PCO General Election Guide 2020

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

17

ELECTIONGUIDE

MAYOR

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?

The city does a great job being proactive in helping businesses thrive.

The city should make it easier to build affordable housing, outside of single-family neighborhoods.

There is a sufficient supply of affordable housing to enable working families to live in Palm Coast.

The city has done a great job of trying to attract companies to Palm Coast.

The city should add more deputies, even if it means raising taxes.

INCUMBENT

PAGES 17-23

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

CITY OF PALM COAST

The city has done a great job digitizing its processes for permitting.

November 2020

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Milissa Holland

Alan Lowe

 Age: 49  Years in Palm Coast: 37  Qualifications: Successful experience serving on both county and city governments, multiple local, regional, state boards; strong economic support and relationships in Tallahassee; Excellent working relationships with local cities and our county governments.  Priorities: 1. Maintain the qualities of Palm Coast. 2. Continue to seek appropriate economic growth such as MedNex. 3. Invest in public safety, infrastructure.

 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.”  Priorities: 1. Budget review to cut waste and taxes. 2. Improve business climate. 3. End appearances of corruption.

DISAGREE

AGREE

8 The city has made progress in creating a paperless process; almost any permit can be completed digitally.We have laid a strong foundation to move to the next level.

8 The city instituted Business Review Extreme, expanded our relationship with SCORE, and expanded a successful “Be Local Buy Local” initiative.

5

DISAGREE

AGREE

5 Needs improvement. I have heard complaints from noncontractor homeowners that they find it hard to navigate.

Who is designing it?

1 With no economic development department, the city has no outreach. I have visited dozens of businesses; all have serious issues with the city.

1

No agreed upon definition exists for affordability. I am in favor of home ownership, which increases civic engagement, strengthens families.

6 Housing supply is a function of a free marketplace. We expect our home values and wealth to increase. We keep taxes low and make wise investments.

7 We have made progress but do have work to do in this area. Successfully attracting companies requires several dimensions of effort.

8 The real question is, what is the community willing to pay for enhanced police services?

The Sheriff’s Office does an incredible job in our city.

The city should maintain high standards on all construction and show no favoritism to any project, and maintain neighborhood integrity.

5 Ambiguous question. Subsidized housing or low cost housing? Economic development bringing better paying jobs would solve the issue.

1 No. The city has no functioning economic development department, no set incentive programs and a poor business atmosphere.

10 Nobody would argue against public safety. Increased population demands increased law enforcement presence. Cut waste, don’t increase taxes.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

FLAGLER COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 5

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?

Paul T. Anderson, NPA

Denise L. Calderwood, NPA

Donald O’Brien Jr., Republican

 Age: 51  Years in Flagler County: 18  Qualifications: I have met all of the candidate requirements for qualification per the Supervisor of Elections.  Priorities: 1. Lessen the local tax liabilities for all Flagler County residents.

2. Eliminate the special interest entanglements plaguing Flagler County politics.

3. Help restore the financial health of Flagler County government.

 Age: 52  Years in Flagler County: 46  Qualifications: I have a Master’s degree in Public Administration and I worked for Flagler County government as a deputy sheriff and program administrator for the Health Department.  Priorities: Accountability, transparency and collaboration. We need to work together, but it first begins with change in elected leadership, then start with a zero-based budget and decide priorities from there.

 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.

DISAGREE

The sheriff’s full budget request should be granted even if it means raising taxes.

Jerry Cameron is doing a great job as the county administrator.

Flagler County has done a great job trying to attract companies.

Flagler County should make it easier for developers to build affordable housing.

The County Commission’s actions in the past four years have been fair to both developers and residents.

Flagler County should increase funding for social services, even if it means raising taxes.

AGREE

DISAGREE

AGREE

DISAGREE

AGREE

2

5

Did not respond

The sheriff has convinced our commissioners to expel an excessive amount of taxpayer funds for his benefit without justification. That should end immediately.

No, we have spent too much money with very few results which has not truly benefitted our residents or our local economy

Sheriff is making appropriate progress for years of improper staffing. Philosophically opposed to raising property taxes. I would rather force a reduction in other spending.

1

Did not respond

Jerry Cameron has led this commission towards decisions that have placed Flagler County on the path to financial ruin.

