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?

The health of the St. Johns is critical to the health of the city and will be a major priority of my administration. It’s been quite a long time since Mayor Tanzler water skied downtown in the name of clean water and the work now is no less critical than it was then. Saving wetlands, smart development, septic tank remediation, stormwater treatment, flood management, and addressing the impact of downstream infrastructure is required. I would adopt an environmental policy similar in nature to Governor DeSantis’ environmental practices in his first term and advance the protection of Jacksonville’s environment and water quality. In the following answers, I will touch on these important issues and can be available to discuss more specifically as desired.

As Mayor, 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?

As Mayor, I would look to reduce both point-source and non-point-source discharges of nutrients that cause algal blooms and prevent adequate sunlight from reaching shallow, grass-producing areas of the river all of which harm adjacent non-submerged wetlands by fueling invasive species. Identifying and fixing those point-source discharges is a top priority. Perhaps just as important for Duval County, however, are non-point-source nutrient loads from fertilizer and herbicides used in yards, particularly in river-adjacent neighborhoods. Additionally, I would also seek to find a balance between responsible development along the river and reduction of over-development in critical wetland habitats.

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

As mentioned above, reducing nutrient loading is a matter of reducing runoff and making sure that sheet water flow into the river is clean and fresh. Reducing fertilizer use via best practice training and observing applicable regulations, especially in the rainiest months of the year, significantly reduces the total maximum daily load for the St. Johns. Constant education and encouragement are critical to keeping our river healthy and championing stewardship amongst our businesses and homeowners will be a priority of my administration.

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

Our Septic Tank Phase Out Program (STPO) is a worthwhile and, on the scale that it is funded, effective effort in remediating septic tanks. That program must be continued as it reduces contamination by virtue of shutting down septic systems in favor of vacuum sewers and other methods. The upshot is that the streets are improved in the process. The frustration, of course, is the inability to fund more than a few projects at a time, with an estimated $560,000 to remediate our top ten priority locations and over $2 billion for comprehensive septic tank remediation in the county, numbers that will only get bigger. Finding new funding sources is critical. EPA, FDEP, HUD and SJRWD grants must be pursued and lobbying for federal and state funding will be just as critical. I was an advocate for creating a septic tank trust fund, but my council colleagues were not supportive of that concept.

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

New septic permits should be reviewed and approved with strict scrutiny on an as-needed basis knowing that the city policy is against septic tank expansion. Performance-based systems, which include a filtering medium instead of just sand for the septic drain field, should be included in the analysis. Incentives to incorporate such performance-based systems should be considered in cases where septic is the only alternative.

As mayor, what tools and strategies would you implement and prioritize to more effectively treat and manage stormwater?

Overall, mitigation wetlands have performed much lower ecologically than natural wetlands. Yet, our natural wetlands are greatly depleted. Grass coverage of beds north of the Buckman Bridge has shrunk dramatically since measured in 1998, which is a grim qualifier of the overall river health since vegetation atrophy precedes permanent ecological damage. To the extent that we can preserve and sustain existing wetlands the better our city’s overall health will be. As Jacksonville continues to expand and grow, stormwater treatment becomes more important. On a tactical level, building bioswales along the right of way can reduce the contribution of nutrient overload, pesticide, and herbicide runoff that otherwise goes right down our storm drains. Major attention to stormwater management will be a priority of my administration.

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

The city’s Chief Resilience Officer is a relatively new position whose strategy will likely address the fundamental policy issues that affect us all, particularly flood modeling and mitigation among others. The city’s appointee has experience with the remediation of infrastructure in post-Katrina New Orleans which may serve useful for future infrastructure recommendations. I look forward to reviewing it in detail when it is published.

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

Jacksonville has come a long way from the days of complete dependence on oil for energy generation yet constant vigilance is required to ensure innovative technology allows for even cleaner air. In recent years our dependence on coal and petroleum coke has been reduced by natural gas availability. But one can never presume any one energy source is a permanent solution. The market for natural gas, seen as a reliable long-term energy source, has been unexpectedly affected by conditions in Europe. Diversity of energy resources will allow us to maintain reasonable energy costs while moving toward cleaner ways to
produce power. As the effectiveness of solar power improves over time, for example, so will our ability to transfer our energy load to non-emission sources. JEA has a critical role in ensuring the right balance of energy generation. My appointees to the JEA Board will be knowledgeable in balancing energy generation costs with environmental impacts.

As Mayor, 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?

