PCO Primary Election Guide 2020

JULY 16, 2020

ELECTION GUIDE Meet the candidates

SIDE BY SIDE The latest round of Speed Campaigning will help you get ready for the Aug. 18 Primary.

Our guide is being published earlier than ever this year because more people than ever are voting by mail.

So, turn the page, see which candidates you agree with most, then complete the provided sample ballot so you're prepared when you go to the polls.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Editor’s Note: Districts 1 and 5 were omitted from the print edition. We apologize for the error.

FLAGLER SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 1

DISTRICT 5

As a voter, what do you think about the state of Flagler Schools? What do you want to see in the future?

We asked the candidates to consider several statements and tell us how much they agree or disagree with the statements, on a scale of 1-10. A “1” means you completely disagree; a “10” means you completely agree. (Note: There is no truly neutral number. A “5” means you slightly disagree; a “6” means you slightly agree.)

The statements are listed below. Take a minute to fill out your own reactions. How do your numbers compare to the candidates’ answers?

INCUMBENT

DO YOU AGREE?

Vincent Lyon

Jill Rena Woolbright

Maria Pinto Barbosa Cheryl L. Massaro

 Age: 49  Years in Palm Coast: 8  Qualifications: Product of a public education, bachelor’s master’s and juris doctorate degrees.

Served on numerous organizational boards and as a former member of the Palm Coast City Council.  Priorities: Direct resources so that all students can succeed, not just the easy ones.

Keep the School Board focused on the schools and not on a cult of personality fight. Expand and improve VPK.

 Age: 62  Years in Palm Coast: 31  Qualifications: Teacher at Flagler Schools from 1991 to 2019. Appointed to recent Superintendent Advisory Committee.

Endorsed by the FCEA. Attendee of School Board meetings.

Preschool director, Parkview.  Priorities: Improve services and student learning gains; specifically ESE and minorities.

2. Protect the safety, health and welfare of all students.

3. Stop spending waste; recruit/ retain highly qualified teachers/ personnel.

 Age: 56  Years in Palm Coast: 20  Qualifications: Entrepreneur, Christian family counseling with doctoral certificate. Four years on School Board. Works with children. drmariabarbosa.com  Priorities: Continue Flagler as an A rated district. Maintain safety of all students, including the challenges presented by COVID-19. Continue to be available to district students, families and employees.

DISAGREE

The school district is doing a great job of handling bullying.

More charter schools would benefit the Flagler County school district.

The district is doing a great job of serving students with special needs.

“Gender identity” should be added to the protected groups in the nondiscrimination policy.

Schools should continue to be sites for the Health Department to administer vaccines for students.

The district is doing a great job of keeping students safe on campus.

AGREE

DISAGREE

AGREE

DISAGREE

7

3 In 2011 the district was sued, but has not fully implemented the contemplated steps. Last year the victims of bullying were arrested.

The elementary schools do a better job than the middle and high schools. Many of the bullying issues start outside of school through social media.

5

3 Charter schools can improve overall school performance, but it is not guaranteed, and for the first few years they tend to cause a drop in performance in a district.

History in this county has proven that charter schools do not perform as well as our traditional public schools. Imagine Town Center has remained viable as a B school.

3

2 We are an A school district, but among special needs students every school received a D.

9 The SCOTUS recently found current law protects LGBTQ people from discrimination, so there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by making a clear statement of support.

10 Student vaccinations save lives. Schools are the best opportunity to reach our citizens.

7 Outside the COVID crisis, they are, but I feel the Return to School guidelines that are published do not make a safe environment from the disease.

The district has repeatedly scored below the state average with this group of students. There clearly is a problem with students getting the services they need.

Did not answer If they are protected under the law as the policy stands, then the policy doesn’t need to change. Name changes, restroom facilities, and sports policies need to be addressed.

8 As long as vaccines are administered during non academic times as they currently are, I do not have a problem with the Health Department providing this choice.

8 There are some bullying issues and occasional fights, which poses a risk to students, but overall students are safe in our schools.

AGREE

 Age: 66  Years in Palm Coast: 17  Qualifications: Master of Science in Education, Certification in Leadership; 40+ year professional career as teacher, coach, administrator; 14 years as director of Flagler County Youth Center and Carver Community Center.

Appointed by former Gov. Rick Scott as a State Advisory Group and Executive Board member for Department of Juvenile Justice.  Priorities: 1. Safety, 2. Fiscal responsibility, 3. Graduation rates within Flagler Schools’ diverse student population.

DISAGREE

6

AGREE

7

We have tried very hard to tackle this problem through changes in policy, enhanced mental health counseling and awareness, and training. This is a continuing effort.

Multi-tier discipline and mental health services have been effective; however, the district should ensure there is follow up and a satisfactory resolution of individual cases.

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3

Parents should have any option they think is best for their child. Flagler Schools are now an A rated district and as such we hope it is the preferred option.

Charter schools provide a choice for families. My concern is that each charter school results in a per-pupil loss of funding for Flagler’s public schools.

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5

Students with learning disabilities and others are a special concern. Given limited resources provided by the state, we have improved graduation rates by 23%.

Flagler Schools works hard to address ESE requirements.

However, to improve individual accommodations, teachers’ caseloads must be reduced.

5

10

Every student needs to be treated with dignity and respect. We have tried hard to provide this through our policies and administration.

If adding the words “gender identity” to the district’s nondiscrimination policy helps even keep one child safe, then it is worth adding.

5

10

Health and Safety of all students is paramount. Vaccines should be provided with parental consent and when they are not available elsewhere.