No one is doing a great job since there is no accountability within the ranks, and it all starts with leadership and action from the County Commission.

2

3

We have seen the slow demise of the Flagler County Chamber and the abrupt elimination of the Economic Development Department. How does that attract business?

Mr. Cameron has exceeded expectations in leadership, management and achieving the specific project goals assigned by the commission.

Did not respond

No, we have spent too much money with very few results which has not truly benefitted our residents or our local economy

2

Did not respond

I realized our missteps and forced a change to our process earlier this year, saving over $400 million.

Did not respond

8

For every dollar of revenue generated from residential housing, there is a services cost that exceeds revenue by anywhere from 37% to 72%.

It is already to easy for developers to build housing. We need to control the use of the term “affordable.” Who can truly afford $1,200 to $1,500 a month rentals?

2

3

Voting for a Planned Unit Development (Beachwalk) that doesn’t meet the criteria, doesn’t necessarily have the ring of fairness.

Nothing that is happening in our county is fair. There is too much greed and corruption, and transparency is needed.

4

5

Only when we are able to recover from the financial dilemma this commission has placed us, will we be able to increase funding for anything.

Our taxes are too high already, and the budgets we have may be adequate; the money is just not being tracked or utilized properly.

Our proposed plan (in process) includes eliminating fees, reducing regulatory burdens and expedited permitting.

Did not respond Yes.

Did not respond Social services funding will grow as we move from a rural to a more urban county. Philosophically opposed to raising property taxes for any reason.

The sheriff’s full budget request should be granted even if it means raising taxes.

Jerry Cameron is doing a great job as the county administrator.

Flagler County has done a great job trying to attract companies.

Flagler County should make it easier for developers to build affordable housing.

The County Commission’s actions in the past four years have been fair to both developers and residents.

Flagler County should increase funding for social services, even if it means raising taxes.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

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19

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

SHERIFF DISTRICT 1

SHERIFF

Andy Dance, Republican

Corrine Marie Hermle, Democrat

 Age: 57  Years in Flagler County: 48  Qualifications: Small business owner, elected School Board member for 12 years, Board member for the Early Learning Coalition, Chairman of the Community Traffic Safety Team, parent of three FPC graduates, homeowner. Moved to Flagler County in 1972. I’m invested in Flagler County!  Priorities: New business development and support for our small businesses. Safety and security. Smart growth

 Age: 41  Years in Flagler County: 5  Qualifications: Over 10 years of state government experience.

Currently an environmental consultant with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Agricultural Water Policy, and FDACS liaison for the St. Johns River Water Management District. Graduate of the University of Florida.  Priorities: Increasing accountability and transparency, protecting our environment, and growth management.

DISAGREE

AGREE

5

DISAGREE

AGREE

1

Keeping Flagler safe is a priority. This question leaves out our other first responders that deserve equal attention.

Review all budget proposals.

7 He was hired as a short-term administrator to help fix prior poor decisions. He brought forward vetted options. The final decisions are on the commissioners.

2

Budget cuts and freezes are a likely outcome of a continued significant recession.

5 Mr. Cameron is interim county administrator, and has done a good job keeping the county operations moving, but he is not the future of Flagler County.

5

There are few successes for the steep investment in the prior team. Now is the time for new vision and focus. Flagler residents deserve new highskilled jobs with higher wages.

Focus seems to be attracting large entities, when improving business environment and attracting smaller entities may be a more achievable goal.

7 Our critical workforce (teachers/first responders/healt care workers) deserve housing costs that are within reach. In existing multi-family zoning, approvals can be expedited.

5 Fair decisions usually means both parties are not happy, and both leave something on the table. Eliminate decisions that result in costly litigation; it’s not fair to taxpayers.

4 Social Services do need additional support. We can leverage outside grants first.

Create a plan to address deficiencies in services, then pursue outside sources.

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?

7 This will increase the county’s chances of attracting and retaining a qualified labor pool, which is a required strategy for bringing businesses to Flagler County.

4 There needs to be more transparency, and the county needs to improve its efforts at seeking public participation and responding to it.

7 This is a vital community service, but due to the recession maintaining existing services or even expanding them will be difficult.

INCUMBENT

DO YOU AGREE?

