2022 City of Fernandina Beach Candidate Questionnaire
Innovation and Economic Development
In your opinion, what is the City's role in economic development?
Fernandina Beach is a tourist destination. We are mostly a tourist economy. With the exception of the port, Westrock and Rayonier. Two being the largest employers in Nassau County. But we don’t have to be limited by these. There is plenty of opportunity for other types of business in Fernandina Beach and those can be explored.
Partnering with the private sector and local organizations would be beneficial. Especially a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Fernandina Main Street and the Nassau County Economic Development Board. Working with these groups can help identify opportunities for business program improvement and assistance with new businesses.
Finding the right balance between economic development and not risking loss of our small-town feel is essential to success. The charm and small-town feel, is what many visit Fernandina beach for. To discourage this could potentially hurt our small business community.
Discuss your opinion on conducting a comprehensive and continuous review of all regulatory processes that impact business/industry and provide solutions that address these barriers.
In the past there has been a strained relationship between the business community and the city. But, I’m hoping most of that has been resolved. Just as a business must provide excellent customer service, so must the city agencies when they interact with the business community. It’s a culture thing and I believe things have been improving which is hopeful. Really, it just boils down to simple communication. The business community has a responsibility to let the City know of any problems. And in return the City must listen and make adjustments if necessary. We must continue to evaluate the effectiveness of our processes, and a means to track progress. This can be accomplished with partnering with local business organizations. Face it, if our businesses thrive, the City thrives.
Business Climate and Competitiveness
How can the City of Fernandina Beach improve the climate and competitiveness of our existing businesses and industry? What are your thoughts about the disparity in regulations and processes in doing business between the City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County? And, do you support the creation of a local purchasing program?
The relationship between the City and County could be better. And frankly, this strain is unsustainable. I’m an advocate of mending and strengthening this relationship. We must work together with a team approach, to solving some of our planning, growth, funding and business challenges. What each entity does, may have a direct impact on the other. So partnering to keep communication open is key to success.
Sure, there are some contrasts as to how the two deal with the business community. But I believe the city ordinances and planning review has its purpose. I’m not advocating that its perfect by any means. City needs and demographics may differ that the County’s. So, yes regulations and processes will be different. I do believe there is always room for improvement. The intention is to not stifle competitiveness, but to encourage it in a way that meets the needs of everyone with the City.
Commissioners must set the example for staff in a way that creates a culture of customer service. Yes, there are some disparities between our regulations, for sure. But they should be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
For example, at a recent Commission meeting, it was brought up that a business owner was not being able to be competitive because of a city sign regulation. This business owner was not able to display several signs/flags advertising their business. When across the street, within the county, an identical type of business was able to display several flags or signs. This put the business owner within the city at a competitive disadvantage, and something that could easily be resolved.
I’m not sure we need to require the creation of a local purchasing program. It should always be preferred to support local merchants if the quality, price, and level of service is reasonable. This is something that should be encouraged, but not required.
How can the City of Fernandina Beach better support our entrepreneurial ecosystem?
If I interpret the question correctly, the City should definitely encourage the networking of our entrepreneurial community. Although I’m not sure funding from the city is required. The City could help facilitate by advertising events and offer community space for networking meetings.
How can the City of Fernandina Beach engage in the creation of partnerships and funding programs related to current and relevant data, research as well as talent recruitment and start-up opportunities?
I think the City should definitely foster an environment where startups and partnerships are encouraged to participate in our economy. However, since we are currently, mostly a tourist economy, most of our jobs are within the service industry. I think the opportunity for attracting companies with a different focus should be taken seriously. As the relevant data and opportunities present themself, the City must have a plan to act when appropriate. Some of these can be found in the Vision 2045 document.
Civic and Governance System
What, in your opinion, are the three biggest challenges facing the City of Fernandina Beach?
First, our city facilities are in rough shape and failing. Their upkeep, routine preventive maintenance, and equipment replacement have been ignored for too long. This must be addressed as we are soon approaching a point where serious decisions must be made on how to approach this dilemma. It is getting to the point where some of these problems are becoming safety issues, requiring immediate action.
Next, we must identify new sources of revenue so the burden of paying for infrastructure breakdown caused by our visitors is not placed on the backs of property taxpayers and business owners. Some examples are, Park and Recreational facilities, beach parking lots, trash pickup at beach access points, and dune walkovers.
