Submitted by Jennifer Schriver
September 23, 2015 2:00 p.m.
Jennifer Schriver is announcing her candidacy for Fernandina Beach City Commission, Group 4. With a background in Parks and Recreation and a current health care worker, Schriver is passionate about preserving the quality of life for families and residents and protecting the reasons why tourists choose Fernandina Beach to vacation. She understands working within a budget, knowing when to finance projects and takes an innovative, research-based approach when tackling problems.
“Since returning to Fernandina Beach, I have seen both good and bad changes affecting our community and see some things that need more of our attention,” explains Schriver. “As city commissioner I want to bring Fernandina into the 21st century through business and infrastructure while preserving the reasons we all choose to live here.”
“As it is planned now, Fernandina Beach will be absorbing the brunt of a robust boost in population over the next ten years, and that concerns me” she said, and is amongst her top reasons for running.
Schriver sees working as a team with all stakeholders present and involved is the best way to develop the necessary plans that will bring Fernandina into the future. “It’s about generating dialogue, identifying issues, and then planning for the challenges so that the residents are still able to enjoy living here. And that is where my background in Recreation management will assist the Council in doing the work necessary to protect quality of life.”
Schriver believes that Conservation efforts will “help all of us- residents, developers, realtors and the TDC included, and the city must work together to be leaders in the efforts for smart growth with blighted areas being the focus for development. Increasing zoning density is only one proposition that is beneficial to only one side. There is another side that is not being represented. And as a commissioner, it would be my job to ask the questions, find the answers and listen to the community to help better balance the needs of the entire community.”
Schriver returned to Fernandina to raise her family as she felt Fernandina offers the best quality of life for young families. “Serving as Commissioner is such an important job that it will be my full time job. I am excited and thankful to have the support and be able to devote the time it takes to do the job right.”
Schriver is active in creating an enforceable beach litter ordinance with Nassau County, is a volunteer at Barnabus medical center and is a volunteer reader to the first graders at Southside Elementary every Friday. She served as President of her Homeowners Association, as Community Liaison for NM Federal Educators Credit Union and is co-chair on the School Advisory Council at Southside Elementary. In her spare time, she has been meeting with city officials and employees to learn about their successes, projects, needs and plans for the future of Fernandina, and she loves to take her family fishing.
“I look forward to working with a new city manager, city commissioners, our county commissioners, staff and residents to make a more efficient and effective city where families are encouraged to stay, where tourists are welcome to play and where businesses meet the demands of both.
To learn more about Jennifer, to get involved in her campaign or make a campaign contribution, call her at 904-206-6342 or email her at [email protected].
Editor’s Note: Schriver, running in Group 4, will face incumbent Pat Gass, Jim B. Higginbotham, and Roy G. Smith in the general election to be held November 3, 2015.