October 5, 2015 1:00 a.m.
Editor’s Note: For the next four days, the Fernandina Observer will post answers to questions posed to candidates running for a seat on the Fernandina Beach City Commission. In the November 3 election Incumbent Commissioner Pat Gass is opposed by Jim B. Higginbotham, Jennifer Schriver, and Roy G. Smith, in Group 4. Clinch Kavanaugh faces Len Kreger in Group 5.
The Fernandina Observer does not endorse candidates.
The Fernandina Observer Candidate Forum will be held October 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the city commission chambers.
Group 4
1. Why do you want to serve on the Fernandina Beach City Commission and what skills do you offer?
It has been my humble pleasure to serve the citizens of Fernandina Beach for the last three years. My gifts to offer the Commission and the City at large are my memories. I think it is important to know where we’ve come from, as a community, to best plot where we are going. In addition to my personal history in our city, my three years experience on the commission is invaluable. It takes a lot of time and energy to understand the inner machinations of city government. This is part of the reason that I urged that the removal of term limits be placed on the ballot. I voted for the limits when they were proposed years ago. Now, having been on the commission these three years, I understand the learning curve and I want to use my accumulated knowledge to continue to be a faithful servant of our common interests.
(Note: The Fernandina Observer apologizes to Mrs. Gass and our readers for failing to include her response in the initial publication of this article. Although she responded to our questions in a timely manner, for unknown reasons, we did not receive them initially.)
1. Why do you want to serve on the Fernandina Beach City Commission and what skills do you offer?
I love this area and want to do so much more to make it a ‘Premier Place’ to live, work and play. Serving on the City Commission would allow me, with the help of my fellow commissioners, to implement the many ideas I want to accomplish.
Over 40 years experience serving Fernandina Beach residents.
Construction Company (1969-1978) Worked & completed Centre Street.
Redesign from Intracoastal to Eighth Street.
Appointed by City Manager as Public Works Director, Fernandina Beach
(1978-2003). Supervised operation of Sewage Plant, Sanitation, Streets and
Highways, Cemetery, Fleet and Building Maintenance, and City Airport.
Appointed by Governor to Amelia Island Mosquito Control Board (1980-1988)
Elected to Nassau County Commission. Served as Chairman for three terms:
(1988-1996), (2004-2008)
Appointed to Nassau County Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Served eight years as First Chairman of Amelia Island Tourist
Development Board.
Elected Director to Amelia Park Neighborhood Association.
Past Member, Bike Path Planning Committee.
Past Member, Shrimp Festival Board
1. Why do you want to serve on the Fernandina Beach City Commission and what skills do you offer?
Let me answer the second part of this question first, because my skills are the reason that I would be an asset to the City Commission. First, my training in parks and recreation enables me to assess the recreational needs of the community and assist in making appropriate plans. The Vision 2032 ranked recreation and open space in the top three needs identified by the community. Central Park is a good example of where the City can, with minimal investment, beautify an asset into a hub of activity. A simple running track, bench seating, planting of Live Oaks, nice lighting would turn this space into an asset. Nassau County could contribute to recreational resources such as Central Park to provide for the future with 50K people projected to live just off island.
Next, as a volunteer at Barnabas Medical Center, it is essential to have effective communication skills. My skills as an active listener and communicator combined with my assessment skills require me to investigate and understand a situation quickly. Naturally, I connect with patients and I attribute that to sincerely wanting to help them. This is a gift as much a skill and it is transferrable to all types of work.
Finally, I am a solution focused person and issues like storm water runoff need to be immediately rectified. Should a serious storm invade our island, the health, welfare and safety of the island may be at serious jeopardy and it is the responsibility of the Commission to take care of the residents first. As Commissioner, this would be one of the first things that the City resolve.
I have served in the Keep America Beautiful program, the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program, as Community Outreach Manager for a major recreation outfitter, at Barnabas Medical Center, in Senior Alternatives for Transportation, as Community Liaison of New Mexico Federal Educators Credit Union and as School Accountability Committee member and most recently was elected Co-Chair.
In response to the first part of the question, I would like to be a community servant because I firmly believe the younger residents need to be more involved, and this is where I can help. Residents, both tenured and new, are frustrated with not being heard. I became politically involved in Nassau County by helping create an enforceable beach litter ordinance. My experiences working with the County were energizing and inspiring. This success gave me great hope for a political process that often seems tedious and ineffective. Working on this ordinance taught me that policy amendments can happen when everyone works together to work toward a common goal.