Infrastructure revitalization is critical in every Jacksonville neighborhood. The aforementioned ecological damage caused by failing septic tanks clearly illustrates this as the Septic Tank Phase Out Program prioritizes some of our poorest neighborhoods. As mayor, we cannot overlook the law enforcement, education and infrastructure needs of any of our neighbors, especially the underserved. The $500 million allocated to the Skyway to Nowhere should be invested in projects that improve the quality of life for all our citizens.

As mayor, will you work with other Northeast Florida law makers to restore and reconnect the largest tributary of our St. Johns River to reclaim the significant ecological and economic benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha?

I fully support a community discussion to discuss options for a free-flowing Ocklawaha River. As the governor and state continue to include aggressive environmental funding for central and southern Florida, state funding for any consensus solutions in north Florida should be part of the funding package. Agreement between all affected counties is a big hurdle that must be addressed.

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?

Pollution and Fecal Contamination

Water polluted with fertilizers and chemicals have become a major problem to the health of the river. The fertilizers have their own ramifications as they feed all kinds of algaes out of their natural proportions and often turn them into their own kind of problem for the river, but we have seen the levels of fecal coliforms explode as they are also nourished by the nutrient rich runoff. Fecal matter seeps directly into the St. Johns River as a result of collapsing and neglected septic tanks, following decades of inaction from a governmental point of view. As Mayor, we will look seriously to do our part here in Duval County to stop contributing to this preventable problem, including further investment to speed up septic tank removal.

Saltwater Encroachment

Over the past decade and a half, we have all witnessed the significant damage that seawater, with its higher salt content, has been doing as it reaches back through the St. Johns River. It’s a thorny issue that is not going to decrease as sea levels continue to slowly rise, and as Mayor I would urge the formation of studies to address it long term and then do everything possible to get the ball rolling on those solutions.

Water Drainage for Human Use Further Downstream

In this capacity, the Mayor can be an advocate and a partner with the various governments with domain over the St. Johns River to effectively manage the resource instead of just pillaging it.

As Mayor, 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?

In order to create a more sustainable community in Jacksonville, it is imperative that we prioritize climate resilience in our decision-making processes. Our city is a First Line of Impact to the effects of climate change.

We will be subject to the staggering costs of extreme heat, sea level rise, coastal erosion, and frequent hurricanes and storm surges. Our only defense is the one that Nature provided in the first place: marshlands, wetlands and runoff systems that have dealt with wind, water and heat for the past few thousands of years.

We would address this primarily by rezoning and conserving these areas as more than just parklands, but as necessary natural infrastructure for the resilience and survival of our real estate and city.

By taking these steps, we can ensure a more secure and sustainable future for generations to come while reducing our vulnerability to the negative effects of climate change.

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

The most obvious solution is to heavily regulate the use of such materials in Duval County, which also has the distinction of being one of the most phosphate rich areas of the United States, and therefore a major source to this day of phosphates, phosphorus and other minerals.

So we will have to hold ourselves to a higher standard than other locations simply because of the natural runoff that will occur with even slightly higher water levels.

This is a complex issue, one in which we welcome guidance and education from St. Johns Riverkeeper and other authorities.

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

The Deegan Administration will work to utilize the Federal resources and funding available for exactly this kind of investment. We will treat it as seriously as a bomb squad or a hazardous material team might treat explosive and dangerous materials, because ultimately, that’s what this is. It is a biological bomb waiting to poison our rivers, sicken our people and devastate our environment. We can’t afford to play around with these dangerous problems any longer. It’s time to confront them head on and do something that may end up saving our own children and grandchildren.

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

No. Septic tanks should have been removed a long time ago and under my administration, we will secure the funds to make sure this happens as quickly as possible.

As mayor, what tools and strategies would you implement and prioritize to more effectively treat and manage stormwater?

Oftentimes the best place to start something is at home. We would require that all city properties and new construction adhere to best practices, and we would encourage the inclusion of berms and bioswales as mandatory elements of design in our city building and design codes and guidelines. The City should be setting the example, and it is one of the largest landowners in the County. Simply by cleaning up our own properties and practices, we could go a long way to righting the problem, and setting an example for the kinds of code changes that will be necessary to help save our real estate and land.

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

Yes. The Deegan Administration aims to think ahead and provide the solid groundwork for the next fifty years. Even the most optimistic forecasts regarding climate show that we will have significantly more challenging natural conditions by then. The work of the CRO is a good starting point, but I look forward to making progress and even more profound preparations for our collective future as a city. It has to start somewhere, and we are already behind.

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

We would start by converting over all city motor vehicles to an all electric fleet. Require that all city construction include solar power in each new facility, provide incentives for real estate developers to build for as carbon free a lifestyle as possible and advocate publicly for the conversion of JEA power products to come from renewable, carbon free sources. (such as a much more rapid and easy rollout to solar and wind, for example.)

