A study in contrasts – Fernandina Observer Candidate Forum

By Adam Kaufman
September 28, 2018 1:33 p.m.

The varied profiles of the candidates running for each of the two seats on the City Commission present Fernandina voters with choices based upon an assessment of each candidate’s experience, background, and identification with our community.

The five candidates for the Fernandina Beach City Commission all appeared at the Forum held at City Hall Thursday September 27, 2018 sponsored by the Fernandina Beach Observer.

The candidates for Group 4 have strikingly different backgrounds. The incumbent Roy G. Smith has been a resident of Fernandina Beach for over five years. He previously served on the Historic District Council before election to the Commission in 2015. He has over 45 years of experience in road, bridge and infrastructure construction. Bradley Bean is a lifelong member of the Fernandina Beach community and from a family in the City known for its commitment to public service. He is a member of the Fernandina Beach Rotary and has been involved with the Katie Caples Foundation to promote organ donation. Currently an efficiency engineer at Rayonier Advanced Materials he was Valedictorian of the Fernandina Beach High School Class of 2012 and is a graduate of the University of Florida. Mike Lednovich recently purchased and renovated a house in Fernandina. A business consultant for the last 20 years, his biography suggests he has helped major companies and organizations to “chart their path to success and achieve their goals.” He was acting head for one year of the third largest chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and for a period of time was CEO of a multimillion dollar construction company. He was a Leadership Instructor at Brandman University in Irvine, California. He also has experience as a journalist.

Similarly, the candidates for Group 5 have diverse backgrounds. Len Kreger, the incumbent, is a retired decorated United States Marine with 24 years of service including combat in Viet Nam. He has an additional 20 years of experience in the public sector managing facilities and construction. Prior to election to the City Commission he served on the Fernandina Beach Sustainable Committee and served six years on the Fernandina Beach Planning Advisory Board. He currently serves on a variety of Nassau County, Regional and Florida advisory and public service committees and councils. He is a 10 year holder of a FWC Sea Turtle Permit. Cason Zylinski is a graduate of Belmont University and a longtime resident of Fernandina. She is running “to offer my community representation of a native, working class parent” and “to preserve our small town balance of family values.” She expects to be “a liaison for the working middle class and local businesses” to ensure that “the direction and core values of local government” reflect their interests.

The Forum was televised and replay is available on the City web site under “Recorded City Commission Meetings.” Larry Myers, former City Manager and County Administrator moderated the Forum

The candidates addressed eight questions covering their reasons and motivation for running for office, issues with regard to the Marina, growth within the City, parking, the “Conservation Fund,” affordable housing, future planning and goals for the City and Commission, as well as, Commission accomplishments and shortfalls.

WHY

Bradley Bean’s reason for running is based upon his and his family’s connection to Fernandina, his desire to make a difference and ensure the quality of life in his hometown. Mike Lednovich is running to “preserve our island paradise” in the face of change. Citing 33,000 new building permits in Nassau County, he suggests he has the skills and experience to plan for and manage change and to “meet change head on.” Roy Smith underscores the promises he made when he first ran for the City Commission which, in large measure, he says he has kept and seeks to see those projects and plans to completion continuing the Commission’s forward movement. Len Kreger also would like to “stay around” to continue the progress City has made with regard to infrastructure, particularly storm water mitigation, and to ensure that the City’s capital improvement plan is adhered to. Kreger would also like to “get the waterfront done.” Cason Zylinski is running to bring “diversity” to the Commission highlighting that the Commission members are in essence newcomers and that there is a need for someone on the Commission who was “born and raised here” who could recall “how it was.”

THE MARINA

With regard to the Marina, Lednovich points to the fact that previous Commissions failed to maintain a regular dredging schedule. However, once the Marina is up and running the real issue, he says is whether it can become financially self-sustaining. Lednovich believes that waterfront can be completed with the use of park and recreation impact fees. Smith acknowledged that dredging had been postponed, which he opposed, but argued that the Commission is acting appropriately with regard to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Marina. Smith takes credit for the fact that City is using “design build” contracts that he suggests are expeditious and cost effective. Kreger emphasizes that the maintenance and operation of the Marina are multifaceted issues which was compounded by the damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew and made more complex by the proposed northern expansion. Kreger called attention to the fact that the City Marina as a “money loser” diverts capital funds and inhibits the completion of other necessary capital improvement projects. Zylinski believes reconstruction of the Marina “should be a priority” but if elected she would look carefully at “big grand fancy projects” and ensure the City was on task and on schedule. Bean is encouraged that the City is making progress at the Marina and would like to see waterfront projects move forward. The goal, he believes, is to ensure that there is continued progress at the Marina and waterfront.

