PALM COAST OBSERVER
PalmCoastObserver.com
|
THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020
5
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.
