Fernandina Beach City Commission Candidate Childers – Final Comments

By Eric Childers
Candidate for Fernandina Beach City Commission

October 26, 2016 7:41 a.m.

Editor’s Notes: We have offered each candidate for the Fernandina Beach City Commission the opportunity to provide a statement to the voters during the last two weeks of the election season. A statement from city commission candidate Johnny Miller was previously posted.  Although we welcome comments, we ask our readers  not place comments on this post.

The 5th Annual Fernandina Observer Candidate Forum can be viewed by visiting the City of Fernandina Beach Website. Click here, and then scroll down and click on the small light blue “recorded city commission meetings.” You will see “Town Hall Candidate Forum” click play.

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Candidate Eric Childers

Remarkably, in a community evenly divided along political lines, former Commissioner Eric Childers has garnered the support of notable citizens from both sides of the aisle (see http://ericchilders.com/supporter/). This may be because of his history of unparalleled transparency and balanced representation.

As a Commissioner, Mr. Childers proactively informed citizens of his positions via his website, http://www.ericchilders.com he replied to every email, phone call or inquiry. He has a strong record of supporting business interests, respecting private property rights, and conserving and protecting our natural resources.

He championed the purchase and designation of property on Sadler road for conservation and the restoration of the Greenway following the accidental deforestation south of Jasmine. He did not support the sale of city property but instead voted to preserve city properties located along the Amelia Parkway as recreational use. His vision helped lead to the widening of 14th Street from Hickory to Beech St. adding turn lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks without a public taking of private property.

The former Vice Mayor decided to run based upon his perception; the distractions of outside issues championed by the current Mayor preclude him from acting in the best interests of Fernandina Beach as a whole. The lack of focus hampers efforts needed for our city and its citizens to address critical issues and allow Fernandina to flourish. “The most pressing issue our city faces currently, rebuilding our Marina and Waterfront. Any RFP for the marina should also include mitigation strategies to address rising sea levels and the impact on the downtown historic district”, said Childers.

Our diversity is our strength; we are a family and fishing village, a mill town, a port, a historic tourist destination and a community of small businesses. We are a retirement community, a bedroom community for Jacksonville commuters, an active duty and retired military town. We have a rich history, “A” rated schools, a city owned public golf course, airport and marina, a historic fort, state parks on both ends of the island, a natural greenway, an amazing river front and beautiful beaches, all of which need to be carefully nurtured.”

Eric believes his prior experience as a commissioner will alleviate any learning curve, costly errors or buying into ill-conceived projects.

He welcomes any opportunity to speak to any group or individual. His cell number is (904)705-6261 and email is [email protected].