8 This is an area of continual improvement. Policies, procedures and practices will continue to be our focus. We must meet all challenges.

Any time the Health Department offers free vaccines to students, it should be permitted. However, families should always be given the choice to participate.

8 School resource deputies, expanding mental health, improving campus procedures, as well as educating staff, have greatly improved safety.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

FLAGLER SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 3

As a voter, what do you think about the state of Flagler County? What do you want to see in the future?

We asked the candidates to consider several statements and tell us how much they agree or disagree with the statements, on a scale of 1-10. A “1” means you completely disagree; a “10” means you completely agree. (Note: There is no truly neutral number. A “5” means you slightly disagree; a “6” means you slightly agree.)

The statements are listed below. Take a minute to fill out your own reactions. How do your numbers compare to the candidates’ answers?

INCUMBENT

DO YOU AGREE?

Carol “Mother Elizabeth” Bacha  Age: Did not respond  Years in Flagler County: Did not respond  Qualifications/Priorities: Protecting the vulnerable while educating for resilience and compassion. In Orlando I worked as a nurse with medically fragile children in a daycare setting, earning my title of “the Music Lady.” My support for the teen led initiative here in Palm Coast of the Medical Music Mentors is an outcome of our Flagler County-based Christmas Monastery School’s mission to share the Arts.

DISAGREE

The school district is doing a great job of handling bullying.

More charter schools would benefit the Flagler County school district.

The district is doing a great job of serving students with special needs.

“Gender identity” should be added to the protected groups in the nondiscrimination policy.

Schools should continue to be sites for the Health Department to administer vaccines for students.

The district is doing a great job of keeping students safe on campus.

AGREE

2

Colleen Conklin

Paul Mucciolo

 Age: 51  Years in Flagler County: 46  Qualifications: Past student of Bunnell Elementary and Flagler Palm Coast High School; mother: educator; Masters in Education Supervision and Administration; Education Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and brain based learning.  Priorities: Student and staff safety. Budget. Maintaining our “A” status by supporting our early warning systems, Graduate 100; anticipating this year’s rate to be 92%) and increasing support for our ESE programs.

 Age: Did not respond  Years in Flagler County: 12  Qualifications: Having two young children, one of whom has special needs, in Flagler Schools affords me the perspective of a parent with strong motivation to effect change. Extensive executive-level administrative experience, involvement in community organizations.  Priorities: Improving health and safety of students, teachers and staff. Balancing teacher workload with compensation.

Fostering culture which values diversity and inclusion.

DISAGREE

AGREE

DISAGREE

5

Greater participation and integration in the arts is needed to make a safer pathway for students to freely express themselves without fears of bullying.

8

Always a struggle. Reworked our policy; implemented new reporting system and threetiered mental health system.

2

6

Charter schools need better accountability before this could be realized. COVID-19 and social distancing and air quality issues may make this a valued alternative.

2

Competition is good.

3

Individual Education Plans are not up to standard. Standard is no more than 25 per teacher, and Flagler teachers are asked to do 50.

10

Erik Erickson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, an educational psychology standard, show identity vs. confusion as a fluid developmental stage 12-18.

10 Health Department officials have asked me to back this no-cost-to-any-family community initiative as an experienced health care provider.

2 Return to school and COVID-19 safety require additional measures that should be tried and phased in with continuing discussion.

The district is doing a good job of identifying, curtailing, and preventing bullying. There is always room for improvement, and the job will never be done.

1 Flagler County Schools is an “A” District with a repeat School of Excellence. Competition is oftentimes healthy, but no public schools in Flagler have failing grades.

5

I did not support full inclusion unless it was fully funded. We have yet to do that.

2

AGREE

Courts have identified individuals within LGBTQ community as a protected group. It’s not my job to judge. It’s my job to ensure all students are safe.

5

Every school in the district should have a dedicated staffing specialist and more support facilitators to deliver accommodations to ESE students.

4 In Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, the court said that the language of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 applies to discrimination based on orientation and gender identity.

10

Vaccines should be the responsibility of parents.

7 School resource deputies are an integral part of our district.

We’ve added school psychologists, social workers and counselors to each of our schools.

Many parents rely on the availability of school-site vaccinations. Vaccinations provide an added means to ensure the safety of Flagler County children.

8 Administrators, deputies and staff have done a great job ensuring the safety of students.

8/10 because safety is never a place to grow complacent.

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

CITY OF PALM COAST CITY COUNCIL, SEAT 1

DO YOU AGREE?

DO YOU AGREE?

As a voter, what do you think about the state of Palm Coast? What do you want to see in the future?

We asked the candidates to consider several statements and tell us how much they agree or disagree with the statements, on a scale of 1-10. A “1” means you completely disagree; a “10” means you completely agree. (Note: There is no truly neutral number. A “5” means you slightly disagree; a “6” means you slightly agree.)

The statements are listed below. Take a minute to fill out your own reactions. How do your numbers compare to the candidates’ answers?

As a voter, what do you think about the state of Flagler County? What do you want to see in the future?

We asked the candidates to consider several statements and tell us how much they agree or disagree with the statements, on a scale of 1-10. A “1” means you completely disagree; a “10” means you completely agree. (Note: There is no truly neutral number. A “5” means you slightly disagree; a “6” means you slightly agree.)

The statements are listed below. Take a minute to fill out your own reactions. How do your numbers compare to the candidates’ answers?

