Concerned Nassau County Residents Launch Local Education Effort – ‘Citizens for a Better Nassau County’

Media Release from Citizens for a Better Nassau County
October 22, 2015 11:01 a.m.

Citizens for a Better NassauA group of Nassau County residents, who are concerned with the long-term financial sustainability of the county, today launched a local education effort, called ‘Citizens for a Better Nassau County.’ Gathering in response to the unanswered Burton & Associates audit that was presented to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (NCBOCC) in July 2015, ‘Citizens for a Better Nassau County’ is made up of diverse coalition members, including Robert W. Spaeth, a retired businessman and former vice president of sales, marketing and business management at CPC International, Inc., and Jimmy L. Higginbotham, former commissioner of the NCBOCC. To view ‘Citizens for a Better Nassau County’s’ website, as well as its full list of coalition members, please visit CitizensforaBetterNassau.com.

“The Burton & Associates audit that was presented to our county commission and the clerk of the court, painted an undeniable picture of a looming fiscal crisis that could lead to the insolvency of the county,” said Spaeth. “If left unaddressed, this crisis will impact every county resident and property owner and will inhibit the county’s ability to pursue economic development opportunities that are vital to addressing our jobs, the housing imbalance and restoring the economic sustainability of our community.”

“We have the chance to start righting things now, which is why we started ‘Citizens for a Better Nassau County,'” said Higginbotham. “This group is focused on local education, as we set our sights on showing all Nassau County residents that the county is truly facing a fiscal crisis and provide a road map for getting the county back on its feet.”

‘Citizens for a Better Nassau County’ supports the following guiding principles in order to solve the fiscal cliff that the county is facing:
• Smart, economic growth, private capital investment and high-wage, high-quality job creation that benefits the county as a whole;
• A broader and more diverse property tax base to decrease the county’s dependence on residential property taxes to fund all government services;
• Accountable, sound decision making by our county’s leaders; and
• Key investments in the county’s infrastructure and school system to maintain and enhance the overall quality of life in Nassau County.

For more information on ‘Citizens for a Better Nassau County,’ please visit CitizensforaBetterNassau.com, follow @ABetterNassau and like FB.com/CitizensforaBetterNassau.

 

 

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david merrell
david merrell (@guest_45058)
8 years ago

Funny, it doesn’t seem to represent that many concerned “citizens”. It’s roster seems to be made up of mostly industrial or business interests. So I give them credit for a clever play on words, a beautiful website, but let’s call a spade a spade for clarity sake— “Businessmen For A Better Nassau”.

Christine Corso
Christine Corso (@guest_45123)
8 years ago
Reply to  david merrell

Amazing cross-pollenization of members between this 501 (c) 4 organization and the NCEDB (http://expandinnassau.com/?page_id=220)

Heather Taylor
Heather Taylor (@guest_45077)
8 years ago

What a terribly transparent attempt to cloud the description of a PAC to get involved in our local elections. A simple 5 minutes search online will show another director not listed on their website, or on any literature, Sam Elliot. Mr. Elliot runs a residential home development company, lives in Tallahassee, and has no interest in Nassau County other than business ones.

Candidates supported by this PAC will be bought and paid for by the people who run it! BEWARE!

Steve Crounse
Steve Crounse (@guest_45081)
8 years ago

Dave, I think the real Concerned Citizens of Nassau County should be aware of this Nice sounding Group. “Citizens for a Better Nassau County” Like “Americans for prosperity” or “Citizens United” I noticed the Board Does Not include anyone from OHPA, Kinder Morgan,or Nassau County Economic Development Board, or for that matter any local, Citizen Stakeholders. We are on the Cusp of Major growth in Nassau County. Let’s do it right. “Businessmen for Profits”, need to be Monitored. Nobody’s going to look out for the Citizens of Nassau County except us.