As Mayor, 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?

Improving and repairing our crumbling infrastructure, particularly in neglected neighborhoods, is essential for the city’s growth and development, and is a top priority for my administration. It’s time to deliver on the promises made to these neighborhoods since consolidation, including removing septic tanks, building sidewalks, installing streetlamps, and more. Furthermore, I will address the affordable housing crisis by repurposing unused city-owned property, requiring new developments to include workforce housing in exchange for city incentives, supporting multifamily units, and confronting out-of-state investors who displace families and drive up rental costs. Resiliency will be a huge guiding factor in these efforts and will be factored into all of the City’s decision-making processes when I am elected mayor.

As mayor, will you work with other Northeast Florida lawmakers to restore and reconnect the largest tributary of our St. Johns River to reclaim the significant ecological and economic benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha?

Yes, and with passion.

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?

After serving on the Waterways committee, I had the opportunity to investigate and look into the ways in which we are not preserving the resources that we have been so blessed with here in Jacksonville. We must preserve our wetlands, protect our river, and ultimately be good stewards of our home. To pick a most significant threat is difficult but ultimately I will say that I am concerned about our resiliency. We need to think long term.

As Mayor, 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?

We already have a roadmap in front of us. We need to stick with our future land use map. Doing so will help us prevent irresponsible, overdevelopment that effects our wetlands. We need to watch over our resilience. For years we have allowed spot zoning and we are reaching overcapacity. It will ultimately be a costly mistake because our natural resources are priceless.

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

We need to diligently work on our infrastructure which has been neglected for far too long. We need to repair broken drainage. Focus on ditches that run into the river. Pay attention to ponds that collect sediment before they go in to the river. Ultimately, we just need to follow the guidelines in these areas and stop disregarding good commonsense safeguards that protect our river and its tributaries.

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

In my plan, JEA would create a dedicated unit specifically to phase out septic tanks. The unit should be employed by young people from our community who can then learn a trade. It is an expensive task that will take decades and I would prefer to see that money remain in our community. Ultimately, the most important benefit is that it would finally make this issue a priority. We have to get this issue resolved.

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

I would allow septic tanks where property sizes are appropriate. We don’t find them to be a significant problem where they are built on properties with an acre or more. The real issue comes when we densely populate and then allow septic tanks. We need them only on bigger lots and clustered homes would not be permitted to use septic systems. I would require that we follow the guidelines of safely using septic tanks.

As mayor, what tools and strategies would you implement and prioritize to more effectively treat and manage stormwater?

I would look to make sure that we don’t obstruct waterways. Thats generally the best way to effectively manage stormwater. In addition, I would work on a macro level to ensure that we don’t recklessly overdevelop. Building on our wetlands is doing irreversible harm and we need to stop.

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

As former chairman of the waterways committee, I feel very strongly about this issue. I am frankly irritated that we have a paid resiliency officer who has been muzzled. She is telling us of the danger we face by building on certain wetlands but her warnings are not being heard. As Mayor, I will giver her more of a voice so that our citizens are aware of what is happening to our natural resources. I will expect more of our city council and call them out when they approve spot zoning that endangers our resources.

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, I added hundreds of acres to our parks and preserves. As mayor, I will work to prevent irresponsible overdevelopment and protect our green spaces as well as our wetlands.

As Mayor, 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 believe as a Council Member, I have a record that demonstrates, I focus on all areas of our town based on the need of the improvement and not based on the economic status of the area. Government has an obligation to fulfill and carry out its core functions and that includes providing good infrastructure.

As mayor, will you work with other Northeast Florida law makers to restore and reconnect the largest tributary of our St. Johns River to reclaim the significant ecological and economic benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha?

I would be open to discussions to find out what works best. Before I made any decisions, I would need to learn more.

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 believe the threats are listed below and I have included detailed answers below.

As Mayor, 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?

Restricting building in or intrusion in wetlands would be my primary focus. As the council creates ordinances, I would follows the required notice processes to meet with the Council members individually to address my concerns and impress upon the body to address zoning issues related to this issue. Additionally I would address the Waterways commission on the subject and planning /Zoning. These steps would obviously include the Riverkeeper/office as the expert for discussions and public county- wide meetings.

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

As Mayor, I understand that this to be a multi-prong approach. My first approach is better public awareness particularly as it relates dumping in water retention ponds and pouring all manner of fluids into drains. Improvement in drainage systems, closing ditches and better curbing can accomplish two issues at once, fulfilling long neglected projects in similarly situated neighborhoods while mitigating for flooding and resulting runoff. I would ensure best practices are in place for industrial contributors and seek federal and or state funds matching or direct i

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

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

While it seems counter to permit new septic that is not technologically improved septic, as we try to reduce failing septic causation, I believe we also must consider impact of cost and how or if the city budget can offer any costs assistance to particularly future homeowners(building farther out in the city where there is no connection infrastructure like along what I consider should be a business corridor along US 1. This question requires a more comprehensive discussion and perhaps a master plan look at growth expansion and commercial development.