Ed Danko

Sims E. Jones

Lou Salvagio

 Age: 66  Years in Palm Coast: 2  Qualifications: Former network news producer (NBC/CBS/ CNN) who walked out of CNN fed up with fake news. Navy Veteran who still serves in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Media chairman for the Flagler Trump Club, member of the Kiwanis Club, Republican Club, Portuguese American Cultural Center, Fraternal Order of Police, NRA, former volunteer firefighter.  Priorities: No tax increases.

Stop high density housing. Lower water/city utility bills.

 Age: 63  Years in Palm Coast: 16  Qualifications: My experience with the Fire Department of New York City and my dealings in Flagler County since 2004 have enabled me to work with community based organizations.  Priorities: To create avenues for business growth and to find and develop ways to relieve the tax burden on the citizens of Palm Coast. To bring down the increasing growth of the debt in the city. Increase the involvement and voice of the people into the city’s government.

 Age: 55  Years in Palm Coast: 27  Qualifications: Owned and managed a large medical practice before selling it. Built a business, raised my family, involved in Epic Church in Palm Coast.  Priorities: Public safety, quality of life, city management

DISAGREE

The city will need to raise taxes to meet the needs of its citizens in the next four years.

The city should spend $1.5 million to support MedNEX.

The city’s development process, from permit to product, is efficient and effective.

City codes should be amended to encourage construction of higher density housing.

The city should offer more incentives to entice job-creating companies to move here.

The city should decrease recreation amenities so it can lower taxes.

AGREE

DISAGREE

AGREE

5

1 I would rather drink anti-freeze than raise your taxes. I will identify and cut wasteful city spending.

I am against raising taxes. I am a fiscal conservative business owner, and examining current expenditures and processes will be one of the first tasks I look into as a councilman.

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8

Return the 1.5 million to the general fund. There is no public support for MedNEX, and the tax dollars are needed elsewhere.

1

This impending new facility needs to be thoroughly analyzed in order to reach a mutual decision and to be transparent.

1

We need to ensure that the development process for permits is totally clear and straight forward. No changes should occur after that.

6

Palm Coasters do not want high density housing, and neither do I. High density housing will only result in more crime.

Palm Coast must bring highpaying jobs to the area. MedNEX is a catalyst. As a doctor, I know how growing the medical industry will bring high-paying jobs.

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3

The city’s permit process is an unfriendly bureaucratic process that is anti-business and needs to be streamlined.

We need to take all of our citizens into equal consideration.

Palm Coast has a reputation of being hard to deal with during the development process. I intend to find the inefficiencies.

We have to grow our commercial tax base.

5 Every community should be diverse in housing options to accommodate all age groups and incomes. I do not support high density in the middle of existing neighborhoods.

8

1 Only incentive needed is to keep government away from businesses. The ban on Dollar General is the latest example of how business unfriendly this city is.

10 Due to lost sales tax revenue resulting from the China Virus, recreation amenities may have to be cut temporarily to avoid a tax increase.

AGREE

2

We need to keep the tax base as is due to the economic conditions. Also, the debt needs to be lowered.

1

DISAGREE

Job creation is essential. We need to attract new busines especially to create employment for essential workers.

7 Currently we need to focus on our specific needs first and foremost, before spending additional money on recreational facilities. Fiscal responsibility!

7 Palm Coast must be competitive with other counties and cities to attract job-creating companies. Incentives are options that make Palm Coast rise above the competition.

2 Palm Coast’s quality of life, which includes its recreation amenities, is what attracts businesses and families to our community.

The city will need to raise taxes to meet the needs of its citizens in the next four years.

The city should spend $1.5 million to support MedNex.

The city’s development process, from permit to product, is efficient and effective.

City codes should be amended to encourage construction of higher density housing.

The city should offer more incentives to entice job-creating companies to move here.

The city should decrease recreation amenities so it can lower taxes.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

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MAYOR INCUMBENT

John Brady  Age: Did not answer  Years in Palm Coast: 10  Qualifications: 31 years of management experience with the Commonwealth Pennsylvania. 40 years (part time) social service.  Priorities: Responsible growth: hard look at the effect of highdensity housing, never borrow to build. Fiscal responsibility: review all budgets looking to trim 10%.

Find less expensive alternatives to high-cost items. Citizen-driven decisions. Regular town hall meetings, weekly at local businesses

DISAGREE

AGREE

1

Donald (Don) Greene  Age: 62  Years in Palm Coast: 15  Qualifications: Retired military, retired senior manager from defense contracting, local business owner  Priorities: Reduce needless spending of our tax revenues.

Work on fixing basic community necessities such as swales, road repair, traffic control, code enforcement. Bring viable, clean, quiet, high paying industry to our community.

DISAGREE

AGREE

6 This is a maybe. I would have to be convinced that there is a return on this investment that can be demonstrated.

6 There have been many complaints about this process, and the City Council should look into this process with an eye to make it more user friendly.

1

I believe that, if managed properly, there is enough tax collected to meet the needs of the community for quite some time.

4 Recreational programs should be evaluated for effectiveness and citizen involvement, and, if the program is not successful, it should be eliminated.

 Age: 59  Years in Palm Coast: 37  Qualifications: 34 years as an entrepreneur in Palm Coast. 37 years involved in the construction industry in Palm Coast.

Experienced business leadership, having overseen 40 employees.

Former state certified swimming pool contractor. Proven success in problem solving by thinking “outside the box” as proofed by holding two patents and an IVA spacesuit design. Experienced in negotiating with foreign governments.

DISAGREE

AGREE

I am proud that I have not raised taxes in my entire term of office. I am committed to continuing to practice.

MedNEX is a true example of economic development. It delivers opportunity to our entire community and is the first of its kind in the country.

