Concerned Friends of Fernandina |
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(A) City Political Archive page
Neil Blalock 33% --------------------------------Run-off 101 N. 15th Street Fernandina Beach 32034 Phone: 904/261-5124 Email: neilblalock@comcast.net
Ed Coop 13% 2119 Belvedere Avenue Fernandina Beach 32034 Phone: 904/753-4300 Email: edcoop2007@aol.com
Arlene Filkoff 31% -----------------------------Run-off 845 Tarpon Avenue Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Phone: 904/491-8629 Email: arlenefilkoff@bellsouth.net
Chuck Hall 23% 315 Calhoun Street Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 Phone: 904/607-3121 Email: netthall@hotmail.com
City Charter Changes click here
Charter vote results click here
Questions from the Forum audience that were not asked due to time constraint : See candidate answers by clicking on the Candidate's name below.
April 5, 2010 Concerned Friends of Fernandina Candidate Forum Audience questions not asked due to time constraints. Dear Candidate: At your discretion, please respond to any or all of the questions below. You may also wish to express any of your campaign positions in your own words for our site page. I will publish your unedited response on our web site www.cfofweb.org
Sincerely yours, CFOF Steering Committee
Neil Blalock says: Click here Ed Coop says: Click here Arlene Filkoff says: Click here Chuck Hall says: Click here
answers to audience questions from Concerned Friends of Fernandina Forum 1. There was an incident with a police officer not enforcing our public nuisance ordinance, due to a conflict of interest. The police chief didn’t required the officer to do his job, the Chief then got indignant when the Sheriff enforced the law. The City Commission response was a multiple page noise ordinance, with no decimeter requirement. Now the same police officer can give the business owner a $250 fine at his discretion if someone complains. What would you do about this? · I realize that there is disagreement regarding the drivers of our current noise ordinance as well as whether it is necessary or not. I believe that there is more to every story than what we read and also different interpretations to what we hear. I’ve done some informal research on the use of decimeters and find that the experiences are both bad and good, not as definitive as anyone might like them to be. We had to have an enforceable ordinance and now we have one. I believe that time and experience will tell whether it is working or whether it needs once again to be modified. Having recently talked with several of our local Police officers and their superiors, my sense is that we have an honorable Police force and management which takes personnel action when it is necessary. 2. In the HDC + CRA area a LDC has been proposed depriving some, but not all property owners of the right to receive notices to attend public hearings in some cases affecting their properties. Would you consider this acceptable? If so, why? If not, why? · If I understand this question, it refers to the proposed matrix to be used for some types of changes to historic properties and the matrix includes those which could go forward with staff approval. I do approve of the use of a matrix for the types of changes suggested that could be approved by staff. My rationale is that while we say we care about our historic assets, our current city processes seem very burdensome to individuals who are trying to keep their properties maintained. If the issue is a lack of trust in the city to do the right thing, then we should address that issue versus penalizing property owners who want to maintain their properties. 3. What is your current employment? · I am currently focused on running for City Commissioner. I am in partnership with my husband in a consulting firm and I have done project/process management work through that firm. I have also given my services pro bono to several non-profit organizations to assist them with strategic planning, customer service surveys, needs analysis, etc. I believe that if I were to become a City Commissioner in Fernandina, it would make sense for me to focus solely on that job in order to give the citizens of the City the type of service they deserve. 4. The City incurs expenses for the maintenance and utilities of its various sports facilities. If sports teams using those facilities have out-of-city participants, should there be incremental fees paid to the City for such participants? Why or why not? · It might be time to look at this differently. Either the City can charge fees to cover expenses for facilities usage or the facilities can’t be provided. We cannot have it both ways – free use of facilities and no increase in taxes or fees. Something has to give. I have heard it suggested that we might go with a flat fee for usage and offer City residents a discount. Might be worth an exploration. 5. Your views on storm water fee increases. · I would like to understand the issue of storm water management better than I do today. I believe, based on what things look like around my house when we have a hard rain, that there is a problem. I need to get more information on the plan to address it and what those costs are as well as our options for funding. 