[2020 General Election Candidate Forum]
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>> TPHAOF GOOD EVENING. THIS FORUM HAS BEEN SPA DINA OBSERVE. WE WISH TO OFFER THE VY TO GET TO KNOW THE 7 CANDIDATESR THE 3 SEATS ON THE FERNADINA BE.
MY NAME IS LARRY MYERSH YEAR I'LL BE SERVING FOR THE FE.
IT'S BEEN MY PRIVILEGEO SERVE AS THE CITY MANAGER.
THE ORANGE PARK MANAGEA MANAGER AND THE NASSAU COUNTY AL AS THE LEGISLATIVE AID TO THE FE OF REPRESENTATIVE SENDIVES.
PRIOR TO THIS FORMER THE CANDIDATES RESPONDED TO FOUR QUESTIONS. THEY NOW APPEAR ON THE FERNADIN A WEB-SITE. THAT IS WWW.FERNADIN TA* OBSERV ER.COM. ALSO LOOKING AROUND, COVID-19 HAS CREATED A NEW ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL OF US.
THEY WILL BE IN THEIR BALLOT AND THAT'S IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY LAST NAME. OUR GROUND RULES ARE SIMPLE AND VY I HAVE BEEN REVIEW BID THE CANDIDATES.
EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TWO MINUTES FOR AN OPENING STATEMENT AND TWO MINUTES FOR THE CLOSING REMARKS AND ONE AND A HALF MINUTES TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.
THEY HAD TO MOVE THEIR WAY ACROSS THE HOME TOWN.
I WAS BLESSED TO FIND WORK HERE AT HOME.
WHEN I WAS WANTING TO COME HOME I WAS ABLE TO DO.
SO SOME YOUNG PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WHERE THEY LIVE. TO LIVE WHERE THEY WANT TO BECOME. THEY HAVE TO MOVE AWAY TO FUND THAT OPPORTUNITY ELSEWHERE. MY GRANDMOTHER HAD THAT OPPORTUNITY WHEN SHE MOVED HERE 70 YEARS AGO.
AND EVERY MEMBER OF MY FAMILY HAS GROWN ANDVY SEEN THAT OPPORTUNITY FALTER FOR OUR CHILDREN.
I WANT FIGHT FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO COME.
I WANT TO FIGHT FOR THOSE WHO RETIRE HERE.
TOGETHER WE CAN PUT FERNADINA FIRST.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, EVERYBODY. >> NOW, MARY ANNE PHILLIPS.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY ARE YOU RUNNING.
I AM RUNNING FOR GROUP 1FERNADI NA BEACH, FLORIDA.
I'M PROUD OF THE PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION.
I'M SUPERVISOR SECRETARY FOR IF NASSAU COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD AND
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LIAISON FOR JUDICIALAL CIRCUIT. I'M VICE PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA AND VICE PRESIDENT OF CITIZENS IN PUBLIC BEACHES AND SHORES. I'M A MEMBER OF THE POWER CLUB AND ALSO THE ORDER OF EASTERN STAR.I HAVE SON. HIS NAME IS WYATT AND HE IS THE JEWEL OF MY LIFE. MY FATHER IS THE KOREAN WAR VETERAN AND HE IS 92 YEARS OLD AND MY MOTHER IS A FORMER COMMERCIAL AND A LOBBYIST IN TALLAHASSEE.
I'M RUNNING FOR STUDENT COMMISSIONER SO I CAN PROTECT OUR TREASURERS. THOSE ARE OUR BEACH, THE TREES, THE MARINA, OUR SMALL TOWN ATMOSPHERE AND KEEP YOUR TAXES LOW. ON NOVEMBER 3RD, AOEU I AM ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE. THANK YOU FOR VERY MUCH AND THANK THE OBSERVER FOR ALLOWING US TO COME TONIGHT.
>> THANK YOU. >> NOW STARTING WITH THE QUESTIONS. FIRST WITH MARY ANN PHILLIPS HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO
DIFFERENTLY? >> IN MY OPINION I THINK THE COMMISSION HAS DONE A FAIRLY DESCENT JOB.
I CANNOT JUDGE THEM. I'M NOT SITTING THEIR SEAT.
I THINK THE ONLY THING HAS BOTHERED ME WHEN I HAVE 7 CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS IS THERE'S BEEN TIMES WHERE THE CITY COMMISSIONERS HAVE AND I WILL NOT CALL NAMES OR ANYTHING BUT THEY HAVE NOT SPOKEN VERY NICE LY TO THE CONSTITUENTS WHO HAVE BEEN AT THE MICROPHONE. I KNOW SIGNATURE ON THIS SIDE OF THE PODIUM IS A LITTLE BIT OR WHATEVER YOU WANT TO CALL THIS IS DIFFERENT WHEN YOU'RE AT THE PODIUM BECAUSE YOU'RE MORE DEMANDING. BACK HERE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE SUBMISSIVE A LITTLE BIT. BUT I HAVE SEEN THAT HAS NOT HOW IT'S BEEN. WE NEED TO HAVE RELATIONSHIPS.
WE NEED TO BUILD THOSE RELATION SHIPS AND BUILD THEM ON TRUST. SO AS YOUR CITY COMMISSIONER I WANT TO BE THAT PERSON. I KNOW IT'S HARD WHEN YOU'VE GOT SOMEBODY POINTING A FINGER AT YOU BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE THICK SKIN AND YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO LISTEN AND TRY TO HELP THE PEOPLE THAT COME UP HERE WITH THEIR ISSUES BECAUSE ALL ALL THIS IS FERNADINA BEACH AND THEY ARE ELECTING US AS THEIR OFFICIALS. THANK YOU.
>> THE SAME QUESTION. HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY? AS WE ALL IN THIS HALF OF THE ROOM KNOW IT IS A DIFFICULT JOB RUNNING FOR OFFICE TO BEGIN WITH.
THERE'S PAY AND INVOICES AND IT'S KEEPING A FACEBOOK PRESENCE WHICH IS SOMETHING YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO DO 15 YEARS AGO.
I CAN IMAGINE HOW DIFFICULT IT MUST BE TO BE SOMEONE SITTING ON THE COMMISSION ITSELF. THERE'S A DIFFICULT BALANCING ACT. THERE'S A BALANCING ACT THAT INVOLVES PROTECTING OUR WORLD CLASS TREASURES.
THERE'S MAKING SURE OUR RESIDENTS ARE HAPPY AND TAKEN CARE OF. THIS IS HAPPENING DURING THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME GLOBAL PANDEMIC.
