Fernandina Beach runoff candidates face off at CFOF Candidates Forum

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
December 3, 2017 8:14 p.m.

Candidates facing each other in the December 12, 2017 runoff election for Fernandina Beach City Commission: Orlando Avila (l) and Ronald J. “Chip” Ross

Thursday night’s Candidates Forum sponsored by the Concerned Friends of Fernandina (CFOF) featured candidates Orlando Avila and Ronald J. “Chip” Ross, who will face off in the December 12, 2017 runoff election in hopes of replacing retiring commissioner Robin Lentz. For almost an hour and a half, the candidates responded to 14 questions prepared in advance and 3 questions submitted in writing from audience members. No explanation was provided regarding authorship of the questions, but moderator Chuck Hall said that candidates had not been privy to the questions prior to the forum.

Audience members and local media packed City Hall Commission Chambers. There was standing room only left by the start of the forum. By the end of closing statements, both candidates appeared drained, as did many audience members, some of whom left before the end.

The forum in its entirety may be viewed on the City of Fernandina Beach website under Specialty Recordings (http://fernandinabeachfl.swagit.com/play/11302017-660).

The questions covered a wide range of topics, including parking, wetlands, development, and sustainability. The positions of the candidates remained consistent with those voiced during forums held prior to the November General Election. Both candidates supported maintaining the current quality of life to include preservation and conservation, public safety and low taxes. However, they differed in their approaches to ensuring those goals are met.

Forum moderator Chuck Hall

Avila remained committed to supporting a balanced approach to development and redevelopment while respecting private property rights. Ross views following the city’s Comprehensive Plan as the best way to approach development proposals. While Avila appears to prefer using “common sense approaches” to dealing with community problems, Ross appears more absolutist in his approach, relying on words like “shall” in the Comprehensive Plan.

Both candidates appeared to agree that there is no serious parking problem in the Central Business District, supporting greater enforcement of existing time limits to increase the turnover of spaces. They also agreed that despite personal stands against the new airport terminal design, the project has moved to the construction phase, making it virtually impossible to stop or change at this point.

The topic of wetlands policy drew sharper distinctions. Ross supports an absolute prohibition against filling wetlands, regardless of grade, citing the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Avila also agreed that filling wetlands was not desirable, but he indicated that he believes that the city has a good wetlands policy and that weight should be given to subject matter experts such as the St. John’s River Water Management District.

The candidates also expressed different approaches to the question of combining lots along the beach. Avila said that property owners should be able to develop their land to its best possible use consistent with law and policy. He said the challenge is to preserve both high quality areas and property rights. He asked, “If it doesn’t make sense, why do it?’ Ross cited the importance of maintaining beach access and view corridors, suggesting that the city revisit the Land Development Code “to make sure that everyone plays by the same rules.” He singled out height requirements as particularly problematic.

Development issues and the impact of growth were concerns underlying several questions. Ross continued to emphasize the need to follow the Comprehensive Plan in addressing these issues. With respect to the impact of the planned community of Wildlight, Ross suggested that since 60 percent of the county’s ad valorem taxes come from the city, the county should step in to help with solutions to problems of increased need for beach parking that such development might cause. Avila suggested that since this is a planned community that will be built over many years, any impact on the island and the beaches would be gradual, making increased traffic and beach usage manageable.

Both candidates seemed to believe that the Golf Course should be a part of the city’s future, despite continuing financial difficulties. They agreed that the large green space the Golf Course provides is a benefit to the city. Avila suggested that perhaps, in light of a downward trend in the demand for golf nationwide, the city might consider expanding recreational offerings for course members to include tennis courts or a swimming pool. Ross said that he would never agree to sell or develop the golf course, but would like to see additional activities added to improve the revenue stream.

Chip Ross

With respect to preserving the city’s tree canopy, Ross supported enforcing the tree ordinance and adding an arborist to city staff. He supported a public/private partnership to add lands to conservation. Avila supported the current tree ordinance and pointed to a helpful pamphlet the city has produced to help property owners understand their obligations. Like Ross, he also supported the creation of a private organization or partnership to purchase land for conservation. He said that the city cannot do this on its own and might look toward an outside group to encourage donations of land or legacy giving to purchase land for conservation.