6. Your views on the noise and flag ordinances. · Please see my answer to question number one on the noise ordinance. I believe that the intent of the flag ordinance was good. I believe that the intent was to ensure that we do not detract from the beauty of the City with too many attention getting or sales type banners in small places. I believe that sometimes we get so specific that we end up spending way too much time trying to itemize events that are not likely to happen. 7. We talked earlier about increased density in the downtown area. What other issues do you see must be addressed in order to accomplish the overall goal of reinvigorating the downtown business district? · I believe that the idea of the City government operating in an isolated manner apart from the business organizations is non-productive. I believe that rejuvenation of downtown should be seen in its entirety – not just an infrastructure issue and not just a business issue. There needs to be a cross business/City forum which allows for the exchange of ideas and definition of solutions which can be acted upon. 8. Currently the LDC treats all properties the same as far as extending a development order. A new LDC proposes to change the process to a non-transparent staff decision in the Historic Districts and CRA only. Do you agree? If so, why? If not, why? · I am not certain that I understand this question. Is it the same as number 2? 9. There have been complaints in the newspaper and in City meetings about the “difficulty” people experience in dealing with City Hall – particularly in securing permits/approvals and the dollar cost of such approvals. Please give us your assessment of “customer service and fee levels” in the City and how you would suggest improving. · As a volunteer with process improvement background, I had the opportunity to study the permitting process from a bird’s eye view in the past year. This means I didn’t get into a lot of detail, but I did get access to the staff and was able to ask lots of questions and get a feel for what goes on there. First, I discovered that there are almost as many definitions of permitting as the number of people you ask. And the Building Official is only a small piece of the puzzle. Much of the process has its roots in the various boards and committees involved. The Commission is starting what should be a productive process to review them all and have a better understanding of what they do and whether they need to do what they do. This is a vital exercise to improving this process. There are other opportunities for improvement around definition of customer, documentation and training. Fees must be examined within the context of the budget and where our opportunities lie. Some of the fees I’ve been quoted do seem high. 10. What is your vision for the Greenway? · I would like for the Greenway to be a healthy habitat which is respected and nurtured by the City and its residents as well as those who visit here.
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1. There was an incident with a police officer not enforcing our public
nuisance ordinance, due to a conflict of interest. The police chief
didn’t require the officer to do his job, the Chief then got indignant
when the Sheriff enforced the law. The City Commission response was a
multiple page noise ordinance, with no decimeter requirement. Now the
same police officer can give the business owner a $250 fine at his
discretion if someone complains. What would you do about this?
I know about this incident, and there is a lot more here than just these short details. Obviously, the history of the noise ordinance is much longer than the questioner could write about here. Let me explain: The noise ordinance as we know it today is the direct result of a neighborhood conflict with the Green Turtle vs. the Florida House Inn. The Florida House alleged that the noise from the Green Turtle bar next door was so bothersome, their visitors could not sleep at night. They claimed to experience severe cancellations. There were problems getting the police to stop the problem, and thus a new noise ordinance was produced. Since then, citations have been issued, fines levied, and sadly, the Florida House went out of business anyway. The ordinance was designed the way it is, without a decimeter, due to the impossible logistics and time involved in setting up and monitoring such a device. The device as evidence, has been thrown out of courts across the country. This has been a sad and painful experience for our town. However, this is an enforceable ordinance, which is what we should have had in the beginning. I am not familiar with the 'officer conflict', and can't really address that. 2. In the HDC + CRA area a LDC has been proposed depriving some, but not all property owners of the right to receive notices to attend public hearings in some cases affecting their properties. Would you consider this acceptable? If so, why? If not, why?
3. What is your current employment?
4. The City incurs expenses for the maintenance and utilities of its various sports facilities. If sports teams using those facilities have out-of-city participants, should there be incremental fees paid to the City for such participants? Why or why not?
5. Your views on storm water fee increases.
6. Your views on the noise and flag ordinances.
7. We talked earlier about increased density in the downtown area. What other issues do you see must be addressed in order to accomplish the overall goal of reinvigorating the downtown business district?