And last, growth. There are two parts to this story. Managing growth on the Island and planning for the impacts of growth off the Island. Yes, we must consider the growth off island. Growth is occurring everywhere, and will continue to do so. What is realistic, is acknowledging that growth will occur and walking that tightrope of balancing the following: conservation efforts, impact on wildlife, limiting tree loss, preserving wetlands, shoring up strong zoning restrictions, land purchase for the purpose of conservation, and preservation of our rich history while respecting property rights and development. We can do better, not bigger.
Several things we can do, are to empower our planning, historical and other advisory committees in managing this. I was impressed by the caliber of talent we have on these committees/departments and their sincere dedication to keeping Fernandina Beach beautiful and historically significant. There was a lot of work put into developing the Vision 2045 document and it should be implemented and tracked for progress.
The second part, is something we do not hear much about. And that is addressing the growth off the Island and its impact on our quality of life. There are currently 2-3 more developments the size of Wildlight planned. And guess where they will come to recreate. Crowded restaurants, traffic congestion, longer lines in grocery stores, parking difficulties (downtown and the beach), and an increased call load to public safety, just to name a few can be expected. Some of which you are already experiencing. I think this part is the more important issue we need to plan for. And the time to talk about its impact is now.
Any time decisions are contemplated that affect a particular segment of the community, representatives of that affected sector, such as the business/industrial community, should be invited to the table for dialogue and input. How important is community/partner organization input as a meaningful direction in developing sound policy and how will you implement?
Of course, I believe anytime a major proposal that has a broad impact on our community, all stakeholders must be communicated with. Anytime a large scale project is proposed, there must be a series of several meetings (more if needed). In this case I would encourage advertisement within all local media, the city’s social media account, and the city’s website.
In an effort to keep in touch with the community residents and business community I plan to hold up to three town halls each year at various locations and times across the city.
Do you believe the City of Fernandina Beach has an adequate amount of funding from property taxes or do you expect to require additional resources from Nassau County property owners? Please explain.
Simple answer, no. City residents’ property taxes are reaching a point where they are not adequate to fund the ongoing maintenance on our infrastructure. With the current influx of visitors to the City and the predicted increase, our infrastructure will require increased attention. More use equals more maintenance. Ways to take this burden off the City taxpayer must be examined. An equitable cost sharing proposal of City infrastructure maintenance, facility maintence and replacement should be considered.
Conversely, it’s not fair to our business owners. If the city does not have adequate funds to maintain the roads, sidewalks, and landscaping, then these features begin to breakdown showing their wear and tear. This could result in keeping customers away.
Infrastructure and Growth Leadership
How can the City of Fernandina Beach balance and pursue both natural environment protection and sustainable economic development?
Vision 2045 although not yet formally adopted, takes a proactive visionary approach as to how to deal with future environmental protection needs. This includes increasing the tree canopy by 5% in the next 15 years, with a final goal of an increase of 7% by 2045. And increasing tree plantings along rights of way. It also recommends establishing a long-term funding strategy for the purchase of land for conservation.
Again, this comes down to communication. The City has a responsibility to protect existing shoreline, wetlands, mature trees, and environmental concerns. But it must have a common-sense approach. For example, I was told a story about a developer who was unable to provide on street parking due to a restriction. But to do so he was placed in a predicament, that meant the removal of a large mature tree for side parking. In order to save the tree, a variance was granted to allow the street parking. In my opinion, this was a common-sense approach and was handled appropriately. That’s how these can be balanced, and we need to proactively encourage more of this type of common sense approach..
Led by the Chamber of Commerce beginning in 2015, the now completed Public Transportation study and recommendations concluded in 2017. What are your specific recommendations to increase the options and availability for public transit?
Well, first instead of reinventing the wheel, I think we need to talk to the experts. I don’t think are the first community our size to face this challenge. JTA has a model that we could examine and see how it would fit here. Also, I think the City definitely needs to be actively involved with County planning. Projects approved within the County have a direct impact on City residents.
Also, I would reach out to the two biggest employers on the island and see their willingness to explore transportation solutions for their shift workers. This can include but not limited to bus transportation, or some other means of mass transportation. We have a set of railroad tracks that run right into the core of the industrial area and port. Perhaps a solution would be creating a rail shuttle for employees from a centralized parking location? Of course, this and most other suggested solutions are complex and will take foresight and investigation. Any proposal must be backed by good planning. But we are at a point where solutions will be needed soon, and creative thing must be fostered. This could help the workers with the high cost of gas and, potentially reduce traffic on the Island.
The future innovation economy and efficiency of government is dependent on technology infrastructure. How will you ensure the City of Fernandina Beach continuously improves faster, more stable, and more secure connectivity?
