Hello Lake Helen

For those of you who are not familiar with me – I am Ryan Hannah, a native to Florida, born and raised in Titusville. My wife’s name is Lindsey and we bought a house across from Hopkins Hall about six years ago. Since living in Lake Helen we have added two more members to our family. Rue, our 4 year old son, and Brahma our family dog.

My educational background consists of a Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Central Methodist University in Missouri with a Minor in Business. I have been a State Certified General Contractor and small business owner for the past three years. My company name is HDG Construction, LLC. Lindsey has been teaching fourth grade at Volusia Pine Elementary for the last six years.

Since moving to Lake Helen we have developed a strong interest in the manner in which our city is governed and planned. Like most, the past three years has been a constant struggle between establishing a new business in a fledgling economy while balancing family responsibilities. With hard work, long hours and dedication we have managed to hang-on, survive and keep living.

Consequently, we feel an obligation to participate in activities and events that will take our city into the future. A part of our interest is how the young people are valued as they are essential components of the community. We are concerned with their input being considered, their ideas listened to, and how their future interests will be provided for.

Today’s economy has fostered an instinct in all of us to survive. We, as a community, have done this through the combined efforts of our hardworking City staff as well as community members keeping our noses to the grindstone and working our proverbial tails off. We have all been forced into survival mode in some way or another. These times seem to dictate who we are and how hard we work.

Lake Helen will never be a significant industrial or job center type of city. However, the decision makers leading Lake Helen into the future must continue to preserve Lake Helen’s small town image and character. While doing this the leaders must also do what is necessary to strengthen existing businesses and provide an environment that will encourage new business and jobs.

It is my feeling that in a small town like Lake Helen, community seems to be everything for most and at an arms length away for some. Community gives us a break from our daily grind and allows us to interact with our neighbors. Sadly, it seems that Lake Helen has lost its “buzz” over the past three years. I would like to see this “buzz” return to our community. However, I strongly believe this can de done without residents policing residents, and with minimal finger pointing. Instead of focusing on shortcomings, we can focus on successes. We need to participate in rectifying the issues not just highlighting them. I think it is sometimes forgotten how much impact a pleasant conversation can have in helping to fix issues/situations or in opening a line of communication.

With this being said, it is my greatest desire to serve the citizens of Lake Helen. I think my experiences, knowledge, dedication and exuberance is something I can provide to Lake Helen to help focus her future.