Larry Jones, Democrat

Rick Staly, Republican

 Age: 60  Years in Flagler County: 60  Qualifications: I served for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years. My experience and training in the profession and personal life enabled me to have true insight in dealing with the community and make me uniquely qualified to be sheriff.  Priorities: Equal representation for the people. Improving community policing. Improving training and creating an environment for positive changes. Communication.

 Age: 64  Years in Flagler County: 14  Qualifications: Over 32 years of command level leadership experience. As Flagler Sheriff I led our team to deliver a 47% crime reduction, lowest crime rate in twenty-five years. Master’s in Justice Administration, graduated from FBI National Academy and National Sheriff’s Institute.

Certified in Homeland Security.  Priorities: Continued crime reduction, community engagement, youth programs.

DISAGREE

The declining crime rate is evidence that the Sheriff’s Office is doing a great job in Flagler County.

The Sheriff’s Office is sensitive to racial equality.

Calling the jail the “Green Roof Inn” is demeaning to inmates.

The Sheriff’s Office needs a bigger budget and more deputies.

The Sheriff’s Office does a great job enforcing the local fireworks laws.

The Sheriff’s Office does a great job practicing community policing.

AGREE

DISAGREE

6 I feel strongly that we can do a better job with community engagement-policing. Trust and rapport and understanding how we can protect our community are essential.

AGREE

10 47% crime decrease in 4 years. Guardianship policing, technology, and strong community partnerships explain this historic success. We are engaged with the community.

4

10

Racial equality and respect for individual civil rights go hand in hand. The sheriff’s department needs to improve understanding and training in this regard.

10 Yes, calling the jail the “Green Roof Inn” is demeaning.

Things that are being seen and heard are juvenile and embarrassing to the law enforcement profession.

6 The current budget needs to be maintained. Considering the financial situation in Flagler County, USA and the world, increasing expenditures at this time is not warranted.

3 The Sheriff’s Office is not enforcing the fireworks laws.

Many residents in Flagler County have been very concerned with this. The laws need to be enforced.

4 No, community policing needs improvement. Undoubtedly, we should be doing a much better job in knowing our community with compassion and protective purposes.

We meet and exceed all best practices in recruitment, community partnerships, and use of force. Historic promotions of African-Americans in leadership positions.

1 This is a crime prevention sign. It’s good to remind offenders to not violate the law and the consequences. I also implemented inmate rehabilitation programs.

10 Recent study determined FCSO was severely underfunded and understaffed for decades while the county grew dramatically. The fix is a longterm fiscally responsible plan.

7 Florida law allows fireworks on certain holidays making enforcement difficult. Also, a deputy must witness the violation to enforce the laws. We educate the public.

10 We police with the community through guardianship and district policing. Deputies know the neighborhoods they patrol. Palm Coast survey shows 82% of residents feel safe.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

CITY OF PALM COAST CITY COUNCIL, SEAT 1

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 2016. Senior lead software engineer. Man of the people.  Priorities: Continue increasing revenue from FiberNET. Incentivizing businesses with broadband access instead of tax dollars.

Improve public safety. I voted in favor of our sidewalk and street light projects and will continue to prioritize them. Champion an adaptive traffic signal control system to improve congestion during peak driving hours.

DISAGREE

The city has done a great job digitizing its processes for permitting.

The city does a great job being proactive in helping businesses thrive.

The city should make it easier to build affordable housing, outside of single-family neighborhoods.

There is a sufficient supply of affordable housing to enable working families to live in Palm Coast.

The city has done a great job of trying to attract companies to Palm Coast.

The city should add more deputies, even if it means raising taxes.

AGREE

10 The continuous effort to digitize our permitting process paid huge dividends when we were forced to go digital-only due to COVID.

8 Our marketing team and media department are actively conducting outreach to local businesses to encourage participation in our “Be Local, Buy Local” campaign

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: Encourage public “customer” service in City Hall departments. Encourage business growth to increase our employment opportunities. Create incentives for work force housing for our service providers.

DISAGREE

Sims E. Jones

 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: Forty years of professional experience in working with people and helping others. Various professional and volunteer positions throughout my life in service dedicated to assisting the community.  Priorities: To create avenues for business growth, relieve the tax burden, bring down the debt while increasing the involvement and voice of the people into the city government.