5

1 It seems to be a rubber stamp process. Nothing presented to zoning or permitting has been declined. Seems like the city is only interested in the money.

Transformative changes were put into place across the departments. These efforts are, and should be, ongoing as we strive for excellence.

5

This is primarily a singlefamily housing market. If proposed, it should not impact the current property rights of the existing home owners.

10 To date, this city has never done anything to bring real work into this community.

4 We don’t need to abandon our recreation amenities, but we can be much better stewards of the tax revenues.

DISAGREE

AGREE

Code changes are community issues, and as such should be informed through a robust and inclusive community dialogue.

I am here to listen.

During these troubling times the city needs to cut waste, attract business to bolster revenue generation and take steps to prevent tax increases.

2 Recreational opportunities have a direct positive impact to our property values and our low crime rate. Palm Coast has invested smartly.

 Age: 34  Years in Palm Coast: 10  Qualifications: Servant’s heart, history of giving back to the community, strong leadership, public and local private sector experience  Priorities: Strengthen local economy, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods, more transparent government

DISAGREE

AGREE

The top priority needs to be on commercial growth, a stronger economy and less reliance on single-family home property taxes.

1

8

There currently is no guarantee with the current economy that the state will participate.

The project should be tabled for now.

This is a strong opportunity for meaningful partnership, but we should have a more robust public presentation and debate first.

2

1 I have met with many contractors that believe the process needs a review to be efficiently streamlined, as do I.

1

This is still a huge problem for Palm Coast. Our “unfriendly to business” stigma is not getting better.

5

Palm Coast is a desirable majority single-family home community. I oppose encouraging more high-density housing construction.

5 I am open to viewing all opportunities and balancing the value of that investment for our community.

Michael Andrew Schottey

2

1

10

It’s doubtful it will actually happen; even so, it’s a school that will not provide good paying jobs. The $1.5 could be better used elsewhere.

10 The first hurdle to be overcome is the bad image that Palm Coast has in the business community. Mayor and council shoudl reach out to businesses in the snow belt.

 Age: 49  Years in Palm Coast: 37  Qualifications: Current mayor. six years as county commissioner  Priorities: Continuing to keep taxes low. public safety. quality of life

1

1

Absolutely not. We are already borrowing $1 million because of increased population. We should not borrow so builders can build.

Alan Lowe

1

1

I will ask all department heads to reduce their budget by 10%.

I will look at the existing vehicle inventory. I will continue the discussion of impact fees.

Milissa Holland

The free market needs to be considered, but any development should respect current character of neighborhoods and protect environment.

10 Good high paying companies located in our industrial parks with job advancement opportunities generates tax revenue and are good for Palm Coast.

1 The mental health issues associated with the lockdown reduced when recreation was restarted. Other areas of reduction should be found.

6 More than the next-to-zero incentives right now, sure, but first support local businesses and create an ecosystem of success.

1 The city wastes money on lots of things we can cut, but parks are important for the health of the community.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

CITY OF PALM COAST CITY COUNCIL, SEAT 3

As a voter, what do you think about the state of Palm Coast? What do you want to see in the future?

We asked the candidates to consider several statements and tell us how much they agree or disagree with the statements, on a scale of 1-10. A “1” means you completely disagree; a “10” means you completely agree. (Note: There is no truly neutral number. A “5” means you slightly disagree; a “6” means you slightly agree.)

The statements are listed below. Take a minute to fill out your own reactions. How do your numbers compare to the candidates’ answers?

INCUMBENT

DO YOU AGREE?

Nick Klufas  Age: 32  Years in Palm Coast: 14  Qualifications: Elected Councilman in 2016. Senior lead software engineer. Has an actionable plan.  Priorities: Continue increasing revenue from FiberNET, our municipal broadband (internet) utility. Incentivizing businesses with broadband access instead of tax dollars. Responsibly use Parks and Rec impact fees to beautify and expand city amenities. I’ll continue to support youth sports leagues. Champion an adaptive traffic signal control system.

DISAGREE

The city will need to raise taxes to meet the needs of its citizens in the next four years.

The city should spend $1.5 million to support MedNex.

The city’s development process, from permit to product, is efficient and effective.

City codes should be amended to encourage construction of higher density housing.

The city should offer more incentives to entice job-creating companies to move here.

The city should decrease recreation amenities so it can lower taxes.

AGREE

Cornelia Downing Manfre  Age: 63  Years in Palm Coast: 21  Qualifications: Real estate broker, worked with national developers. Volunteer with the Flagler Chamber, Economic Alliance Council, Family Life Center, Flagler County Association of Realtors, and School Advisory.  Priorities: Apply financial analysis to insure justifiable expenditures to level taxes.

Encourage public “customer” service. Encourage business growth to increase employment and tax base.

DISAGREE

1 I’ve voted to keep millage rates flat and amongst the lowest in Florida for a city of our population. I will continue to do so.

7 City staff has embraced digitization and streamlining many of these processes with a more citizen-centric approach. We can always strive for improvement.

We need to bring more value.

8 Only with shared contribution from the state of Florida should we consider this expenditure. With the development of MedNex, it will trigger development in Town Center.

1

Amenities are core to what makes Palm Coast beautiful.

Our Parks and Recreation department is top-notch and provides value for all generations in our community.

6 If we invest in this, we need to bring business to keep the students in our town with careers

3

Poorly managed development process costs each applicant additional time and expense.

A streamlined approach should be implemented and staff trained to be proactive.

In order to provide greater “work force” living with affordable pricing, the greater volume of units/acre is necessary for a developer to financially provide lower rentals.

