October 9, 2014 6:00 a.m.

Editor’s Note: The Fernandina Observer submitted four questions to five candidates vying for the office of Fernandina Beach City Commissioner. This is the fourth in a series of four questions. As in the past, comments placed on our website will be removed. We do not endorse candidates.

City Commission Candidates Group 3

Incumbent Sarah L. Pelican

 
What would you like people to know about you before going to the polls?

“I feel comfortable with my record as a City Commissioner and will continue to work in the best interests of the City.”

 

Robin C. Lentz

What would you like people to know about you before going to the polls?

“I would like people to know that I’m a civic-minded professional who is running for this position because as a mother and educator, I care about the future of this city.  I want Fernandina Beach to keep its small-town charm and grow in a positive direction that fosters economic stability for future generations.

I will bring objectivity and my positive leadership skills to accomplish strategic goals.  I will use my resources to find the best-possible solutions to key issues like funding infrastructure projects that will ultimately allow for the redevelopment of areas.  This redevelopment will stimulate jobs, offer affordable living and create a broader tax-base.  I promise to be a good steward of tax-payers dollars by making sure our city gets the biggest return on investments.  Over the last two and a half years, I felt my concerns have fallen on deaf ears, and I will work diligently so citizens do not feel this way.”

 

City Commission Candidates Group 2

Incumbent Charlie Corbett

What would you like people to know about you before going to the polls?

“Honesty, Integrity and Leadership.  This is not just a twice a month meeting job.

I will continue to work for the citizens of Fernandina Beach daily, just as I have  done over the last three years of my term. I am open to all communication from  the citizens of Fernandina Beach and welcome their input.”

Candidate Timothy M. Poynter

What would you like people to know about you before going to the polls?

“I would like Fernandina Beach voters to know that I am passionate about our historic city.  I was the only commissioner to vote against the proposed FY2012-13 city budget that called for both higher taxes (a 15 per cent increase, the highest in 10 years) and higher franchise fees. I oppose port expansion and more trucks on our streets threatening our neighborhoods, our environment, our public safety, and the island’s quality of life.  I fully support funding for non-profit organizations that help those in need like Barnabas and the Council on Aging.  Supporting the less fortunate shouldn’t be a personal choice, it’s a community responsibility.  The non-profits also provide us with a cost effective way of addressing these needs.

It’s time for our city commissioners to stand up for the long-term interests of Fernandina.  It’s time to make sure that this special place remains economically sound.  It’s time to invest in projects like our beaches, our neighborhoods and city infrastructure.  It’s time for smarter more efficient government that won’t over-tax and over-regulate.  We deserve better.  This is all extremely important to me as a along-time resident, a father and a business owner.”

Roy G. Smith, Jr.

What would you like people to know about you before going to the polls?

“First of all I want them to know I am honest, have integrity, am accountable and expect others to be and I have commonsense. I am retired and therefore will be their full time city commissioner. My road construction management experience provides me with many valuable skills that will be beneficial to me as a commissioner. These skills include people, listening, analytical, negotiating and decision making. I will do everything possible to keep the port from encroaching into the historic residential area.
I will do all that I possibly can to make the city more business friendly. I will tackle the long standing issues and promise you I will not “kick the can down the road”. I am financing my own campaign and therefore will not be beholding to any special interest group. As a proud homeowner and citizen of the great City of Fernandina Beach I want to use my knowledge and abilities to maintain our quality of life and to also move our city forward.”