8. Currently the LDC treats all properties the same as far as extending a development order. A new LDC proposes to change the process to a non-transparent staff decision in the Historic Districts and CRA only. Do you agree? If so, why? If not, why?
9. There have been complaints in the newspaper and in City meetings about the "difficulty" people experience in dealing with City Hall - particularly in securing permits / approvals and the dollar cost of such approvals. Please give us your assessment of "customer service and fee levels" in the City and how you would suggest improving.
10. What is your vision for the Greenway?
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City Election....Run-off May 12, 2009    WinnerView the candidates interview at Chamber of Commerce (click here)
City General Election April 14, 2009    Winner
Nassau County Supervisor of Elections
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Election Date..... Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Commission Group 3 Eric Childers Lynn Williams
May 8, 2007 Results:
April 10, 2007 Results:
_______________**_________________ Group 1 George Stewart says: Click here Ken Walker says: Click here ________________**______________
The word on the
street is that “NOBODY CARES”.
The talk at the coffee shops is
that turnout on Election Day, next Tuesday, will be at an all-time low. Our
local newspaper recently went with a front page headline
“City Candidates
talk, But Few Hear” I believe its time
to prove them all wrong.
_________________**__________________ I have been a 25 year resident of Fernandina Beach and a 40 year full time resident of Nassau County. I graduated from high school in Nassau County and received my Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science from the University of Georgia and my Master of Public Administration from the University of North Florida. I was a 19 year city employee and advanced from a laborer in the Wastewater division to Superintendent of the Sanitation Department. Currently, I am Director of Transportation for the Nassau County Council on Aging. I am also a supporter of various community functions and various youth activities. I have three children ages, 22, 10, and 8. The oldest will soon be graduating from the University of Florida and the younger two attend Nassau County Schools. My wife, Mary, is a teacher at Fernandina Beach High School and is also a Certified Athletic Trainer. I believe my greatest asset as commissioner is my willingness to listen to all citizens to gain an understanding of all views of every issue. As Mayor I established office hours each week at City Hall, as commissioner and vice-mayor my home phone and email was constantly open to anyone to share their point of view as well as any time to sit down and discuss their concerns. I have demonstrated a willingness to work with others who serve on the commission as well as those who have expertise within our own community. I have enthusiastically supported ideas to continue and add to the quality of life for all our citizens now and in the future. As a taxpayer and most importantly, as a parent, I have a vested interest and am driven to keep our town a desirable place to live. I believe it’s important to maintain our quaint way of life while progressing with the times into the future. With projects such as the development of our waterfront and increased pressure to use open space, it is my hope you will support me in continuing the process of careful, planned progress with community infused and logical bias. It takes time to get things done the way we can be proud to pass on. I hope I can continue to count on your support to continue our efforts. _________________**_____________
Group 4 Group 5 47 % Harold Perry says: Click here 29% Bruce Malcolm says: Click here * 51% 53% Ron Sapp says: Click here 8% Christine Raysor says: Click here 14% George Stewart says: Click here 24% Patricia Thompson says: Click here 25% Marilyn Williamson says: Click here * 49% * = run off May 9th Mayoral Straw Vote: 23% Joe Gerrity [ ] 54% Bill Leeper [ ] 24% Ken Walker [ ] Ballot Referendum :
61% Yes 39% No
I believe that there are two essential, or broad issues in this campaign: 1) How do we protect and preserve our unique identity, character and quality of life, and 2) restoring an atmosphere of leadership and competence within the commission itself and concerning commission decisions. I believe that my leadership experience ( 21 years a city commissioner, 6 terms as Mayor) gives me the best chance of building consensus within the commission, and the community, when it comes to addressing those issues. I feel that I have demonstrated consensus-building skills and effective leadership skills by sponsoring, or playing a significant role in the following: Opening 50 public beach accesses, creating Seaside and North Beach Parks, re-vitalizing Main Beach, the $6 million dollar Open Space bond issue, developing the Greenway, acquiring and construction the Peck Center, the Beach Overlay district, the Coastal Uplands Protection Zone, putting together a Comp plan that protects densities and residential zoning, two tree protection ordinances, the short-term rental ordinance, removing over 90% of the R-3, or multifamily (high rise) zoning from our oceanfront in our first comp plan in 1980, protecting Old Town and the Historic District from port expansion, and many other land use, or growth management legislation. Concerning issue 1: 1) Adhere to the comprehensive plan regarding densities, NEVER voting to increase densities, and whenever possible, passionately advocating reducing them. 2) Develop a waterfront plan that is public centered - re-visit the CRA, improve parking lot "C," re-commit to the ATM plan regarding Phases II and III, resurface, landscape and light Front Street, have FPU install improved, underground electric lines along Front Street, create a unique zone along the waterfront that allows mixed use, EXCLUDING RESIDENTIAL, except for apartments above stores - similar to Centre St. That's my waterfront plan. 3) Continue opposing, vehemently, the development of Crane Island, 4) Insist that the original Coastal Uplands Protection Zone be put back in the LDR's. 5) Insist that the Beach Overlay District be codified within the Comp Plan and the LDR's. Protect our oceanfront - at all costs - from high rise development. Insist that the tree protection ordinances be strictly adhered to, and many other preservation opportunities and ideas that I have advocated, consistently, since 1972. Concerning issue 2: 1) Soon after the election, I will suggest that the commission meet in workshop session to reach consensus on three to five things, or projects, that the city WILL, not hope to, or might, but will accomplish during the upcoming fiscal year. 2) Treat each other with respect. 3) Work to accomplish things; be leaders. 4) Work to re-establish an atmosphere of trust between the commission, staff, employees and the people of Fernandina Beach. I view this as a leadership opportunity. An opportunity to lead, to build consensus on what our city will look like, be like in the future. There are MANY more issues that need discussing during the upcoming election. If any citizens would like to comment on them, please call me at home (261-4534), or e-mail me at Harvesthome67@aol.com.
My involvement in our community's issues spans the beach to the waterfront, downtown to Old Town and the neighborhoods in between. Failure to prepare has created unbridled growth and the problems we now face. To preserve our way of life, we must manage today's growth with smart planning. My respect for the beauty of our hometown has been proven by my willingness to stand firm when needed, compromise when necessary and maintain a vision that will protect the unique traits for which we all love about Fernandina Beach. I will accept the responsibility of service to all, reverence for our past and sheparding our future.
Christine Raysor says: no comment
The Marina is the most important issue we
face. Funding to complete is in place. I would request the Commission
finalize all aspects of this project using one clear and concise plan.
Immediately begin to complete and never again take 10 years to finish a
project so important to our unique character, our citizens, our visitors
and the economy of Fernandina Beach.
I would like to see the Greenway expand as planned, density issues addressed and smart controlled growth. Keep millage at the rollback rate and lower taxes whenever possible through good financial planning during the Budget Process. Our quality of life is facing many challenges and must be met head on with careful and intelligent planning. I would like the City to investigate the pros and cons of continuing as a City Manager form of government or consider a Strong Mayor form of government. A former Secretary of State once said and I quote, "If you do not know where you are going…….every road will get you nowhere." I believe in strong decisive leadership and will thoroughly study the issues we face and always provide for the wellbeing of our citizens through careful study and preparation on each issue. You will always know where I am going and why.
Patricia Thompson says: no comment
I care about Fernandina Beach because it is my home town. Over the years I have lived in other places. I worked for Inland Steel managing HUD properties, taught sociology at Ohio State, and owned a small construction company with my late husband. But the whole time I missed my home town, and in 1995 I was finally able to return. I was amazed and concerned at the changes that had occurred and joined the Planning Advisory Board, where I learned how changes are approved. The PAB is a group of unpaid citizens that work hard to represent the best interests of the citizens. It reviews land use and zoning, density and new development, traffic and parking, annexation and other issues that impact the entire city. It is the perfect training ground for a future city commissioner. As a city commissioner I will work to :
Every candidate for city commission says they want responsible growth that preserves our quality of life. But wishing won’t make it so. It takes experience. We face important development issues NOW and need a new commissioner who understands the complicated laws that must be considered if we want to preserve the things that make our town a special place. My experience on the PAB has given me that understanding and I am ready to work for you.