10

1

AGREE

Taxes should be held level as the burden of tax revenue is 90% from the residential base. Commercial tax base should be increased by new commercial development.

8

Palm Coast is uniquely positioned with FiberNET (City ISP) to offer broadband as an incentive. Far superior option than tax break incentives. Attract tech companies!

DISAGREE

1

1 Responsibly located high-density housing doesn’t require code amendments. I don’t believe any resident would want high-density housing in an arterial community.

 Age: 27  Years in Palm Coast: 4  Qualifications: Business owner, coach, leader  Priorities: Put decision making back in the hands of the people.

Support businesses. Not increase taxes.

1

10 This is the most transformative opportunity Palm Coast has ever had. Bring a remote UNF campus to Town Center in Palm Coast, jobs will follow.

AGREE

Zack Shapiro

It has room for improvement.

1 We have enough.

8 Tax incentives should be supported. Joint venturing with Enterprise Florida is recommended to support business recruitment.

3 The existing amenities have already been funded. Additional recreational facilities should be provided through a joint venture with the YMCA.

10 We need more value.

2 With more business, comes more tax revenue.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

FLAGLER COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3

DISTRICT 5

Flagler County beaches should have remained open throughout the pandemic.

Flagler County addressed homelessness effectively in 2019.

The county treats both Bings Landing park advocates and Captain’s BBQ owners fairly.

Donald O’Brien

Kim M. Carney

David Sullivan

Bob Jones

 Age: 64  Years in Flagler County: 20  Qualifications: Nine years as a Commissioner in Flagler Beach.

Ordinance re-writes to conserve wetlands and endangered species. MBA. Volunteering and community involvement  Priorities: Reach a 10% budget reduction by having each department determine savings. Prepare a strategic plan that works for the future unavoidable growth in Flagler County. Align goals to maximize funding opportunities from grants. Learn more www. electkimcarney.us.

 Age: 78  Years in Flagler County: 20  Qualifications: Masters Degree Naval Postgraduate School.

Completed County Commissioner Courses through the Florida Association of Counties. Retired U.S. Navy Captain with 28 years of active duty, including overseas command. Chairman of the Flagler County Republican Executive Committee.  Priorities: Public safety. Keep our taxes low. Continue to remove government red tape to attract higher paying jobs. Preserve and support natural resources.

 Age: 64  Years in Flagler County: 19  Qualifications: Retired from Morgan Stanley as senior vice president after 14 years on Wall Street  Priorities: Sound financial planning. I will not vote for tax increase under any circumstance and stop wasteful spending of taxpayers’ money.

DISAGREE

The county will need to raise taxes to meet the needs of its citizens in the next four years.

INCUMBENT

As a voter, what do you think about the state of Flagler County? What do you want to see in the future?

We asked the candidates to consider several statements and tell us how much they agree or disagree with the statements, on a scale of 1-10. A “1” means you completely disagree; a “10” means you completely agree. (Note: There is no truly neutral number. A “5” means you slightly disagree; a “6” means you slightly agree.)

The statements are listed below. Take a minute to fill out your own reactions. How do your numbers compare to the candidates’ answers?

INCUMBENT

DO YOU AGREE?

AGREE

6 The citizens will bear the cost unless my priority succeeds to find alternate revenue sources and to create a reliable funded plan for future growth.

7 With limited resources and limited understanding, decisions were swift, producing unfortunate but cautionary restrictions that followed direction from Tallahassee.

DISAGREE

AGREE

2

3 The leadership in Flagler County (including all the cities) made the correct call in first closing the beaches and then gradually reopening as things became more clear.

We did the best we could given this difficult situation. More work to be done.

5

There is no way I would vote to raise taxes. Flagler County needs to get its house in order.

Compromise is always difficult, and I think the results of the current mediation process will be reasonable for both sides.

AGREE

Philosophically opposed to raising property taxes for any reason. I would rather force a reduction in spending and make hard cuts to existing budgets.

1

No way. It is better to err on the side of life over those who only care about themselves.

Hindsight is 20/20. We made the right decision with the information we had in March to close beaches. Protected staff, law enforcement and acted as deterrent to visitors.

1

7

The county did a poor job on the homeless. They did nothing until the Observer brought it to the public’s attention and the library employees felt their safety was at risk.

8

Generally, the county should not be in the leasing business.

Unattainable commitments were made, and a compromise is needed.

DISAGREE

1

1

6

Moving people out of an area does not address the problem.

It appears there is no plan to deal with the complexity of homelessness.

AGREE

1

My goal is to keep county ad valorem taxes, specifically the millage rate, even or slightly reduced. We will probably not get to the “fall back rate” each year, but that is a goal.

2

DISAGREE

 Age: 60  Years in Flagler County: 31  Qualifications: Current county commissioner, business owner, father, grandfather, community servant, MBA in finance  Priorities: Maintaining public safety and quality of life in Flagler County. Efficient county government in a low tax environment. Develop long-term plan for growth, in cooperation with cities.

Cleaned up library property and made it safe for employees, residents and homeless.

Made strides towards developing relationship with Volusia County’s shelter.

10 I agree both sides were treated equally.

Did not respond

Note: This question was asked before the results of the mediation were revealed. See Page 5.

Since crime has been declining every year, the Sheriff’s Office budget can be safely reduced.

Flagler County should offer more economic incentives to attract companies.

3

1

Keeping crime in decline is essential. Review with the Sheriff’s Office regarding cause and effect between the budget and crime numbers will be a priority.

6 Flagler County needs to evaluate why we did not attain the companies that were looking at us. Incentives are not the only answer.

