2023 Candidate Survey

What do you consider to be the most significant threats to the health of the St. Johns River? How will you address these problems, if elected?

Upstream actions are the most significant threat to the health of the St. Johns River. This includes municipal draws of river water for public use, agriculture runoff into the river, and industrial waste water being disposed into the river. These are issues that are compounded here in Duval County at the downstream point of discharge into the ocean.

As a City Council Member, what would you do to reduce the loss of wetlands in Duval County to protect the ecological services they provide, like flood control and water quality protection?

On the Jacksonville Waterways Commission I learned that it wasn’t enough to rely upon a wetlands designation to prevent further development. One effective way to prevent future development of wetland areas was to place conservation easements either held by the NE Fla. Land Trust or the City of Jacksonville to prevent future development on wetlands. Although heightened restrictions at the local level may provide and added layer of protection, I also learned that a permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District will override most if not all local restrictions. Substantive protection measures must include a state element as well.

As a City Council Member, what steps would you take to ensure that Jacksonville is reducing nutrient loading to the river to fulfill our regulatory obligations?

Again, better upstream protections would benefit Jacksonville residents as we must deal with not only local nutrient loading into the river system but also all the upstream loading. Locally, prioritizing projects that capture reclaimed water for irrigation and other permissible uses may allow for the water to be naturally “filtered” before its introduction into the river or aquifer system. Although I am a strong supporter of private property rights, perhaps stricter Code provisions on the types of landscaping material along waterfront property to reduce the need for fertilizers. Primarily, enhancing stormwater capture and natural treatments before introduction of water back into the watershed or river system is likely the most effective may to reduce nutrient loading.

What will you do to address failing septic tanks and to ensure that the City can fulfill its BMAP obligations for the tributaries?

When I had the privilege of serving as Chair of the most recent Charter Revision Commission, septic tank remediation was a topic we addressed. When we proposed the concept of an Urban Core Development Authority that would address this issue as well as others that have left this area of our community at a disadvantage after consolidation. We must begin to prioritize septic tank remediation in the City’s Capital Improvement Program and look for funding sources outside of the City’s general fund, to include State and Federal dollars as well as various grant programs to facilitate not just the removal costs, but also the connection costs for those landowners connecting to the City’s sewer system.

Do you think Duval County should allow permits for new septic tanks, or require the use of performance-based treatment systems?

I would favor a reduced reliance upon new septic systems for new development. I have done limited research into performance-based treatment systems, and although there still seems to be an inground component, these systems may be a good alternative for development outside the sewer “grid” as well as for higher density projects.

As a City Council Member, what tools and strategies would you implement and prioritize to more effectively treat and manage stormwater?

I favor natural management and treatment of stormwater. The City currently has $30 million budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program for stormwater programs over the next three years. Reclamation efforts also offer a double benefit to reduce usage of water resources as well as reduce untreated stormwater runoff into our river system.

As a City Council Member, will you prioritize the work of the Chief Resilience Officer and support the implementation of the impending Resilient Jacksonville Strategy? If so, how?

Yes. There is currently $50 million budgeted for resiliency infrastructure improvements in the Capital Improvement Program. Those programs should be managed and monitored to ensure that the taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and efficiently.

What would you do to ensure that the City of Jacksonville is taking steps to reduce its carbon and greenhouse gas emissions?

I had the privilege of drafting the first memorandum of Understanding between the United States Coast Guard and the Jax Chamber for the development and promotion of liquified natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel and export commodity with the Port of Jacksonville. I am proud to have the support of Tote Maritime, who was the first ocean carrier in the Port of Jacksonville to have an LNG fuel containership call the Port of Jacksonville as home. Now the port is home to four LNG fueled containerships and is a port of call for other LNG fueled vessels as well. Continuing to explore and incentivize commercially viable alternative fuels will result in reduced emissions without harming existing industries and our local economy.

As a City Council Member, what would you do to prioritize or ensure underserved neighborhoods receive the infrastructure that is needed to protect homes and businesses from flooding and other environmental harm?