Vince Cavallo
Vince Cavallo(@grandvin)
8 years ago

Steve,

Add me into your group of two. This one caught my eye: ” A broader and more diverse property tax base to decrease the county’s dependence on residential property taxes to fund all government services”. Restated a sales tax or some sort of additional fee item. In other words, tax increases by another name.

Mike Boyle
Mike Boyle(@mikemikeboyle-org)
8 years ago

I am baffled by residents who seem to take offense at the fact those involved in this organization are local “businessmen” who are interested in the financial health of our county. I have had the opportunity and pleasure to know and work directly with most of these gentlemen, and not only are they residents of Nassau County, they also have a wealth of business experience that they are willing to voluntarily share with our local elected officials. In a county where one of our largest employers is about to lay off over 100 high-paid employees, we should be welcoming dedicated successful business executives who are offering their expertise for free. The more we can spread the tax base across the business/retail community, the less the impact will be on individual homeowners.

When I was a member of the Nassau County Commission (2006-2010), the economy was booming and tax rates were stable. We had just received an independent study (similar to the current one by Burton & Associates) which painted a positive financial picture, but said that if we didn’t carefully watch debt and revenues, we could face down-grades of our superior credit rating. As a result we kept taxes level, we paid off millions of dollars of debt, and in 2010 we had cash reserves in the millions of dollars.

In the next five years the financial philosophy of the Nassau Commission became centered on two phrases: No new taxes, and No new debt. To balance the annual budget (which is required by state law), the Commission started raiding all of the county’s repositories and using the “cash” from those sources to pay for necessities. The tax rate was kept stable (for the most part), and funds that had historically been used for Capital Improvements (roads, equipment repair, building maintenance, etc.) were spent on balancing the books.

They took millions from reserves, and used it to pay for a new sheriff’s administration building. Financial advisors had recommended borrowing the money at historically low interest rates, and keeping the millions for unexpected emergencies (i.e., a hurricane). At one point in recent budget negotiations it was observed that if the budget was approved, as recommended by some commission members, the county would have record lows in cash reserves.

The real issue that needs to be examined and resolved is the presence in the county of two competing ‘financial philosophies” that are confusing residents. The first is the one designed and supported by the county’s manager, Ted Selby, and the head of the county’s Office of Management & Budget, Shanea Jones. Both are longtime county employees who have the credentials, training, experience, and trust to render complex financial recommendations in a clear and impartial manner. Both have MBA Degrees, and both are respected by their professional peers across the state. And both are very concerned about the financial challenges facing our county in the very near future.

The competing analysis is driven by the Clerk of Courts, John Crawford who enjoys telling voters what they want to hear (“No New Taxes”), but won’t tell them what they need to hear (“The county cannot continue to operate without new revenue sources”). He loves telling people he is the county’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He’s not. At best he serves as the Comptroller, which is another word for “Auditor.” In what universe is one living when he can clearly see costs increasing in his personal finances (food, fuel, power, insurance, healthcare), but steadfastly believes government can continue to provide the same level of services based on revenues that haven’t changed for years?

In trying to decide who you should believe and trust in this discussion, just remember this: Ted Selby and Shanea Jones don’t have to run for re-election. They not only can be honest and objective, there is no reason for them not to be. They both have impeccable reputations when it comes to providing critical, and sometimes unfavorable, information. They have no reason to mislead you. Trust them.

Heather Taylor
Heather Taylor (@guest_45104)
8 years ago
Reply to  Mike Boyle

A very nice prepared statement Mike! One can’t help but wonder if maybe you wrote their press release yourself. At least you provided more transparency than most by stating you have “had the…pleasure” of working with most of these big business, big industry, interests in Nassau County. Thats the first tip right there.

Then, you close it up with “trust them.” Sure Mike! Let’s all stick our heads in the sand and trust the government, and big business lobbies. That seems to have worked GREAT for the OHPA. Certainly these big businesses care about my family and I more than their bottom-line. Silly us!