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1

Our Sheriff’s Office is doing a great job for the county and Palm Coast. Our population is growing, and we want to keep our citizens safe.

8 Of course we want to attract more business, but incentives must be results-oriented and not just up-front cash incentives.

Strongly disagree. You do not punish a department because it is doing a very good job.

10 I know two CEOs of large companies. Neither company was approached by Flagler County in the last five years. Each expanded elsewhere.

Projected population growth for next 15 years is significant.

Public safety expenses need to keep pace. Sheriff is making appropriate progress for years of improper staffing.

2 Economic incentives need to be situational and targeted Must prioritize helping existing businesses to survive and grow.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Judicial candidates address residents in forum Four candidates spoke in a virtual forum hosted by the Tiger Bay Club on July 9.

JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

Four candidates for 7th Judicial Circuit judge positions — Bryan Robert Rendzio, Dan Hilbert, MaryEllen Osterndorf and Mike Orfinger — addressed residents in a virtual forum hosted by the Tiger Bay Club July 9.

A few other candidates who had signed up for the forum were not able to participate.

Responding to a question about strategies for dealing with the backlog of cases caused by COVID-19 shutdowns, all four candidates who were able to participate spoke about the importance of technology.

Rendzio said he is currently in a 14-day quarantine himself due to potential exposure, but has been maintaining his docket over Zoom.

“It’s very effective,” he said.

“It has done a great job of keeping up and adapting to the unfortunate circumstances that have occurred. ... We’re moving full steam ahead and we’re doing everything that we can to make sure that everyone has equal access to the court.”

Osterndorf said the 7th Circuit is doing what it can with the orders coming from the Florida Supreme Court and from health agencies, using video and telephonic hearings.

“One of the most important things to remember is we have litigants that are represented by counsel and those litigants that are represented by themselves,” she said. “And those self-represented litigants don’t always have the same resources that law firms have. So you have to ensure that there’s equal access to all of those individuals. I think we’ve been very creative. I would continue with that creativity.”

Orfinger said his civil division has adapted quickly, using Zoom for everything but jury trials, and is starting a trial project next month to use Zoom for jury trials, too.

In the mental health division where he presides over Marchman Act hearings on substance abuse, Orfinger said, nonjury trials, evidentiary hearings and other hearings are being held

by Zoom or telephone.

“Those hearings have gone on without interruption,” he said.

“The difficulty has been getting 18, 2020.

Thisadmitted sample ballot is being people to treatment. ... But as farand as the court isPlease condy the candidates issues. cerned, we will be dealing with nce. getting jury trials back on track. I had may a juryvote docket oters in haven’t the county for since these March, and I won’t have one in ered withAugust. a minor party.

Voter ... So we will haveturnout a lot of re important, don’t skiptothis case management do toPrimary! stay on track.”

Judge Dan Hilbert said signed precinct on Election Day.that This dockets had been crowded even Your representative districts, precinct before COVID-19, which has u have moved sincethethe last time you exacerbated problem. change your address over thewephone.

“To move forward ... need judges who have two things: They have a strong work ethic, and they’re innovators, ” heneed said. “I’ve ut the election process or more handled dockets with thousands of cases on them before, and I like to work. ... As it relates to innovation, technology really is the key. ... I have tried to be ahead of that a lot in my practice.”

NS curve Asked about life experiences 1 • Bunnell, FL or 32110 that do could impact them as w.FlaglerElections.com judge, all four candidates spoke about community service.

“My folks instilled in us that we were privileged to be where we were, and the responsibility

LLOT

is Your Voice!

that I hope more people could experience. I know we experience it as parents, but it was extra special to experience as a judge.”

Hilbert said that his mother, a retired nurse who’d served as a county commissioner, instilled in him a sense of community pride and of the value of community involvement.

He’s president of his local Rotary Club, serves on the St. Augustine Police Department Retirement Board, was formerly the president of the St. Johns County Sports Club, and is also a pro bono lawyer for St Johns County and the Putnam County Veterans Court, representing veterans for free to aid them through the court process, he said. “I have to thank my mother for instilling in me this sense of community involvement, community pride and that work ethic,” he said. “My goal is to take that to the bench as well.”

of that privilege was to give back to the community,” Osterndorf said. She added that she works with a high school youth group, and that making a difference in young people’s lives has also affected her life. “I recognize the smallest thing that we do can impact someone, so treating the with civility and respect, and hearing them and communicating to them that you have heard the, makes a huge difference.”

Renzdio noted his involvement with the West Volusia NAACP Youth Council. “I think it’s important for me, as a delinquency judge, to be involved with the community and be involved with the whole community, and get everyone’s input,” he said.

Orfinger spoke of community, but also the importance of family: Two weeks ago, he said, he’d presided over his son’s wedding.

“I can’t begin to tell you how helping to perpetuate my family impacted me,” he said. “It was a wonderful feeling; it was one

Dan Hilbert

Bryan Robert Rendzio

MaryEllen Osterndorf

Mike Orfinger

Are You n Ready?

Electio

PREPARE NOW TO BE ELECTION READY ON AUGUST 18, 2020

Vote Early

Any registered and eligible voter in the county may vote early.

Early Voting Dates & Times: MONDAY

SATURDAY

AUGUST 3 - AUGUST 15 Each day 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. including weekend days.

Early Voting Locations:

Vote On Election Day

Registered and eligible voters who choose to vote on Election Day must cast their ballot at their assigned polling place. Polls are always open from 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. Refer to your Voter Information Card to find the name and address of your polling place.

