Independent Candidate for District 5 Commissioner

This will keep the District 5 campaign going an extra few months, guaranteeing voters will decide this issue in November instead of the primary election.  Folks in Clay County aren't used to such things.

Marsh, send my congrats to Fred for joining the field of candidates and I look forward to reading his comments here on MCS. 

Michael S. Mann

michaelsmann@comcast.net

Way to go, Fred!

Marsha please give your husband my congrats. I remember this coming up as a subject at the early start of our blogging on MCS. What a pleasure it was to read "FEARLESS" has signed up for district 5.

Go FRED! Marsha as they often say "Behind every great man there's a great woman!

You know how I feel about choices!!  Hooray for Fred (and Marsha) - I know that throwing your hat in the ring is ALWAYS a family affair and took a lot of thought and courage (and $$). 

As an independent (or here in FL, a NP), I always appreciate candidates who think outside the two party system.  Both of those political parties are failing us, not just here in Clay County, but in Florida, and in DC. 

I cannot vote for Fred as I am not in District 5, but I will do anything I can to help Fred and candidates in other districts who, imho have the best interests of the County in mind.  I strongly support the SMD, with 5 commissioners serving the entire county and that is what the CTLAC and the voters had in mind when they overwhelmingly supported the SMD amendment in 2004. 

Thanks,
Judy B.

Marsha, congratulations to you and Fred for this daring act.  I am so delighted with this development.  I have for the longest time speculated whether or not the thoughts of bloggers would have any impact on our community. Now with Fred and Mike, both write in candidates for two disparate jobs, the county now has a put up or shut up challenge facing them. Do you really want a say in government or will you shun such an obvious ability to have a say in this community? 

Many (and I am definitely one of them) bemoan a lack of choice in elections as we are swamped with Republicans or Pretend Republicans effectiviely shutting off any real debate. I can guarantee Fred two votes already in the upcoming election (no Rich, I'm not from Chicago). ;>)

Lily's Lore "I don't ever want to be rescued And I don't ever want to be saved I got a feelin' that I'm gonna be alive forever Dancin' on the edge of a grave..." Jim Steinman

I am so happy that there will be a few of us on the November ballot. Congratulations and welcome to the fun.

Fred & Marsha:

My congratulations to Fred for bringing a healthy dose of competition to the political arena!

I wish you the very best!

One caveat, however, to think about:  by increasing the total number of candidates running to oppose Mr. Rutledge to four, you run the risk of diluting his opposition votes to the extent that he will win re-election.  By fragmenting the opposition votes among so many opponents, Rutledge doesn't have to have nearly as many votes to win - just one more than the second highest vote-getter. 

Please don't misunderstand - that's NOT a reason to not run...just be aware of electoral mathematics and how they FREQUENTLY (but not ALWAYS) benefit incumbents with numerous opponents (and lots of money to influence the uninformed).

That said - good luck!

It is Fred and Marsha. We know what a great women Marsha is because she has been on the blogs from the inception. I'm sure it will be a pleasure for all of us to get to know her husband as well.

Commissioner Rutledge won his district with many candidates in his race. He was elected as an at large Commissioner.

Fred is registered as an independent (NPA). The race in August will determine the republican he will run against in the Nov election. At that time there will be 2 names to choose from in the election.

Thanks Fred and Marsha for working to make a better Clay County.

Thank you for the positive responses, we appreciate it.  Lily, Fred is not a write in Candidate, his name will actually appear on the ballot.  Shuqualak, it's my understanding that in District 5 other then my Husband you have nothing but Republicans, the primary will weed out those contenders and only one Republican will move forward to the General Election making Fred the only other Candidate unless there is someone else who is not a Republican that became qualified at the last minute. 

We're not politicians, anyone who's been reading my blogs over the last 18mths knows I didn't even start paying attention to local politics till about three years ago.  Fred has never run for public office of any sort, in this state or in any other.  We have no connections to big business nor any sort of connection to any lobbyists, no friends of friends, no third cousins twice removed.  Other then my efforts here in the blogs and my participation with the CTLAC in the last few months we come into this with only ourselves and a handful of others.  Our biggest political connection is we live down the road from Roy Lyons, and I've met Jane Padgett twice. 

