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voter guide

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Clay County Sheriff

State Senate District 4 RepubliCan
Age: 58 Education: 95 4 Associates degree, St. Johns 301 River Junior College, bachelors, criminology, 10 Florida State; masters, criminal justice management, 295 University of North Florida; FBI National Academy; National Sheriffs Institute; Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar FBI Florida House of Academy Family: Wife, Joan Representatives (31 years); three children District 11 elected offices: Previous Elected Clay County Sheriff in 2004 and reelected in 2008 Qualifications: 38 years of law enforcement experience; 11 95 advanced training and education in law enforcement; leadership and supervisory 301 experience. Most important issues: With the challenges of budgetary 10 shortages, how do we provide quality services on a declining 295 revenue stream and who is best suited to meet that challenge based on education, training and experience. How would you deal with budget cuts? To fund public safety, which is the core and most imperative function of government, I would advocate a reallocation of the resources we now have to provide adequate public safety. Taxes are high enough, if we spend it wisely. What do you see as the biggest crime issue in Clay County and how do you plan to address it? While the crime rate in Clay County is one of the lowest in North Florida, we still have crime problems. Burglaries and thefts touch many and we strive to educate the public that many are preventable if they would lock homes and vehicles. Our clearance rate is the highest in North Florida and when thieves are in prison, they dont commit more burglaries.

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1 Age: 69 295 Education: Bachelors 7 and masters 95 degrees, University of Florida Family: Wife, Congressional Jackie (48 years); children, Doug, Paul, Districts four grandchildren Wendy; 6 Previous elected offices: Nassau Clay County Commission, 2008; chairman, 2008-2009 Qualifications: Business backgroundDuval managing Baker lumbia the largest Single Family Property Management Clay Company in the U.S., creating Bradford 100 jobs, making St. Johns over payroll, working within our revenue, working with people Alachua 6 Flagler as a leader, colleague, and Putnam friend. I understand Flagler and appreciate the needs of our Clay County Citizens. Volusia Marion Most important issues: Volusia With declining property values, and most of the ad valorem tax base going to public safety, we must diversify our revenue sources It will take someone with a

Wendell daVis 9A

301 business background such as 14 JiM coRBin 9A 5 1 mine to lead the way to grow 17 Age: 61 13 our way out of this tough Education: 295 economy. Clay High 95 How would you deal with School, 6 budget cuts? Raising taxes Sante Fe will not help grow our Community St. Johns just as it has not economy County College, and worked on a national basis. University of Central Florida House of Florida Commission and School I will continue to work to Family: wife, Gay (25 years); Board districts businesses Representatives help Clay County daughter, Amanda expand, thus adding jobs and District 17 Previous elected offices: 4 growing revenue. We must None bring new business to Clay Qualifications: I have County, adding depth and over 26 years of Public 210 5 breadth to our tax base. Administrative210 experience. I What1should voters know have prepared and managed 1 1 95 95 about you before they county budgets. cast their ballot? I am an Most important issues: 210 210 17 active member of Orange Economic development, Park United Methodist transparency in government 16 16 Church including past lay and serving the people not 13 13 2 speaker and numerous just special interest groups. other leadership positions; How would you deal with Northeast Florida District budget cuts? I would not 3 Methodist New 206 Church raise taxes. The 206 county Development; director, government needs to work 95 March of Dimes; director, within its means and95 we 204 204 YMCA; served as a armored can do that without cutting tank officer along the DMZ, services. Korea, and in the U.S.; and What should voters know 21 years Military Police Army about you before they cast Reserves. their ballot? They should

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Rick BeseleR

MaRk Wilson

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Congressional District 5 life experience in preparing

know that I have the real

county budgets and have the working knowledge to help Nassau navigate the county through the very difficult budget process Duval awaits us in the that future. They should also be aware that special interest St. Johns Clay groups do not control me.
Alachua Putnam Flagler Marion Lake