DISAGREE

People working with the city permitting site advise that the site is confusing and not easy to work. This should be addressed and streamlined.

Diversification of our housing is necessary for Palm Coast to continue to grow. Government needs to ensure this development doesn’t impact singlefamily homes.

9 The enormity of attracting the University of Northern Florida to build its MedNEX campus in Town Center speaks to the quality of our city’s efforts.

MedNEX is a game changer.

8 The city continues to work with our sheriff to understand the additional resources needed to keep our crime rate at record lows. Public safety is a top priority.

DISAGREE

2

1

Many business owners complain of the difficult process for obtaining permits especially, for the redesigning interior spaces. Implementation at City Hall stalls openings.

8 Incentives should be made available for builders to provide product that falls in the affordable range for service workers.

The median house price is $270,000 today. This falls out of the affordability range for our service workers who earn less than $75,000 per year.

3 There have been few new firms open in Palm Coast. We need increased efforts in attracting new jobs.

3 With the reduced crime rate and the aging population, I do not see a present need for increased deputies.

AGREE

6

I have serious questions and concerns about the manner this process has evolved and the relationship with the company involved in the process.

The city needs to improve the accessibility of digitizing their programs and make them more conducive for the use of the constituents.

3

This city, under its present leadership, has developed a reputation of being antibusiness. I will work hard to change that.

The city needs to make serious improvements in the way they deal with “proactive” business dealing. Box stores should be encouraged to build in the Matanzas area.

1

8

I am opposed to low-income, high-density Section 8 housing in Palm Coast. It will only bring more crime to our city.

3

2

AGREE

5

5

10 Town Center is a perfect example of our city encouraging affordable housing that doesn’t impact adjacent neighborhoods. It’s critical to our future.

AGREE

Ed Danko

10 One person’s “affordable housing” is not “affordable” to another. Compared to other parts of the country Palm Coast is very “affordable.” Ask any New Yorker.

1

We absolutely need to develop affordable housing throughout Palm Coast.

1 No, there is not a sufficient supply of affordable housing.

Rents are high. Mortgages are difficult to acquire by essential workers. Wages are not sufficient.

4

The present city administration has sent a loud and clear anti-business message and has failed to attract outside companies. Example: Dollar General.

10 I back the blue 100% and fully support adding more deputies, and we can do it without raising taxes by cutting the wasteful spending.

Businesses have many difficulties and regulations to overcome in establishing or remaining in Palm Coast.

3 No, the revenues coming in and our current and future expenses overall do not justify expanding deputies in Palm Coast.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

21

CITY OF PALM COAST CITY COUNCIL, SEAT 2

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?

David Irwin Alfin

Victor Barbosa

Bob Coffman

Dennis McDonald

 Age: 67  Years in Palm Coast: 8  Qualifications: I am experienced, engaged and common sensed. Professional careers in marketing and real estate. Graduate of the Public Leadership Institute, graduate of Palm Coast and Flagler County Leadership Academies, member of the Palm Coast Citizens Advisory Task Force, affiliate member of the Fraternal Order of Police, president of the Education Foundation  Priorities: Oppose increased tax rates, attract new and higher wage jobs, support public safety.

 Age: 40  Years in Palm Coast: 22  Qualifications: Local business man, long time resident, strong work ethic, support local cultural centers and establishments  Priorities: 1. Public safety 2. Listen to the people of the community and be their voice in City Hall.

3. Review code enforcement policies and procedures.

 Age: 63  Years in Palm Coast: 10  Qualifications: Former labor and airline industry leader/ spokesman/advocate, retired military/airline, systems analyst, former candidate for U.S. House.  Priorities: 1. Increase transparency/accountability (no “back room deals”) 2. Sound governance/fiscal responsibility.

The city’s financial position and trajectory appear unsustainable.

3. Seek out/encourage informed citizen participation. Councilmen represent all stakeholders, and must listen and respond.

 Age: 70  Years in Palm Coast: 21  Qualifications: Constructed large commercial real estate projects without government money.

Life long taxpayer advocate with results.  Priorities: 1. Immediate relief from over development. High density zoning is for urban areas like Daytona.

2. No “New Camden” in our city center. No $2 million splash park.

Retain the old Palm Coast we adopted and love.