GROWTH

Responding to the question of whether the City should slow or stop growth, Smith contended that you cannot stop growth and that you cannot tell people not to build on their property. Smith asserted that growth in the City was “not out of control” citing the fact that given present conditions and regulations there may be room for only 2000 more people in the City and the payment of impact fees would support services associated with that increase. Smith would stop rezoning that permits increased residential growth. Kreger noted that increased growth in the City, on average, has been less that 1% per year and that there may be room for 900 more houses in the City with 800 already in the “pipeline.” Kreger would hold the line on density, zoning changes and height limits on new construction. Zylinski proposed annexing more of Amelia Island into the City, renegotiating with the Tourist Development Council with regard to funding for City needs and limiting City provided services to Nassau County areas on the island. For Bean, who respects and wants to ensure property rights, some growth is inevitable, but he would make no exceptions to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and would expect that in the future there would be “common sense decisions.” Lednovich stated that there are 855 acres of undeveloped property in the City with 60% of that total zoned residential. Lednovich would not rezone properties and would, in some manner, acquire 100 acres for “conservation.”

PARKING

Responding to the question of whether there is a “parking problem” in Fernandina Kreger said “no.” Kreger contended that there is confusion by visitors as to where to park exacerbated by issues of traffic flow. Kreger maintained that the opening of Alachua Street and reconfiguration of traffic flow will alleviate any real or perceived parking concerns. Kreger noted that 75% of City residents oppose paid parking. Zylinski indicated she was opposed to paid parking because “it changes the feel” of the community. Bean agreed that the opening of Alachua Street and reconfiguration of traffic patterns could result in the ability of the City to provide additional parking spaces. Bean opposes paid parking. Lednovich indicated he had done research on beach parking and the use of the proceeds to pay for infrastructure repair at the City beach. Lednovich suggested that the City should pursue repealing the current provisions with regard to the Nassau County “bed tax” which supports the Tourist Development Council and upon such repeal create its own bed tax to support beach, boardwalk and beach access maintenance and repairs. Lednovich opposes paid beach parking “because next it will be downtown” because “that is how government works.” Smith maintained that the “bed tax” could not be changed legally or practically and that the Tourist Development Council has provided significant support to the City with its resources. He stressed that the beach access walks are in terrible shape and the cost of repair has increased over the years. Lednovich responded that his reading of the law would allow 15% of Fernandina Beach voters to petition the County for repeal of the tax.

CONSERVATION

When the candidates addressed the specifics of funding the City’s newly established Conservation Fund and which properties should be purchased by that fund it was clear that the scope and enormity of cost was problematic and that it was very much a work in progress. Lednovich estimated the cost to meet the expectations of some in the community to be 5 to 6 million dollars. Zylinski suggested she would speak with those who had expertise. Bean suggested looking for efficiencies in government for some funding and that issue should go to the people. Lednovich suggested that in addition to a bond referendum there would be land donation and private financial donors. Lednovich stated that two citizens had provided lists of properties that could or should be purchased. By what process the Commission would act was not explained. Smith noted that the current Commission provided $115,000 to the Fund but as of the moment it appeared unlikely that even those supporters of the conservation effort were willing to donate property to the City. He agreed that a bond referendum in 2020 may be the only way but cautioned that the “Greenway” bond was passed by only a slim margin. Kreger, who has been supportive of the move for land conservation during his time on the Commission, indicated that there would be a presentation by City staff at the City Commission meeting next Tuesday with regard to land conservation options.

AFFORDALE HOUSING

Questioned about what would be their approach to the issue of affordable housing in Fernandina Beach the candidates agreed there were limited options. Bean suggested that there is available land for affordable housing, not in Fernandina but in Yulee and opposed encouraging building low income housing on high property value land. Lednovich stated that “it is a difficult and perplexing issue.” He suggested working with Habitat for Humanity and possibly partnering with Nassau County to provide transportation from Yulee to the island. Smith maintained that you cannot force low income housing on to property in Fernandina. He raised questions as to the feasibility of permitting accessory buildings on existing residential property in Fernandina particularly with regard to density and parking. Kreger, who serves on the Northeast Florida Regional Council Affordable Housing Committee, spoke of working with Habitat for Humanity but cautioned that even those who give lip-service to the issue are subject to NIMBY [not in my backyard]. Zylinski, given her assessment of the “quality of life” in Fernandina for the working class, contended there is “not a lot of reason for low income families to want to live here.”