Use our precinct finder online or call the Elections Office at (386) 313-4170 to find out where you should vote on Election Day:

www.FlaglerElections.com/Precinct-Finder

Flagler County Public Library

1 At the corner of Belle Terre and Palm Coast Parkway.

2500 Palm Coast Parkway N.W. in Palm Coast

Palm Coast Community Center

2 At the corner of Clubhouse Drive and Palm Coast Parkway.

305 Palm Coast Parkway N.E. in Palm Coast

Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Office

3 In the Government Services Building.

1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 101 in Bunnell

Vote-By-Mail

Request your mail ballot using the form below or call the Elections Office at (386) 313-4170. All voted mail ballots must be received by the Elections Office by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark does not extend this deadline. Drop boxes for mail ballots will be available at all early voting sites during polling hours. Ballots can also be returned directly to the Supervisor of Elections office in Bunnell. The mail ballot request deadline is August 8, 2020.

ATTENTION VOTERS! Florida Statutes 101.62 (1)(b):

The supervisor may accept a written or telephonic request for a Vote-By-Mail ballot to be mailed to an elector’s address on file in the Florida Voter Registration System from the elector, or, if directly instructed by the elector, a member of the elector’s immediate family, or the elector’s legal guardian; if the ballot is requested to be mailed to an address other than the elector’s address on file in the Florida Voter Registration System, the request must be made in writing and signed by the elector. However, an absent uniformed service voter or an overseas voter seeking a Vote-By-Mail ballot is not required to submit a signed, written request for a VoteBy-Mail ballot that is being mailed to an address other than the elector’s address on file in the Florida Voter Registration System.

A Vote-By-Mail ballot request to an address other than the elector’s address on file, must be submitted in WRITING and SIGNED by the voter. Please complete and deliver or mail the form below to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot.

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT REQUEST FORM Please send me Vote-By-Mail ballots for the following election(s): Check One Specific Election: ________________

Through the Next 2 General Elections

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

VOTER NAME: ___________________________________________ (REQUIRED) (IF KNOWN) DATE OF BIRTH: ____ /____ / ________ (REQUIRED) VOTER ID

BALLOTS ARE NOT FORWARDED BY THE POSTAL SERVICE. YOU MUST PROVIDE Street Address ___________________________________________

or PO Box: YOUR BALLOT MAILING ADDRESS: (REQUIRED)

___________________________________________

City: ________________________ State: ________ Zip: __________

PHONE NUMBER: __________ - __________ - ______________ (OPTIONAL) Only for use by Elections Staff

x _______________________________________________________________________ VOTER SIGNATURE (REQUIRED)

DATE

REQUESTS WITHOUT DATE OF BIRTH AND VOTER SIGNATURE CANNOT BE PROCESSED. COMPLETE REQUEST AND RETURN. FOR PRIVACY, USE AN ENVELOPE.

MAIL TO: SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS • P.O. BOX 901 • BUNNELL, FL 32110 • E-MAIL TO: INFO@FLAGLERELECTIONS.COM DELIVER TO: 1769 E. MOODY BOULEVARD, BUILDING 2, SUITE 101 • BUNNELL, FL 32110

. . . t i a W But

S ’ E R E H T !

E R MO

Turn the page to complete your sample ballot >>

9

PRIMARY ELECTION AUGUST 18, 2020

(Vote for One)

o George Burden o Anne Marie Gennusa o Matt Metz

REP REP REP

Board of County Commissioners, District 3 Universal Primary Contest (Vote for One)

o Kim M. Carney o David Sullivan

REP REP

Board of County Commissioners, District 5 (Vote for One)

o Bob Jones o Donald O’Brien

REP REP

PARTY OFFICES State Committeeman (Vote for One)

o Bruce Aiello o William Gordon o Dennis McDonald

REP REP REP

State Committeewoman (Vote for One)

o Sharon A. Demers o Marge Rooyakkers

REP REP

VOTERS IN PRECINCT 18 ONLY

Precinct 18 Committeeman (Vote for up to Five)

o o o o o o

James W. Armes Tom Bexley Andrew Moss Jim O’Connell Richard B. Russell Dominic J. Scardigno

REP REP REP REP REP REP

VOTERS IN PRECINCT 19 ONLY

(Vote for up to Five)

o o o o o o

Kathy Austrino Maria Pinto Barbosa Janet L. Camic Jill D. Chrzanowski Sharon Demers Debra “Deb” Hartman

REP REP REP REP REP REP

(Vote for up to Five)

o o o o o o o

Gayle Alkire Shannon L. Biazzo Colina Carubia Jearlyn Dennie Celeste Johnson Cheryl L. Massaro Tracey L. Norris

REP REP REP REP REP REP REP

VOTERS IN PRECINCT 27 ONLY

Precinct 27 Committeeman (Vote for up to Six)

o o o o o o o

Frank Harvey Cotton William Gordon Robin Kronen Vern Mettin Kenneth P. Nasif Jon Netts Kenny Seybold

REP REP REP REP REP REP REP

REPUBLICAN BALLOTS WILL ALSO INCLUDE ALL NONPARTISAN RACES

Which contests will be decided in this Primary?

