InTucker Magazine

Team Tucker – Maricela Perdomo

Code Enforcement Manager

How did you get started in Code Enforcement?
I set a goal for myself to obtain a job working for local government. In 2006, I achieved that goal and began working as a Building Permit Technician for the City of Punta Gorda, Florida. Later that year, and due to the fact that I wanted to be more involved with talented people on issues that really mattered to the community, I transferred to another position as a Code Compliance Officer and later became the Chief Compliance Officer and then Supervisor.

Why is Code Enforcement important to a community? 
Code Enforcement is vital to our community because it is a reflection of the City and its standards. When you travel around from community to community, it is evident, even by someone with an untrained eye, which communities do not have a Code Enforcement Department in place. Code Enforcement is essential because it helps maintain your property values, reduces crime and helps to sustain healthy living conditions for residents and businesses of the municipality.

What are some of the challenges of your job? 
You never see a child saying that they want to be a Code Enforcement Officer when they grow up. Code Enforcement can be very demanding and it is often misunderstood. Because of this, some people believe that we are out to get them and are not always willing to cooperate.

What do you find most rewarding about your job? 
There is nothing more rewarding than to see how the work we do has an effect on the community and how our daily efforts make a positive difference.

What do you like best about Tucker? 
It’s a thriving little city with a close-knit community.

Off The Wall

What are your hobbies? 
I enjoy hiking and walking, which gives me the opportunity to enjoy nature.

If you were not a Code Enforcement official, what would your career be?
Nursing

Are you a warm weather person or cold weather person? 
I enjoy the warm weather, but like the feel of changing seasons.