Ed Boner candidate for Group 4 – What is the biggest threat facing the city?

Ed Boner, Candidate for Group 4

Submitted by

Ed Boner, Candidate Group 4

What do you see as the biggest threat facing the city of Fernandina Beach today and how would you address it?

“What is the biggest threat?  I may change my opinion, but currently, the narrow focus on the waterfront is dangerous.  There are far greater issues, like low reserve, lack of  storm water management and unequal fees.   We have vacant storefronts and vacant land on two commercial corridors with no impact fee because the properties are in the county and a city system of fees few consider helpful.  The city could have a very difficult time competing and many of the downtown businesses may suffer if the cost to open away from the historic district or outside city limits is always substantially lower.  Businesses and eventually property values are vulnerable if we don’t find a way to make the cost to open more equal inside or outside city limits.

If any of you aren’t aware of the changes, Nassau County is moving from impact fee to mobility fees, another approach to growth management or the problem of urban sprawl.   Our biggest threat is the trend toward a higher cost do live or do business in Fernandina.  Our government is failing if the only benefit to living inside Fernandina Beach city limits is a higher cost.  I will do my best to change this trend once elected.”

Editor’s Note:  This is second in a series of question 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.

September 17, 2012 7:08 a.m.