As a District Councilmember my first priority is District 2. It has many infrastructure needs and contains some of the lowest elevation properties in our City. Although there are numerous projects for District 2 within the current Capital Improvement Program, many remain unfunded or inadequately funded to meet the current needs. The perception of many citizens in District 2 is that development has outpaced the infrastructure needs, almost a cart before the horse situation. I will work to address this and get the pace of infrastructure development in sync with the pace of residential and commercial development. As to other vulnerable areas, I am proud of the work we did in the Charter Revision Commission in addressing these needs in the more underserved areas of our City through the Urban Core Development Authority and will work to achieve those goals.

As a City Council Member, what, if anything, would you do to support the restoration and reconnection of the largest tributary of our St. Johns River to reclaim the significant ecological and economic benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha?

I was present when the Jax Chamber and the St. Johns Riverkeeper entered into a memorandum of understanding for the ultimate removal of the Rodman Dam. Restoring the natural flow of the Ocklawaha River would introduce a daily flow millions of additional gallons of fresh water into our river system. The benefits are three-fold. The added flow helps reduce the impact of upstream nutrient loading and municipal depletion of water, helps reduce the impact of increased salinity levels and push those salinity lines further seaward, and it helps restore the Ocklawaha River to its original track, thus restoring those surrounding wetlands and watershed areas that have been flooded for the reservoir. This will require not only local, but state and federal coordination to reduce the impact upon Putnam County. I am prepared to leverage my relationships at the local, state, and federal levels to assist in that effort.

What do you consider to be the most significant threats to the health of the St. Johns River? How will you address these problems, if elected?

Pollutants. We need to ensure that individuals and businesses are held responsible for any misuse or abuse of our waterways. We need to have, and more importantly uphold, a set of standards for what is and is not permissible when it comes to interaction with the natural resources that we all share.

As a City Council Member, what would you do to reduce the loss of wetlands in Duval County to protect the ecological services they provide, like flood control and water quality protection?

First, I love the St. Johns River. I spend a lot of time in and around the river with my family throughout the year.

We all benefit from development and growth but we need to do it in a way that protects and sustains our most valuable resources. We need growth plans that allow for new developments to be successful while also providing protections for areas that are vital to promoting a healthy environment. One of the jobs of local and state governments is to ensure that development continues in a responsible manner by protecting areas that are crucial to long term environmental health.

As a City Council Member, what steps would you take to ensure that Jacksonville is reducing nutrient loading to the river to fulfill our regulatory obligations?

*See above. “We need to have, and more importantly uphold, a set of standards for what is and is not permissible when it comes to interaction with the natural resources that we all share.” We need to be proactive in finding the sources that are negatively impacting our waterways and take action to ensure that they are corrected and that the parties involved are held accountable if necessary.

What will you do to address failing septic tanks and to ensure that the City can fulfill its BMAP obligations for the tributaries?

Infrastructure is and will continue to be one of my top priorities. We have an aging infrastructure and need to plan for a long future of repairs and replacement for various systems. In regards to septic systems, our first area of focus should be installing public sanitary lines in the high density neighborhoods. This would have a net positive impact by taking a large portion of the failing and inadequate systems offline.

Do you think Duval County should allow permits for new septic tanks, or require the use of performance-based treatment systems?

Until the time when the city has sanitary lines available to every property they must continue to allow septic permits. When properly installed and maintained a functioning septic system is environmentally safe.

As a City Council Member, what tools and strategies would you implement and prioritize to more effectively treat and manage stormwater?

This is a basic infrastructure issue. Jacksonville has long overlooked basic infrastructure needs throughout the city. We need to get very serious about our aging infrastructure and plan to deal with it over the next several decades. Many of our flooding issues are caused by neglecting to properly address basic infrastructure needs through the city, especially in our oldest neighborhoods.

As a City Council Member, will you prioritize the work of the Chief Resilience Officer and support the implementation of the impending Resilient Jacksonville Strategy? If so, how?

It would be unwise to indicate support for a yet to be released strategy.