PLANNING AND GOALS

The candidates were questioned about what each would bring to the table at the City Commission’s annual Planning and Goals workshop session. Lednovich stated that he had taught strategic planning at a “West Coast University” and would bring his expertise to the table. He explained that strategic planning not only defines where an organization is going,and the actions required to make progress but establishes by what measures the organization will know if it is successful. His specific goals are to ensure essential services (police, fire etc.); conserve open space acquiring 100 acres of land; limiting growth and investing in infrastructure and capital assets. Smith asserted that “planning” does take place including the planning for infrastructure projects, that there are benchmarks and there is accountability. He cautioned that the longer the City postpones infrastructure investment the more expensive it becomes. Smith noted that, on the other hand, there are times the Commission places too many items on the list of project goals and that may exceed the City’s ability to complete all listed projects. Kreger stated that “goals are fine” but there are requirements and duties that the Commission and the City must fulfill. Kreger would like to see adherence to the City’s Five Year Capital Improvement Plan and the prioritization and funding of projects it has identified. Zylinski would like to see a focus on family and youth projects, for example, improved recreation facilities and events like movies in the park. Bean would advocate that the City support the “little things” that can improve quality of life, improved sidewalks, promoting the planting of trees and as an engineer he would recommend the use of “visual management” charts or boards as a management tool that are observable by the work force that display and encourage progress on projects.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The incumbents Smith and Kreger were asked about the major accomplishments of the City Commission during their tenure. Smith pointed to upgrading infrastructure, particularly the storm water projects; the new airport terminal, although he would have preferred a less expensive design; finally getting through Federal red tape to move the rehabilitation of the Marina forward; the park at Egans Creek and the improvements at the golf course. He also cited the continuing efforts to acquire the Centre Street Post Office as a City Hall. Kreger says the City works; police fire and other essential services work and have been improved; the storm water projects have been funded by grants, in some cases, through his direct efforts; and the Commission is now an active and collegial body.

SHORTFALLS

The challengers were asked which actions by the Commission “caused you the most heartburn.” Zylinski again raised concern that there are “non-natives” on the Commission and that we need “homegrown” representatives who were born and raised here and who are now working here raising their families. For Bean it was the loss of the designated Amelia Park recreational land behind Publix and Bealls. He would fight to keep “green spaces.” Lednovich said it is the project at 14th Street and Lime and the attendant loss of tress and wetlands. In the future he suggested he would fight the Corps of Engineers. He suggested the flooding in Houston and New Orleans was, in part, the fault of the Corps.

LAST WORDS

In closing, Kreger pointed to his ten year record of service to the community and his ability to get things done. Zylinski sees herself as bringing a “human touch” to the Commission.

Bean pointed to his commitment to help grow a diverse economy in the City stating that to remain economically viable the City cannot rely just upon tourism. He wants ensure the quality of life in this community where he intends to raise his children. Lednovich has come to understand that this city of 12,000 “has a lot of moving parts” and has pressing needs. Lednovich reiterated his work experience and promised to be a “full time” Commissioner. Smith said when he ran for office three years ago he promised “integrity, common sense, honesty, and accountability” he maintains he has kept that commitment. He contends he has been a good steward of taxpayer dollars and reminded the audience that he alerted the community to the issue of coal coming to the Port. He closed by stating that Fernandina is a wonderful place to live, that he loves the island, loves the downtown and loves the people.

Registered City of Fernandina Beach residents may vote for one candidate in each Group in this nonpartisan election. The election will be held November 6, 2018 with a runoff on December 11, 2018 if no candidate receives 50% of the votes for Commissioner in Group 4. The last day to register to vote is October 9, 2018. In person early voting will take place from October 26 – November 3, 2018. Mail ballots can be obtained from the Nassau Supervisor of Elections at www.votenassau.com.

Editor’s Note: Adam Kaufman, a graduate of Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, is a retired attorney, mediator, and arbitrator.