Nassau County Commission Candidate, District 2
Submitted by Gene Alley
Nassau County Commission Candidate
District 2 (write in)
July 22, 2014 7:00 a.m.
Most people agree that 8th Street/SR 200/A1A is an eyesore today for visitors arriving on Amelia Island via the Shave Bridge. The city is working on measures to improve the appearance of properties along this road within the city limits. How would you propose to improve the appearance of properties along the county’s portion of this road?
The conditions existing on 8th Street did not happen overnight and the successful solution will take time. I believe we must first recognize that 8th Street is the principal traffic conduit that supports not only tourist traffic, but also substantial commercial and residential traffic. I would offer three observations that will be pursued should I be elected:
- The rail line closely parallels 8th Street for several miles on the island. As such it inhibits alternative development. The first thing that visitors see when they enter the island isn’t property appearances; it’s a railroad. I don’t’ see the railroad as a detriment, but rather as part of a long term solution.
Because of the significant commercial traffic on 8th Street, I have previously floated the idea of utilizing the railroad as an alternative means of moving raw materials and finished product from the the mills, as well as port containers on and off of the island. There has been some pushback on this concept primarily focused on cost and impact on truck drivers. A similar condition existed in the ports of Hampton Roads in Virginia. A combination of federal and state funding worked to create an effective solution. We can accomplish the same here if we have the vision and commitment to pursue this solution.
2. The issue of our “front door” isn’t a subject limited to improving property appearances (including current and future development) on the island. The County should commit to working collaboratively with the City to achieve and maintain standards that will maintain and improve the appearance of our “front door”. If elected, I am committed to working cooperatively with the city to achieve this goal.
3. I don’t’ believe any single individual has the best ideas on how to proceed to achieve this objective. What I bring to the table is the willingness to listen and encourage the development and implementation of those ideas that will improve the appearance of our “front door”.
Alley and candidate Mike Boyle are seeking office currently held by incumbent Commissioner Steve Kelley.
About the candidate:
Gene Alley is a 67 year old former marine engineer who moved to Fernandina Beach (26) years ago. Gene is a 1969 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. He has also pursued a graduate degree in Engineering Management at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Prior to relocating to Fernandina Gene and his family lived and worked for ARAMCO in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, where Gene managed a maintenance organization responsible for the inspection and repair of (160) owned and bare boat chartered vessels engaged in terminal and production activities.
Gene and his wife Susan are the proud parents of 4 married children, and 8 grandchildren.
Contact Information:
District 2 Gene Alley
1892 Lakeside Drive South,
Fernandina Beach, FL 21034 904-233-9027
[email protected]
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