A question about mitigating effects from sea level rise also brought out contrasts between the candidates. Avila said he supported a holistic, multifaceted approach that would improve drainage and institute sound planning and funding mechanisms to fix today’s problems and those of future generations. Ross said that there is a flooding problem today and that “we need to flood proof the island.” He suggested fixes to building codes that could potentially lower flood insurance premiums.

Orlando Avila

The candidates were asked to assess the financial position of the city. Avila said he thought the city was in “a decent position.” He emphasized the need for a balanced tax base, embracing the benefits of redeveloping existing, underutilized or abandoned developed areas for commercial and residential use. He said that the city should encourage existing businesses to expand and create more economic opportunity for young families. Ross suggested that the city take advantage of talent in the community and recreate the Financial Advisory Committee “to drill down on the budget.” He also said that the city needs to be more mindful of maintenance costs in reviewing new projects.

Candidates were asked to address the Port Element in the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Ross said that the city’s Planning Advisory Board had addressed this issue and made recommendations that were not forwarded to the City Commission. He suggested that should be done. He also indicated that he supports the Port and had worked to limit HAZMAT materials from being stored at the port. Avila cited an opinion from City Attorney Tammi Bach regarding the limits of the city’s ability to interfere with shipping. He expressed optimism that the city might have a better working relationship with what appears to be the new owner of Nassau Terminals. He expressed a need to examine the bigger problem of HAZMAT storage and handling, not just limited to the Port.

Density was another topic that brought out differences between the candidates. In response to what some considered a loaded question – Do you support staff’s push for higher density in the city? – Ross replied he did not. He again cited requirements of the Comprehensive Plan, which he believed had not been met in the most recent increase of downtown density. He elaborated on his recent unsuccessful appeal of that decision before an Administrative Law Judge. He said he had not been seeking financial gain through that action, but wanted to cure what he perceived as violations of the city Comprehensive Plan. He cited the need to preserve neighborhoods and consider the results of what he views as a mandated housing needs assessment study to justify density increases.

Avila expressed his belief that a vibrant urban core is necessary to the health of a city and that increasing the density can help achieve that. He said that the recent approval of density increase only for the urban core allows for the increase of smaller residential spaces above storefronts “that could be workforce housing.” He said that “this could work into something very positive for our town.”  He stressed his support for redevelopment.  “The more we can redevelop, the more greenspace we can save from new development,” he said.  Avila suggested that citizens should preserve what they want but not stifle economic opportunities.

There were three audience questions selected by the forum organizers. The first dealt with defining the commissioner’s role as “a good steward” of taxpayers’ money. The second solicited candidates’ opinions on opening the Alachua rail crossing with taxpayer money. The third asked how candidates would insure the long-term sustainability of industry in the city.

Avila said that it is the job of a commissioner to study issues in order to make the best decisions on behalf of taxpayers today and into the future. He said that part of being a good steward is looking for ways to streamline government operations and service delivery. Ross said that he is a fiscal conservative who believes in living within one’s means. He criticized the current commissioners for not explaining both the upsides and downsides of decisions they make, claiming that is part of their job to educate the public.

With respect to the Alachua crossing, Ross said the city should get more data before moving forward to spend $500-800K on this project. He expressed his concern that such a move might not even be physically possible given land constraints. He said that based upon his research he believed that the railroad had agreed in the late 1800’s to pay for additional crossings, claiming that he has been asking the City Attorney to explore this. He expressed his preference for a less expensive pedestrian walkover. Avila said that he believed that opening the crossing would be a spur to economic development in the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). This redevelopment would bring in revenues to offset the cost of construction of the crossing. He added that he would like to get all the information to make the best decision in the interest of all the people.

On sustaining local industry, Avila said that he supports local industry and business interests not just because they provide jobs directly, but because of the ancillary jobs they foster. He said he would encourage good partnerships with the city promoting cooperation, collaboration and communication. Ross agreed that the mills are important, but that they are only one part of the community. He supported workshops with all parts of the community that would allow all citizens to participate before crises arise.

In closing remarks, Ross addressed what he characterized as “untrue, divisive comments” about him on local social media and blogs about his past, his character and his ability to work with other people, in some cases rehashing legal matters involving the Tiki Bar to which he was a party when he lived in Maryland.  He read from two unsolicited letters, one from a judge and one from a hospital coworker, attesting to his intelligence, persistence and integrity, his compassion and kindness. He concluded by saying, “If you share my vision for the quality of life on this island, please vote for me on December 12.”

