August 2, 2018 5:00 p.m.
Editor’s Note: In an effort for our readers to be informed voters, every year the Fernandina Observer presents a series of questions to candidates. We have disabled the ability for our readers to offer comments on this page. We thank the candidates for running for office, and for sharing their answers with our readers.
Carrol Franklin
Ocean Highway & Port Authority
Candidate District 4
1. What is the future of the OHPA?
The future for the OHPA looks good. With State Road 200 expanding to six lanes, traffic won’t be backed up and trucks can move more freely in and around Fernandina bringing goods to be shipped all over the world. This area is one of the best timber growing areas in the US. With all of the new technology we now have two pulp paper mills producing more products than five did fifteen years ago. These two mills are here in Fernandina within two miles of the Port. Also, there are six sawmills within an eighty mile area of the Port. Crawford Diamond will be starting soon and there is no telling how many jobs this will bring to our area. Florida is the third largest state population wise, and our Port is one of fourteen deep water ports in the state. We also have over fourteen hundred miles of seashore. This state has everything to offer, fun, great climates, and jobs of all types. Our Port will thrive.
2. Where and how do you see OHPA enhancing ED beyond Port of Fernandina?
Crawford Diamond, six sawmills, two pole plants, three modular home factories in our area. With our climate and work force the Port will help produce jobs as far as a hundred or more miles away.
3. Since many successful ports around the state are part of general government, should OHPA continue to be an independent organization or should it consolidate with Nassau County government?
No. OHPA should always be independent from the county. With the governing board being elected from all five districts it is represented by the whole county equally. If you put the OHPA in the county commissioners hands they will be overloaded and will need more managers or commissioners to take care of it. The port will not be number one to them like it is to the OHPA commissioners.
Editor’s Note: Carrol Franklin faces Jeanne Scott in the OHPA, District 4 election. The election is open to all eligible voters and the outcome will be determined on Election Day August 28.
Jeanne Scott
Ocean Highway and Port Authority Candidate District 4
1. What is the future for the Ocean Highway and Port Authority?
With Worldwide Terminals management in place and new Port Commissioners coming in the new year the Port future appears promising and enterprising. New OHPA Commissioner’s vision can begin focusing on new Port business opportunities, safety and financial benefits that will unify Commissioners planning for future operations. Revision improvements of the current Port Charter and Governor approval are on the near obtainable horizon. These positive changes in place will be benefit all of Nassau County citizens.
2. Where and how do you see OHPA enhancing county economic development beyond the Port of Fernandina? Where, of course is all of Nassau County and the State of Florida and can include Georgia. OHPA will enhance Nassau County economic development by growth in both infrastructure and providing local jobs in the county. Currently OHPA is certified with the Town of Callahan in collaboration to extend utilities to Crawford Diamond. We are committed to job development Nassau County.
3. Since many successful ports around the state are part of general government, should OHPA continue to be an independent organization or should it consolidate with Nassau County government?
The OHPA was established and operating as a “Special District” Port since 1948. Currently the Port operates in unison efficiently and successfully with Nassau County government and the State of Florida. To change the Port government status would take an act of legislation. What OHPA generates to jobs and shipping cost the tax payers nothing. As OHPA cost Nassau County citizens, it would be of no benefit to consider a change.
Editor’s Note: Jeanne Scott faces incumbent Carrol Franklin in the OHPA, District 4 election. The election is open to all eligible voters and the outcome will be determined on Election Day August 28.