There are two Universal Primary Contests for partisan offices this year. These candidates will appear on all ballots and the contest will be decided in this Primary because they face no opposition in the General Election. All voters are eligible to vote for these two contests:

Representative In Congress, District 6 (Vote for One)

o Clint Curtis o Richard Thripp

DEM DEM

Public Defender, 7th Judicial Circuit Universal Primary Contest (Vote for One)

o George Burden REP o Anne Marie Gennusa REP o Matt Metz REP Board of County Commissioners, District 3 Universal Primary Contest (Vote for One)

PARTY OFFICESREP o Kim M. Carney o David Sullivan REP PARTY OFFICES VOTERS IN PRECINCT 7 ONLY

Precinct 7 Committeewoman (Vote for One)

o Sandra H. Chambers DEM o Kathleen Sara Walter DEM VOTERS IN PRECINCT 19 ONLY

Precinct 19 Committeewoman (Vote for Two)

o Patricia F. Colosimo DEM o Barbara Kroeker DEM o Katherine Jane Logan DEM

• Public Defender, 7th Judicial Circuit • Board of County Commissioners, District 3

DEMOCRATIC BALLOTS WILL ALSO INCLUDE ALL NONPARTISAN RACES

Nonpartisan contests with two candidates are always decided in a Primary Election.

All voters are eligible to vote for all nonpartisan contests.

• • • •

Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Group 6 Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Group 27 School Board, District 1 School Board, District 5

County Commissioners & School Board Members are elected county-wide.

Nonpartisan contests with more than two candidates can be decided in a Primary if one candidate receives a majority of the vote (over 50%). All voters are eligible to vote for all nonpartisan contests.

• • • • •

Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Group 14 School Board, District 3 City of Palm Coast Mayor City of Palm Coast Council Member, District 1 City of Palm Coast Council Member, District 3

(Vote for One)

o George Burden o Anne Marie Gennusa o Matt Metz

REP REP REP

Board of County Commissioners, District 3 Universal Primary Contest (Vote for One)

o Kim M. Carney o David Sullivan

REP REP

CITY OF PALM COAST RACES ARE NONPARTISAN AND WILL APPEAR ON ALL BALLOTS FOR PALM COAST VOTERS ONLY

City of Palm Coast Mayor (Vote for One)

o o o o o

John Brady Donald Alan Greene Milissa Holland Alan Lowe Michael Schottey

VOTING IN PERSON?

Be prepared and stay safe to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

What you should do:

What we will do:

• If you have moved recently, update your address before you vote. Call (386) 313-4170 to change your address.

• Provide a clean polling room by routinely disinfecting touched surfaces such as equipment and voting booths.

(Vote for One)

City of Palm Coast City Council Member, District 1

• Bring a valid form of photo and signature ID with you.

Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Group 14

o Ed Danko o Sims E. Jones o Lou Salvagio

• Use this Sample Ballot to make your choices and bring it with you to the polls.

Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Group 6

o Anna Handy o Mike Orfinger (Vote for One)

o Joan Anthony o Dan Hilbert o MaryEllen Osterndorf Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Group 27 (Vote for One)

o Bryan Robert Rendzio o Alicia Washington School Board, District 1 (Vote for One)

o Vincent Lyon o Jill Rena Woolbright School Board, District 3 (Vote for One)

o Carol “Mother Elizabeth” Bacha o Paul Mucciolo o Colleen Walsh-Conklin School Board, District 5 (Vote for One)

o Maria Pinto Barbosa o Cheryl L. Massaro

(Vote for One)

City of Palm Coast City Council Member, District 3

(Vote for One)

o Cornelia Downing Manfre o Nicholas Klufas o Zack Shapiro

NONPARTISAN RACES WILL APPEAR ON ALL BALLOTS

Register to Vote or Change Your Party The new voter registration and party affiliation change deadline is July 20, 2020 for this Primary.

• Bring your own black ballpoint pen to use on your official ballot if you do not feel comfortable using the pen provided at your polling location.

• Bring a face covering and wear it during your voting experience, unless you are unable to do so because of a health condition.

• Limit conversation and be patient while waiting in line and also inside the polling room.

• Provide hand sanitizer for all voters and election workers.

• Provide personal protective equipment for all election workers.

• Provide a single-use stylus for voters to use when signing the signature pad.

• Encourage social distancing.

How To Vote Use only the marking device provided or a black pen.

If you make a mistake, don’t hesitate to ask for a new ballot. If you erase or make other marks, your vote may not count.

Florida residents can use Online Voter Registration to register to vote or update their registration. If you have recently moved, you should update your address before you vote. You may also register to vote or update your registration in person. Completely fill the oval next to your choice: For more information, please visit: FlaglerElections.com/vote

All elections are important!

Don’t skip the Primary, remember to vote!

Px

INCORRECT

INCORRECT

CORRECT

PalmCoastObserver.com

Precinct 19 Committeewoman

Precinct 20 Committeewoman

NONPARTISAN BALLOT Public Defender, 7th Judicial CITY OF PALM COAST Circuit VOTERS ONLY Universal Primary Contest

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Public Defender, 7th Judicial Circuit Universal Primary Contest

DEMOCRATIC BALLOT

contests and two Universal Primary Contests. All voters who reside in the City of Palm Coast may vote for the city races on this ballot.

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A closed Primary means you must be a registered voter in the party for which the Primary is being held. All registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, may vote the nonpartisan ballot and Universal Primary Contests. Deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation: July 20, 2020.

VOTERS IN PRECINCT 20 ONLY

you will vote a Democratic ballot which also includes all nonpartisan contests and two Universal Primary Contests.

ALL REGISTERED VOTERS regardless of political party affiliation may vote for nonpartisan

Attention Voters: Florida is A Closed Primary State REPUBLICAN BALLOT

If you are registered as a DEMOCRAT,

PALM COAST OBSERVER

OFFICIAL SAMPLE BALLOT

If you are registered as a REPUBLICAN,

you will vote a Republican ballot which also includes all nonpartisan contests and two Universal Primary Contests.