Avila began by thanking the event sponsors. “I’m running because I live here, I love this town,” he said. “I’m raising my family here, I’m running a business here. We’re committed, invested, and we want this place to be the best it can be.” He expressed his desire to increase economic opportunity, preserve and protect it. He supported keeping taxes low by maintaining an economically diverse tax base. “We have a gem here,” he said, “and we get to live here.” He said that the overwhelmingly positive response from visitors is “a testament to the people who live here.” He asked people for their vote and urged them to vote on December 12.”

Tony Ferreira and Jan Cote Merow

Concerned Friends of Fernandina (CFOF) board members served as moderator (Chuck Hall) and timekeepers (Jan Cote Merow and Tony Ferreira). Ron Sapp, one of the original members of the organization, originally called the Friends of Fernandina, introduced the session with a brief history of the organization and its work to gain public support for a bond referendum to purchase environmentally sensitive land, the genesis of the Greenway. He said that CFOF mobilizes to fight threats to the environment and quality of life, citing their unsuccessful fight to save Crane Island from development.

Ron Sapp

Sapp, an 11-time city commissioner, indicated that CFOF is a non-partisan group working across political boundaries to protect the environment. He said that CFOF  does not endorse candidates as an organization while allowing that members might personally endorse candidates. Sapp did not announce his personal endorsement, although it has been widely reported that he is Chip Ross’ campaign manager. Sapp also made a plea for contributions to help underwrite the cost of broadcasting the event.

Audience reaction to the candidates was polite and restrained. Upon exiting the event, some audience members said they had attended out of curiosity while others said the evening’s exchanges had not changed their mind about which candidate to support.

Background on topics covered during the forum for the most part has been extensively covered by the Fernandina Observer prior to and during the election season.  To read articles on the Alachua crossing, density discussions, the Ross appeal, and preserving greenspace, use the search function on the Fernandina Observer homepage.

The runoff election will take place on December 12, 2017.  While there is no “early voting” in the official sense, registered Fernandina Beach voters may cast a mail ballot in person prior to the election at the office of the Nassau County Supervisor of Elections in the Page Governmental Building, 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 3, Yulee, FL.  For more information on voting and polling places, visit www.votenassau.com or call the  Supervisor of Elections Office at (904) 491-7500.

Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

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julie ferreira
julie ferreira(@julie-ferreira)
6 years ago

The paragraph in the above article relating to wetlands is mis-leading. According to the current Comprehensive Plan, the City does not allow the filling of any type of wetland. In 2016, feeling the pressure of developers, the City Commission held public meetings to discuss adopting a system of “grading” wetlands based upon a model used by Ponte Vedra which the city planning department was strongly pushing. However it was determined, due to public pressure, that on a barrier island the protection of wetlands is an important deterrent to flooding. Our current Comp Plan clearly includes a prohibition against the filling or grading of any wetland. It is sad that if elected Mr. Avila seems to suggest that he would defer his judgement to St. John’s River Water Management District as the “experts”. This goes against the principle of “home rule” and the fact that local control is the best most responsive form of self-governance. For those of us, and there are many, who still believe in “home rule” we think that the government which is closest is the most responsive and understands local issues the best. That is what our Comp Plan is designed to do. With the current pressures of over-development bearing down on us, upholding our protective policies is crucial.

Co Editor
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Member
Co Editor(@co-editor-2)
6 years ago
Reply to  julie ferreira

Having listened to the portion of the forum related to wetlands, I am confused as to why Julie Ferriera finds the wetlands’ paragraph in Suanne Thamm’s article “misleading.” I’ll leave it up to our readers to listen to the tape, beginning at 24 minutes, 4 seconds and decide for themselves.
http://fernandinabeachfl.swagit.com/play/11302017-660

Jennifer Burns
Jennifer Burns (@guest_49991)
6 years ago
Reply to  julie ferreira

I agree with Julie. She makes it very clear. As of now, it is against the Comprehensive Plan to fill in wetlands bc we are a barrier island and need them to prevent flooding. Orlando clearly states that he would leave it up to St John’s River Water Management District (the “experts”) to decide if they could fill in the wetlands. Makes it sound like he is gonna try!