Hey wouldn’t it be great if Fernandina Beach offered its own City Broadband system? A system that all residents could tap into for a small fee or even free? Of course, this would be a massive large-scale project in scope. And would require funding source partnerships. Funds from ARP and grant money could be applied for as well. But, just think of the benefits of keeping residents and the business community connected.
The idea of community broadband, is purely an out of the box thought. It’s not something I’m advocating but merely used as an example. It’s an example of new ideas. In order to come up with solutions that fit our future, we must be open to accepting new ideas. We must embrace newer ways of thinking. A fresh new set of eyes looking at old problems would be intriguing.
Just think what the historic Centre street would look like now if the policy makers in the 1950’s didn’t have the vision to update and invest in its features. It was a risk and took courage, but it paid off. And now it’s a tourist destination. We need a little more of that courage nowadays in my opinion.
Quality of Life and Quality of Places
Land development codes and incentives for workforce housing have not produced the needed inventory for our community. What are you recommendations for access to housing?
The City currently works with the Housing Authority. Housing is addressed in part 3 in the City’s comprehensive plan. The plan calls for several items to encourage affordable housing. If the current plan is not working, then the objectives and solutions should be revisited more frequently than what the plan calls for. Now, the plan calls for a progress assessment every five years. That may be too long in todays fast paced changing marketplace.
Unfortunately, current market conditions have made this endeavor more difficult. And realistically, I don’t see it happening anytime soon. But I am open to listening to potential solutions. Perhaps more success would be found off the Island, and partnering with Nassau County in finding solutions as well.
Community-based development organizations are vital tot he City of Fernandina Beach. How will you strengthen the role of these organizations?
There are a lot of benefits our non-profits provide to our community on the island. From meeting the needs of the economically challenged, aging population and homeless, the city should constantly be aware of their needs and progress. Right now, our Police department provides contact and outreach to our homeless population. It should be a partnership.
What is the role of the City of Fernandina Beach for underserved communities and their development?
Like any municipality we do have economically challenged members within our community. One thing the City has control over and is doing, is offering assistance to those in need on their water/sewer bill by promoting the “Love your Neighbor Donation Program”. There are State and Federal assistance programs to those in need. And the City could act as a clearinghouse to help direct those in need to the resources they need. Teaming up with the many non-profits on our island is another way to help serve those in need. Some examples are Housing Authority, Barnabus, Council on Aging, KET Foundation, Hope House, Nassau Habitat for Humanity, and Rotary Club to name a few.
In your opinion, what is the City's role in economic development?
Fernandina Beach is a tourist destination. We are mostly a tourist economy. With the exception of the port, Westrock and Rayonier. Two being the largest employers in Nassau County. But we don’t have to be limited by these. There is plenty of opportunity for other types of business in Fernandina Beach and those can be explored.
Partnering with the private sector and local organizations would be beneficial. Especially a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, Fernandina Main Street and the Nassau County Economic Development Board. Working with these groups can help identify opportunities for business program improvement and assistance with new businesses.
Finding the right balance between economic development and not risking loss of our small-town feel is essential to success. The charm and small-town feel, is what many visit Fernandina beach for. To discourage this could potentially hurt our small business community.
Discuss your opinion on conducting a comprehensive and continuous review of all regulatory processes that impact business/industry and provide solutions that address these barriers.
In the past there has been a strained relationship between the business community and the city. But, I’m hoping most of that has been resolved. Just as a business must provide excellent customer service, so must the city agencies when they interact with the business community. It’s a culture thing and I believe things have been improving which is hopeful. Really, it just boils down to simple communication. The business community has a responsibility to let the City know of any problems. And in return the City must listen and make adjustments if necessary. We must continue to evaluate the effectiveness of our processes, and a means to track progress. This can be accomplished with partnering with local business organizations. Face it, if our businesses thrive, the City thrives.
Business Climate and Competitiveness
How can the City of Fernandina Beach improve the climate and competitiveness of our existing businesses and industry? What are your thoughts about the disparity in regulations and processes in doing business between the City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County? And, do you support the creation of a local purchasing program?
The relationship between the City and County could be better. And frankly, this strain is unsustainable. I’m an advocate of mending and strengthening this relationship. We must work together with a team approach, to solving some of our planning, growth, funding and business challenges. What each entity does, may have a direct impact on the other. So partnering to keep communication open is key to success.
Sure, there are some contrasts as to how the two deal with the business community. But I believe the city ordinances and planning review has its purpose. I’m not advocating that its perfect by any means. City needs and demographics may differ that the County’s. So, yes regulations and processes will be different. I do believe there is always room for improvement. The intention is to not stifle competitiveness, but to encourage it in a way that meets the needs of everyone with the City.