Volusia

DiSTRiCT 3

diane HuTcHings

ler

usia

Age: 51 Education: Florida Community College at Jacksonville, St. Johns River Community College Family: Husband, Brett (31 years); daughter, Ashley; son, Kyle; two grandchildren Previous elected offices: Green Cove Springs City Council for 2 terms including service as Vice Mayor and Mayor Qualifications: I took an oath of office to serve two terms and completed my obligation to the voters that elected me. I have also served as a volunteer on a large number of local county committees and boards including the Transportation Advisory Council the Tourism Development Committee, the Chamber Board of Directors, as Chair of the Economic Development Council, the Board of Clay Women in Business, and the Board of Clay Family Policy Forum. Most important issue: I would begin with an examination of the landfill costs and determine the best strategy to save tax payers money on their solid waste bills. I would look at analyzing and developing a transportation maintenance plan and alternatives for funding that plan. How would you deal with budget cuts? Raising taxes is a last resort and I do not believe we need to raise taxes to fund government services when our voters are sending the strong message that they do not want a tax DiSTRiCT 5

increase. What should voters know about you before they cast their ballot? My professional training and experience along with my interpersonal skills qualify me for this office. As a certified financial planner I am trained to examine markets, economies, present cost, future cost and risks in a way that is strategic in nature.

JiM RenningeR

Age: 62 Education: Bachelors degree, Penn State University; masters, Webster University Family: Wife, Phyllis (43 years); daughters Rebecca, Jessica, Katherine; son, Daniel Previous elected offices: Orange Park Town Council: 2007-present; held positions of mayor, vice mayor, Budget Committee, Parks and Rec Committee Qualifications: Demonstrated leadership during 26 years of USN service (retired captain), selected for three aviation command positions. Selected to serve with Adm. Mike Mullen, who advanced to chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the nation. Have served as representative with Jacksonville Economic Development Council, now JAXUSA Partnerships, to entice major industries to locate to Jacksonville. What are the most important issues in your campaign? We need

to promote economic development in Clay County to create the high skill/ high wage jobs for county residents. We need to continue providing an academic culture that not only meets our needs but is innovative internationally meeting the needs of an expanding world class economy. How would you deal with budget cuts? Raising taxes has been used for too long as a crutch. To maintain the services we currently have or to improve their implementation, I believe we need to look at optimizing service delivery through collaboration with other departments, diversification of revenue resources and thorough review of best practices. What should voters know about you before they cast their ballot? Compare personal careers of all the candidates. I have long-term, documented performance in leadership positions in the military, education, government, business organizations and religious organizations.

MaRge HuTTon

Age: 63 Education: Bachelors degree, Nova Southeastern University Family: Husband, Patrick (37 years); daughter, Eileen Previous elected offices: Town of Orange Park Council, Republican Executive Committee Qualifications: My

Sumter Seminole strongest qualifications for Orange this office come from my business experience,ORLANDO my leadership experience and my community service. I have worked for IBM for 16 years in three states; I have been a Medical Office Manager of Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute for six years. For the last 15 years, I have volunteered with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and have been a member or chaired most of the committees. Most important issues: Economic development. The Chamber and county have identified targeted industries; we have got to do what it takes to get those businesses here. We also have to focus on retention and help our current businesses expand. How would you deal with budget cuts? I believe there are still opportunities to raise revenue and cut expenses before we raise taxes or cut services. The county has reduced the budget by 25 percent and eliminated 141 jobs over the last few years. As a business owner, when income went down, we had to spend less. I engaged my employees to come up with ways to save money; they were part of the solution and why we were successful. What should voters know about you before they cast their ballot in this election? I do my research on each issue and make impartial decisions that are best for all citizens. Im not afraid to make difficult decisions.

Age: 42 Education: Duval County public schools; has taken criminal justice courses at St. Johns River Community College; St. Johns County Sheriffs Office training (employed as a deputy since 2004) Family: Wife, Inez (3 years); three children Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: Current, relevant experience as a patrol officer. I have firsthand knowledge of the problems our neighborhoods and communities are facing. I care about every family and person in this county and their right to live free from unnecessary intrusions into their personal life. Most important issues: The average citizen fears law enforcement in our county. We have a reactive, heavy-handed police force which is counterintuitive to a communitys prosperity. Under my leadership we will be peace officers who are tactically proficient, professional and pleasant to deal with. How would you deal with budget cuts? I will not cut essential law enforcement services to the community. The first expenses to be trimmed will be from the top down and from non-essential services. Front line officers are the last place an agency should be looking to save money. I will not risk the countys safety for the sake of a dollar. What do you see as the biggest crime issue in Clay County and how do you plan to address it? The biggest, growing problem in Clay County is and has been the proliferation of illegal sales of prescription narcotics and methamphetamine. Because of these issues, we have experienced an almost 9 percent increase in both burglaries and theft which can be directly attributed to the drug epidemic.