What would you do to ensure that the City of Jacksonville is taking steps to reduce its carbon and greenhouse gas emissions?

As a City Council Member, what would you do to prioritize or ensure underserved neighborhoods receive the infrastructure that is needed to protect homes and businesses from flooding and other environmental harm?

As indicated previously, infrastructure will be one of my top priorities as I think it is one of the core functions of government. I plan to focus on the district as a whole but believe it is best practice to constantly prioritize the projects on an as-needed basis. There should always be an outlook of 5-10 years while maintaining the ability and willingness to shift priorities and efforts as the situation warrants.

As a City Council Member, what, if anything, would you do to support the restoration and reconnection of the largest tributary of our St. Johns River to reclaim the significant ecological and economic benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha?

From what I currently know, I believe this would have a positive impact on our waterways as well as a host of others. In all candor, I would need to spend some more time and see more opinions from experts in this particular field before reaching a comfortable opinion on the matter. I do think that if we were to make the reconnection it makes sense to do it in a controlled manner over a length of time if possible. With all that said, I lean towards the opening of the Ocklawaha and would be an active voice in promoting the project if the data showed it to be a benefit to our waterways.

What do you consider to be the most significant threats to the health of the St. Johns River? How will you address these problems, if elected?

As a City Council Member, what would you do to reduce the loss of wetlands in Duval County to protect the ecological services they provide, like flood control and water quality protection?

I have voted against legislation that encroaches and/or proposes to fill-in wetlands such as the Cedar Point Development. As Councilmember, many developers know that I support communities and organizations that advocate for responsible construction of commercial and residential development.

As a City Council Member, what steps would you take to ensure that Jacksonville is reducing nutrient loading to the river to fulfill our regulatory obligations?

I would encourage developers to include flood mitigation mechanisms in their design plans; reward developers with discounts through contract terms for plans that include landscape irrigation that use reclaimed water: enforce any current ordinances that protect the river and its tributaries from additional storm water run-off and pollutants.

What will you do to address failing septic tanks and to ensure that the City can fulfill its BMAP obligations for the tributaries?

The septic tank removal program began in 2017. The list currently has about 41 neighborhoods on the list. JEA created an office in the Brandam-Brooks library to promote, implement, and monitor this issue. I will continue to support funding the Septic Tank Office and removal every year with federal, state, county money.

Do you think Duval County should allow permits for new septic tanks, or require the use of performance-based treatment systems?

I do not think the county should permit new septic tanks. Furthermore, although a performance-based treatment system seems like a better alternative, I would prefer that developers connect new developments to JEA sewer and water lines.

As a City Council Member, what tools and strategies would you implement and prioritize to more effectively treat and manage stormwater?

Most of the practices mentioned in the previous paragraph are unknown to me. However, that does not mean that home builders and developers aren’t familiar with them. The Planning Department and/or Code Compliance could host educational forums to describe these new methods of managing stormwater runoff. Furthermore, I could introduce legislation to fund an education program through the St Johns Riverkeeper for landscapers, builders, and developers. Lastly, I could propose additional legislation requiring those obtaining certification and applying to the city list of contractors related to construction, to take the course.

As a City Council Member, will you prioritize the work of the Chief Resilience Officer and support the implementation of the impending Resilient Jacksonville Strategy? If so, how?

Yes, I will support the work she is doing. In February of this year, I proposed a strategic plan regarding outfall causeways and natural runs. These are man-made and naturally occurring waterways that assist with flood mitigation. As a result, I secured $440,000 to study how these mitigation techniques are affecting property owners. I have proposed almost 1 million dollars over the next five years to address to problem.

What would you do to ensure that the City of Jacksonville is taking steps to reduce its carbon and greenhouse gas emissions?

Incentives for businesses or entrepreneurs who start or house electric fueling stations, rebates through JEA for those who install solar panels on their homes. I would continue to support JEA’s program of offering rebates for purchasing energy-efficient appliances. Support a literature campaign informing builders of these options.

