Submitted Press Release
September 10, 2014 1:00 a.m.
Fernandina Beach businessman and former city commissioner Tim Poynter has announced plans to seek election to the Fernandina Beach City Commission in Group 2.
The owner of Café Karibo and Timoti’s Seafood Shak, Poynter is known for his common sense business credentials, creative problem-solving and genuine concern for the future of Fernandina Beach.
“It’s time that commissioners stand up for the long term interests of Fernandina,” Poynter said. “It’s time to make sure that this special place remains economically healthy, vibrant and attractive for future generations. It’s time to invest in projects like our beaches, our neighborhoods and city assets. It’s time to make government smarter and more efficient without crippling our citizens and businesses with excessive taxes, fees and regulations. We deserve better.”
Poynter served as city commissioner from 2009 to 2012. He was the only commissioner to oppose the proposed FY2012-13 city budget that called for both higher taxes (a 15 per cent increase, the highest in ten years) and higher franchise fees. “There’s a difference between investing in our city and continuing to subsidize inefficient and outdated city government operations. And just saying no is not being responsible,” he said.
During Poynter’s tenure as commissioner, plans and financing were put in motion for the Main Beach boardwalk, professional management of the marina and golf course and an upgraded Front Street and a new river-front.
“Some of these projects are now adding value to our island while others are still—-three years later— issues for discussion,” Poynter said. “It’s time for action on long standing issues like the waterfront. We’ve lost our momentum. It’s time for the city to move ahead with infrastructure improvements that will encourage more public/private investment in all areas of the city,” he said. Public/private partnerships built during Poynter’s tenure on the Commission include the public library expansion, the humane society building and the downtown depot renovation. “It’s time to be good stewards of the taxpayer’s money….We deserve better.”
Known as an independent thinker who speaks his mind, Poynter applies the same leadership principles to running the city as he does to his successful businesses. “Good government doesn’t have to be expensive, if you look for creative ways to manage,” he said. “The City Commission and the City Manager must work together to manage change that is inevitable. And then we must be accountable for every penny we spend.”
Tim and Theresa, his wife and business partner, first opened Café Karibo in late 2001. Despite a fragile economy, they focused on their goal of providing good food at reasonable prices. They prospered and expanded Café Karibo while embarking on a second successful venture: Karibrew. In April 2012, they opened a third business, Timoti’s Seafood Shak just down the street. The Poynters now have more than 50 staff, making them one of the largest employers downtown. “We have the best employees in town,” said Tim. “I am very grateful to them for helping us keep our customers satisfied and steady.”
Poynter grew up in Cincinnati, OH and graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelors Degree from the College of Business Administration. He and his family moved to Fernandina Beach in 2000. They have stayed because of the island lifestyle and friendly community environment that they continue to enjoy. Tim and Theresa have been married over 30 years and have 4 children: Tara, Bryan, Tim and Sean, all of whom attended Fernandina Beach public school.
Tim and his family privately and publicly support many local non-profit organizations. While a commissioner, Tim helped the Council On Aging get a matching grant for its new transportation building and made sure other local non-profit organizations were fairly funded with city funds. “Investing in non-profits makes Fernandina a safer and healthier place to live and visit,” Poynter said. “Their impact is undeniable and our city’s support is necessary. For example, the Council On Aging could have leveraged $10,000 in city funding to purchase a $90,000 passenger van last year. Unfortunately that didn’t happen because the Commission voted to give the Council On Aging only $5,000 last year and that was only after much community outrage over the alternative, which was not giving anything at all…..We deserve better.”
If you would like to learn more about Tim Poynter and his vision for Fernandina Beach, or if you would like to get involved in his campaign, please contact him by phone (904) 415-6533 or email [email protected]. Or just drop by Café Karibo for a chat.
Editor’s Note: Over the next several days we will post submitted press releases from candidates for the Fernandina Beach City Commission. Tim Poynter will face incumbent Commissioner Charlie Corbett, and Roy Smith in the November election. The Fernandina Observer does not endorse any candidates.
We ask that our readership refrain from posting comments on our website about a particular candidate. Any comment posted will be removed as soon as possible.
Betsie, Other than Tim taking the time to do the research, find out some of the facts and presenting them at the meeting, I keep asking myself one simple question. Where was the City and why didn’t they figure some of this stuff out and send a spokesperson to represent us? This speaks volumes to many who are going to have to choose this Nov. I have said it to the point of nauseum— better communication as well as active involvement on the part of the City is needed. The Mayor has been active in this as well as great communication coming from Johnny Miller. Where are the rest of the voices? Why didn’t the City meet prior to this meeting and get a game plan formed and come down to speak? It may be against some kind of law for them to do so, I don’t know, but my guess would be they could have sent a representative to speak up for us. Thanks Tim for taking the time and effort to bring out some good information.