Taylor announces candidacy for Nassau County Supervisor of Elections

Justin Taylor
Candidate for Nassau County
Supervisor of Elections
June 23, 2020

Candidate Justin Taylor

After careful consideration, County Commissioner Justin Taylor has announced his candidacy for Nassau County Supervisor of Elections. “One of our greatest rights is our freedom to elect our leaders,” said Taylor. “It is my primary goal to ensure fair, secure, and accurate elections in order to preserve that right and protect voter integrity”

Prior to his role as a County Commissioner, Taylor served as the Public Information Officer for the Nassau County Property Appraiser where some of his duties included office operations and public relations. In working with the Property Appraiser and other key staff, Taylor found ways to improve upon customer related services while saving tax dollars and maintaining efficiency in operations. In 2016, Justin decided to seek public office and was elected to serve the citizens as County Commissioner. During his term, he has focused on many projects to improve Nassau County which include:

  • Establishing the Essential Housing Committee to address housing needs for our workforce.
  • Working with other commissioners in the region to create the Fire Watch Council, a group dedicated to reducing veteran suicide rates.
  • Engaged the Army Corps of Engineers to address flooding issues caused by Thomas Creek and launched a comprehensive study to mediate the issue. The study is currently underway.
  • Championed public safety projects that include additional personnel, equipment, and new fire stations.
  • Supported a multi-year budget plan to address critical needs including public safety, public infrastructure, and recreation.
  • Supported the double chip seal program, a cost saving measure to address the county’s maintained dirt roads. 56% of the roads improved through this program were in Justin’s district.

In addition, Taylor has held several leadership roles and positions including Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, Chairman of the Value Adjustment Board, Chairman of the Essential Housing Advisory Committee, County Liaison for the Fire Watch Council, Search Committee to hire the new District 4 Medical Examiner, Policy Leader for the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Health & Safety Committee, graduate of the FAC Certified County Commissioner, Advanced County Commissioner, and the Inaugural Leadership programs, and he has been recognized 3 years in a row as a Presidential Advocate for his work with FAC during the legislative session.

 

Prior to public service, Taylor co-owned and operated a successful event rental and multi-media development company with his wife and father-in-law. After the birth of their son in 2010, they would sell the business to PRI Productions out of Jacksonville, FL.

In 2007, after his own childhood experiences, Justin began working to improve Florida’s Foster care system by creating a group to empower former foster youth and encourage them to advocate for positive change. Through Justin’s leadership and guidance, the group now has over 350 members statewide who make frequent trips to Tallahassee where they meet with Legislators to discuss issues facing the foster care system. Justin continues to play an active role in various community organizations including: Board Member of Family Support Services, Advisory Board Member of Florida’s Children First, Board Member of Take Stock in Children Nassau, Advisory Member for Community Hospice, Board Member of Leadership Nassau Alumni, 2019 Real Men Wear Pink Participant, and a Member of the Greater Nassau Rotary Club.

As Supervisor of Elections, Taylor will use his leadership experience in both the public and private sector to maintain efficiency in office operations. He will collaborate with other offices to utilize shared resources in order to reduce costs and save tax dollars. In addition, Taylor wants to increase voter participation by creating awareness through civic engagement and establishing programs within our libraries and schools to teach our younger generation the importance of the elections process. Most importantly, Taylor’s primary goal will be to ensure a fair and secure elections process by focusing on attention to detail, implementing up-to-date security standards and ensuring proper ballot chain of custody.

Justin is married to Shannon Conn Taylor, a doctor in Occupational Therapy with UF Health Jacksonville and Great Strides Rehab. Together they have a 10-year-old son named Brayden.

Editor’s Note:  Justin Taylor faces candidates Janet H Adkins and Stan Bethea in the August 18 election.  The race will be determined in the  August 18 open primary when all registered voters can cast their ballots.