Rather then getting into issues I will give you some background information on Fred. He was born and raised in northwestern Pennsylvania.  Fred was the first kid in his hometown to ever graduate High School and go onto College.  He has a Masters Degree in Business with the emphasis in negotiations and collective bargaining.  He's a Retired Naval Officer.  In the 1970's Fred was the first and only indivdual in Aviation History to be designated to issue both Pilot and Air Traffic Controller licenses.  As a Pilot and Air Traffic Controller he held Commercial Multi Single Engine, Instrument Rated Pilot, Flight Instructor Gold Seal and Flight Dispatcher Licenses.

His highest medal was the Meritorious Service Medal for being one of the founders of the Air Installation Compatibility Use Zone Program (AICUZ)  This program created permissable land uses that were compatible with airports and their operations.  It developed enviormental issues and impacts from noise and accident potential zones around airports.  This program was responsible for determining where HUD and VA would guarantee their loan programs and is still in use to this day.

Willow Grove PA was where this program originated, not only did his efforts seek to protect the private sector but it weeded out a little corruption in the process. Fred was instrumental in sending three Township Officicals to jail for bribery and conspiracy putting townspeople at risk for the benefit of development.

Since his retirement Fred business acumen has been an evolving journey.  After starting a couple of flying clubs he started SkyStar International Airways and after bringing it up to a profitable level,lost it due to a corporate takeover.  He's owned and operated consulting firms which progressed into valuation of Aircraft, Acquisition and Nuclear Power Plants.  Fred even appraised Aircraft Development and Technology for Howard Hughes.  In 1997 he took over management and consulting services for TPI Airways eventually taking over the company until it went out of business which is another very long story that someone should make a movie on. 

As a civillian Fred was rewarded the Medal of Honor from the President of Mexico for the efforts of his company SkyStar International Airways Inc in  being the first Aircraft/Airline to reach victims of the Sept 1985 earthquakes in Mexico.

In 1992 our current business with residential Appraising began and in 97-98 we became the largest Appraisal Company in the state.  That size has been reduced due to changes in the law that limits how many people a Certified Appraiser can supervise.

Since the beginning our company is estimated to have appraised over 200 Billion of assets. Considering the value of a single Boeing 747 alone it is not an outlandish estimate. 

In his history we see a self made man who has operated with multi million dollar budgets, he's got a proven track record of what it takes to run a business and that is what Goverment is, a business.  There is proof in his history that he's not afraid to take on the tough projects and see them through till the end regardless of who is involved and that his greater purpose is one of being a fellow citizen, neighbor and knows there is more to the story then the bottom line.

Fred is also accomplished/experienced with land use development. He's acted Pro Se in numerous legal matters and has won cases at the 11th Circut Court of Appeals so he has a working knowledge of the law as well.    

Having appraised all over the state we have touched every economic base in the county and surrounding counties and see first hand the damage that has been created by uncontrolled development.  I believe Fred has the expertise to truly see the larger picture and can assist in bringing development and infrastructure in balance.

There is no doubt Fred is qualified for a leadership role as a county commissioner. He has been there done that and wore the tee-shirt to prove it. I know that he has a vision for the county and we will hear it in time. We are lucky to have folks of this type of leadership experience to step up.

As it is said, “beside a great man there stands a great woman.”

Magnum, Thank you for the positive stroke. Like anyone else I have "great" days, or moments but when it's all said and done,  and life is over I will settle for just being "decent". 

There will no doubt be those who believe he's not qualified, those that honestly believe it and those who will say that because their choice has already been made because they support the Republican Party regardless of anything else.  For me personally it doesn't take all that much to be qualified to serve as a Commissioner, and most of it is not accomplishment but in your values where Goverment is concerned.  In listening to some of the Candidates give their bios', hearing about the long and deep ties to the County, numerous Committees or projects served on it's impressive.  However, is that what it takes to make a good Commissioner?  If you ask me that could be part of the problem, too many ties, too many friends, a network of people that works towards a specific or generic goal without actually thinking for themselves, they act in the manner they do merely because someone asked them to.  It seems to me that "Political Dynastys" is what has caused alot of problems across this entire nation so how can it serve the local level any better?

