Submitted by Tim Poynter
Candidate for City Commission, Group 4
Question 1: How would you support improved communications?
“During my tenure on the City Commission, I have supported creative and cost-effective efforts to improve communication in many ways: live video streaming of City Commission meetings and workshops; redesigning the city website; using utility bill mailings as an economical paper delivery system for city newsletters; and placing city meeting agendas and supporting documents online more quickly and in greater detail than ever before. I will continue to support simplifying city processes, making both procedures and forms more user friendly, as has been done recently in the Community Development Department. I am also supporting the replacement of the city’s outdated telephone system in the FY 2012-13 budget. The existing system has failed on many occasions, causing aggravation and frustration for citizens and city staff alike.
My own point of view is that there is not a “one size fits all” answer to the communication question. While some believe that social media like Facebook and Twitter are the best ways to communicate, I will continue to reach out on a personal level. I believe that the “one-on-one” approach is the best way to hear people’s concerns. I will continue my monthly outreach meetings at 7:00 p.m. the 2nd Wednesday of every month at Café Karibo and invite folks to bring their questions or concerns, share ideas or engage in discussions on current issues facing our city. Our lively conversations on a host of topics help me refine my positions on relevant issues. And, of course, I welcome telephone calls (904-415-6533) and emails ([email protected]); I also welcome opportunities to speak to groups or appear at town meetings as an individual commissioner. I will gladly participate in more formal, noticed meetings with other commissioners and the city manager.
There are times when Commissioners must make choices that not everyone supports. I can help people understand my position, but I also know that sometimes reasonable people just disagree. In those cases, people need to feel that their positions have been heard and understood. They also want to know why and how a commissioner voted the way he did on an important issue. I strive to explain my thinking when I cast my commission votes. I will continue to do so and encourage other commissioners to do the same.
Editor’s Note: Over the next 5 weeks, the Fernandina Observer will post answers to one of five questions submitted to candidates running for the Fernandina Beach City Commission. The answers come to our readers unedited and in the candidates own words. We will 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. Today’s order was determined by a roll of the dice.