3. Stop county’s approvals of Volusia housing bonds.

DISAGREE

The city has done a great job digitizing its processes for permitting.

The city does a great job being proactive in helping businesses thrive.

The city should make it easier to build affordable housing, outside of single-family neighborhoods.

There is a sufficient supply of affordable housing to enable working families to live in Palm Coast.

The city has done a great job of trying to attract companies to Palm Coast.

The city should add more deputies, even if it means raising taxes.

AGREE

DISAGREE

6 The city has made good progress toward improving the process. Home builders and contractors report positive reviews and expect additional improvements in the future.

2 The city has not assisted small business in surviving startup and growing to maturity.

Additional investment should be directed to ensure business succeeds.

DISAGREE

7

AGREE

8

DISAGREE

AGREE

5

Need to acquire directions from experts to improve the process about complaints.

Contractors assure me that they still need access to in-person visits for more complex projects. Automated responses would be a nonstarter.

More to the point, does the city have happy customers ?

The type of process is a diversion and irrelevant! Rating: poor.

1

2

5

Excluding COVID-related business failures, Palm Coast’s record of business retention appears to be dismal. The turnover and vacancy rates seem very high.

More important, does the city get out of the way with burdensome regulations and interpretations ? Rating: poor.

Liaison point of contact to help facilitate working with SBDC (Small Business Cevelopment Center.)

5 “Easier build” is not the answer. Incentives should be budgeted allowing builders to offer affordable homes for first responders, health care workers, school employees.

AGREE

8 If they manage the projects as a new construction project in cluster subdivision in areas that are undeveloped.

7 The issue of balancing affordable housing, maintaining property values, mindful of tax revenues, etc., is too nuanced to boil down to an absolute (1 or a 10).

1 Taxpayers need an elected planning board accountable to voters. Presently the city is very prone to approving PUDs, Planned Unit Disasters!

1

2

1

The inventory of working family housing is inadequate to meet demand. Many local workers must live outside the city and commute to afford housing.

I would push for affordable housing to assist people to buy or rent in a planned community.

Clearly, Palm Coast has a housing problem. Some progress has been made, but no, there is not a “sufficient supply.”

Limit to families that work in Flagler. We are not the affordable resource for Volusia!

2

1

Palm Coast may be doing a lot of trying, but the efforts have not been successful for a variety of reasons, some local politics, some infrastructure limitations.

Where? Palm Coast runs a failed commercial FiberNET perk at huge expense to taxpayers.

3 The city has not focused on economic development and has not supported a Chamber of Commerce to market and sell local opportunities to companies.

1 More deputies should be added and paid for without increasing taxes. Budget “belt tightening” will provide necessary financial resources.

1 We should fast track permitting, SBDC should assist companies in getting financing, give tax abatements on the new construction of a vacant property for 10 years.

7 Public safety is one of my top priorities, but we do not need to raise the taxes because we should be getting the funds from the increase of homes, businesses and schools.

4 The city’s relationship to the county sheriff structure needs evaluation from a value given/ value received perspective.

This includes patrol and enforcement.

10

8 No increased taxes. Cut foolish spending on dreams like MedNex and splash parks.

Focus on core services: fire/ EMS/sheriff.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

STATE SENATE

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 24

DISTRICT 7

Adam Morley, Democrat

Paul Renner, Republican

Heather Hunter, Democrat

Travis J. Hutson, Republican

 Age: 35  Years in District: 35  Qualifications: I am the only candidate running who owns a small business in the district, has lived in the district before running to represent it, has a history of bettering our community and quality of life, and will always put the district’s needs before a party.  Priorities: Home Rule: restoring it, protecting it. Clean water, which drives the state’s economy and protects jobs. Affordable living.

 Age: 53  Years in District: 6  Qualifications: First elected in 2015, a military veteran, former prosecutor, local business attorney.  Priorities: Passing the Patient Savings Act, a common-sense approach to allowing patients to know the cost of a procedure before they receive care. Making it easier for Floridians to obtain an occupational license, and preserving public safety by working to reduce recidivism especially in the case of young offenders.

 Years in District: 10  Age: 22  Qualifications: Cum Laude graduate from Flagler College with a BA in Political Science and minor in law. Former Flagler College Democrats President, Florida College Democrats President, and current Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida Treasurer.  Priorities: Fixing our designedto-fail unemployment system, expanding health care coverage to all Floridians, protecting our environment.