As a City Council Member, what would you do to prioritize or ensure underserved neighborhoods receive the infrastructure that is needed to protect homes and businesses from flooding and other environmental harm?

I would work with my At-Large Councilmember to help areas such as Ken Knight Drive. My low-lying, flood prone areas are: McCoys Creek, Cedar Creek, and the Ortega River. I am more familiar with those areas. Currently, Groundworks Jax is working with the City to fund The McCoys Creek Restoration Project to restore the creek to its natural size and water flow. The local six-cent sales tax funds this project. In addition to mitigating flooding, the Creek will create recreation opportunities. I would like to sponsor legislation that funds or partially funds bulkhead improvements. Also, I would like to increase access to Cedar Creek and the Ortega River through park improvements.

As a City Council Member, what, if anything, would you do to support the restoration and reconnection of the largest tributary of our St. Johns River to reclaim the significant ecological and economic benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha?

I would introduce and/or support any legislation that restores Florida’s natural springs.

What do you consider to be the most significant threats to the health of the St. Johns River? How will you address these problems, if elected?

I consider the two most significant threats to the health of the St. Johns River to be pollution (including nutrient overloads and fecal coliform bacteria) and increased sea level rise. To address these problems, I will:

• Work to reduce nutrient pollution by supporting the implementation of the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). Through my work on the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board (JEPB), I have already been collaborating with local leadership and staff to ensure our city meets the requirements of the current BMAP, which at this time we are not on track to meet. Furthermore, I will promote initiatives to improve wastewater treatment facilities, keeping in mind the looming 2032 requirement to cease all nonbeneficial surface water discharge, which currently amounts to almost 70 million gallons of freshwater discharged into the St. Johns River each day. Understanding how this will affect the river and finding solutions for managing that discharge will be crucial.
• Address fecal coliform bacteria contamination by investing in infrastructure to repair and replace failing septic tanks, fix leaking sewage pipes, and reduce sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). As Chair of the Water Committee within the JEPB, I picked up the 2019 SSO Study Report from Dr. Lucy Sonnenberg and implement changes that will help reduce private SSOs in the future through different rule amendments.
• Advocate for policies and investments to protect Jacksonville from the impacts of sea level rise, such as improving flood resilience and stormwater management. I will work closely with the City’s Chief Resilience Officer to implement strategic plans addressing climate change-related threats to the St. Johns River and our community. By focusing on these key threats, we can help protect the health of the St. Johns River and ensure that it continues to support our community’s well-being, economy, and quality of life.

As a City Council Member, what would you do to reduce the loss of wetlands in Duval County to protect the ecological services they provide, like flood control and water quality protection?

I understand the importance of preserving wetlands in Duval County for their ecological services, including flood control and water quality protection. I believe that protecting wetlands and supporting growth and development can go hand in hand, and I’m committed to striking a balance between the two. Here’s what I would do to reduce the loss of wetlands:

• Prioritize wetlands protection in land-use decisions, ensuring that city development and zoning policies are in alignment with wetlands preservation goals. This includes collaborating with local and state authorities to adopt enhanced wetlands protection measures, similar to those in Alachua and Brevard Counties.
• Support state programs like Florida Forever, which aim to conserve environmentally sensitive lands, including wetlands. I will advocate for increased funding and coordination between local and state agencies to ensure that wetlands preservation remains a priority.
• Encourage sustainable growth and development by promoting the use of Low Impact Development (LID) and Green Infrastructure (GI) practices in new projects. These practices can help to minimize the impact on wetlands, protect water quality, and manage stormwater runoff effectively.
• Invest in infrastructure projects that prioritize the protection of sensitive areas, such as wetlands, and work to create more ecological sanctuaries within our city. This includes developing green spaces, parks, and nature preserves that can serve as buffers for wetlands and contribute to their long-term protection.
• Engage with the community to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and their role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. By fostering a sense of stewardship among our residents, we can encourage responsible practices that contribute to the preservation of wetlands.

As a City Council Member, what steps would you take to ensure that Jacksonville is reducing nutrient loading to the river to fulfill our regulatory obligations?

