Vote for Karen Michalski
- I'm running for Temple Terrace City Council
- Build our city’s financial strength.
- Promote local businesses.
- Advocate for smart development.
- Protect and grow our tree canopy.
- Foster communication between city and residents.
- Encourage and support visitor and resident engagement.
Like many Floridians, I moved from the cold north, Michigan for me, to Florida, finally settling in Hillsborough County in 1998. While pursuing degrees in chemistry and math at USF, I tutored and worked at the Columbia Restaurant. My studies at USF helped spark my environmental awareness, leading to my involvement with the Sierra Club Tampa Bay and attendance at Hillsborough County meetings like HART, MPO, BOCC, Zoning, Planning Commission, ELAPP and various community events. In 2014, I moved just outside Temple Terrace. Since then, I have been shopping at and supporting Temple Terrace area businesses. I chose to reside in Temple Terrace for our elevation, trees and city living, and in 2021, I finally found my home with beautiful terrazzo floors on a tree-lined street! I understand the importance of code enforcement, zoning and comprehensive plan policies. Temple Terrace is a beautiful city because of this! These experiences and self-learning about policy, collaboration, compromise and decision-making make me the best candidate for Temple Terrace City Council.
My frugal college days and experience as a treasurer for the Sierra Club have prepared me to bring a creative, conservative approach to our city’s finances. We must continue our financial strength with smart economic decisions. As an environmentalist for two decades, I know how to support our natural resources (parks, tree canopy, golf course, and riverfront) as well as promote our Arbor Foundation Tree City designation and our golf course’s national registry of historical places. As an environmental advocate for the last decade, I have enjoyed being of service to our community and am dedicated to improving it, making me the best-qualified candidate for City Council.
I'm running to continue our City of Temple Terrace’s momentum beyond our centennial celebration! Please vote for me, Karen Michalski, for City Council.
Endorsements
Experience
As an environmental advocate for over a decade, I learned that policy determined either compatible or incompatible staff recommendation for a development request, zoning change or even a home design. We have a beautiful city because of our code enforcement. I will be circumspect for policy changes and budget spending. I will be an effective Temple Terrace City Council member on Day 1.
My vision for Temple Terrace is a city that encourages visitors and residents engagement, that shares information, and that plans for now and future generations.
Prepared
As a scientist, I use results, theories, and test methods to solve issues just like an elected official uses policies and community impact to make decisions. My dedication and passion for knowledge and community have prepared me to responsibly serve on the Temple Terrace City Council. On Day 1, I am ready to collaborate with my fellow Council members to keep Temple Terrace's momentum beyond our 2025 Centennial.