By the way gentlemen, while were sharing links –

Here is the link to their “nonprofit” filing with Mr. Elliot (who was NOT on their website as of 10/23):
http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=OfficerRegisteredAgentName&directionType=Initial&searchNameOrder=ELLIOTSAMUEL%20N150000088163&aggregateId=domnp-n15000008816-e1387675-ea51-4afd-a000-1c8a2ccf7335&searchTerm=ELLIOT%20SAMUEL&listNameOrder=ELLIOTSAMUEL%20N150000088160

Here is a link to another “nonprofit” run by Mr. Elliot: (different address, but Google search shows its the same guy)

http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=OfficerRegisteredAgentName&directionType=Initial&searchNameOrder=ELLIOTSAMUEL%20N150000088163&aggregateId=domnp-n15000008816-e1387675-ea51-4afd-a000-1c8a2ccf7335&searchTerm=ELLIOT%20SAMUEL&listNameOrder=ELLIOTSAMUEL%20N150000088160

Mr. Boyle, I remember this same song in the papers during the last election cycle where you lost a run for political office. In today’s day and age, with knowledge at people’s fingertips – its difficult to still hide in the dark.

Heather Taylor
Heather Taylor (@guest_45105)
8 years ago
Reply to  Heather Taylor

Lastly, one thing I forgot to add at the end. I have also been fact checking your statement on John Crawford. Never met him, but thought it was curious that you brought that up.

The official job duties of the Clerk of the Court (I looked it up), are: “The Florida Clerk is not only Clerk of the Circuit Court, but also the County Treasurer, Recorder, Auditor, Finance Officer, and Ex-Officio Clerk of the County Commission in most counties.”

Mr. Boyle, it is sad you served as a commissioner for so long and didn’t even know the duties of the Clerk of Court. smh

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_45107)
8 years ago
Reply to  Heather Taylor

Heather – Here is a link to the official Clerk of Court site. I think Mike makes a good point.

http://www.nassauclerk.org/?pid=about

Heather Taylor
Heather Taylor (@guest_45108)
8 years ago
Reply to  Robert Warner

For whatever reason, only one part of a 2 part comment was posted. Custodian of county funds “a person who has custody, keeper” I think the semantics of the fact of title, when in reality, he does just what Mike said he doesn’t do. I guess we can agree to disagree. However, to discuss the symantecs of the clerk’s title detracts from the conversation about the organization.

A very nice prepared statement Mike! One can’t help but wonder if maybe you wrote their press release yourself. At least you provided more transparency than most by stating you have “had the…pleasure” of working with most of these big business, big industry, interests in Nassau County. Thats the first tip right there.

Then, you close it up with “trust them.” Sure Mike! Let’s all stick our heads in the sand and trust the government, and big business lobbies. That seems to have worked GREAT for the OHPA. Certainly these big businesses care about my family and I more than their bottom-line. Silly us!

By the way gentlemen, while were sharing links –

Here is the link to their “nonprofit” filing with Mr. Elliot (who was NOT on their website as of 10/23):
http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=OfficerRegisteredAgentName&directionType=Initial&searchNameOrder=ELLIOTSAMUEL%20N150000088163&aggregateId=domnp-n15000008816-e1387675-ea51-4afd-a000-1c8a2ccf7335&searchTerm=ELLIOT%20SAMUEL&listNameOrder=ELLIOTSAMUEL%20N150000088160

Here is a link to another “nonprofit” run by Mr. Elliot: (different address, but Google search shows its the same guy)

http://search.sunbiz.org/Inquiry/CorporationSearch/SearchResultDetail?inquirytype=OfficerRegisteredAgentName&directionType=Initial&searchNameOrder=ELLIOTSAMUEL%20N150000088163&aggregateId=domnp-n15000008816-e1387675-ea51-4afd-a000-1c8a2ccf7335&searchTerm=ELLIOT%20SAMUEL&listNameOrder=ELLIOTSAMUEL%20N150000088160

Mr. Boyle, I remember this same song in the papers during the last election cycle where you lost a run for political office. In today’s day and age, with knowledge at people’s fingertips – its difficult to still hide in the dark.

