Candidate Profile: Rick Singh

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If elected, what are the three most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?

1. Water is sacred to me. I was born in a place with no running water and no electricity, so I understand firsthand how precious clean water is.

That experience shapes how I view Florida’s greatest environmental responsibility. Protecting our water resources is one of the most important challenges facing our state. As Florida continues to grow, we must preserve our lakes, springs, wetlands, and aquifers while investing in infrastructure that supports responsible development and long-term sustainability. Protecting water means protecting public health, economic stability, and future generations.

Florida must also balance technological growth with affordability for families and small businesses. While data centers and other advanced industries are part of Florida’s future, they should contribute their fair share to the infrastructure demands they create.

At the same time, Florida should continue expanding clean, reliable energy sources such as solar and other renewable technologies. A diversified energy strategy strengthens grid reliability, supports growth, and helps reduce long-term costs for consumers.

Innovation, transparency, and strong consumer protection must remain central to utility regulation.

2. Affordability, economic opportunity and responsible government spending.

Floridians are feeling the squeeze from rising housing costs, insurance premiums, utilities, and everyday expenses. The long-term solution is to create more opportunities for Floridians to earn higher wages through strong economic development, workforce training, and attracting high-quality employers to our state.

Government must also do its part by operating efficiently, controlling costs, and eliminating waste so taxpayers are not asked to shoulder an even greater burden. I support expanding housing opportunities, promoting job creation, and ensuring public agencies deliver services in the most cost-effective manner possible.

The best affordability program is a good-paying job, and Florida must continue creating an environment where businesses can grow, invest, and provide career opportunities for our residents.

3. Transparency, Fiscal Accountability, and Public Trust.

The Clerk and Comptroller plays a critical role as an independent watchdog over public funds and court-related financial operations. I will ensure strong auditing practices, full transparency, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. My record as Property Appraiser includes operating under budget, maintaining clean audits, and returning millions in efficiencies back to taxpayers. Public trust is earned through accountability, consistency, and results, not words.

Why do you deserve to elected in this race?

My life reflects the American Dream. I came from humble beginnings in Guyana, served in the United States Army, built businesses, and became the first state-certified appraiser ever elected Orange County Property Appraiser.

I am not a career politician. I am a proven executive leader with decades of experience in government, business, real estate, and public service. Under my leadership, the Property Appraiser’s Office earned national and international recognition for innovation, customer service, and operational excellence while operating under budget and maintaining clean audits.

I am seeking to bring that same results-driven leadership to the Clerk’s Office to ensure it operates with efficiency, transparency, and respect for every citizen.

According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?

Floridians are experiencing rising costs across housing, insurance, utilities, and everyday living expenses. The most sustainable path to affordability is expanding economic opportunity. That means strong workforce development, education and training programs, and policies that attract and retain high-quality employers who provide good-paying jobs.

The long-term answer to affordability is not just reducing costs, but increasing earnings so families can thrive. Government also has a responsibility to operate efficiently, eliminate waste, and control spending so taxpayers are not burdened with unnecessary costs. I support expanding housing supply, encouraging job creation, and ensuring public agencies deliver services in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.

‍Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions?

Florida homeowners deserve meaningful tax relief, but any constitutional amendment must be carefully evaluated to ensure it does not undermine essential services that communities rely upon. Before taking a position, I want voters to have a clear understanding of the long-term fiscal impact and how local governments would adapt. I believe any lost revenue should first be addressed through improved efficiency, responsible budgeting, and economic growth rather than shifting the burden to higher fees or cuts to critical services such as public safety, courts, and infrastructure.

Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond?

Florida must ensure that growth does not come at the expense of affordability for residents and small businesses. Data centers and other large energy users should contribute fairly to the infrastructure and grid demands they create.

At the same time, Florida should aggressively expand clean and reliable energy sources such as solar and other renewable technologies. A diversified energy strategy improves reliability, supports long-term growth, and helps stabilize costs for consumers.

Innovation, transparency, and consumer protection must guide every regulatory decision.

What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida?

Protecting Florida’s water resources remains the most urgent environmental priority. Our lakes, springs, wetlands, and aquifers are central to public health, tourism, and the long-term economic success of our state. As Florida grows, responsible development must go hand in hand with strong environmental stewardship. We must invest in infrastructure that protects water quality, preserves natural systems, and ensures sustainability for future generations.

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