Roy G. Smith Jr. announces candidacy for city commission Group 2

Submitted Press Release
September 11, 2014 1:00 a.m.

I am announcing my plans to seek election to the Fernandina Beach City Commission Group 2.

My platform contains the following four major objectives:

▪ Do not spend taxpayer money frivolously.

▪ Take all measures possible to stop the Port from encroaching into the residential areas south and east of its facilities.

▪ Work to create better relationships between the City and local businesses.

▪ Address the long term budget issues with the marina and City Golf Course. Stop kicking the can down the road as has been done in the past.

I am a fiscal conservative who will research all issues thoroughly before committing funds for both long term and short term expenditures. I will not vote to spend money without a clear expectation of what the funds are being used for, timelines and an accounting of how the money is spent.

As many people are aware, the Port is attempting to rezone land around the port from residential to a zoning that would allow parking lots, port buildings, as well as other uses that would benefit the Port. I am strongly against changing the zoning. The existing home owners and the builders of new homes in this area relied upon the residential zoning. When the Port bought two lots at the Dade Street and Third Street intersection they knew that they were zoned residential. As a Commissioner I will fight for the rights of the homeowners.

When speaking with various local businesses I found that many of them do not believe the City is business friendly. These businesses are located in the Historical District as well as other areas of the City. We must have healthy businesses to attract tourists and local residents. A look down Centre Street, 14th Street and Sadler Road points out how many storefronts are empty. Workshops must be held with all parties in attendance to solve this problem.

Every year the City transfers a large amount of money out of the General Fund and adds it to the Marina and Golf Course Enterprises Budgets. This is done because they both have negative balance sheets. This must be stopped. Workshops must be held between the Commissioners, tax payers and other interested parties to discuss these issues and find workable solutions to this problem. We must stop kicking the can down the road and actually resolve the issue.

I am a retired Road, Bridge and Infrastructure Contractor. Because I am retired, being a commissioner will be my full time job. As upper management in my career I have a knowledge of what it costs to build and maintain the infrastructure of our City. I have also dealt with the Florida Department of Transportation, various County representatives, Water Control Districts and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

My wife Cathy and I relocated here upon retirement. We vacationed here many times and always said that we would retire here. We love the City and the friendly people. As a taxpayer I am concerned about the tax rate. If elected I will strive not to raise taxes. I will also ensure that I will bring honesty, common sense, integrity and accountability to the office.

If you desire to learn more about me and my ideas or get involved in my campaign, please call (904) 556-0951 or e-mail me at [email protected].

Editor’s Note: Over the next several days we will post submitted press releases from candidates for the Fernandina Beach City Commission. Roy G. Smith, Jr. will face incumbent Commissioner Charlie Corbett, and Tim Poynter in the November election. The Fernandina Observer does not endorse any candidates.

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