I will leverage my experience with managing and implementing the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) to ensure that Jacksonville fulfills its nutrient reduction obligations to protect the St. Johns River. Here are the steps I would take:

• Continue pushing leadership and staff to adhere to our BMAP obligations, using my knowledge and experience from working on the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board. My familiarity with the plan and its implementation will help me effectively advocate for the necessary actions to meet our targets.
• Work to simplify and streamline the process of staff oversight of the BMAP. Currently, the Environmental Quality Division is responsible for reporting to the DEP regarding the BMAP, while the projects that contribute to meeting our obligations are controlled and managed by the Public Works Department. By improving inter-departmental communication and coordination, we can ensure a more efficient and cohesive approach to addressing nutrient loading.
• Collaborate with the Public Works Department and other relevant agencies to prioritize and expedite projects that contribute to nutrient reduction in the river.
• Regularly review the progress of BMAP implementation and assess the effectiveness of our actions. This will help identify areas for improvement and ensure that our efforts are resulting in measurable reductions in nutrient loading.

What will you do to address failing septic tanks and to ensure that the City can fulfill its BMAP obligations for the tributaries?

Addressing the issue of failing septic tanks is a priority for me. I recognize that we have overestimated the amount of nutrient reduction in our waterways through septic tank removals, but that does not diminish the importance of continuing to invest in septic tank removal and connecting more households to the city’s water and sewer systems. Here’s what I will do to address this issue and ensure that the City can fulfill its BMAP obligations for the tributaries:

• Advocate for maintaining the current levels of funding for septic tank removal and wastewater infrastructure improvements within the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Adequate funding is crucial for executing these projects and making progress toward our BMAP obligations.
• Work closely with the Public Works Department, the Environmental Quality Division, and other relevant agencies to prioritize septic tank removal in areas with the highest concentration of failing systems and the greatest potential for nutrient reduction in the tributaries.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders, including homeowners and community organizations, to raise awareness about the importance of septic tank maintenance and the availability of city programs and resources to help with the transition to city water and sewer systems.
• Regularly assess the progress and effectiveness of septic tank removal and wastewater infrastructure projects to ensure that they are contributing to our BMAP goals for the tributaries. If necessary, adjust our strategies and priorities based on the results of these assessments to maximize the impact of our efforts.

Do you think Duval County should allow permits for new septic tanks, or require the use of performance-based treatment systems?

I understand the need for a balanced approach when it comes to septic tanks in Duval County. While I believe that connecting to city sewer services should be the ultimate goal, I recognize that it may not be immediately feasible in all areas. Therefore, I do think we should continue to allow new permits for septic tanks. However, we should also actively encourage and incentivize the use and installation of performance-based treatment systems, which offer improved environmental protection and better treatment of wastewater. To promote the use of performance-based treatment systems, I propose the following strategies:

• Develop incentive programs, such as tax credits or reduced permit fees, for homeowners and developers who choose to install performance-based treatment systems instead of traditional septic tanks.
• Work with the Environmental Quality Division and other relevant agencies to update regulations and permitting processes to streamline the approval and installation of performance-based treatment systems.
• Collaborate with industry professionals, environmental organizations, and educational institutions to raise awareness about the benefits of performance-based treatment systems, both in terms of environmental protection and long-term cost savings for property owners.
• Monitor the performance and effectiveness of these systems over time and use the data to inform future policy decisions and incentives related to septic tank regulations.

As a City Council Member, what tools and strategies would you implement and prioritize to more effectively treat and manage stormwater?

