Skylar Zander, 22, entered politics with a natural interest in the process which only grew after he realized he could be a part of making changes that better fellow Floridians.
His first political job was with Rep. Charles Van Zant and former Senator and Education Commissioner Jim Horne; has worked for multiple local and statewide campaigns; and was elected chairman of the Clay County Young Professional Republicans at the age of 18. He now serves as Constitution and Bylaws Chairman for the Florida Federation of Young Republicans; and on the Clay County Soil and Water Management Board — in this role, he is the youngest elected official in the history of Clay County. Within his own community, Skylar was elected president of the Green Cove Springs Civic Association and was vice-chairman of the City of Green Cove Springs Planning and Zoning Board.
Skylar looks first for integrity when beginning a project or campaign, and has learned, “don’t promise more than you know you can deliver.” Take that in mind when reading what Skylar envisions for his future: “Accomplishing something great within the political process.”
Here is Skylar in his own words:
I am 22 years old.
I live in Green Cove Springs, Fla. … Am from Green Cove Springs, Fla. … I am still working on my bachelor of arts degree in political science. I hope to visit Honduras soon enough.
I entered politics because… I had a natural interest in the process and once I was a part of the political process I realized I could be a part of making changes that better fellow Floridians.
One principle I always put above politics is… Honesty. I also work hard to lift others up instead of tearing others down.
People who gave me my first shot: Representative Charles Van Zant and Former Senator/Education Commissioner Jim Horne
I’ve already worked for/on: I have worked for Public Defender of the 4th Judicial Circuit Matt Shirk, Jeff Kottkamp in his campaign for Attorney General, Rob Bradley in his campaign for Florida Senate, The Horne Group as an associate lobbyist, and Strategos Public Affairs as an associate lobbyist. I was elected chairman of the Clay County Young Professional Republicans when I was 18 years old in Clay County, Fla. I now serve as Constitution and Bylaws Chairman for the Florida Federation of Young Republicans. I am also the youngest elected official in the history of Clay County. I currently serve on the Clay County Soil and Water Management Board. I am also President of the Green Cove Springs Civic Association. I also served as vice-chairman of the City of Green Cove Springs Planning and Zoning Board in Green Cove Springs, Fla.
When I begin a project or first work on a campaign, I look for… Integrity. I make sure the candidate is someone I truly believe in. If it’s a project I make sure I believe in the cause.
I’ve been blessed to have these people as my mentors: Former Senator and Education Commissioner Jim Horne, Senator Rob Bradley, and Former Lutinent Governor Jeff Kottkamp
The people I most admire in politics are: Senator John Thrasher, former Governor Jeb Bush, former President George W. Bush,
One lesson I’ve already learned is… Don’t promise more than you know you can deliver.
If I wasn’t working in politics, I’d be working in… Education or Criminal Justice.
In ten years, you’ll read about me… Accomplishing something great within the political process.
You can connect with me via (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) www.facebook.com/skylar.zander, @skylarzander