As mayor, what tools and strategies would you implement and prioritize to more effectively treat and manage stormwater?

As Mayor, I have no issue with the strategies mentioned if they are models that offer mitigation based solutions wherein the city of Jacksonville is similarly situated as relevantly compared to other cities and cost to expected outcomes over time.

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

Perhaps I missed something in the implementation but I don’t see a whole lot of defined action to fully answer this question. Further with unique neighborhoods including historic and neglected, any plan would need to show an understanding of differences and similarities.

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

Actually FDOT has incorporated handling of this issue in some of its latest road projects. Installing HOV lanes moves traffic which helps decrease vehicle idle time, and adding bike lanes within the road projects has the potential of reducing the number of cars on the road. I would also encourage direct route carpooling and use of pubic transportation with increased bus routes for time management, and keeping even more cars off the road. As Mayor, I would encourage direct route carpooling to keep more cars off the road and add more EV charging stations related to percentage of such vehicles being sold. Consideration would also be given to best methods of encouraging the incorpation of solar on commercial new build.

As Mayor, 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 plan to fully explore implementing the concept of “bundling” projects to get needed work completed sooner, while saving taxpayer dollars, putting more people to work, and getting to completion of work in long neglected neighborhoods sooner rather than later.

As mayor, will you work with other Northeast Florida law makers to restore and reconnect the largest tributary of our St. Johns River to reclaim the significant ecological and economic benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha?

I have travelled to this area for a tour, and have seen the difference removing the Rodman dam would make to the to the ecological, economic and recreational benefits to the river that flows through our city, and how such blockage impedes them categorically. As Mayor I will be a vocal advocate for such reconnection, and have previously had conversations with state and local current and previous lawmakers in the region where the dam is located.

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?

Fertilizer and chemical runoff into the river. I would discourage lawns and encourage the growing of diverse plants, like clover, that naturally put nitrogen into the soil, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Any land, the mayor controls, would immediately stop using chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Pesticides would be used sparingly and only when really needed.

As Mayor, 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 don’t really know what control the mayor has over this. I have always wondered, if you designated the wetlands as inaccessible public parks, that exist to protect the public, they may be better protected from development.

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

Increase the taxes on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the way cigarettes are taxed, so high it’s undesirable to use. It will force lawn companies, farms and individuals to find natural alternatives. Bacteria Contamination: Fecal coliform bacteria pollution is also a major problem. In Duval County, 55 tributaries continue to exceed water quality standards for fecal bacteria, because of failing septic tanks, leaking sewage pipes, sanitary sewer overflows (SSO’s), and animal waste.

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

One of the priorities and part of my platform, installing sewer pipes throughout all areas with septic tanks. With the federal infrastructure bill, we may be able to do much of it, without touching local tax money. The fiscal conservative side of me.

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

All of our area is too developed to allow septic tanks or drain fields. Any kind of better system would be considered, but in the end everybody should be connected to the city sewer system.

As mayor, what tools and strategies would you implement and prioritize to more effectively treat and manage stormwater?

Our city’s storm protection is 50 to 100 years old. I think the best thing we can do is stop any flooding coming from rivers and tributaries onto dry land. This reduces the amount of stormwater we need to treat and contains the rainwater on land, until we can treat it.

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

If it makes sense, yes. I am probably going to be for more work than what they come up with. At my first couple interviews, I was told I was the only candidate who included storm resilience/readiness in my platform. The other candidates have updated their platforms, so it’s an afterthought for them. I thought that was relevant to you.

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

Green spaces and trees everywhere. The way developers are cutting down trees and bulldozing pristine land, I would like it to be a requirement to plant trees on any unused land. I would be ok with the young trees being paid for in the budget. I would also work with the DOT and JTA to find ways to reduce or eliminate traffic congestion. The sooner you get where you are going, the sooner you can turn off your car.

As Mayor, 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 plan to reinforce all tributaries and river edges. Some adjusting to stop things like the venturi effect. I also plan to uplift older and poorer neighborhoods, with better public schools, new streetlights, sidewalks and roads.

As mayor, will you work with other Northeast Florida law makers to restore and reconnect the largest tributary of our St. Johns River to reclaim the significant ecological and economic benefits of a free-flowing Ocklawaha?

Yes.