TO THAT I DON'T ENVY A CITY COMMISSIONER.
I'M RUNNING FOR ONE BUT I THINK WE OWE THEM A THANKS FOR DOING SUCH A GREAT JOB. AS FOR ME I WANT TO MAKE SURE MY NUMBER ONE PRIORITY EVERY DAY IS GOING TO BE FOR LOW WORK TAXES. LET'S MAKE SURE THAT WE KEEP TAXES LOW. LET'S MAKE SURE WE KEEP FEES FOR BUSINESSES LOW. LET'S MAKE SURE THAT WE EN COURAGE GOOD ECONOMIC GROWTH. THAT'S WHAT I WILL FIGHT FOR AS A COMMISSIONER AND THAT'S HOW WE WILL PUT FERNADINA FIRST.
>> THANK YOU. NOW FOR THE THIRD QUESTION WE WILL START WITH BRAD. WHY YOU SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THE CITY'S PURCHASE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR CONSERVATION PURPOSES? PART OF WHAT MAKES OUR ISLAND SO SPECIAL IS OUR CITY'S BEAUTIFUL NATURAL RESOURCES.
THEY ARE ALL OVER AND THEY ARE WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL.
THEY ARE WHAT MAKE OUR TOURISM WORK.
IT'S WHAT MAKES OUR ISLAND SO UNIQUE AND SPECIAL.
WHAT I AM IN FAVOR OF IS A STREAM LINED BUDGET.
I WILL PROTECT WHAT WE CURRENT LY HAVE AND I AM IN FAVOR OF PROTECTING THAT BUT I AM NOT IN FAVOR OF SPENDING MONEY WHERE WE DON'T NEED TO BE SPENT. I WILL MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE A STREAM LINE BUDGET AND FOR ME WHAT THAT MEANS IS NOT SPENDING MONEY ON BUYING PRIVATE PROPERTY. I WILL GO A STEP FURTHER AND WE WILL MAKE SURE OUR CITIZENS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO USE THAT LAND LIKE IN THE GREEN WAY WE HAVE GREAT TRAILS AND RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROTECT OUR RENT AND WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT. I'M NOT IN FAVOR OF STREAM LINE BUDGET. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> THE SAME QUESTION, WHY DO YOU SUPPORT OR OPPOSE THE CITY 'S PURCHASE OF PRIVATE
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PROPERTY FOR CONSERVATION PURPOSES.>> I SUPPORT THE CITY PRIVATE PROPERTY FOR CONSERVATION.
IF WE HAVE THE CITY AND THE CITY HAD PURCHASED THE PROP THINK WHERE THAT MONSTER HOTEL IS -- THAT WOULD BE ADEQUATE PARKING FOR PEOPLE TO ACCESS THE BEACH.
IF SALT LIFE HAD NOT BEEN GIVEN THE PERMIT AND THE CITY HAD PURCHASED THAT PROPERTY. THEY ARE ASKED FOR PEOPLE TO ACCESS THE BEACHES. I BELIEVE IN ORDER TO PRESERVE OUR SMALL TOWN ATMOSPHERE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LOOK AT PROPERTY THAT IS FOR SALE SO WE CAN PURCHASE IT AND SO WE CAN PROTECT IT FOR CONSERVATION. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR JOSEPH WHO IS A FORMER MAYOR WE WOULDN'T HAVE THE GREEN WAY.
SO, I'M ALL FOR PROTECTING AND THE CITY PURCHASING THE CONSERVATION PROPERTY. THANK YOU.
>>> THANK YOU. >> NOW THE FOURTH QUESTION WE WILL START WITH MARY ANN PHELPS THEY WILL TALK ABOUT THE HOUSES AND THE WOOD THAT ARE GOING ON. IT WAS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR ME TO BE IN THAT MEETING. EVERY MEETING I HAVE ATTENDED I HAVE LEARNED SOMETHING. THEY ARE QUALIFIED FOR PEOPLE WHO SIT ON THOSE BOARDS. I WILL BE THANKFUL THAT THEY WERE SITTING NOR AND KNOWLEDGE ABLE AND KNOWING WHAT
THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. >> CITY ADVISORY AND HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS THE VALUE AND EFFECT IVENESS OF CITIED A VIERY BOARD? ES.
>> WE WILL BE WRAPPING UP ON MONDAY HOPEFULLY AS WE FINISH THIS UP. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW OUR CITY'S CONSTITUTION. OUR CHARTER.
HOW CAN WE MAKE CHANGES HOW CAN WE IMPROVE IT.
HOW CAN WE BRING IT TO THE MODERN AREA.
WHAT ARE THEIR IDEAS FOR IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS
BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE COUNTY >> RELATIONSHIPS ARE KPWEULT ON TRUST AND THAT IS SOMETHING I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE COME IN WITH THE COUNTY. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE GOOD -- BEING THE PORT AND BE THAT OF THE STATE AND WHAT'S GONE TO THE FEDERAL LEVEL. LET'S MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR PARTNERS ACROSS THE BOARD.
IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE THE COUNTY AND WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE FAIR DEALS. HOW CAN WE MAKE SURE THAT WE WORK OUT THESE DEALS WITH THE COUNTY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE FAIR FOR ALL OUR TAXPAYERS HOW CAN WE RELATE TO THE PORT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE UPHOLDING OUR AGREEMENT WITH THE PORT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE.
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I'M REAL EXCITED FOR HIM. HE'S TRIED BEFORE AND HE WON THIS TIME. I BELIEVE IT'S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS. AND GIVE THE FINAL PITCH AS TO WHY YOU ARE THE BEST CANDIDATE. WE WILL START IN CLOSING.WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I WILL END THE SAME WAY THAT WE JUST STARTED. THAT IS BY THANKING THE OBSERVER AND WE APPRECIATE YOU PUTTING ON THIS WONDERFUL FORUM WE KNOW IN BETTER TIMES THIS IS THE PREMIER FOR THE FERNADNA BEACH. WE THANK YOU FOR HOSTING THIS FOR ALL OF US. IT'S MY HONOR TO RUN FOR CITY COMMISSION. I COME FROM A LOT OF PUBLIC SERVICE AND I WANT TO MAINTAIN A PUBLIC SERVICE AND BE THERE FOR THE COMMUNITY THAT HELPED TO SHAPE ME.
WHEN I GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA.
I WANT TO COME HOME AND WHEN I DID.
