Ed Boner City Commission candidate answers why he is the best qualified

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Ed Boner, Candidate Group 4

Ed Boner, Candidate Group 4

Why do you feel that you are the best qualified candidate for city commission at this time?
I share the viewpoint of almost every citizen on the island, but am taking the time to personally walk as many representative neighborhoods as possible to meet voters. Not only will I see things through your eyes, I hope to renew friendships with many of you in the coming weeks. My wife and I have children in two schools and personally attended FBHS, so I probably have a good feel for parent’s concerns. I own a business on North 4th Street, so understand how the business owners feel in a rotten economy. I worked on 8th Street for many years, so understand how it feels to live and work away from the historic district as well as inside the district. I coached with Babe Ruth and Buddy League teams for 5 years, so I understand how frustrating it can be to work 20 to 40 hours a week as a volunteer and then to play fundraiser. I work out at the YMCA and Club 14, swam at the Atlantic Avenue Rec Center on a team back in the 70’s, played ball with some notable coaches, including Beano Roberts, who I see as an invaluable resource. My family managed and owned a weekly rental, so I understand the issues of occupancy and frustration with permitting. If I haven’t seen something here on the island, I guarantee one of you will share the view first-hand. Some years ago, I started a blog to discuss local issues, including an environmental issue related to the greenway. The intent was originally to improve the island by providing a local’s perspective. You’re welcome to look back as far as you like. www.ameliaislandnet.com
I will listen to the voter and the taxpayer, even if I don’t agree. I will take responsibility for decisions and look for representative committees when needed to furnish objective solutions. I will look for efficient alternatives and will continue to look, even after we reach a compromise….when I think we have more room for improvement.
While I think my education and professional experience is ideal, my history and friendships here on the island make me the best choice. I would be accessible in a reasonable way and communicate through social media, through e-mail or through a commission viewpoint blog at www.edboner.com My hope is to offer greater transparency, communication and accessibility than any prior commissioner.
 Education – Stetson University BBA
 Professional Experience – Real Estate Broker 25 Plus Years
 Mortgage Broker (2 plus years not licensed now)
 Building Contractor (inactive approx 20 years)
 Local and Native of Fernandina Beach
 Married 15 years with two sons in Emma Love and Fernandina Beach Middle School
 Attended Fernandina Beach High School, Class of 81
 Admin of approximately 1600 island residents in a facebook group meant to foster the buy local concept and local networking. www.facebook.com/groups/ameliaislandnet
 Publishes www.ameliaislandnet.com for 5 plus years.
 Owner of a small business in Fernandina.

Editor’s Note:  This is the last in a series of questions posed to candidates for the Fernandina Beach City Commission.   The answers come to our readers unedited and in the candidates own words.  We rotate the order of candidates from week to week.  Ed Boner and incumbent Tim Poynter will seek Group 4, John Campbell Elwell and Pat K Gass will seek  Group 5.

October 24, 2012 7:23 a.m.