Lyn Skipper
Lyn Skipper (@guest_45113)
8 years ago
Reply to  Heather Taylor

Ms Taylor, Mike Boyle did not say “trust government and big business lobbies”. He said trust Ted Selby and Shanea Jones who are not politicians or lobbyist. They are well educated and experienced individuals who have no motivation other than to do their job well. They have a very tough job which includes telling their bosses (county commissioners), as well as an entire county of citizens, exactly what they do not want to hear….the county’s finances can not be sustained. Mr. Crawford does not like to hear that. He prefers to tell citizens that the county’s finances are in good shape. But lets be honest, Mr. Crawford is also an elected official who wants mine and your vote. Regardless of what title he is called by, let’s keep in mind those titles came merely by winning an election. You or I could win the Clerk of Court election and become the Comptroller. Just because the job comes with a title does not mean the person who won the popular vote has the education, experience or qualifications needed to do the job effectively. Ted Selby and Shanea Jones has the education, experience and qualifications to do theirs. More importantly, they have no ulterior motive (needing votes or having a special interest). I believe Mike Boyle gave very sound advice in this regard.

Mike Boyle
Mike Boyle(@mikemikeboyle-org)
8 years ago
Reply to  Lyn Skipper

Lyn:

Thank you for your kind comments. Obviously you get it! Based on many of the comments associated with this story, is it any wonder why more citizens don’t come forward to offer their opinions and help. In Nassau County, no good deed goes unpunished.

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_45095)
8 years ago

Mike Boyle is right on target. There is no free lunch, but we should pay close attention to the opinions of those experienced folks in our local government that have no financial or political agenda. Here, from their website, is the present list of “members

.http://www.citizensforabetternassau.com/coalition-members/

Steve Crounse
Steve Crounse (@guest_45100)
8 years ago

Heather, Thanks for throwing Sam Elliot into the Mix, a big time developer, and Lobbyist in Tallahassee, must have been a type o, leaving him off the list. Then there’s Mr. Sliman from Jacksonville, The Great web site and offices in Tallahassee. Nice having these folks from around the State Worried about little old Nassau County.

Karen Thompson
Karen Thompson (@guest_45101)
8 years ago

Just hope they keep the industrial urban sprawl off the island. Maybe if other parts of Nassau County are developed they can stop using Fernandina as their cash cow.

Mike Boyle
Mike Boyle(@mikemikeboyle-org)
8 years ago

Ms. Taylor:

Nothing in your comment contradicts my original statements. The Clerk of Courts is a record keeper and auditor. We seem to agree on that. However, he is not legally designated a financial advisor (other than auditing), and he is not the CFO, even though our current Clerk likes to assume that role.

david merrell
david merrell (@guest_45110)
8 years ago

Mr Boyle, I seem to remember that in about 2009 County Commissioners chose to instigate a moratorium on impact fees for new development in attempts to ‘stimulate’ the economy. Perhaps had developers had to continue to pay their own way, there would have been less need to raid the county’s repositories to pay for road maintenance and other necessities. The growth management policies in the County suck. There is little attention given to protection of natural resources and environmental protection. Given the histories of those involved, it seems like the “Citizens for a Better Nassau County” will do little for helping establish a more sustainable and liveable area. It’s sad to see the public always picking up the tab one way or the other.

Mike Boyle
Mike Boyle(@mikemikeboyle-org)
8 years ago
Reply to  david merrell

Mr. Merrell:

I agree with you, and your memory is accurate re suspending impact fees for developers. If you or anyone else wants to check the record, you will find that I opposed the idea and voted against it. Probably the main reason I never had the support of developers in any of my campaigns. I have no regrets.

