of prioritizing funding for essential services like public safety and education, arguing that these are foundational to a thriving community. Tomlinson advocated for fiscal conservatism, stressing the need for controlled spending and potential tax reductions. Fewing proposed a growth-oriented strategy, suggesting investment in economic development initiatives to stimulate job creation and increase tax revenue. Kuhn sought a middle ground, aiming to identify new revenue streams without resorting to tax increases.

The town hall, expertly moderated by representatives from the League of Women Voters of Volusia County, provided a valuable platform for residents to engage directly with the candidates and gain insight into their platforms. With the election rapidly approaching, the issues raised at the Debary Library are likely to continue shaping the debate and influence voters as they prepare to cast their ballots.