Why Are Rebecca Bays and Diana Finegan Fighting So Hard for Citrus County's Future? Shocking Secrets Revealed!

The question on the minds of many in Citrus County is whether two prominent Republican Commissioners, Rebecca Bays and Diana Finegan, will run for re-election. The answer has come swiftly, as both have officially opened campaign accounts, signaling their intention to continue serving amid ongoing debates about growth, taxes, and infrastructure in the area.

Rebecca Bays, a landscape nursery owner from Inverness, is in her second four-year term, having previously served from 2010 to 2014. After a brief hiatus, she was re-elected in 2022. Her experience gives her a unique perspective on the county's evolving needs, particularly regarding economic development. Bays stated, “I am seeking re-election because Citrus County needs leadership that is honest, consistent, and willing to make tough decisions.” She has successfully secured a $9 million state grant aimed at economic development projects and has been a strong advocate for the Inverness Airport Business Park, where she helped attract its first tenant.

On the other hand, Diana Finegan, who co-owns an air-conditioning repair company with her husband, is in her first term and currently serves as the Chair of the County Commission. Finegan’s path to office was somewhat traditional; she became involved in local governance after advocating for noise restrictions against disruptive activities on the Homosassa River. This activism translated into a successful campaign where she won a hotly contested Republican primary and subsequently defeated a no-party candidate who had openly supported her.

Finegan has placed a strong emphasis on fiscal responsibility during her tenure, consistently opposing tax increases. She has even expressed skepticism about a potential local-option 1% sales tax increase referendum this November, stating that she does not believe voters will approve it. In her words, “I’m proud of the work I’ve done advocating for our citizens — saving thousands of dollars per property owner on wastewater projects, coordinating with state and local officials to help protect our waters, and consistently fighting against unnecessary tax increases.”

As Citrus County continues to face challenges related to rapid growth, the perspective of both Bays and Finegan on these issues is critical. Bays has championed policies that require new developments to bear their fair share of costs through impact fees and strict developer agreements. She articulated her stance clearly, noting, “Growth without accountability is not acceptable.”

Ultimately, both commissioners bring distinct experiences and priorities to the table as they prepare for their re-election campaigns. With the county's future at stake, their positions on growth, taxes, and infrastructure will likely play pivotal roles in shaping the outcomes of upcoming elections and the direction of Citrus County's policies.