Commissioners must set the example for staff in a way that creates a culture of customer service. Yes, there are some disparities between our regulations, for sure. But they should be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
For example, at a recent Commission meeting, it was brought up that a business owner was not being able to be competitive because of a city sign regulation. This business owner was not able to display several signs/flags advertising their business. When across the street, within the county, an identical type of business was able to display several flags or signs. This put the business owner within the city at a competitive disadvantage, and something that could easily be resolved.
I’m not sure we need to require the creation of a local purchasing program. It should always be preferred to support local merchants if the quality, price, and level of service is reasonable. This is something that should be encouraged, but not required.
How can the City of Fernandina Beach better support our entrepreneurial ecosystem?
If I interpret the question correctly, the City should definitely encourage the networking of our entrepreneurial community. Although I’m not sure funding from the city is required. The City could help facilitate by advertising events and offer community space for networking meetings.
How can the City of Fernandina Beach engage in the creation of partnerships and funding programs related to current and relevant data, research as well as talent recruitment and start-up opportunities?
I think the City should definitely foster an environment where startups and partnerships are encouraged to participate in our economy. However, since we are currently, mostly a tourist economy, most of our jobs are within the service industry. I think the opportunity for attracting companies with a different focus should be taken seriously. As the relevant data and opportunities present themself, the City must have a plan to act when appropriate. Some of these can be found in the Vision 2045 document.
Civic and Governance System
What, in your opinion, are the three biggest challenges facing the City of Fernandina Beach?
First, our city facilities are in rough shape and failing. Their upkeep, routine preventive maintenance, and equipment replacement have been ignored for too long. This must be addressed as we are soon approaching a point where serious decisions must be made on how to approach this dilemma. It is getting to the point where some of these problems are becoming safety issues, requiring immediate action.
Next, we must identify new sources of revenue so the burden of paying for infrastructure breakdown caused by our visitors is not placed on the backs of property taxpayers and business owners. Some examples are, Park and Recreational facilities, beach parking lots, trash pickup at beach access points, and dune walkovers.
And last, growth. There are two parts to this story. Managing growth on the Island and planning for the impacts of growth off the Island. Yes, we must consider the growth off island. Growth is occurring everywhere, and will continue to do so. What is realistic, is acknowledging that growth will occur and walking that tightrope of balancing the following: conservation efforts, impact on wildlife, limiting tree loss, preserving wetlands, shoring up strong zoning restrictions, land purchase for the purpose of conservation, and preservation of our rich history while respecting property rights and development. We can do better, not bigger.
Several things we can do, are to empower our planning, historical and other advisory committees in managing this. I was impressed by the caliber of talent we have on these committees/departments and their sincere dedication to keeping Fernandina Beach beautiful and historically significant. There was a lot of work put into developing the Vision 2045 document and it should be implemented and tracked for progress.
The second part, is something we do not hear much about. And that is addressing the growth off the Island and its impact on our quality of life. There are currently 2-3 more developments the size of Wildlight planned. And guess where they will come to recreate. Crowded restaurants, traffic congestion, longer lines in grocery stores, parking difficulties (downtown and the beach), and an increased call load to public safety, just to name a few can be expected. Some of which you are already experiencing. I think this part is the more important issue we need to plan for. And the time to talk about its impact is now.
Any time decisions are contemplated that affect a particular segment of the community, representatives of that affected sector, such as the business/industrial community, should be invited to the table for dialogue and input. How important is community/partner organization input as a meaningful direction in developing sound policy and how will you implement?
Of course, I believe anytime a major proposal that has a broad impact on our community, all stakeholders must be communicated with. Anytime a large scale project is proposed, there must be a series of several meetings (more if needed). In this case I would encourage advertisement within all local media, the city’s social media account, and the city’s website.
In an effort to keep in touch with the community residents and business community I plan to hold up to three town halls each year at various locations and times across the city.
Do you believe the City of Fernandina Beach has an adequate amount of funding from property taxes or do you expect to require additional resources from Nassau County property owners? Please explain.
Simple answer, no. City residents’ property taxes are reaching a point where they are not adequate to fund the ongoing maintenance on our infrastructure. With the current influx of visitors to the City and the predicted increase, our infrastructure will require increased attention. More use equals more maintenance. Ways to take this burden off the City taxpayer must be examined. An equitable cost sharing proposal of City infrastructure maintenance, facility maintence and replacement should be considered.
Conversely, it’s not fair to our business owners. If the city does not have adequate funds to maintain the roads, sidewalks, and landscaping, then these features begin to breakdown showing their wear and tear. This could result in keeping customers away.
