District 5 Commission, Democrat: John Hartman

August 25, 2008

NAME: John F. Hartman

PARTY: Democrat

OCCUPATION: Retired with 29 years experience in Government.

BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS IT RELATES TO THE DISTRICT 5 COMMISSION SEAT YOU ARE SEEKING:

I have recently retired from employment with Escambia County after 29 years. I began my employment at the entrance level as a maintenance person and worked my way to the position of Director for Facilities Management.

When the County Administrator position became vacant in September of 2007, I was asked to serve as the Interim Assistant County Administrator, while the search for a replacement was conducted.

That opportunity as well as my tenure as the Director of Facilities Management has given me a unique perspective on just how County Government operates.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING ESCAMBIA COUNTY (THE ENTIRE COUNTY) IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS:

1. Ever increasing unemployment rate (currently at 6%) – To address this we need to improve economic development opportunities by showing leadership and working more closely with the various Chambers of Commerce, Legislative delegation, and local and regional business entrepreneurs.

2. Reduction in tax revenue – To address this we need to reduce our overall budget needs by consolidation of certain Governmental functions:

• Human Resources
• Purchasing
• Information Technology
• Permitting & Building Inspections

3. Attracting new business – Evaluate and improve the counties development permitting and inspection review processes to encourage new development and make it more customer friendly, also if we are going to continue to utilize the Chamber of Commerce for economic development we need to look at creative ways to provide more funding like Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

Potential funding sources:
A portion of the cigarette tax Florida collects.
Cable franchise fees the County collects.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING NORTH ESCAMBIA (MOLINO NORTH), AND HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES?
We still have drainage and road paving problems in District 5 and if acquiring right of ways is such a big problem maybe we need to address our policies for acquisition.

We need to better inform citizens who are being affected by zoning changes and how the changes will affect their quality of life, in regard to schools, traffic, and marketability and usage of their homesteads.

Escambia county is currently developing a Government channel for television, we need to make sure North Escambia can have access to informative programming even if you do not have cable.

We need more community centers in Molino, McDavid, and Century and access to at least minimal Library services.55

I do not agree with the closing of Carver/Century School, as it will effect economic development and bringing new families to Century. Did we really need GPS systems on our school buses? We are trying to bring business to the Alger Sullivan property prospects not only look at transportation and infrastructure for their products but quality of life issues for their workforce.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD NORTH ESCAMBIA VOTERS KNOW ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PLANS FOR DISTRICT 5?

I believe I do have the leadership experience and passion that it takes to be your District 5 County Commissioner and promise to devote whatever time and effort on my part it takes to help not only District 5 but also all of Escambia County to be the best it can be, to work and raise our families. If I did not think I could make a positive difference I would not be running for this office. If I am elected to the office I will not forget the citizens of District 5, who put me there. I also believe the days of being a part time Commissioner are gone.
I do not believe we give enough credit to our farmers in Northern sector who do provide jobs and I believe will become more instrumental in providing resources not only for our tables but in the future potential fuel and energy alternatives. I do support the farm bureau and County Extension.

Recently the Pensacola News Journal said I considered myself to be a “political wonk” the definition is somebody who is a nerd and will check out the facts before making a political decision I guess like sticking your toe in the water before jumping in. I plead guilty.

Thank you for this opportunity to present my views and please remember John F. Hartman in the August 26 primary election and then in the November 4th General election.

YOUR WEB ADDRESS: web.mac.com/johnboy_01/Vote4Hartman.com/John.html

PHONE NUMBER(S): cell (850) 982-2036

EMAIL: jb19977@cox.net

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under General 

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