I would think that the county would be better served at least by a mix of those who don't have this grip on the throat of the county.  Both Mike Heemer and Fred are "new blood", not "old school".  Not all traditions are worth hanging onto.

We need Commissioners who have the intelligence to be able to wrap their brains around the issues at hand but also utilize some common sense.  Our County Legislators are like Parents, guiding us around the hazards of growing, and maintaining a balance in influence, or should be.  Overall I believe we have a buildup of too much influence coming from the same places and it's time to put some common sense back into decisions that have far reaching effects on the "county family" 

We need Commissioners who actively seek to involve the people, not merely tolerate them.  We also need Commissioners who's every action is not based upon what will get them elected, or keep them in office.  This is where people are going to have a problem with Fred because he's going to tell it the way he see's it, not what will get him elected.  If the citizens don't want what he's selling then it will not disappoint him to remain in the private sector.  

Fred is not a career politician, nor is he seeking to become one.  He's gotten involved because he's very unhappy with the way somethings are being done and he wants the opportunity to effect some change.  He supported HDA, and will continue to do so because he believes the people have a right to a say in what goes on around them.  He actively supported the second petition drive to do away with the 2 at large.  He is all for reducing salaries and putting the power of salary increases in the hands of the voters.  He also doesn't believe the taxpayer should be paying lifetime benefits for for a few years of service.  He is in support of the impact fees except for cases where an individual wants to build a home for themselves on land they already own.  He believes 77K an acre is a ridiculous price for the taxpayer to pay for land on that beltway.  He disagrees that the process of Eminent Domain would make the cost that high and he has the professional expertise to know.  Although it's an issue that will be decided at the State level he also believes it's wrong to give those who will profit significantly from it's construction tax exemptions that will ultimately be put on the back of the taxpayer.  Remember anytime the "goverment" gives something away you're footing the bill.

It is my opinion that the "need" for this beltway has been fabricated by those who will profit from it, for years.   There are no guarantees that a beltway will bring anymore industry to the county, it will just bring exits for more gas stations, resturants and hotels.  I also don't buy the evacuation rhetoric when they're going to tear down an existing bridge.  There is nothing wrong with profit, and expansion, but how much profit is enough is where the rubber meets the road for me. 

Fred and I don't always agree, and there is no one out there who is going to agree with everything he says or does.  What I hope people look at is the overall man and come to believe by Nov that he is worthy of your trust that he intends to do everything he can to set somethings back on the right path. 

I've known Fred for 11yrs and we've been married for 5.  For the 5yrs we dated I did everything but run him off with a shotgun before I married him.....  

The man is truely "Fearless".

Lots of favorable opinions from the public (that's us), as well as some background info from his wife, but nothing at all from the candidate himself.  ???????? 

Bob,

As I said in my original blog, Fred will be joining the blogs in the next few days.  I announced his candidacy here at his request because I'm already a member/user/blogger and he isn't.   Until he was able to get here and speak himself I was just giving background information on who he is, where he's from etc.

He is spending time with his Daughter, and Grandson who are visiting from out of state that he hasn't seen in two years. 

Is Fred going to be at the OP town hall debate on monday for District 5? I'd love to hear from him

Marsha,

Go Fred! Its a big committment (financially and otherwise) to get in the race.  Fred follows the footsteps of Ron Raymond and Ken Francis who paid their way on the ballot instead of gathering petitions.  I commend all three who put their money where there mouths are.

Since I am a voter in your district, I wanted to follow up with a few questions that maybe Fred can address when he joins.  They aren't anything that someone else won't ask so let me be the first.  I'm concerned about big business and mindset of our officials.  I'm worried about people being in awe of big business and people hating big business.  There has to be some common sense.  You said Fred has no connections to big business, but then told us about how he had the larges appraisel company in the state, owned airlines and appraised power plants.  These are big business in my book.  There are many, including me, that don't have the resources to keep up with that kind of business. 

Also, you said that county legislators are like "parents guiding us around the hazards".  Maybe this came out wrong or different than it sounds.  I reeeaaally don't want to think of county commissioners as my parents.  The government I want doesn't act like my mom or dad.  In fact, I don't want my government telling me what I can or can't do.  I want them to build my roads and keep my house safe.  Beyond that, I know best.

I agree with Fred on HDA, lowering salaries and impact fees.  That's a good start.  But what about the recent petition drive? You said he'd never do anything to make it harder for someone to have a voice.  I have 3 commissioners to vote for now but Fred only wants me to vote for one.  I don't want my voice taken away.  None of the candidate forums in district 5 even had candidates from other district races.

As for the beltway, I think it really makes a difference for district 5.  Looking at where it would go, with tolls, district 5 needs a commish to look long and hard, but have an open mind if it would bring some jobs.  I don't know the answer on that.  Its tough.

Thanks for listening.  Hope the questions were taken like I meant.  Good natured and trying to get to know a new candidate.  Thanks.

Good night!

Byron M. 

This is great stuff!

It looks like 3 of the 5 Commissioner races will be going to the November ballot. This can only be a good thing for the County! Do I feel a breeze from the winds of change? Could this be the start of something new in County politics that we actually have more than one party represented at the polling booth?

Fred, Ron, thanks for jumping into the fray. It's going to be interesting to see how things play out. I'm of the opinion that it is about time that we have some spirited campaigning going on beyond August. We need some new blood and some new ideas in the mix.

I like Fred's thoughts on the Beltway. I saw in another blog about it sitting on the shelf for 20 years while the property tax issue is studied. My gut feeling is that there is enough money being thrown around that it will be brought up for decision in a lot less time than that.

My feeling is that it probably should never have made it this far. Not in the current configuration anyway. From what I can see it was flawed to begin with. Then when you start mixing in the politics and money it gets real ugly. From what I've seen, they can't even figure out a good way to collect the toll from anyone except local users.

This is one of the reasons I think the HDA amendment needs to be on the ballot. Let's find out if the voters want to have a say about some of the 'improvements'. But then I'd guess that is why there is so much money being thrown around to keep it off the ballot. They are afraid that the voter does want a say and that what they say may not be to the developer's advantage.

I hope the voters take a good hard look at where the money is coming from to support some of the campaigns. Talk about 'grass roots' movements. Ron is going up against $50K, I'm going up against $50K and Fred is going up against at least $15K (though I think that may get higher soon).

I saw a comment in another blog from a poster that was concerned that with all the people running in D-5 that it might 'dilute' the vote. That can only happen with the REP candidates and that only affects the Primary vote. Fred, Ron and I only have to worry about one of them in November.

Mike Heemer

OPDave:

Just so there is no misunderstanding, I volunteer to provide the following clarification about who can speak at an official Republican party meeting.

Republican candidates who appear and speak to present their candidacy to an officially-sanctioned meeting of the Clay County Republican Party are required under state party rules to be officially running as Republicans.  That is, they are seeking to be the Republican party's nominee to be on the November ballot to run against any non-Republican candidates running in the November race.

This clearly precludes "write-ins", non-partisan or independent and democratic party candidates from speaking as candidates at an official Republican party meeting.

All members of the public are invited to hear the Republican candidates present their candidacy and ask questions on issues.

I hope this is helpful.

Tom Platt

"Winners walk out laughing; losers cry, 'Deal again!'" - Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band

 Political Advertisement Paid For and Approved by Tom Platt, Republican, for County Commission, District 1.

Dave,

No, Fred won't be at the debate tonight mainly due to prior committments but as Tom pointed out, he would not be able to speak anyway, this is a Republican thing.  Hopefully at some point at least after the Primary there will be a few sponsored debates for the general election. 

Byron,

First of all your questions were taken in the spirit they were intended.  Thanks for pointing out there are two other Candidates who paid to get on the ballot.  I was only reporting what I was told that came via the SOE Office.  I guess it's possible that information changed quickly in that day or two before the deadline.