Doug Adkins
Doug Adkins (@guest_49978)
6 years ago

As the former GOP state committeeman for the last eight years and the former congressional caucus chairman for the RPOF, I was particularly interested in the contrasts in this race as it would decide the direction of the city on many issue. This election is clearly about “judgment” and who has the skills and experience to exercise the best judgment over the important issues that lie ahead. I have been in the trenches fighting for candidates and conservative issues for many years. In fact I helped Mr. Avila in 2006 when he ran against the incumbent Port Commissioner Ed Gandy when he was Chairman of the GOP because I wanted to see a new generation of leaders get started and because our Chairman has lost his way and was advocating for higher taxes such as the controversial “gas tax”. he came very close and I worked hard to help him “get in the game”. Bottomline was Mr. Avila just laid it up short and did not work hard up to the end losing by 146 votes mostly due to him not showing up on the Westside of the county. In 2014 he was added to Nassau Rants and Raves by Ben Llyod on Feb 23, 2014. Ben Lloyd created the group on Feb 23, 2014. When Mr. Avila recently told someone on a facebook thread he was not a founder of the RRR it was disingenuous statement as he knows full well that he was involved from the start. I know personally when the caustic attacks and memes were being posted attacking my wife Janet in the 2016 election Mr. Avila and the other administrators were asked to take down these offensive, untruthful posts, yet they allowed the scorched earth attacks to continue. Janet never responded to any of these and this toxic environment filled with vulgar, hateful attacks on people and local businesses was allowed to parade on and become part of our culture. Mr. Avila during the discussions around the Port of Fernandina made some now infamous comments to summarize that suggested that the people who had spoken against the Port Charter were retired and did not care anymore. The failure to recognize that the aging baby boomers and the growth in this demographic here in Fernandina Beach will become the major dominate demographic focal point again is another example of his lack of insight into the future of the City of Fernandina Beach. His decision in 2016 to seek a four year term as an elected member of the local Republican REC which requires that he meet at least six of the 12 monthly meetings to maintain his membership to hold this elected office. It would appear to many he has not shown up to enough of these meetings in the past year to meet his obligations. Again he signed up for a four year term and has not kept that commitment. His decision to seek a city waiver of $70,000 of liens on a tax deed property he bought from the tax collector for $5100 in 2013, then he quit claims the deed to a local developer who then sells the property for $38,000. When I asked him whether he would continue to bid for tax deeds if elected as a city commissioner on properties in the city limits, he said he would. I personally would not do this as people who have lost their property are suffering and it seems to create an inappropriate appearance when public officials become the benefactors of other people’s losses in the jurisdictions where they serve. That is just my view. There is no question that Wildlight has significant potential to impact the Island both from an environmental and population stand point, the “muck” and organinc soils that are present there will have to be removed and new hard pan installed just to build, the run off will create new impacts on the waterways and this will reshape how things are rebalanced, the question is how fast all this happens which then determines how quickly the environment can adjust. Dr Chip Ross provided thoughtful, well prepared answers, he has a record of showing up and fighting for the rule of law. As a Republican his no nonsense conservative views on taxes and spending will be a welcome relief from what has been happening. No question that Dr Chip Ross won the exchange of views and there is no question he is the most qualified choice for City Commissioner.

Christine Harmon
Christine Harmon (@guest_49979)
6 years ago

I urge all voters to listen to the meeting. It takes less time to read a synopsis, but hearing the candidates actually address the issues presented to them is infinitely preferable. The future of Fernandina Beach will be guided by the person we elect as Commissioner. Can you spare an hour and a half? You owe it to yourself and the community to listen to the Candidates Forum – then make your own decision.

Christine Corso
Christine Corso (@guest_49982)
6 years ago

Would second this recommendation. Relying on single source, second and third party interpretive commentary to form political opinion is an unfortunate, but common occurrence in today’s world. We each bear the responsibility to do better when selecting our elected officials.

Steven Crounse
Steven Crounse (@guest_49981)
6 years ago

It’s hard for me to say this as a Democrat, but I fully support Mr. Adkins views on these two men running for our City commission. Dr. Ross’s stance on the Cities Comprehensive Plan, and Environmental Issues for this Island, should be supported by the Citizens of Fernandina Beach. We are at a critical stage in the growth of our Community. It will have a profound impact on every one of our Citizens. As a lot of you know, I was in Dr. Burn’s camp for Nassau County Superintendent of Schools. For one reason only, she was highly qualified for the position. My thoughts are the same with Dr. Ross, he is by far the Best Candidate for our City Commission. I’ll guarantee you on thing, he’s not one of the “Good Old Boys” and he will make the City Commissioners work harder for this Community. Get out and Vote.!!