Sean Parks

Lake County Commissioner, District 2

A love for Lake: Lake County’s future is bright. The county has become a place where generation after generation will want to work and raise a family. The quality of life and sense of community is second to none and will remain that way. People who live here are real and not caught up on themselves or materialistic things.

Big goals: Water is essential to the quality of life in Lake County, and that is why it is so important to me. In November, we held a water summit to discuss the issue of water levels, particularly in South Lake County. We identified problems and formulated ideas to fix those problems. I am also involved with the South Lake Water Initiative, where leaders in Lake County and the five cities in South Lake County come together to plan for our future water needs and how to protect our water resources.

The election process: Being a candidate in an election is rewarding yet mentally and physically exhausting. You will either have thick skin or you’ll eventually develop it because your will and core beliefs are tested. However, having the opportunity to meet so many people is very rewarding.

My guilty pleasure: I love dark chocolate and eat it about once a week. I also watch too much college football. I’m a die-hard Florida State Seminoles fan.

How I met my wife: Ivy and I went on a blind date in 1997. I always joke that she must have been blind. We ate at a seafood restaurant and then went to a friend’s house to watch a Florida State football game. I was impressed that she liked college football and was a Florida State fan.

Facts few people know about me: I’ve climbed Mt. Hood in Oregon; I used to play the saxophone; and I am like a kid at Christmastime because I decorate the home and watch kid’s Christmas movies.

Fatherhood: I have three children: Reagan, 11; Willow, 8; and Eli, 4. Being a good father means providing kids with unconditional love, building their self-esteem, and instilling discipline.

Favorite movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life.” This is a perfect story of how a community is what you make of it.

Desired tombstone inscription: “Lived with the Lord and served others.”

Favorite book: I love 1776 by David McCullough. I find it fascinating because it talks about George Washington and the struggles our great country endured.

VITAL STATS

 

Age: 42

 

Youth well served: Became one of the youngest people ever elected to serve on the Lake County Board of County Commissioners. Sean was 39 when he was elected as District 2 Commissioner in 2010.

 

Local roots: Sean was born in Orlando and raised in Seminole County. After graduating Bishop Moore High School, he received a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and a master’s degree in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology.