City Commission Group 5 Candidate Kreger answers questions

Leonard A. “Len” Kreger
Incumbent Candidate Group 5
Fernandina Beach Commission
September 20, 2018 5:00 p.m.

Editor’s Note: Every year the Fernandina Observer presents questions to candidates in order to help our readers be informed voters. We have disabled the ability to offer comments on this post. Thank you candidates for responding to our request and for running for office.

Kreger is seeking reelection to the Fernandina Beach City Commission, Group 5. He faces Cason Zylinski the Nov 6 general election.

Candidate Leonard A. “Len” Kreger

Bio: I am a retired US Marine with 24 years of service including 19 Months in combat in Viet Nam and was awarded a Bronze Star, 17 Air Medals and additional Campaign medals. I have an additional 20 years experience in the public sector managing facilities and construction for Chevron, Trane, the Niles North High School District (Chicago area) and Rosary College (Chicago area) I served on the Fernandina Beach Sustainable Fernandina committee, including as Chairman.I served six years on the Fernandina Beach Planning Advisory Board one year as Chairman.
I served and am currently serving on the Northeast Florida Regional Council, currently 1st Vice President. I am serving on the Nassau County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

I am serving on the Northeast Florida Regional Council Affordable Housing Committee. I served on the Nassau County Transportation Advisory Committee.
Serving on the Florida League of Cities Utilities, Environmental and Public Works Legislative Committee. Serving on the Board of the Nassau Alcohol Crime Drug Abatement Coalition.
10 years FWC Sea Turtle Permit Holder.Past Member FWC Coastal Wildlife Conservation Initiative and he Northeast Florida Restoration Team. Past board member Wild Amelia.
Served on the Nassau County Code Enforcement Board. Served on the Auxiliary Police. Past Director Keep Nassau Beautiful. Northeast Florida Regional Council “Regional Leadership Award 2017.” Fernandina Beach Police Depart Community Service Award 2013. Fernandina Beach “Elsie Harper” Volunteer Award 2014.


After Completion of Fernandina’s Municipal Airport Terminal and repairs to the Marina, where should the city concentrate its capital improvement projects?

The new airport terminal and the Marina repairs are two of the one hundred and fifty projects on the Fernandina Beach 5 year capital improvement plan. The 5 year Capital Improvement Plan is a requirement of State Statute 163.3177 and is a requirement element of the Comprehensive Plan it must include any publicity funded project of federal, state or local government, and may include privately funded project or which local government has no fiscal responsibility. Projects necessary to ensure that any “adopted levels of service standards are achieved and maintained for the 5 year period must be identified as either funded or unfunded and given a level of priority for funding. Thus we a significant amount of capital projects required to be completed in all areas. (i.e. Streets, sidewalks, stormwater, facilities upkeep2, etc.

Which of the following three city projects would have your highest priority if elected to the City Commission? How would you pay for it?’
(A) Improving the Amelia Riverfront and adding a waterfront park;
(B)Purchasing land for conservation;
(C) Rehabilitating or replacing aging city facilities such as firehouses, or recreational facilities.

You cannot compare the three projects you identified accurately.
Maintenance of City facilities is a city responsibility, see the above CIP comments.
The waterfront has been a City goal for years. This goal originally was a land side issue looking at open space, recreation, parking and possible some commercial development. This is still a major goal. One problem with this goal is that is now includes other elements which must be accomplished prior to moving forward original goals. These include the Hurricane Matthew marina required repairs, other marina project, (dredging, south basin realignment). There are also major stormwater upgrades required and potential shore stabilization issues.

Land Conservations is an issue which I have consistently supported, with little traction. We are now moving forward and have promulgated an Ordinance. I have nominated three properties thus far. We will address in detail the potential funding which will review; a bond issue with a referendum, establishment of an Municipal Services Taxing Unit (Island wide which would have to be driven by the County) establishment of an Open Space/Conservation Impact Fee, Funding assistance by local/regional/State nonprofits and citizens along with aggressive perusing Land Conservation Easements.

What was the hardest vote you had to make during your term? Why?

I cannot identify the hardest vote I have made. I have no difficulty in making a decision and voting for what I believe is in the best interest of the Citizens and City.