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_45114)
8 years ago

It’s about who profits, who pays, who bears the risks and associated costs of development, and what happens if development runs wild on it’s own. Sometimes we have to trust those who actually work in the trenches of good government – and try to make things work for all of us. Trust, but verify – and keep close watch on what uncompensated burdens are placed on the community by those who pocket cash, and run.

Heather Taylor
Heather Taylor (@guest_45117)
8 years ago

SMH – Here is another investigative journal article by sister outlet Independent… Anyone with sense doesn’t fall for Mr. Boyle’s rose colored glasses. BTW, county staff are VERY political, as are staff at any government office. The perpetual existence of their jobs depend on government maintaining or growing in size. So, NO, I don’t trust Commissioners, Representatives, Senators, Congress people, or their staff.

http://www.ncflindependent.com/2015/10/24/non-profit-for-profit/
Thanks again to Susan and Mary for bringing sunshine to the shady areas of our county.

Mrs. D. Hunter
Mrs. D. Hunter (@guest_45121)
8 years ago

“a local education effort”

Bring it on! I’m all ears w/ no preconceived notions or judgements. I love to be educated.

This is quite a launch: a website, articles on 3 local news outlets, Facebook and Twitter – all blessedly free of requests for contributions via a Paypal button, so far so good.

Good luck gentlemen.

Steve Crounse
Steve Crounse (@guest_45125)
8 years ago

Don’t know if these people really understood the reaction this announcement would have on our Community. After this last Year and a Half, dealing with the threat that looms over us (Real or Perceived), from issues at the Port, and the list of Concerned (outside businessmen, Contractors, lobbyist, Developers, etc) Citizens, with a Tallahassee Address, kinda throws a Red Flag. “Greeks Bearing Gifts” We could have a wonderful future in Nassau County or it could go South, like so many other Florida Counties have in the last 25 Years. Look around, like what you see? I do. Lets be cautious. Perhaps these men would like to hold a Town Meeting and share their Vision with us. After all their mission is to Educate Us.

Mrs. D. Hunter
Mrs. D. Hunter (@guest_45129)
8 years ago
Reply to  Steve Crounse

You’re right about that red flag, Steve. The last time I heard “we just need to educate the people,” it was from the lips of Clyde Davis et al @OHPA by way of an accidental open mic. We went to school on that remark because ever since then, OHPA has done nothing but assert its strength to draw the veil tighter around the limitless scope of their power.

Is this about running a covert campaign against Crawford? I hope not because they don’t need to go to these covert Nixonian lengths. I’d favor commissioner Pat Edwards in that brawl, I’d open my wallet for his campaign, but not for a group that wants to take matters out of the “sunshine” like this.

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_45131)
8 years ago

Steve Crounse – and Mrs. Hunter – call it. Let’s see. It’s interesting to see the new candidates for Commission seats coming out of the woodwork now that the cat is out of the bag. Time to draw out just what “visions” for Nassau County’s future look like. It the lights should be left off, this alone will say much.

Mrs. D. Hunter
Mrs. D. Hunter (@guest_45133)
8 years ago
Reply to  Robert Warner

“Let’s see.”

Hear, hear!

I don’t know how I missed it, but these folks’ Twitter account states that the entity is an “advocacy” group, which goes to your point about candidates coming out of the woodwork. Advocacy — now things make more sense.

Just as a curiosity, I entered “Citizens for” and “Citizens for a” and “Citizens for a Better” into the Sunbiz database; the results went on forever, most of them Inactive. Obviously, then, a popular short term, focused effort for …. for what? The upcoming elections? Stay tuned.

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_45178)
8 years ago

I pulled this from Mary Mcguire’s NCFL Independent. Check out the comments at the end to see what/who a similar group has sponsored…

http://www.ncflindependent.com/2015/10/27/non-profit-board-member-sheds-some-light-on-citizens-for-a-better-nassau-county/