Candidate Philip A. Chapman, III
Group 2
904-624-5978
[email protected]
October 4, 2017 1:00 a.m.
Editor’s Note: Every year, the Fernandina Observer presents questions to candidates for the Fernandina Beach City Commission. Their answers appear below. We have removed the comment option from this post in order to focus attention on the candidate’s position on issues that impact our community.
Candidate Group 2
Biographical Information
Fourteen years ago, my wife and I knew that when I retired, Fernandina would be our forever home. We moved into that home in the Egan’s Creek neighborhood over three years ago. I am a retired educator and now work part time at Amelia Island Paint and Hardware. I have volunteered with 8 Flags Playscapes, Slide into Spring, Touch a Truck and recently Hope House. Also, I am happy to be a part of the Parks and Rec Advisory Board and Main Street.
I am seeking election because the more I speak with the people of Fernandina, the more I hear “We want someone to listen to us” and I want to be that person! I am committed to listening and acting on what the people want.
What is your vision for the Amelia Riverfront and how would you pay for it?
For the Riverfront, I envision a combination of a working and leisure environment. One where we can all enjoy the water, we can be proud of what we offer to the citizens and tourists and where we keep the downtown shops, restaurants and both water and land businesses thriving.
How would you address community concerns about beach and downtown parking?
As the parking survey that was taken showed, 53% of the people do not want paid parking downtown and as is my campaign slogan, Listen to the people! On the other hand, I do think that we should charge visitors for beach parking. Those of us who live here and pay taxes here should not have to pay to enjoy our amazing beaches so I am thinking some type of tag that denotes we live here.
How would you address both environmental protection and private property rights in considering development projects?
I have said from day one that there MUST be controlled and considerate development. By that I mean that we need to slow down and give serious thought to what all the development is doing and will do to our island, not just now, but in years to come. Our wetlands, trees and green spaces are being plowed down, built on and in general being “sold” to the highest bidder. As we have recently seen in Houston, overdevelopment leads to disaster! We are all here because of what our island is and we have a responsibility to maintain this life for future generations.
Where would you see areas of potential savings for city operations?
City operations savings, while a touchy subject, it’s one that needs attention. While I believe that there are many things that can be done to save, not all are popular. First, ask the employees of the city! They work here every day and I am sure they know where the “waste” is. Make it a “reward” system when those areas work to save. The golf course, another touchy subject, but that is a money pit just waiting to be changed…HUGE savings there! Surveys and consultants, we have spent and continue to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on these, yet rarely use the results for what they were meant to be. We have such a vast array of professionals in our town who have offered, time and time again to help with design, implementation and moving projects forward yet have been turned away. Why are we willing to pay for this help when locals, who have a personal stake in our island, have offered to help their town without cost? More hangers at the airport would bring income and we should keep the cost of the new building down.
Editor’s Note: To view Chapman’s initial press release click here.