I BECAME A HOMEOWNER AND I BECAME PERSONAL ELECT AND A LOCAL ROTARY CLUB. I COACHED A HIGH SCHOOL ROBOTICS TEAM AND SERVED. NOVEMBER 3.
THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYBODY. THE SAME QUESTION.
IN CLOSING, GIVE YOUR FINAL PITCHES AS TO WHY YOU ARE THE
BEST CANDIDATE. >> OUR CITY HAS BEEN UNDER ATTACK FOR QUITE SOME TIME. MODERN DAY PIRATES WANT TO TAKE AWAY OUR SMALL TOWN ATMOSPHERE. WE WILL NOW RESET THE STAGE FOR THE GROUP TWO CANDIDATES. THEY WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS THEIR APPRECIATION FOR THE ELECTIONS AN OUR STAFF.
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTION WILL BE RETIRING AFTER THIS ELECTION CYCLE AND WE WISH TO RECOGNIZE. WE WILL WORK SEVERAL YEARS WITH VICKI. VIC VICKI WAS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL AND AN HONORED TO WORK WITH HER.
TPWRAOUPL DEVELOP WAS SEATED ON THE STAGE ALPHABETICALLY.
IS THE ORDER THAT WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT.
OF THE GROUPS THE CANDIDATES ALWAYS LISTEN AND APPEAR ALPHABETICALLY. ARE ALEXANDRIA, GENISE AND
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DAVID. WILL BEGIN WITH THE OPENING QUESTION. ING WITH MS. LADU.US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY ARE YOU RUNNING.
THANK YOU, LARRY MYERS AND THANK YOU TO THE OBSERVER.
GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE ONE. I AM RUNNING FOR CITY COMMISSION GROUP TWO AN RUNNING FOR THREE REASONS.
TOWN OUR TREES AND OUR TAXES. WANT TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.
MADE A SOLID PLEDGE THAT I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR ANY PROJECT THAT WILL CHANGE THE CHARACTER OF OUR TOWN.
VERY SERIOUS ABOUT THAT AND CAN GIVE MORE DETAILS LATER.
SECOND REASON IS OUR TREES. TREES PROTECT OUR HOMES AND OUR BUSINESSES. TREES HAVE DEEP ROOTS AND THEY BREAK THE WIND AND THEY OBSERVE THE WATER.
MUST PRESERVE THEM. FIVE YEARS AGO WE HAD MORE THAN 850 ACRES OF UNDEVELOPED PRIVATE LAND.
WE ONLY HAVE 505. MUST DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO CONSERVE THAT LAND. THEN FINALLY OUR TAXES.
BELIEVE THAT THERE'S NO REASON WE CAN'T RESPECT THE ROLL BACK RATE YEAR AFTER YEAR. NOT AFRAID OF FINANCES.
WRITTEN 12 BOOKS OF FINANCES. FINANCIALLY SOPHISTICATED.
KNOW HOW TO READ A BALANCE SHAPE.
IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE WE CAN DO IT.
CONSIDER VOTING FOR ME. GROUP TWO.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY ARE YOU RUNNING.
THANK YOU. MY NAME IS DENISE AND RUNNING FOR CITY COMMISSION GROUP TWO AND I WANT TO THANK THE OBSERVER FOR HOSTING THIS FORUM TONIGHT.
LOVE LIVING WHERE I VISITED FAMILIES AND A CHILD AND ENJOY THE BEACHES AS A YOUNG ADULT AND MADE A CONSCIOUS DECISION TO MAKE IN MY OHM OVER 20 YEARS AGO.
MOVING HERE FULL-TIME I WORK ED HARD TO MAKE FERNADINA BEACH A BETTER PLACE TO CALL HOME THROUGH MY VOLUNTEER WORK AND MAIN STREET AND THE FREE TAX PREP SERVICE THAT I MANAGE AT THE REC CENTER. FREE TAXES FOR TAXPAYERS HELP S ME TRULY UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT THAT RAISING PROPERTY TAXES HAVE ON MANY OF OUR RETIRED AND OUR WORKING CLASS RESIDENTS. WE HAVE TO BE GOOD STUARTS OF OUR CITY FINANCES AS WE MAKE DECISION ON CITY EXPENDITURES AND KEEP PROPERTY TAXES THE UNDER CONTROL.
CHAIR OF THE PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD WE ARE WORK DILIGENTLY TO ADDRESS BAYS TO IMPROVE THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE. RELENTLY ENABOUTED SOME CHANGES WITH SIGNIFICANTLY STRENGTHEN THAT OR DANCE BOTH IN TERMS OF THOUSAND IT PROCESSES AS WELL AS WHEN IT'S NOT -- I HAVE A 40 PLUS YEAR CAREER IN THE TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY. LIFETIME OF BUSINESS SKILLS FOCUSED ON GETTING THE BEST OUT COMES FOR ALL.
I HAVE EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE, LEADERSHIP THAT CAN BE USED TO MOVE THIS CITY FORWARD. PROMISE TO OUR COMMUNITY IS TO TRULY LISTEN TO YOU AS WE MAKE FERNADINA BEACH A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, PLAY AND VISIT.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TONIGHT.
CANDIDATE FOR CITY COMMISSION GROUP TWO AND I APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE ON NOVEMBER 3RD. THANK YOU.
QUESTION. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY
ARE YOU RUNNING. >> GOOD EVENING.
THANK YOU TO THE FERNADINA OBSERVE.
I HAVE A BUSINESS MIND AND VISION FOR OUR FUTURE.
WITH AND MIND OF SERVICE AND TO THE PEOPLE I CARE ABOUT.
MY PLATFORM CENTERS AROUND THREE MAJOR POINTS.
FIRST OF ALL WE NEED TO ENSURE THE FUTURE AND CURRENT -- OFFER OPPORTUNITIES BECOME ESTABLISH ED AND THIS LIVE.
SECONDLY WE NEED TO PROTECT AND SECURE PROPERTY RIGHTS FOR OUR CITIZENS AND BUSINESS OWNERS. FINALLY WE NEED TO WORK TOWARDS A RESOLUTION TO ECONOMIC VISION FROM OUR DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT AND MARINA. THESE ARE OUR GOALS WITH HAVING A FISCAL AND SOUND BUD STKWROET OPERATE OFF OF IN CUTTING BACK ON SPENDING. VOTE FOR ME FOR WELL AHEAD AND
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THE APPROACH TO RUNNING THE CITY OF FERNADINA BEACH.>> WE WILL NOW MOVE TO QUESTION NUMBER TWO.
