My Priorities as Mayor
These priorities are not new, but they are still relevant, and I pledge to keep them in motion and at the forefront of my efforts as your Mayor. I promise to use my influence and skills to safeguard our small-town charm, create a culture that fosters open and transparent communication, and face our infrastructure needs head-on with a clear-cut plan and timeline.
Transparency & Open Communication
We are lucky to share this corner of the world called Neptune Beach. The decisions made by our city government impact us all. That’s why transparency and open communication aren’t just good ideas or buzzwords – they will be the bedrock of my leadership as your mayor.
It comes down to this:
- When you know what’s happening, you can be engaged citizens, offering informed opinions and solutions. Open discussions build understanding and a strong sense of collective purpose.
- Transparency builds trust. As your mayor, I will share plans, explain decisions, and listen to your concerns.
- Open communication fosters better decisions. Diverse perspectives lead to stronger solutions. Tapping into a pool of local knowledge, creativity, and passion is important. After all, it is the residents who have made our town unique.
- It strengthens our community spirit. Sharing challenges and triumphs builds a sense of shared responsibility and shared success. We become more than neighbors; we become partners in shaping our future.
I will be humble enough to admit when I don’t have all the answers. And I will be open about uncertainty and acknowledge when learning or further discussion is needed. As your, Mayor, I pledge to be open and transparent with you.
Infrastructure
As a resident of Neptune Beach, I share your worries about the state of our city’s water and sewer infrastructure. For too long, we’ve neglected these vital systems, and the consequences are becoming increasingly dire. Leaky pipes waste precious water, untreated sewage threatens our health and environment, and crumbling foundations put homes and businesses at risk. As your Mayor, I will prioritize the complete overhaul and modernization of our water and sewer infrastructure.
My plan is clear:
- Review the city’s needs assessments: We need a clear and current picture of the extent of the problem, identifying critical areas and prioritizing repairs.
- Secure funding: I will work tirelessly to secure state and private funding to support these essential projects. Innovative financing mechanisms like public-private partnerships will be explored to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Ensure transparency and community engagement: Every step of the way, residents will be kept informed and involved in the decision-making process. This is our city, and our voice matters.
The benefits of this investment will be far-reaching:
- Improved public health: Clean water and proper sanitation are essential for preventing disease and promoting healthy communities.
- Enhanced environmental protection: Upgrading our infrastructure will reduce pollution and protect our precious water resources.
- Economic stability: Reliable infrastructure is imperative for our local businesses.
Protecting Small Town Charm
Neptune Beach is not just a place, it’s a feeling. It’s the warmth of knowing your neighbors, the comfort of familiar streets, and the pride in our shared history. My vision is to ensure that these same things define our future for generations to come.
I believe we can have it all: a thriving city with a thriving heart. A place where opportunity and progress seamlessly blend with the charm and warmth that make us unique. But some things have changed nearby. Shadows of large-scale development loom at the edges of our town.
While progress is important, I believe we can manage our future without sacrificing the small-town heartbeat that defines us.
My campaign is not about standing still. It’s about responsible redevelopment and enhancement of our community.
Any redevelopment should respect our existing charm, invests in our core values, abide by our codes and city charter, and foster opportunities for all without losing the essence of what makes us who we are. Here’s how:
- Protecting Our Green Spaces: We will prioritize the preservation of parks, natural areas, and historic landmarks. Green spaces are the lungs of our city, and their protection ensures both environmental well-being and a strong sense of community.
- Empowering Local Businesses: We will champion policies that support our vibrant network of small shops, restaurants, and family-owned businesses. When we strengthen our local economy, we strengthen the heart of our community.
- Investing in Public Spaces: We will enhance our libraries, community centers, and public transportation, creating vibrant hubs for connection and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Celebrating our Heritage: We will honor our history and traditions, supporting local artists, cultural events, and historic preservation efforts. Our cultural fabric is what makes us distinct, and preserving it is key to our identity.