Infrastructure and Growth Leadership
How can the City of Fernandina Beach balance and pursue both natural environment protection and sustainable economic development?
Vision 2045 although not yet formally adopted, takes a proactive visionary approach as to how to deal with future environmental protection needs. This includes increasing the tree canopy by 5% in the next 15 years, with a final goal of an increase of 7% by 2045. And increasing tree plantings along rights of way. It also recommends establishing a long-term funding strategy for the purchase of land for conservation.
Again, this comes down to communication. The City has a responsibility to protect existing shoreline, wetlands, mature trees, and environmental concerns. But it must have a common-sense approach. For example, I was told a story about a developer who was unable to provide on street parking due to a restriction. But to do so he was placed in a predicament, that meant the removal of a large mature tree for side parking. In order to save the tree, a variance was granted to allow the street parking. In my opinion, this was a common-sense approach and was handled appropriately. That’s how these can be balanced, and we need to proactively encourage more of this type of common sense approach..
Led by the Chamber of Commerce beginning in 2015, the now completed Public Transportation study and recommendations concluded in 2017. What are your specific recommendations to increase the options and availability for public transit?
Well, first instead of reinventing the wheel, I think we need to talk to the experts. I don’t think are the first community our size to face this challenge. JTA has a model that we could examine and see how it would fit here. Also, I think the City definitely needs to be actively involved with County planning. Projects approved within the County have a direct impact on City residents.
Also, I would reach out to the two biggest employers on the island and see their willingness to explore transportation solutions for their shift workers. This can include but not limited to bus transportation, or some other means of mass transportation. We have a set of railroad tracks that run right into the core of the industrial area and port. Perhaps a solution would be creating a rail shuttle for employees from a centralized parking location? Of course, this and most other suggested solutions are complex and will take foresight and investigation. Any proposal must be backed by good planning. But we are at a point where solutions will be needed soon, and creative thing must be fostered. This could help the workers with the high cost of gas and, potentially reduce traffic on the Island.
The future innovation economy and efficiency of government is dependent on technology infrastructure. How will you ensure the City of Fernandina Beach continuously improves faster, more stable, and more secure connectivity?
Hey wouldn’t it be great if Fernandina Beach offered its own City Broadband system? A system that all residents could tap into for a small fee or even free? Of course, this would be a massive large-scale project in scope. And would require funding source partnerships. Funds from ARP and grant money could be applied for as well. But, just think of the benefits of keeping residents and the business community connected.
The idea of community broadband, is purely an out of the box thought. It’s not something I’m advocating but merely used as an example. It’s an example of new ideas. In order to come up with solutions that fit our future, we must be open to accepting new ideas. We must embrace newer ways of thinking. A fresh new set of eyes looking at old problems would be intriguing.
Just think what the historic Centre street would look like now if the policy makers in the 1950’s didn’t have the vision to update and invest in its features. It was a risk and took courage, but it paid off. And now it’s a tourist destination. We need a little more of that courage nowadays in my opinion.
Quality of Life and Quality of Places
Land development codes and incentives for workforce housing have not produced the needed inventory for our community. What are you recommendations for access to housing?
The City currently works with the Housing Authority. Housing is addressed in part 3 in the City’s comprehensive plan. The plan calls for several items to encourage affordable housing. If the current plan is not working, then the objectives and solutions should be revisited more frequently than what the plan calls for. Now, the plan calls for a progress assessment every five years. That may be too long in todays fast paced changing marketplace.
Unfortunately, current market conditions have made this endeavor more difficult. And realistically, I don’t see it happening anytime soon. But I am open to listening to potential solutions. Perhaps more success would be found off the Island, and partnering with Nassau County in finding solutions as well.
Community-based development organizations are vital tot he City of Fernandina Beach. How will you strengthen the role of these organizations?
There are a lot of benefits our non-profits provide to our community on the island. From meeting the needs of the economically challenged, aging population and homeless, the city should constantly be aware of their needs and progress. Right now, our Police department provides contact and outreach to our homeless population. It should be a partnership.
What is the role of the City of Fernandina Beach for underserved communities and their development?
Like any municipality we do have economically challenged members within our community. One thing the City has control over and is doing, is offering assistance to those in need on their water/sewer bill by promoting the “Love your Neighbor Donation Program”. There are State and Federal assistance programs to those in need. And the City could act as a clearinghouse to help direct those in need to the resources they need. Teaming up with the many non-profits on our island is another way to help serve those in need. Some examples are Housing Authority, Barnabus, Council on Aging, KET Foundation, Hope House, Nassau Habitat for Humanity, and Rotary Club to name a few.
