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QUESTIONS ON THE SALES TAX? MEET CITY STAFF
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‘A GOOD FIRST STEP’ FOR B-CU Alumni and students weigh in on the hiring of Dr. Brent Chrite as the next university president. Editor’s note: Read more about Chrite’s appointment in this week’s Florida Courier. BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
On Tuesday, Bethune-Cookman University announced that Dr. Elrie LaBrent Chrite will be become the institution’s seventh president effective July 1. Chrite is currently the University of Denver’s Dean of the Daniels College of Business; he will leave the post in June. He is also an independent director of Gordon Food Services, a $15 billion company where he also chairs the risk committee. “We face some serious challenges, but
we have so much that’s outstanding in our community and traditions – and I have every confidence that together we will make exciting things happen. I am passionate about Bethune-Cookman and am thrilled to be a part of its community,” stated Chrite.
Students react Students just want to see their school returned to good standing. “I’m neutral on the hire. I didn’t see him during the hiring process. I just hope that he does what he is supposed to do. I hope that he ends the scandals and take care of business to get the school back to greatness,” commented music major Llandro Taylor, a graduating senior. Sophomore computer information systems major Aaron Davis echoed, “It’s a good first step, which is important to move the school forward. I didn’t get to meet him during the interview process. I hope he cleans up the school and lead us away from the debt and accreditation issues. I hope he
clears our name and legacy.”
Local reaction The community seems hopeful as well with B-CU’s new leadership. Daytona resident Perry Williams told the Daytona Dr. Elrie Times, “I think it’s a good LaBrent ‘Brent’ Chrite thing. I hope that the new president can make the school strong. With the economic impact that the school has on our community, we need a strong Bethune-Cookman to move not only the school forward but our community as well.” Tony Servance is an alum who lives and works in this community. Servance is also active in the community serving on several boards and as the president of Save Our Neighborhoods. “As alumni, I’m glad to see new leadership. Hopefully, this new leadership allows
DAYTONA TIMES / 40TH ANNIVERSARY
400 beauticians meet; B-CC greets parents
us to get back on track with fundraising and stabilizing the university,” he said. “I got a chance to meet him and the candidates during the final interview process. Each had qualities of a university president but Chrite stood above. We will work with him to turn our beloved institution around and protect the legacy of Dr. Bethune and the University.”
‘Transformative figure’ Percy Williamson, also a Bethune-Cookman graduate, said he was excited about the hire. “I think he will be a transformative figure. This is an extremely important first step for us to change the culture of Bethune Cookman. I’m excited about his business background, not just in academia but also in international business,’’ Williamson noted. “B-CU is a multi-million-dollar business and it’s time it’s been run like one.” A lot of changes need to be made but this is a great first step,” Williamson added.
Residents aren’t quite sold on half-cent sales tax BY ANDREAS BUTLER DAYTONA TIMES
Volusia County residents who are registered to vote will start receiving their mail-in ballots next week for the special election on the half-cent sales tax on Wednesday, May 1. The Volusia County Supervisor of Elections office will mail out the ballot asking residents to choose whether they are in favor or against it, then drop it off to the elections office or mail it back no later than 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21. The ballots can be dropped off at City Hall or Town Hall at the 16 municipalities in the county. Registered voters also can have someone drop off their ballots. The countywide sales tax will be used to fund capital improvement projects such as roads, sidewalks, stormwater projects, flooding and brides.
‘A good idea’ Lee Tillman is one county resident who supports the tax. “I think it will be a good idea to fix up some areas. I am skeptical and wonder where the money goes. If it passes, my hope is that it’s used for what it’s supposed to, especially in the Black communi-
Housing authority to jumpstart development BY THE DAYTONA TIMES STAFF
Thirty years ago in 1989, the Daytona Times reported on the 41st Annual National Convention of the United Beauty School Owners and Teachers Association, and the activities of the upcoming Parents Day weekend at Bethune-Cookman College.
ALSO INSIDE
Low-income and affordable housing builders, developers and banks descended upon Daytona Beach last week to attend a one-day seminar at the beachside Hard Rock Hotel to gauge interest in replacing aging public housing in the city. Sponsored by the development arm of the Housing Authority of the City of Daytona Beach (HACDB), the daylong series of activities included appearances by elected officials from both the City of Daytona Beach and Volusia County. HACDB also presented information on its development goals and strategy, and on its existing portfolio of aging public housing properties and vacant lots.
ty where there are bumpy roads, unpaved driveways, no sidewalks and abandoned houses and property,’’ he told the Daytona Times. Others like Bianca Brown are on the fence. “I haven’t heard about the tax. I’ll consider voting for it if it’s used to fix up the communities needed like the predominantly Black community. I see a lot of abandoned homes and buildings, especially in Midtown on the Avenue [Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard], around Bethune-Cookman and other places,” Brown said.
Not for it Others see the need for improvement projects but don’t support the tax. “I see the need for a lot of things, especially roads, sidewalks, flooding and both abandoned houses and buildings that turn into drug havens. … We pay taxes already and you want more. Where is the money going? To marina for their boats, to the auto mall for their cars, and to Brown & Brown [insurance agency] to build their project,” questioned Darmond Fleming. Phillip Imler shared, “I don’t agree with any new sales tax. I See TAX, Page 2
VOTRAN bus tour After lunch, attendees boarded two county buses and took a tour of all Housing Authority properties that will be eventually rehabilitated or replaced, most notably Caroline Village, Palmetto Park, Northwood Village, Walnut Oak and the senior high-rises, Windsor and Maley Apartments. They also saw large vacant parcels on Loomis Avenue and George W. Engram Boulevard HACDB calls “shovelready.” Included in the development possibilities are more than 100 city-owned vacant lots that could be used for what is called “infill” housing.
RFP coming A request for proposals is expected to be posted soon on the HACDB website and also sent directly to seminar attendees. The successful bidder will be required to design, develop, finance, and operate the new properties in conjunction with the Housing Authority. Under federal guidelines, no existing public housing tenants See HOUSING, Page 2
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