I’m committed to finding innovative and effective ways to treat and manage stormwater in Jacksonville. I believe that by prioritizing Low Impact Development (LID) and Green Infrastructure (GI) practices, we can make a significant positive impact on our waterways and the health of the St. Johns River.
Having a background in the construction and development industry gives me a unique perspective on this issue. I understand the challenges and opportunities faced by developers, and I have connections with key players in the industry. This knowledge and these relationships will be invaluable in promoting LID and GI practices and encouraging their adoption by the development community. To accomplish this, I will:

• Work closely with city agencies, the development community, and environmental organizations to create incentive programs that encourage developers to incorporate LID and GI practices in their projects. By offering benefits such as expedited permitting, reduced fees, or density bonuses, we can make it more attractive for developers to embrace these environmentally friendly practices.
• Advocate for revising our zoning and land-use regulations to better support LID and GI practices. This will make it easier for developers to include these techniques in their projects and help ensure that they become a standard part of our city’s growth and development.
• Education and training are crucial to increasing awareness and understanding of LID and GI practices. By partnering with local educational institutions, industry professionals, and environmental organizations, we can offer workshops, training sessions, and resources that empower developers, engineers, and contractors to make informed decisions about stormwater management.

As a City Council Member, will you prioritize the work of the Chief Resilience Officer and support the implementation of the impending Resilient Jacksonville Strategy? If so, how?

Yes, I will absolutely prioritize the work of the Chief Resilience Officer and support the implementation of the impending Resilient Jacksonville Strategy.

I’ll actively engage with the Chief Resilience Officer, keeping open lines of communication to ensure that their work is supported and their recommendations are considered when making decisions. I will also advocate for necessary funding and resources, as well as any policy changes that may be required for the successful implementation of the Resilient Jacksonville Strategy.

In addition, I’ll work collaboratively with other city departments, stakeholders, and community partners to ensure that resilience efforts are integrated across all aspects of city operations and planning.

What would you do to ensure that the City of Jacksonville is taking steps to reduce its carbon and greenhouse gas emissions?

While I’m not an expert in reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, I’m committed to learning more about this crucial issue and finding ways to make a positive impact. I would be glad to hear more from the St. Johns Riverkeeper and other organizations about the most effective strategies to reduce emissions in our city.

I will support initiatives that promote clean energy, sustainable transportation options, and energy-efficient buildings.

As a City Council Member, what would you do to prioritize or ensure underserved neighborhoods receive the infrastructure that is needed to protect homes and businesses from flooding and other environmental harm?

I’m committed to prioritizing underserved neighborhoods and making sure they receive the infrastructure needed to protect homes and businesses from flooding and other environmental harm. Some strategies to get there:

• Advocate for equitable distribution of resources: I will work tirelessly to ensure that city budget allocations and infrastructure investments are distributed fairly, with a focus on addressing the needs of historically underserved neighborhoods.
• Collaborate with community members and organizations: I will engage with residents, community leaders, and local organizations to better understand the specific needs and challenges faced by these neighborhoods, and to work together to develop and implement solutions.
• Support grant applications and funding opportunities: I will actively seek out and support grant applications and funding opportunities to help secure additional resources for infrastructure improvements in underserved neighborhoods.
• Address the root causes of vulnerability: I will champion policies and programs that not only address immediate infrastructure needs, but also tackle the underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to these neighborhoods’ vulnerability to flooding and other environmental harm.

As a City Council Member, what, if anything, would you do to support the restoration and reconnection of the largest tributary of our St. Johns River to reclaim the significant ecological and economic benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha?

I understand the importance of restoring and reconnecting the Ocklawaha River. To support this effort:

• Advocate for the restoration project: I’ll actively voice my support for the restoration and reconnection of the Ocklawaha River and work with my fellow council members, state, and federal partners to help advance this important initiative.
• Seek funding opportunities: I’ll work to identify and secure funding sources, such as grants and partnerships, to support the restoration and reconnection project, and ensure that adequate resources are allocated to this effort.
• Engage with stakeholders: I’ll collaborate with environmental organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan for the restoration and reconnection of the Ocklawaha River, ensuring that all voices and perspectives are considered.
• Promote public awareness and education: I’ll work to raise public awareness about the importance of a free-flowing Ocklawaha River and its benefits to the St. Johns River and our community, engaging residents, and stakeholders in the process.
• Monitor progress and ensure accountability: I’ll closely follow the progress of the restoration and reconnection project, holding relevant agencies and partners accountable for meeting project goals and timelines.