About Kat
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I have a deep-seated love for God and Country. I come from a career military family. Like myself, my Father, three brothers, and husband are also Veterans and retirees from military service. Our parents raised us in a loving Christian home where respect, responsibility, discipline, and service to others was not only taught but expected.
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I am a product of Volusia County. I was raised in Orange City. I attended Our Lady of Lakes Catholic Church in Deltona. I was schooled at St. Peter’s Catholic School in DeLand, Deltona Jr. High School, and DeLand Senior High School. After I retired from the military and returned to Volusia County, I graduated from Daytona State College.
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I was so eager to begin a life in service to our Country that I joined the military just three months after I turned 17. I was privileged to serve 22 years in the World’s Finest Navy! My upbringing and military service instilled in me, to my very core, to live a life of service to others. Core values of honor, courage, and commitment resonate within my soul. I will be faithful to these same principles as I make educated decisions that will affect our residents.
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I believe in reaching across the table, across the aisle, and across city boundaries to speak with and listen to residents and elected officials. I believe residents should ask questions, expect answers, require fiscal responsibility, and ethical accountability. When Volusia County's 16 cities team up and work together, Volusia County will be better, stronger, and more efficient because of those efforts. Together, we can reach a common goal: to provide residents with a balance between quality of life, public services, environmental protection, and smart development.
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Honesty and transparency are paramount as a public servant. I pledge to seek and speak the truth on all matters that impact our community. I will be loyal to the residents of Port Orange by ensuring the resources entrusted to me are used and preserved in an intentional and efficient manner. I fully realize that today’s decisions make tomorrow’s history.
Kat Atwood.
Councilwoman, Port Orange, District 2
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