 Years in District: 35  Age: 35  Qualifications: Florida Senate since 2015. Prior to that, state Representative for Florida House District 24, serving Flagler and parts of St. Johns and Volusia counties.  Priorities: Economy, education and public safety. I helped craft enhancements to Florida’s Career and Professional Education Act, responding to Florida’s critical workforce needs. I closed loopholes in the release of sexual violent predators.

DISAGREE

Masks should be mandated statewide.

The state has been proactive in helping the economy during the pandemic so far.

Florida’s taxes and regulations are at levels that are attractive to businesses.

The state is doing a great job protecting the environment.

Floridians have excellent access to health care.

Florida’s schools are funded sufficiently to help students succeed.

INCUMBENT

As a voter, what do you think about the state of Florida? 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

DISAGREE

AGREE

DISAGREE

Did not respond

5 Personal and corporate responsibility should lead by example and be based on health officials’ recommendations, not partisan politics.

6 The state “tried,” but the focus and efforts were misplaced more than they were on target.

6 Sure, but at what cost to residents? And why are we wanting to “attract” businesses instead of supporting and encouraging startups?

Floridians should take personal responsibility in continuing to adhere to CDC guidelines by protecting the health and safety of one’s self and others.

Did not respond

1

Did not respond

4

Our state is a welcoming place for entrepreneurs, from local mom and pops to Fortune 500s, attracting global talent with our economic model.

Empty words and proclamations. Our Legislature won’t manage growth responsibly.

Florida’s environment has received record funding, with a thoughtful balance between preserving our habitat and growth.

4

Did not respond

Our schools can be better maintained, and our teachers shouldn’t feel like their profession is only a labor of love. Pay teachers what they’re worth.

In order to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, we must listen to science.

Scientists have proven masks work and slow the spread of COVID-19.

A failed unemployment system, 2.8 million Floridians lacking health care, and over half of renters facing eviction are not the indicators for a proactive economy.

Did not respond

4

10

Due to fiscal stewardship, a constitutionally mandated balanced budget, and our AAA bond rating, Florida has fared much better than most states.

1

I’m sure some do. But too many can’t afford it. That includes access to mental health services, a crucial issue locally and statewide.

AGREE

Floridians, with the Patient Savings Act, can take control over their health care and shop for the highest quality health care at the lowest price.

Did not respond Our education system continues to thrive with strong funding of the K-12 system, along with our nationally recognized colleges and universities.

Corporations are able to dodge hundreds of millions in taxes in this state. We need to crack down on existing taxes before raising corporate taxes.

3 According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, our drinking water gets a grade of C+, Coastlines D+, Energy C+, and Wastewater C. We can and must do better.

2 Our health care system ranks 48th nationally and we have over 2.8 million people without health insurance in the middle of a pandemic. We need a better health care system.

3 Our school infrastructure gets a grade of D+ from the ASCE. Florida ranks 45th in terms of spending, and 43rd in perstudent spending. This must change.

DISAGREE

AGREE

1 I believe in local control and that each local government should make their own decisions. Flagler Beach is different from Miami-Dade.

10 Under Gov. DeSantis, we’ve seen true leadership in this time of crisis. He made the right decision to close and reopen businesses when appropriate.

10 Florida is a destination for businesses looking for more autonomy and less bureaucratic red tape. We see that every day as companies decide to move from blue states.

7 We must protect our waterways and animals. I am proud to have led the charge on the water reform bill and recently had Gov. DeSantis sign my bill to ban illegal shark finning.

8 I do not believe the government should run our healthcare system. Which is why I’ve championed legislation providing free market solutions that increase access.