WE WILL START, IF ELECTED WHAT WILL BE YOUR FIRST PRIORITY AS
A NEW COMMISSIONER? >>> THERE'S MUCH OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS IN CITY PROCESSES AND DESIGNERRED BUDGET, PLANNING AND DEVELOP MENT.
I WANT TO START BY REALLY LOOKING DEPARTMENT BY DEPARTMENT AT WHAT ARE THE PROCESSES AND ACTIVITIES THAT ARE DONE. I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE A DEEP DIVE AND SEE WHERE THE CHALLENGES ARE TO HELP US MAKE PROCESS IMPROVEMENT. I WILL START WITH PARKS AND REC BECAUSE THEY ARE A LARGE DEPARTMENT ALMOST 20% OF THE CITY BUDGET AND I BELIEVE IT HAS SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN AREAS IN OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT.
IT WILL ALSO HELP US POSITION OURSELVES TO BETTER BEGIN TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COUNTY ABOUT ISSUE OF MAINTENANCE OF RECREATION FACILITIES.
I THINK THERE'S JUST A LOT OF PROCESSES IMPROVEMENT AVAILABLE WITHIN THE CITY AND IT HASN'T BEEN LOOKED AT IN A WHILE AND I THINK THERE'S GREAT OPPORTUNITY THERE FOR US TO IMPROVE PROCESSES AND BECOME MORE EFFICIENT AND WE CAN SAVE MONEY AND KEEP OUR TAXES UNDER CONTROL.
>> IF ELECTED, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR FIRST PRIORITY AS A NEW
COMMISSIONER. >> I WOULD WORK TO PLAN OUR BUDGET AND SPENDING UNDER CONTROL TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL. AS WELL AS CREATING AN ACTION PLAN FOR BUSINESSES TO HAVE TRANSPARENT AND CITY NOURISHED FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. FOR ALL TYPES OF BUSINESSES IN THIS AREA. IT'S BEEN SOMETHING THAT'S LACK ING AND VERY DIFFICULT FOR BUSINESSES TO COME TO THE MEET ING AND COME TO THE CITY BUILDING DEPARTMENT AND COME TO THE DIFFERENT AREAS AND HAVE A SMOOTH TRANSACTION FROM PAINT A TO POINT B. IT WAS MENTIONED EARLIER THAT THE PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD IS MAKING SURE THAT GETS UPDATED.
I HAVE TAKEN IT UPON MYSELF TO JOIN A VOLUNTEER GROUP TO LOOK INTO AND MAKE CONCRETE SUGGESTI ONS.
MY FIRST PRIORITY WOULD BE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PLAN IS REVISED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO PROTECT OUR SMALL TOWN ENVIRONMENT AND OUR ESPECIALLY OUR PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT MAINLY OUR TREES, OUR DUNES AND WET LANDS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THE QUESTION NUMBER THREE.
STARTING WITH MR. SURGES. HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS COMPLAINT S ABOUT INADEQUATE BEACH PARTY.
>> WELL, THANK YOU. I WOULD OPEN UP THE GREEN SPACES FOR TEMPORARY PARKING DURING OUR SEASON ONLY IN THE SUMMER AND ENCOURAGE LOCALS TO GET TO THE BEACH TO BIKES AND BY FOOT. I WILL ALSO ENCOURAGE ALL OF THE HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS OFF ER A SHUTTLE SERVICE TO THEIR PROPERTIES IF THEY ARE NOT ADJACENT TO THE OCEAN.
WITH WALKING DISTANCE TO THE BEACH OBVIOUSLY.
I WILL ALSO CREATE PERMANENT PARKING IN VARIOUS AREAS FOR BICYCLES AN OTHER AREAS OF THE GREEN SPACE IN OUR CITY, BEACH AS WELL AS THE PARKS. I BELIEVE THAT'S AN AREA THAT WE'RE LACKING IN AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME IMPROVEMENT.
THERE'S PLENTY OF LAND AND WOULDN'T HURT THE LAND IF WE CAN PARK THERE AND USE IT AND CREATE MORE PARKING FOR THE RESIDENTS. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. >> HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUATE BEACH PARKING?
>> FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD NOT TAKE AWAY ANY OF OUR TRADITIONAL RIGHTS. WE HAVE RIGHTS FOR PREPARKING AT THE BEACH AND WE ALSO HAVE TRADITIONAL RIGHTS FOR ON BEACH PARKING SO I WOULD NOT TAMPER WITH THAT.
I WOULD LOOK INTO THE IDEA OF ASKING OUR LOCAL HOTELS WHEN THEY'RE NOT IN COMPLETE CAPACITY TO OFFER THEIR PARKING
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TO THOSE WHO WISH TO PARK AND SET UP A MODEST FEE.I WOULD ALSO LOOK INTO MULTI TRANSPORTATION SHUTTLE SERVICES. I HAVE MANY SELF EMPLOYED DRIVERS WHO WOULD LOVE THE BUSINESS AND IF WE CAN WORK TOGETHER AS A CONDITION TO STREAM LINE OUR BUDGET PERHAPS THERE'S A LITTLE ROOM, A LITTLE BUDGET FOR SHUTTLE SERVICE THAT WOULD BE PAID. WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS THAT ALREADY PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF THEIR HEARTS THEY CAN HELP OUT AS WELL.
SO THOSE ARE JUST A FEW OF MY IDEAS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU.
>> SAME QUESTION. HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS COMPLAINT S ABOUT INADEQUATE BEACH PARKING.
>> SO, I THINK WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND IT'S REALLY AN ISSUE OR NOT. IS IT JUST FRUSTRATION AND COMPLAINT BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T GET TO THE BEACH EARLY ENOUGH WHICH IS WHEN I USED TO GO TO THE BEACH SO YOU HAVE PLENTY OF PARKING. I THINK WE NEED TO IDENTIFY THE IMPACTS AND UNDERSTAND WHAT DATA AND WHAT IS THAT.
I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE DECISIONS ON FACT.
WE NEED TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF THESE NEW HOTELS ON BEACH PARKING AND THEIR ABILITY TO PROVIDE SHUTTLE SERVICES AND THINGS LIKE THAT. WE NOW JUST TAKE ON LONG OVER DUE BEACH ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN THAT IS A SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE PLANNING ADVISORY BOARD AND I THINK THAT PLAN CAN ALSO LOOK AT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARKING AND THE PLAN WHICH IS UNDER WAY SHOULD ALSO ADDRESS IMPACT OF GROWTH AND DENSITY AND HAS SIGNIFICANT TRANSPORTATION COMPONENT THAT NEEDS TO BE HEAVILY INVESTED. I THINK THAT BEACH PARKING IS JUST ONE ISSUE OF OUR OVER ALL TRANSPORTATION NEEDS IN THIS COMMUNITY. THANK YOU.
