2022 Board of County Commissioners Candidate Questionnaire
In your opinion, what is the County's role in economic development?
To seek out and develop relationships with new businesses.
To seek out and develop relationships with new businesses.
Do you believe incentives are necessary for economic development and why or why not?
Incentives that make sense are necessary, but we can't "give away the farm". Nassau County has a lot to offer new businesses and we can't forget that.
Incentives that make sense are necessary, but we can't "give away the farm". Nassau County has a lot to offer new businesses and we can't forget that.
Discuss your opinion on conducting a comprehensive and continuous review of all regulatory processes that impact businesses and provide solutions that address these barriers.
I am pro business and I will continue to be. Any time we can enhance the relationship between government and business I would encourage it. As always, I believe we can always strive to be better partners.
I am pro business and I will continue to be. Any time we can enhance the relationship between government and business I would encourage it. As always, I believe we can always strive to be better partners.
How can Nassau County improve the climate and competitiveness of our existing businesses? And do you support the creation of a local purchasing program?
Recently, the Nassau County Procurement department has implemented a vendor fair. The door is opened to potential vendors (preferably local) to come in and they will walk them through the vendor application process and what to expect.
Recently, the Nassau County Procurement department has implemented a vendor fair. The door is opened to potential vendors (preferably local) to come in and they will walk them through the vendor application process and what to expect.
How can Nassau County better support our entrepreneurial ecosystem?
We can always do better to target entrepreneurs specifically and work to make it easier to enhance programs. Recently, some small business owners were highlighted when the county was able to utilize them to bid for the county Right of Way maintenance service, which were awarded toat least 2 locally owned Nassau County Businesses.
We can always do better to target entrepreneurs specifically and work to make it easier to enhance programs. Recently, some small business owners were highlighted when the county was able to utilize them to bid for the county Right of Way maintenance service, which were awarded toat least 2 locally owned Nassau County Businesses.
How can Nassau County 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 believe that creating and nurturing public/private partnerships would benefit everyone. I definitely see the benefit in recruiting local talent. We already have several born and raised Nassau County folks working in management and I couldn't be more proud of the job they have done. Although important, I do not think that funding for startup opportunities should be taxpayer funded for entrepreneurs.
I believe that creating and nurturing public/private partnerships would benefit everyone. I definitely see the benefit in recruiting local talent. We already have several born and raised Nassau County folks working in management and I couldn't be more proud of the job they have done. Although important, I do not think that funding for startup opportunities should be taxpayer funded for entrepreneurs.
What, in your opinion, are the three biggest challenges facing Nassau County?
Inflation, fuel and material costs are wreaking havoc on every service that the county provides for its citizens. Which we do all day, every day. Minimum Wage Increases are a heavy burden, in the middle of a budget year. Retention is hard to maintain when recruitment is almost nonexistent. And of course, growth. We strive every day to maintain the level of service that our taxpayers expect. Challenges are being met with efficiency and hard work to maintain the quality of life our residents deserve.
Inflation, fuel and material costs are wreaking havoc on every service that the county provides for its citizens. Which we do all day, every day. Minimum Wage Increases are a heavy burden, in the middle of a budget year. Retention is hard to maintain when recruitment is almost nonexistent. And of course, growth. We strive every day to maintain the level of service that our taxpayers expect. Challenges are being met with efficiency and hard work to maintain the quality of life our residents deserve.
Any time decisions are contemplated that affect a particular segment of the community, representatives of that affected sector, such as the business 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?
I believe that the County is better than ever at inclusivity with the business community. Take the Cares Act Funding for instance, the county worked very closely with the Chamber to identify and fund the needs in our business community. Over $1.7 million in Cares money was distributed to Nassau County businesses during the pandemic.
I believe that the County is better than ever at inclusivity with the business community. Take the Cares Act Funding for instance, the county worked very closely with the Chamber to identify and fund the needs in our business community. Over $1.7 million in Cares money was distributed to Nassau County businesses during the pandemic.
Do you believe Nassau County has an adequate amount of funding from property taxes or do you expect to require additional resources from Nassau County property owners? Please explain.
Nassau County was able to adopt a modified rollback rate this past budget season. I believe we are past time to diversify our tax base and we are taking big steps to do just that.
Nassau County was able to adopt a modified rollback rate this past budget season. I believe we are past time to diversify our tax base and we are taking big steps to do just that.
How can Nassau County balance and pursue both natural environment protection and sustainable economic development?
Recently, the BOCC created a CLAM(conservation land acquisition management) program. We thought it was important to let the voters decide if it were to be funded so it will be on the ballot this fall. The CLAM includes an appointed board of resident experts to decide if candidate land is suitable for conservation.
Recently, the BOCC created a CLAM(conservation land acquisition management) program. We thought it was important to let the voters decide if it were to be funded so it will be on the ballot this fall. The CLAM includes an appointed board of resident experts to decide if candidate land is suitable for conservation.
Lead 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?
We have an opportunity to address public transit in a nontraditional way. I would be in favor of utilizing rideshare technology and web based apps to help establish transportation in Nassau County.
We have an opportunity to address public transit in a nontraditional way. I would be in favor of utilizing rideshare technology and web based apps to help establish transportation in Nassau County.
The future innovation economy and efficiency of government is dependent on technology infrastructure. How will you ensure Nassau County continuously improves faster, more stable, and more secure connectivity?
Technology infrastructure is growing leaps and bounds everyday and broadband internet accessibility should be available to all in the near future.
Technology infrastructure is growing leaps and bounds everyday and broadband internet accessibility should be available to all in the near future.
Land development codes and incentives for workforce housing have not produced the needed inventory for our community. What are your recommendations for access to housing?
Affordable housing is an issue we will always have in Nassau County. I currently serve on the eHac Committee for the county and we are working very hard at addressing the lack of workforce housing.
Affordable housing is an issue we will always have in Nassau County. I currently serve on the eHac Committee for the county and we are working very hard at addressing the lack of workforce housing.
Community-based development organizations are vital to Nassau County. How will you strengthen the role of these organizations?
Over the last few years we have been able to help fund these organizations on a level never before done in Nassau County. It's easy to see the value in the services they provide to our citizens. I will continue to support these groups.
Over the last few years we have been able to help fund these organizations on a level never before done in Nassau County. It's easy to see the value in the services they provide to our citizens. I will continue to support these groups.
What is the role of the County for underserved communities and their development?
Outside of regularly provided services, we count on community based non profits such as COA and Barnebas to step up when the need is outside of the county departments. They provide a service to folks that would be without otherwise. i am so grateful for these organizations.
Outside of regularly provided services, we count on community based non profits such as COA and Barnebas to step up when the need is outside of the county departments. They provide a service to folks that would be without otherwise. i am so grateful for these organizations.