With the way you translated my "parent" analogy I would have to agree with you!  What can I say, it sounded good at the time.  I don't type my blogs into word and research every little thing I say before I submit the comments, and even if I did there are very few facts in evidence in this world that cannot be disputed.

When I said that Fred has no connections to big business I meant he has none that have any interest in Clay County whatsoever.  Developers and Builders have their own tight little circle of who they use where our profession is concerned and we are not a part of that circle.  We work primarily with lenders they lobby at the Federal level, not at the County level.  I think it's safe to say, most of the big business that is involved in local politics in Clay County is Developers, Builders, Realtors and their Lobbyists. 

While an Airline sounds like big business, with regards of comparison to the Industry the Airlines he owned/ran were small potatoes.  I'm talking 10-15 aircraft versus the several hundred of commerical airlines. 

In regards to the two extra Commissioners and you seeing it as a contradiction you have to remember that as a private citizen he supported doing away with those because he believes we don't need them and shouldn't be spending money on them. This issue now stands before the people to be decided. Both of you have the right to vote your conscience come November.  What I was referring to was that as a Commissioner he would not support anything proposed by the BCC or the CRC that would limit the voice of the people.  We both have a basic belief in less goverment, not more and with the current economic conditions, revenues are down....so much so that the BCC dipped into the reserves for somewhere around 600K to pay the countys fuel  bill. The County Mgr himself recently said it will get worse before it gets better.  School programs are being cut, roadwork is being cancelled so adding two more Commissioners and the lifetime benefits that come with them to us is just NOT essential, practical nor does common sense support it.   Even if you accept on faith that those two extra positions were created with an honest belief it would serve the county better what has happened since then with tax reductions, the housing market, gas prices makes it all moot.  All of this IS NOT going to turn around overnight and I personally believe as many, that it's going to get much worse before it gets better.  You have to remember that Commissioners set policy, and I think all of our county revenues are better spent supporting the infrastructure then two more policy makers.

Like Mike Heemer says, why pay for 12 to do the job if 10 can get it done.

I am not politically savy, and I am not sure there is any benefit to getting that way, it's liable to warp my mind.  I've been blogging here since the site began and now I find myself the wife of a Candidate.  I am not going to fade into the woodwork, despite what my Husband does I am still an individual with a mind of her own and I intend to stay here.....though it all and I am going to be the same person I always have been. Even if the bizzare happens and he wins!  Sometimes I'm right, and sometimes I'm wrong and sometimes a little off center.  I am however sincere, and honest and will not "assume the position" and nod my head and agree publicly with my Husband if I don't agree with him in private. We're in business together and disagree all the time, partners do that.

I hope most will believe in the positive, understand and forgive the negative and bear with me in the next several months as I feel my way through this to the best of my ability.

Mike......Welcome Back!  I hope you and your lovely Bride enjoyed your vacation!

Tom;

That is only as it should be. If you are not a Republican candidate in the Primary you should not be allowed to 'officially' speak. That was why I made my comment at the one held at the FI Library when Durwood asked if I was going to be allowed to speak. It was not my place to do so and I wanted everyone to understand that I knew that. I was there as a private citizen seeking to hear what the Republican Candidates had to say.

As Marsha mentioned perhaps some of the groups holding 'Forums' can pony up and hold some debates after the Primary. I know this is unusual but at least for this year there will be 3 Commission seats voted for in the General Election. WoooHoooo!!!!!

I think it would be a great injustice to the voters of this county if there weren't at least 2 debates (maybe even 3) for each seat. If there is a Democratic or Independent group active in the area they need to start working now. If not, then some of them need to get going to form one and become active.

Mike Heemer

Mike:

The only other groups sponsoring "forums" around the area which have or might in the future include non-partisan candidates are the local chamber of commerce and the Green Cove Springs merchants's association.

I thought the GCS merchant's association forum was executed nicely, and did include Marsha speaking, I believe, on your behalf. 

I do not know if the Clay County Chamber of Commerce would be receptive, however, to the same idea.  

 Hope you can make the forum tonight!

"Winners walk out laughing; losers cry, 'Deal again!'" - Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band Political Advertisement Paid For and Approved by Tom Platt, Republican, for County Commission, District 1.