>> QUESTION NUMBER FOUR. WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION TO REDUCING THE MARINA AND GOLF COURSE DEBT?
>> THANK YOU MODERATOR MYERS. OUR CITY HAS ABOUT $ 120 MILLION-DOLLARS IN ASSETS, $60 MILLION-DOLLARS IN DEBT AND LESS THAN A QUARTER OF THAT IS HELD BY THE MARINA AND THE GOLF COURSE. THE GOLF COURSE THAT IS ONLY $1.2 MILLION AS I READ THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. THE MARINA DEBT HAS SOME LITTLE PIECES THAT ARE COMING UP VERY SOON THAT WE CAN QUICKLY PAY OFF WITH SOMETHING COMING IN NEXT YEAR FOR $52,000 AND THAT WE CAN PAY OFF. THERE ARE THREE OTHER PIECES OF DEBT. ONE OF THEM IS DUE NEXT YEAR AND IT'S $4 MILLION AND WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT THAT, RENEGOTIATE IT NOW AND EXTEND IT AND GET A BETTER INTEREST RATE. THE OTHER PIECE IS SOMETHING THAT'S NOT DUE UNTIL 2026. I'M NOT TOO WORRIED ABOUT THAT.
I DO WANT TO SAY THAT WE MUST SUPPORT OUR MARINA AND OUR GOLF COURSE BECAUSE A MARINA IS THE GATEWAY TO FLORIDA AND OUR GOLF COURSE IS BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENTAL PARADISE AND INVOLVES LOW COST RECREATION FOR OUR CITIZENS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU.
>> WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION TO REDUCING THE MARINA AND GOLF
COURSE DEBT? >> THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT ISSUES AND REQUIRE TWO DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS.
I BELIEVE THAT WE'RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH THE MARINA WITH THIS NEW MANAGEMENT KPHEPB THAT WE ARE GOING TO BRING.
WE SHOULD SEE POSITIVE CASH FLOW WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THEIR TAKE OVER AND TIME WILL TELL WHETHER OR NOT WE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. LIT CONTINUE TO WORK OUT ON HOW DO YOU REFINANCE IT. HOW YOU REBUNDLE AND PACKAGE IT AND THEN USE THE RESOURCES FROM THE MARINA TO BEGIN TO CONTINUE TO PAY THAT DOWN. NOW THE GOLF COURSE IS DIFFERENT. JUST TO BE ON HONEST WITH EVERYONE. I LIVE ON A GOLF COURSE.
I THINK WE NEED TO DO A DEEP DIVE IN THEIR FINANCES.
I BELIEVE TOP TRACER IS A HUGE MISTAKE THAT WILL NEVER MAKE LONG TERM REVENUE PROJECTIONS AND THERE'S MUCH TO DO TO IMPROVE THE FINANCIAL PICTURE OF THE GOLF COURSE.
IT IS GOING TO TAKE A LOT OF WORK.
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>> SAME QUESTION. WHAT IS YOUR SOLUTION TO PRODUCING A MARINA AND GOLF COURSE DEBT.
WE BEGIN THE MARINA AND THE GOLF COURSE IN FULL OPERATIONAL CAPACITY. LET THE MANAGEMENT AD SRER TIES AND DO WHAT THEIR JOB IS. IT WILL BE AN EFFICIENT MANNER AND WHAT THEY DO. WHAT IS THE NEW TOP GOLF TYPE TRACER COURSE AND IT'S OPERATIONAL AND PROMOTE IT AND HAVE THE COUNTY COMMUNITY USE IT AND PROFIT.
FOCUS OUR EFFORT ON RESTRUCTURE OF THE MARINA DEBT TO LOWER ITS INTEREST RATE SO IT ACCOUNT BE A MORE POSITIVE CASH FLOW POSITION. THESE GOALS ARE ALL OBTAINABLE WITHIN A FEW YEARS ONCE THE POSITIVE CASH FLOW GETS ROLLING IN. MARKET AND ADVERTISE HEAVILY FOR THE CITY AMENITIES. NIECE ARE AMENITIES THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE. THEY ARE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY AND THEY NEED TO BE ON THE THERE FOR THE RESIDENTS TO EN JOY. THANK YOU.
>> NOW GO TO QUESTION NUMBER FIVE.
WE WILL START WITH MRS. MENCHU. PROVIDE EXAMPLES ON HOW YOU HAVE WORKED EFFECTIVELY AS PART OF A DECISION-MAKING TEAM.
>> THANK YOU. >> HOW FAR BACK YOU'D LIKE TO GO. I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON TEAMS AND I HAVE BEEN THE BUSINESS FOR PROBABLY THE â– LAST30YEARS OF MY BUSINESS CAREER. DURING MY WORK LIFE I WAS PART OF THE OTHER DEBT MENTAL TEAMS THE FOCUSED ON SYSTEM DEVELOP MENT AN STRATEGIC PLANNING.
ONE OF MY MOST MEMORABLE ASSIGNMENTS WAS A DEPART MENTAL REPRESENTATIVE. THEY ARE DURING HURRICANE RECOVERY. THE TEAM WORK AND COORDINATION NEEDED TO GET A LARGE BUSINESS CUSTOMERS BACK IN SERVICE WHILE HAVING TO COMPLETELY REBUILD INFRASTRUCTURE SOMETHING THAT I'M VERY PROUD OF. I ALSO LED A TEAM THAT WORKED FOR TWO YEARSES TO GIVE ITS HUMAN OR DANCE PASSED LAST YEAR AND THAT'S SOMETHING ELSE I'M VERY PROUD OF.
MOST RECENTLY I SHARED A SUB COMMITTEE THAT WORKS OUR RE FISSIONS TO THE TREE ORDINANCES.
WE CAME AWAY FROM W THE PLAN AND THE ASSOCIATED WITH ILLEGAL REMOVAL. SO I CAN TALK ABOUT THIS FOR HOURS. BUT THOSE ARE JUST A FEW EXAMPLES OF THE KIND OF TEAM WORK AND DECISION MAKING THAT
I'VE DONE IN THE PAST. >> THANK YOU.
>> THE SAME QUESTION. >> SIT ON BOARD DIRECTORS AND WORK ON OTHER ADVISORY CAPACITIES AND SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS. THESE WERE PRIOR AND NEGOTIATING AND DEVICING A STRATEGY AND FINDING SOLUTIONS THAT ARE ACCEPTABLE TO ALL. THIS IS THE WHAT THE CITY NEED.
