Barbara Bonarrigo
“Working together for a better Ormond Beach”
Awards and Accolades
“It is my pleasure to appoint you to the Florida Small Business Development Center Network Statewide Advisory board. Your appointment is evidence of my utmost confidence in your ability to serve with excellent and distinction."
- Governor Ron DeSantis
Barbara on the Radio!
Barbara Bonarrigo was a featured guest recently on Southern Sense Talk Radio. Listen to the interview!
Southern Sense is conservative talk with Annie "The Radio Chick-A-Dee" Ubelis, and Vickie Tonkins, guest co-host. Informative, fun, irreverent and politically incorrect, you never know where we'll go, but you'll love the journey!
Barbara's Story
Barbara Bonarrigo's life journey is truly inspiring, and her story is a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and love for her community. Born and raised in Germany, Barbara's life took an unexpected turn when she met her husband while on vacation in Switzerland in 1989. It was the start of a new chapter in her life, and she embraced it with open arms.
As a green card holder in 1990, Barbara devoted herself to building her career and raising her family. She pursued her passion for cosmetology and obtained her license while raising two young children. Despite the demands of motherhood, Barbara also had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and opened a hair salon, which she successfully operated for five years.
In 2002, Barbara took another leap of faith and opened her first tanning salon, which quickly expanded to four salons and twenty employees. At the same time, she worked as the CFO of her family's metal manufacturing company, which had over forty employees and an annual revenue of $5 million. It's clear that Barbara is a natural-born leader with a keen eye for business.
Despite the economic collapse in 2009, Barbara persevered through the tough times and continued to give back to her community. She became a United States citizen in 2007 and has been actively involved in her community ever since. Her passion for her community is evident in her work as the President of a women's political club in Volusia County and her appointment as a member of the cultural and arts council of Volusia County.
Barbara's story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a love for what you do. Her dedication to her family, career, and community is truly admirable, and it's clear that she is the kind of leader who will always put her constituents first.
“Together, we can shape our city's future, ensuring that it remains a wonderful place to live, work, and thrive."
- Barbara Bonarrigo
Ormond Beach, the city we call home, is gaining well-deserved attention for its exceptional qualities. As new residents flock to our beloved city, we face the challenge of accommodating this growth while addressing the concerns of our current residents. As a dedicated candidate for office, I am determined to find effective solutions to these pressing issues.
To manage growth, I advocate for a strategic approach rooted in our comprehensive plan and zoning regulations. The upcoming "live local Act" taking effect on July 1, 2023, will undoubtedly impact our area, necessitating swift adaptation from both the Ormond Beach City Commission and Volusia County Council.
Addressing property taxes requires a disciplined focus on maintaining a balanced budget, responsible spending, and proactive planning. With my business mindset, I am confident in bringing this financial acumen to our City Commission, ensuring our tax dollars are utilized efficiently and effectively.
Traffic congestion is a shared concern, and I have tangible proposals to alleviate this issue. By extending Tymber Creek Road to LPGA and widening Granada Blvd, we can enhance our transportation infrastructure. Furthermore, implementing smart traffic signals will optimize traffic flow, allowing for a smoother and more efficient commute for everyone.
While knowledge and experience are vital in governing, relationships are equally crucial. Understanding this, I have actively engaged with various boards such as the Human Resource Board, Leisure Service Board, and Adjustment and Appeals, enabling me to build valuable connections and gain a deep understanding of our City Commission's inner workings. This positions me to effectively navigate the system and achieve results for our community.
In Summary:
- Growth: Stick to comprehensive plan and zoning, adapt quickly to the "live local Act"
- Taxes: Stay on budget, limit spending, plan ahead
- Traffic: Extend Tymber Creek Road to LPGA, widen Granada Blvd, implement smart traffic signals for efficiency
- Relationships: Active involvement in boards to build connections and understand City Commission's workings
- Goal: Ease growing pains while preserving Ormond Beach's character and charm
I firmly believe that we can strike a balance, easing the growing pains while preserving the character and charm that make Ormond Beach so special. Together, we can shape our city's future, ensuring that it remains a wonderful place to live, work, and thrive.