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CFOF to host Candidate Forum April 4th., 6:30pm at Council on Aging meeting room. 11 Mar 05 Fernandina Beach Commission........General Election Apr. 12, 2005 Group 2 Joe Gerrity says: “Development” has become an all purpose shorthand expression for bad things happening in our community. That’s not necessarily true. “Development” may simply be another word for growth. Growth is in our future. We can’t stop it, but we can manage it. Properly managed growth brings jobs, a strong tax base, and a healthier economy for our community. That’s good for all of us. What’s bad for all of us is failure to manage growth. We can’t afford a City Commission that can’t seem to take a position and then stay with it. We can’t afford a City Commission that rolls over for every developer who lobbies for special treatment. We can’t afford a City Commission that spends $75,000 of our tax dollars to hire a consultant who is rewriting all our city regulations to favor development like the trophy houses that are being built on the beach. Waterfront redevelopment is a mess. A good idea – redevelop and beautify our waterfront for the use of all the people of Fernandina Beach – has turned into a nightmare. The southern residential district got designated as “blighted,” much to the dismay of the people who live there. The consultants came and went. More consultants came and went. There’s still no reasonable plan, no sensible financial plan, and no vision. Other nearby cities have accessible and attractive waterfronts. What do they know that we don’t? The marina is a major embarrassment. Plans and consultants have come and gone, come and gone. The plans have changed so many times that when the city finally got a $1.6 million grant they probably can’t use the money because what was described in the grant application is no longer the plan. We need a Community Development Director to manage growth and control development. We need a consistent long-range plan for future growth. We need someone to look out for the people’s interests. We need a Commission that’s not afraid to take a stand and enforce the rules. Our goal for the future should be to protect our unique historical atmosphere while at the same time encouraging intelligent growth that will protect our tax base and add to our quality of life. __________**__________ Greg Roland says: The three most important issues facing Fernandina Beach are:
The rapid development continues around us and threatens our way of life. As a life long resident of Fernandina I will continue to work on protecting our way of life. We don't need “growth for the sake of growth.” This year the City undertook the project of rewriting our land development codes. The only way to protect our city is to have stronger codes. Prior to this year, the codes were not clear, vaguely worded, imprecise, and a developers dream. When the codes are finished in May and adopted in June, the citizens will have clearly written, easy to interpret and enforceable codes. It will be these codes that will protect our way of life and still allow development to occur on our terms, not a developer's terms. I will continue to support and bring to the commission all measures that will protect our small town way of life. The marina construction will begin in April or early May. Some or all of the 1.6 million dollar grant we received will be available to use. As demonstrated in several meetings, the marina will be restored to its original design thus preventing a drain on general fund resources. The waterfront design is in its final stages. Presentation to the public and city commission will be in May or June for final approval. After so many years of no activity on the marina and waterfront, the city this year has finally committed to putting a plan into action. By the end of this year there should be water up under the boats and the waterfront design implemented. Someone may ask; Why should I vote for you? First I am not a developer. My living does not depend on buying and selling and developing our city. I am an average person like everyone else in our town. I grew up in Fernandina, my whole family lives here. I want to protect our quality of life. Our future way of life depends on it. If you do not stand up for and say no to growth- for the sake of growth, then our future generation's quality of life will be lost. Growth should be on our terms not a developers. ______________**_____________
Group 3 Ed Coop says: no comment Martha Garvin says: no comment Bill Leeper says: no comment _______________**_________________ ELECTION REFERENDUM CHARTER AMENDMENT Shall the Charter of the City of Fernandina Beach be amended so that municipal elections will be held every two years in even numbered years, and shall the terms of office of commissioners of the City be changed from 3 years to 4 years to coincide with the election change? YES for Approval: ( ) NO for Rejection: ( ) _____________**_____________ STRAW BALLOT FOR MAYOR JOHN CROW BEANO ROBERTS KEN WALKER | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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