AND LITTLE COMMON SENSE. STEPPING BACK AND JUST GOVERNING THE SITUATION FOR WHAT IT NEEDS.
THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU THE SAME QUESTION.
>> MR. MYERS IN 1985 I BEGAN WORKING AT A LITTLE ORGANIZATION CALL THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CORPORATE DIRECTORS AND HAD TWO EMPLOYEES THE PRESIDENT AND HIS SECRETARY I WAS WORKING FREELANCE. TODAY THAT ASSOCIATIONS THAT 20 ,000 MEMBERS. EVER SINCE THE '90S WE'VE BEEN PUTTING OUT BLUE RIBBON COMMISSIONS.
I HAVE BEEN WITH THE COMMISSION THE ENTIRE WAY.
I HAVE CHIEF KNOWLEDGE OFFICER AND ALL OF OUR FOCUS WAS ABOUT GROUP DECISION-MAKING. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT
WE ARE NOW READY BY THE CLOSING CANDIDATES BY THE THREE CANDIDATES IN GROUP TWO. NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO OFF ER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON YOUR CANDIDACY AND TO MAKE YOUR FINAL PITCH AS TO WHY YOU ARE THE BEST CANDIDATE.
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WE WILL START FIRST WITH ALEXAN DRIA.IN CLOSING, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY.
>> THANK YOU MODERATOR MYERS. I AM WEARING A LOCK AND THE LOCK HAS A DOME BY NATION. IT'S -- COMBINATION.
IT'S ONE, TWO, THREE. TOWN, TREE, TAXES.
NEED SOMEONE WHO IS PASSIONATE AND COMMITTED TO THREE ALL TOPICS. I DID HAVE SOME LITERATURE BACKGROUND WAY BACK THEN. YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE ALL THREE CARTS. I BELIEVE I MAY BE THE ONLY CANDIDATE COMPLETELY SUPPORTING THESE THREE VALUE.
KEEP OUR SMALL TOWN I DON'T GO TO THE WATER PARK FRONT.
I WANT TO KEEP IT TO THE WORK ING MARINA.
DENISE, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOUR CLOSING COMMENT?
ES. >> THANK YOU FOR INVITING US.
IT'S BEEN A PLEASURE TO BE HERE I BELIEVE ELECTIONS ARE ALWAYS ABOUT THE FUTURE AND NOT ABOUT THE PAST.
SO IF YOU WANT A FUTURE WHERE THE CITY AND COUNTY WORK TOGETHER ON ISSUES THAT IMPACT ALL OF US THEN I WOULD ASK FOR YOUR VOTE. IF YOU WANT WHERE THE CITY IS COMMITTED AND INVESTED AND MAKING THE CITY EASIER TO TO BUSINESS WITH FOR BOTH SMALL BUSINESS AND THEN VOTE FOR ME.
IF YOU WANT A FUTURE FOR PROCUREMENT DECISIONS, BUDGET DECISION ARE BASED ON FACTS AND DATA THEN VOTE FOR ME.
IF YOU WANT TO HAVE GROWTH OR DEVELOPMENT BY LAND USE PLAN THAT CLEARLY REPRESENTS OUR COMMUNITY VISION AND STRICTLY ENFORCES THAT VISION THEN VOTE FOR ME.
IF YOU WANT A CITY THAT RECOGNIZES THAT DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN OUR COMMUNITY ARE CRITICAL TO MAKING US A BETTER CITY THEN I WOULD ASK FOR YOUR VOTE.
THANK YOU TO THE OBSERVER FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK TO THE CITIZENS OF OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY TONIGHT.
AGAIN I AM DENISE AND I AM RUNNING FOR ECONOMY COMMISSION GROUP TWO AND I ASK FOR YOUR VOTE ON NOVEMBER 3RD.
LASTLY MR. DAVIS. WHAT ARE YOUR CLOSING COMMENTS.
>> THANK YOU. >> AND I APPRECIATE THE OBSERVER HOLDING THIS FORUM AND ALLOWING TO US SHOW OUR VIEWS AND SHOW WHAT CANDIDATES WE ARE OBVIOUSLY IT'S A HIGH QUALITY CALIBER HERE AND IT'S PICKING THE VERY PERSON THAT IS ADEQUATE FOR THIS JOB. I AM RUNNING BECAUSE OF MY FAMILY AND I HAVE MULTIPLE GENERATIONS OF SERVICE TO OUR BELOVED COMMUNITY. AND I INTENT ON THAT TRIAL TRADITION. OUR COMMUNITY IS UNIQUE AND IT 'S SMELL TO EACH OF US. MY FAMILY AND I WANT TO CONTINUE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY IN OUR BEAUTIFUL CITY WHILE HAVING A WELCOMING AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
IT'S BASED ON THREE PERSON PILL S I WANT TO PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE. IT IS MY PERSPECTIVE THAT I WANT TO BRING TO THIS CITY COMMISSION.
THANK YOU TO THE CANDIDATES FOR GROUP TWO.
WE WILL NOW RESET THE STAGE. AS WE RESET THE STAGE FOR THE THREE DAN TKAT CANDIDATES WE WILL LIKE TO SHARE THE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO VOTE. EARLY VOTING WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER AND ENDS NOVEMBER 1S T.
VOTING HOURS ARE FROM 9:00 A.M. -6:00 P.M.
THE ATLANTIC AVENUE RECREATION AL SENT HER SERVE AS AN EARLY VOTING LOCATION FOR AREA RESIDENTS.
MAIL AREA DROP BOXES WILL BE POSITIONED OUTSIDE THE ATLANTIC RECREATIONAL CENTER DURING EARLY VOTING IS HOURS FOR VOTER WHO REGISTERED TO VOTE BY MAIL. REQUESTS FOR VOTE BY MAIL BALLOTS RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. ON THE TENTH DAY BEFORE ELECTION ACCORDING TO FLORIDA LAW.
VOTERS AS INDICATED ON THEIR VOTER IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
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POLLS WILL OPEN AT 7:00 AND WILL CLOSE AT 7:00.FLORIDA DOES NOT ALLOW A DROP DROP BOX ON THE WAY OF ELECTION TO VOTE IN THE CITY ELECTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATES YOU RECEIVE THIS EVENING AND YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF FERNA NDINA BEACH AND MUST BE REGISTERED TO VOTE.