When I became aware of the opportunity to run for City Commissioner, I immediately discussed the opportunity with my grandfather, who is 95 and he offered me great perspective. I felt running for Commissioner was an enormous opportunity to do more good for the community. I didn’t see any other candidate with my skill set, background or passion for Fernandina. The more city commission meetings I attended, the more I wanted to have a greater role in protecting the community and speaking up for an island that can not speak for itself. I love Fernandina and the people who call it home. I see an opportunity for city leadership who effectively listens to the people, who genuinely represents the residents concerns and who will be a strong, vocal leader and unifier in protecting the quality of life for residents and visitors.
To view Schriver’s Press Release click here.
1. Why do you want to serve on the Fernandina Beach City Commission and what skills do you offer?
I want to serve as a commissioner because I believe it is my civic duty. I want to use my extensive knowledge of business and infrastructure for the betterment of Fernandina Beach. As a road and bridge contractor for my entire career, I have valuable experience in dealing with public agencies and have developed useful skills including negotiating, reasoning, budgeting, managing and decision making.
The package I will bring to office will well serve the City Of Fernandina Beach and its taxpayers.
To view Smith’s Press Release click here.
Group 5
1. Why do you want to serve on the Fernandina Beach City Commission and what skills do you offer?
“Having practiced Governmental, Administrative and Land Use law and handled complex litigation for 39 years throughout the state of Florida, I have a unique perspective and knowledge of a well-run municipal government. I absolutely believe that with my knowledge of the law, local government, my will, and my integrity I can re shape the government of this City so that it is efficient, economical and is both transparent and accountable for its actions. There is no doubt if we continue on the same path that we have been on for years we will reach a point where the community will demand the dissolution of the City of Fernandina Beach.
My skill sets are different from not only my opponent but all other members of the City Commission, I have practiced law in State, Federal and Administrative Courts for 39 years, representing local governments, as well as being in adversarial relationships with both local and state governments. I have a deep understanding how good government works and how a dysfunctional government does not and ultimately why it fails. I have successfully worked and negotiated with local, state and federal governments on various issues and projects, resulting in successful conclusions. I have represented insurance companies and I have sued insurance companies. I have an extensive knowledge of environmental, sovereign lands and title issues that the City must confront and deal with if there is to be any redevelopment on the water front. I have also been deeply involved in protecting our environment, including the purchase of Martin’s Island and Tiger Island by the state, so that these environmentally critically islands are protected forever and are now part of Fort Clinch State Park.”
To view Kavanaugh’s Press Release Click here.
1. Why do you want to serve on the Fernandina Beach City Commission and what skills do you offer?
After serving over 6 years on the Planning and Advisory Board and contributed hundreds of hours of volunteer service to the City in many areas I believe I can provide intelligent and sound leadership abilities in both maintaining and moving the city forward.
I offer six year plus record of achievements which include as noted serving on the PAB along with serving on the the Sustainable Fernandina Committee. In 2013 I was the Police Department Volunteer of the Year, in 2014 I was the Fernandina Beach Volunteer of the year.
A constituent brought to my attention that my responses to the FO’s questions were not posted along with those of the rest of the candidates. I’ll provide my answers here in the comments, but Susan and Suanne, if you would please double check your email. My server shows that my answers were sent in on 10/1 at 10:23PM
Why do you want to serve on the Fernandina Beach City Commission and what skills do you offer?
It has been my humble pleasure to serve the citizens of Fernandina Beach for the last three years. My gifts to offer the Commission and the City at large are my memories. I think it is important to know where we’ve come from, as a community, to best plot where we are going. In addition to my personal history in our city, my three years experience on the commission is invaluable. It takes a lot of time and energy to understand the inner machinations of city government. This is part of the reason that I urged that the removal of term limits be placed on the ballot. I voted for the limits when they were proposed years ago. Now, having been on the commission these three years, I understand the learning curve and I want to use my accumulated knowledge to continue to be a faithful servant of our common interests.
Correction made, with apologies to Mrs. Gass.
Thank you
Thank you Commissioner Gass for posting your response and letting us know of your previous email. We have added your response to our post and apologize for the omission.