9 We can always do more, but the success of our students isn’t simply a funding issue, it is also a policy issue. I voted to make Florida teachers’ starting salary $47,500.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

OFFICIAL SAMPLE BALLOT GENERAL ELECTION

President and Vice President (Vote for One)

o Donald J. Trump REP Michael R. Pence o Joseph R. Biden DEM Kamala D. Harris o Jo Jorgensen LPF Jeremy “Spike” Cohen o Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente REF Darcy G. Richardson o Gloria La Riva PSL Sunil Freeman o Howie Hawkins GRE Angela Nicole Walker o Don Blankenship CPF William Mohr o Write-In: _________________________

Representative in Congress, District 6 (Vote for One)

Shall Judge Meredith Sasso of the Fifth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

o Yes o No

District Court of Appeal

Shall Judge F. Rand Wallis of the Fifth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

o Yes o No

Circuit Judge, 7th Judicial Circuit, Group 14 (Vote for One)

o Joan Anthony o Dan Hilbert ONLY VOTERS WHO RESIDE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF PALM COAST

City of Palm Coast Mayor (Vote for One)

o Milissa Holland o Alan Lowe

o Michael Waltz REP o Clint Curtis DEM o Write-In: _________________________

City of Palm Coast Council Member, District 1

State Attorney, 7th Judicial Circuit

o Ed Danko o Sims E. Jones

(Vote for One)

o R.J. Larizza o Don Dempsey

REP NPA

State Senator, District 7 (Vote for One)

o Travis J. Hutson REP o Heather Hunter DEM o Write-In: _________________________

State Representative, District 24 (Vote for One)

o Paul Renner o Adam Morley

REP DEM

Sheriff

(Vote for One)

o Rick Staly o Larry Jones

REP DEM

Board of County Commissioners, District 1 REP DEM

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

o Donald O’Brien o Paul T. Anderson o Denise L. Calderwood

REP NPA NPA

Justice of the Supreme Court Shall Justice Carlos G. Muñiz of the Supreme Court be retained in office?

o Yes o No

District Court of Appeal

Shall Judge Kerry I. Evander of the Fifth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

o Yes o No

District Court of Appeal

Shall Judge Jamie Grosshans of the Fifth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

o Yes o No

District Court of Appeal

Shall Judge John M. Harris of the Fifth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

o Yes o No

District Court of Appeal

Shall Judge Richard B. Orfinger of the Fifth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?

o Yes o No

City of Palm Coast Council Member, District 2 (Vote for One)

o o o o

David I. Alfin Victor M. Barbosa Bob Coffman Dennis McDonald

City of Palm Coast Council Member, District 3 (Vote for One)

o Cornelia Downing Manfre o Nicholas Klufas ONLY VOTERS WHO RESIDE IN DUNES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PART OF PRECINCT 29

Dunes CDD, Seat 2 (Vote for One)

o Richard DeMatteis o Ralph W. Dumke

(Vote for One)

o Andy Dance o Corinne M. Hermle

(Vote for One)

Dunes CDD, Seat 4 (Vote for One)

o Gary M. Crahan o Paul C. Pershes ONLY VOTERS WHO RESIDE IN GRAND HAVEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PART OF PRECINCT 31

Grand Haven CDD, Seat 2 (Vote for One)

o Kenneth Ersbak o Merrill Stass-Isern

Grand Haven CDD, Seat 4 (Vote for One)

o Michael Flanagan o David Paukovich ONLY VOTERS WHO RESIDE WITHIN THE MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT

East Flagler Mosquito Control District, Seat 1 (Vote for One)

o Julius “Jules” Kwiatkowski o Perry Mitrano

East Flagler Mosquito Control District, Seat 2 (Vote for One)

o Michael “Mike” Martin o Barbara Sgroi

East Flagler Mosquito Control District, Seat 3 (Vote for One)

o Martin Brabham o Ralph E. Lightfoot

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020

DEADLINE FOR NEW VOTER REGISTRATIONS:

NOVEMBER 3, 2020

District Court of Appeal

|

OCTOBER 5, 2020

No. 1 Constitutional Amendment, Article VI, Section 2 Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections

This amendment provides that only United States Citizens who are at least eighteen years of age, a permanent resident of Florida, and registered to vote, as provided by law, shall be qualified to vote in a Florida election.

Because the proposed amendment is not expected to result in any changes to the voter registration process in Florida, it will have no impact on state or local government costs or revenue. Further, it will have no effect on the state’s economy.

o Yes o No

No. 2 Constitutional Amendment, Article X, Section 24 Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage Raises minimum wage to $10.00 per hour effective September 30th, 2021. Each September 30th thereafter, minimum wage shall increase by $1.00 per hour until the minimum wage reaches $15.00 per hour on September 30th, 2026. From that point forward, future minimum wage increases shall revert to being adjusted annually for inflation starting September 30th, 2027.