MALE BALLOTS MUST BE REQUEST BID THE NASA COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS. WE WILL NOW MOVE TO GROUP THREE THE QUESTION AND ANSWER. WE NOW WELCOME THE GROUP THREE CANDIDATES AND DR. RONALD CHIP ROSS.
WE WILL BEGIN WITH OUR OPENING QUESTION AND AGAIN THE CANDIDATES ARE ARRANGED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER AS THEY WILL APPEAR ON THE BALLOT. TELL DOES ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY ARE YOU RUNNING NOR THE CITY COMMISSION.
>> GOOD EVENING. AS YOU HAVE ALREADY STATED.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TONIGHT AS WELL AS THANK YOU TO THE OBSERVER FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.
I AM A NATIVE RESIDENT OF FERNA DINA BEACH, FLORIDA.
I AM IN MY 7TH HR*EUGT TO MY FAMILY'S LANE AND HERE WHICH GIVES ME GREAT PRIDE AND HONOR TO BE ABLE TO POSSIBLY SERVE MY
HOMETOWN. >> IT'S HARD TO REACH AND WORK WITH ALL CITIZENS. MAYBE IT'S THE MOST FARM, FEW COMMISSIONER AND RESPECT ALL POINTS OF VIEW.
I'M COMMITTED TO PRESERVING OUR DIVERSE CITY AND ISLAND CHARACTER. I VOTED AGAINST AMELIA BLUFF.
I OPPOSE THE ATLANTIC HOTEL PROJECT.
I VOTED TO FUND POLICE, EMS AND FIRE SERVICE.
I VOTED TO PRESERVE THE HISTORIC DISTRICT AND L MOTE THE DOWNTOWN. I VOTED TO REPAIR THE MARINA WHICH IS ACCOMPLISHED AND PROPOSED PLAN TO PAY OFF THE DEBT. I AM COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING THE INTEGRITY OF OUR NEIGHBORHOODS TO HAVE A SENSE OF PLACE THAT INCLUDES ALL MEMBERS OF OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY. THE CITY OFFED A SREUSRY MEET INGS, COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETINGS AND SERVING IS OTHER DOWN SILL. DO I MY HOMEWORK AND I'M
PREPARED FOR CITY COMMISSION. >> THIRD, THEIR IMPACT FEES
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HAVE BEEN PAID IN THE PARKS AND RECREATIONAL DEPARTMENT THAT I THINK SHOULD BE USED TO FUND THE WATERFRONT PARK.THERE IS MONEY AVAILABLE. THERE ARE PLANS BEING DONE RIGHT NOW. THAT'S MY VISION OF THE
WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR A DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT.
OF COURSE AS A NATIVE HERE MY VISION FOR THE DOWNTOWN WATERFRONT IS TO SEE IT LOOK GOOD AND SEE IT VIBRANT.
I THINK THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT. HOWEVER WITH THE RECENT TAX IN CREASES THERE'S A FINE LINE BECAUSE ONCE AGAIN I DON'T WANT TO SEE ANYTHING DONE THAT'S GO ING TO BE A TAX BURDEN.
I WOULD SAY THOSE WOULD BE MY TWO BIGGEST REGARD GUARDING THE ISSUE. MAKING SURE IT LOOKS GOOD AS GOOD AS WE CAN KEEP IT UP TO PAR AND THEN MAKING SURE THAT IT'S A SAFE PLACE AND MAKING SURE THAT'S HANDLED AND WE CAN GO FROM THERE AND BEAUTIFUL TPAOEUING AS WE GO.
THANK YOU. >> WE WILL GO IN QUESTION NEW E ITER THREE. HOW MUCH HELP IF ANY SHOULD THE CITY PROVIDE TO SHARE A COUPLE ORGANIZATIONS THAT SERVE THE
CITY RESIDENTS. >> I BELIEVE THE CITY SHOULD DO WHAT IT CAN TO HELP THOSE VARIABLE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS. I THINK THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT AND THE KEY TO THAT IS THERE ARE STATE AND GOVERNMENT JOINS IT AND SUPPORT. WHEN THE STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SEE THAT THE CITY IS PUTTING IN THESE ORGANIZATIONS THAT THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE BUT IN THE COMMUNITIES THEY ALSO WOULD BE MORE LIKELY TO SUPPORT AND MAKE THINGS BETTER. SO I DEFINITELY THINK THAT THE CITY SHOULD DO WHAT THEY CAN BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY IF IT'S FEASIBLEIBLE TO SUPPORT THESE LOCAL CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS.
>> THANK YOU. >> HOW MUCH HELP IF ANY SHOULD THE CITY PROVIDE TO VARY ITABLE ORGANIZATIONS TO SERVE CITY
RESIDENTS. >> I WILL SPEAK ABOUT NOT WHAT I HAVE DONE. THERE ARE CERTAIN ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE SAFETY NET OF OUR COMMUNITY.
THE CITY DOES NOT HAVE A STAFF OR RESOURCES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF MANY IN OUR COMMUNITY. I VOTED TO FUND THE COUNCIL ON AGING. IT WAS $180,000 AND 76,000.
MIKE $18,000 AND NASSAU MENTAL HEALTH $40,000 AND SALVATION ARMY $35,000. WE CAN DO THAT AGAIN AND WE WILL DO THAT IN THE BUDGET THAT WAS JUST PAGSZED -- PASSED WHICH DECREASES YOUR CITY'S TAX RATE.
I WOULD URGE YOU TO DO AND SEE WHAT YOUR TAX BILL WAS LAST YEAR AND WHAT YOUR TAX BILL WAS THIS YEAR AND YOU WILL SEE ABOUT -- AND A PROPERTY YOU WILL SEE 11%-12% DECREASE IN YOUR CITY'S TAXES. WE DECREASE TAXES.
THAT MONEY THAT WE GAVE WE MAY GET MONEY BACK FROM THE CARES FUND AND I WILL PLEDGE AND IN ANY OF THAT MONEY THAT WE GIVE BACK WHICH WAS TO REPLACE THE MONEY WE HAVE GIVEN TO THESE VARIABLE ORGANIZATIONS. WE WILL START WITH CHIP ROSS.
WHAT ROLL SHOULD CITY TAXPAYERS PAY TO KEEP THE DOWNTOWN
HEALTHY AND VIBRANT. >> THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN IS ESSENTIAL TO KEEP OUR ECONOMY HEALTHY.
MANY VISITORS COME HERE FOR THE BEACHES AND COME HERE FOR THE DOWNTOWN. IT'S PART OF OUR ECONOMIC.
WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON KEEPING THE DOWNTOWN CLEAN WHICH WE DO. WHAT IT DID WAS PROPOSE FOOT
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TRAFFIC AS THEIR ECONOMIC ENGINE.WE ALSO NEED TO PROVIDE FLOOD PROTECTION FOR THE DOWNTOWN.
IF WE DID NOT HAVE THE DOWNTOWN HISTORIC BUILDINGS FROM FLOOD ING THEN WE WILL NOT PRESERVE THIS GYM FOR COMMUNITY
>> THANK YOU. >> WE WILL START WITH QUESTION AND PROCEED TO QUESTION NUMBER FIVE.
HOW WOULD YOU WORK TO OVER COME PAST ANIMOSITY BETWEEN THE CITY
>> OH, I'M SORRY. WHAT ROLE SHOULD CITY TAXPAYERS PAY TO KEEP THE DOWNTOWN HEALTHY AND ENVIRONMENT? IS THAT THE RIGHT QUESTION? I THINK THE CITY SHOULD DO THE BEST TO SUPPORT THE PEOPLE THAT ARE DOWNTOWN.
THEN THE TAXPAYERS. WE SHOULD CERTAINLY GO DOWNTOWN THE CITY AND THAT IS A SAFE PLACE.
IT IS A WELL KEPT PLACE AND THE TAXPAYERS ENSURING THAT IT'S A LOT MANY PLACES AN WELL CONTINUE AS WELL.
THAT ALTOGETHER WILL KEEP IT HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT.
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY. >> THANK YOU, SIR.
WE WILL NOW GO TO QUESTION NUMBER FIVE.
IT WILL START WITH MR. MCGAHE E.
HOW WOULD YOU WORK TO OVER COME PAST ANIMOSITIES.
THAT WAS A GOOD STANDING RELATIONSHIP.
THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION. >> SAME QUESTION.
CHIP ROSS. >> THE POOREST PART OF THE CITY IT SHOULD BE AN ASSET TO THE CITY.
IT CAN BE AN ASSET TO THE CITY. WHY ARE THERE ANIMOSITIES.
BECAUSE PORT OPERATOR FOR THE TIME POSED AND WE DEFEATED.
THEY HAVE NOT PROVIDED AN UPDATED MASTER PLAN FOR WHAT THE OPERATOR INTENDED TO DO AND NOT FOLLOWING THE SAME RULES COME TOGETHER TO SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS. I WILL CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE THAT THE PORT FEEL THE SAME RULES THAT THE REST OF US FOLLOWED AND THEY COON TRY CONTRIBUTE TO THIS COMMUNITY AS
WE HAVE NOW REACHED THE TIME FOR CLOSING COMMENTS.
IT'S TIME FOR EACH OF YOU FOR EACH OF YOU TO OFFER WHY YOU ARE THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR THE CITY COMMISSION.
WE WILL START WITH AGAIN. WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE
FOR CITY COMMISSION? >> THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN.
THIS HAS BEEN A PLEASURE THIS EVENING.
I BELIEVE THAT I'M THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR BRANDON AND CITY COMMISSION IN GROUP THREE BECAUSE I'M A CANDIDATE WHO WOULD DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO INCLUDE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WITH THE BEACH. THIS' REGARDLESS OF RACE, RELIGION, GENDER, AGE, SEXUALITY, WHATEVER ANY TYPE, ANYTHING THAT IS SET TO SEPARATE US.
I WILL GO AGAINST IT AND OVER STEP THOSE BOUNDARIES TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ALL ONE. WE ARE A COMMUNITY TOGETHER.
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OFTEN TIME WES FORGET ABOUT THEM.WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE IN INCLUDED.
IF YOU CAN COME UP WITH PROGRAM S AND PARTNER WITH ENTITIES TO JUST MAKE THEM FEEL LIKE THEY ARE INCLUDED AND NEVER FORGOTTED. TO PROE PRESERVE THE SMALL TIME OF OUR HOME. THIS IS NOT -- THIS IS MY HOME.
I WANT TO SEE IT AS THIS. IT'S FOR MY CHILDREN.
MY CHILDREN'S CHILDREN. IF I'M ELECTED TO THE CITY COMMISSION GROUP THREE I PROMISELY EVERYTHING I CAN TO MACK SURE THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS. SO ONCE AGAIN, I WOULD LOVE TO YOUR VOTE FOR THE CITY COMMISSIONER TOGETHER.
WE WILL PURSUE EVERY POSSIBILITY.
CHIP ROSS YOUR CLOSING COMMENTS WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY?
>> ONE OF MY BIGGEST CRITICS. I HAVE TO GIVE THE CITY COMMISSIONER DR. CHIP ROSS CREDIT FOR TAKING TIME TO THOROUGHLY RESEARCH THE CITY ISSUES IN ADDITION TO DOING AN
EXHAUSTIVE JOB. >> IF YOU VOTE FOR ME, YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WILL GET. AN EXPERIENCED, HARDWORKING, WELL PREPARED, PLAIN SPOKEN ADVOCATE FOR ALL THE CITIZENS OF THE FERNADINA BEACH. I WANT TO THANK THE OBSERVER AND THANK THE VOTERS FOR LISTEN ING TO THIS FORUM.
I HOPE NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE CANDIDATE S FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR WILLINGNESS TO RUN FOR HREBGIVE OFFICE ELECT I OFFICE. WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK CITY CLARK FOR YOUR HER ASSISTANCE AND HAS OBTAIN THE HIGHEST TKREPB -RBLS AVAILABLE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA FOR KNEW HIS MUNICIPAL CLERK. IS CERTIFIED BY THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MUNICIPAL CLERKS A -Z A CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL CLERK OR A CMC.
SHE ALSO SERVES ON THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF CITY CLERKS, BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ON ONE OF THEIR KEY COMMITTEES.
THANKS TO THIS EVENING. TIMEKEEPERRER AND FLAG WAVER.
THANK YOU, ROBERT. ALSO THANK YOU TO SERGEANT SMITH FROM THE FERNADINA BEACH DEPARTMENT.
>> CITY HALL WAS LIMITED DUE TO COVID-19.
IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR A CANDIDATE WHICH WAS NOT ANSWER ED THIS EVENING THE FERNA DINA OBSERVER WILL LIST THE CONTACT INFORMATION ON OUR WEB-SITE.
THANK YOU AND GOOD EVENING. THIS CONCLUDES THE FORUM
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.