Clay County Superintendent

RepubliCan

Ben WoRTHaM

Ronnie RoBinson

Age: n/a Education: Paxon High School Family: Wife, Jane; two daughters Previous elected experience: Incumbent county commissioner Qualifications: Im a good businessman. Ive got common sense. I ran a business for 26 years that employed 25-30 people. What are the most important issues in your campaign? We need to get rid of unneeded regulations. Thats whats keeping business out. How would you deal with budget cuts? Were not raising taxes. Its not something Ill even consider.

Well find a way to live within our means. What should voters know about you before they cast their ballot in this election? I think the voters know me pretty well. Im working 60 hours weeks in this job and working hard to make the area better.

RicHaRd (RicH) Russell

Age: 48 Education: Masters of Business Administration Family: Wife, Tammy (26 years); children, Matt, Lindsey, T.J Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: My strongest qualification is that I have a well-rounded background

that includes education and practical experience in business operations, financial/accounting and management. Twenty years of military experience that provides me insight into the issues involving the military in this area. Manufacturing background which provides me the ability to seek out and attract new manufacturing businesses. Most important issues: Examining the revenue structure and identifying avenues in which the shortfalls can be overcome. The roadways within the county and how to make needed repairs by exploring Public Private Partnerships that will maintain existing tax levels. How would you deal with budget cuts? Taxes are a

dirty word however; if that is the only avenue to generate revenue that is desperately needed then it should not be excessive. If taxes are raised they must be written into Law that they are for a specific use only and cannot be diverted. What should voters know about you before they cast their ballot? I have devoted more than 30 years to the service of my country and community. I will always take into consideration the effect on community, the people and the future when making decisions. My word is my bond, which means that I will always act in a manner that is consistent with my personal, religious and family values.

Age: 67 Education: Bachelors degree, University of Tennessee; masters of education, Memphis State University; post-graduate courses, University of Florida; state superintendent certification Family: Wife, Sylvia (38 years); four daughters, 11 grandchildren Previous elected offices: Clay Superintendent of Schools Qualifications: Career educator: All 43 years in the Clay County Schools as a classroom teacher, school principal, district department and division head, Deputy Superintendent (14 years) and Superintendent of Schools (2008-Current). Most important issues: 1) Qualifications of the future Superintendent of Schools (Credentials, knowledge and experience). 2) Instructional Leadership: The Student Success Act (performance pay) with teachers and administrators compensation based on 50 percent of student achievement. It is critical to recruit, train and retain strong instructional teachers in the classroom and school administration. How would you deal with budget cuts? Any future budget cuts would result in a reduction of services. I believe we should operate within the state and local generated revenue without raising taxes. Any reductions would be focused on administrative and ancillary areas with the classroom being the last to be impacted.

cHaRlie Van ZanT

Age: 41 Education: Graduate, University of Florida; Graduate, Command and General Staff College Family: Wife, Stephanie (18 years); children, Luke, Wyatt Previous elected offices: Clay County School Board, 14 years Qualifications: I have 14 years of educational Leadership experience in Clay County, I am familiar with our schools and operations, I will step in ready to go to work day one. Im a conservative; Ive been leading the charge for conservative causes for a long time. Ive been cautious with tax dollars, Ive opposed raising taxes, Ive opposed liberal union contracts that could cause us to fire teachers. I will not approve irresponsible raises for staff while Clay County residents are losing their jobs and homes. Most important issues: My key objective as superintendent will be to continue to build on our strong academic base, and focus on my Graduation to Jobs Program. Less than one of five Clay County graduates complete college and work in their field. My Graduation to Jobs Program will partner our schools with businesses so juniors and seniors may choose schooling at Business Equipped Training Sites (in our high schools) for necessary jobs. The goal is for students to graduate with a diploma as well as marketable job skills and certifications. How would you deal with budget cuts? Each year the current superintendent has been in office he has proposed budgets that spent non-reoccurring money on reoccurring operating expenses. I continually proposed that we prioritize spending and adopted budgets that were within our reoccurring revenue.