State and local government costs will increase to comply with the new minimum wage levels. Additional annual wage costs will be approximately $16 million in 2022, increasing to about $540 million in 2027 and thereafter. Government actions to mitigate these costs are unlikely to produce material savings. Other government costs and revenue impacts, both positive and negative, are not quantifiable.

THIS PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT IS ESTIMATED TO HAVE A NET NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE STATE BUDGET. THIS IMPACT MAY RESULT IN HIGHER TAXES OR A LOSS OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A BALANCED STATE BUDGET AS REQUIRED BY THE CONSTITUTION.

o Yes o No

No. 3 Constitutional Amendment, Article VI, Section 5 All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor, and Cabinet Allows all registered voters to vote in primaries for state legislature, governor, and cabinet regardless of political party affiliation. All candidates for an office, including party nominated candidates, appear on the same primary ballot. Two highest vote getters advance to general election. If only two candidates qualify, no primary is held and winner is determined in general election. Candidate’s party affiliation may appear on ballot as provided by law. Effective January 1, 2024.

It is probable that the proposed amendment will result in additional local government costs to conduct elections in Florida.

The Financial Impact Estimating Conference projects that the combined costs across counties will range from $5.2 million to $5.8 million for each of the first three election cycles occurring in even-numbered years after the amendment’s effective date, with the costs for each of the intervening years dropping to less than $450,000. With respect to state costs for oversight, the additional costs for administering elections are expected to be minimal. Further, there are no revenues linked to voting in Florida. Since there is no impact on state costs or revenues, there will be no impact on the state’s budget. While the proposed amendment will result in an increase in local expenditures, this change is expected to be below the threshold that would produce a statewide economic impact.

o Yes o No

No. 4 Constitutional Amendment, Article XI, Sections 5 and 7 Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments Requires all proposed amendments or revisions to the state constitution to be approved by the voters in two elections, instead of one, in order to take effect. The proposal applies the current thresholds for passage to each of the two elections.

It is probable that the proposed amendment will result in additional state and local government costs to conduct elections in Florida. Overall, these costs will vary from election cycle to election cycle depending on the unique circumstances of each ballot and cannot be estimated at this time. The key factors determining cost include the number of amendments appearing for the second time on each ballot and the length of those amendments. Since the maximum state cost is likely less than $1 million per cycle but the impact cannot be discretely quantified, the change to the state’s budget is unknown.

Similarly, the economic impact cannot be modelled, although the spending increase is expected to be below the threshold that would produce a statewide economic impact. Because there are no revenues linked to voting in Florida, there will be no impact on government taxes or fees.

THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF THIS AMENDMENT CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO AMBIGUITIES AND UNCERTAINTIES SURROUNDING THE AMENDMENT’S IMPACT.

o Yes o No

No. 5 Constitutional Amendment, Article VII, Section 4 and Article XII Limitations on Homestead Property Tax Assessments; increased portability period to transfer accrued benefit Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution, effective January 1, 2021, to increase, from 2 years to 3 years, the period of time during which accrued Save-Our-Homes benefits may be transferred from a prior homestead to a new homestead.

o Yes o No

No. 6 Constitutional Amendment, Article VII, Section 6 and Article XII Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities Provides that the homestead property tax discount for certain veterans with permanent combat-related disabilities carries over to such veteran’s surviving spouse who holds legal or beneficial title to, and who permanently resides on, the homestead property, until he or she remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of the property. The discount may be transferred to a new homestead property of the surviving spouse under certain conditions. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2021.

o Yes o No

Show Your ID!

Have You Moved?

Florida Law requires each voter to present both photo and signature identification at the polls.

Call the Elections Office at (386) 313-4170 to change your address BEFORE going to any voting location. Your address must be updated before you vote.

Most common forms of ID: ● Florida Driver’s License

● Florida ID card (issued by DHSMV)

Expired or out of state ID’s will not be accepted.

You may also change your address online:

www.FlaglerElections.com

THIS OFFICIAL SAMPLE BALLOT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, IT IS NOT FOR VOTING. BRING THIS SAMPLE BALLOT WITH YOU TO THE POLLS TO USE AS A REFERENCE.

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