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
District 5 Commission, Democrat: Jim Barnett
August 25, 2008
NAME: Jim Barnett
PARTY: Democrat
OCCUPATION: Owner of Gateswood Sports Inc in District 5.
BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS IT RELATES TO THE DISTRICT 5 COMMISSION SEAT YOU ARE SEEKING:
I have operated a business in District 5 for over 30 years. My home and my church, Highland Baptist, is in Molino. I have had the privilege to listen to the residents of District 5 with their concerns relating to our County Government, I have been a Leader in stepping up for them and resolving issues.
WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING ESCAMBIA COUNTY (THE ENTIRE COUNTY) IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS:
- The downturn in the economy nationwide has severely impacted Escambia County. We must work to encourage International Paper, Solutia, Gulf Power and General Electric to enhance and expand their work force. These jobs are in District 5 but help the entire area.
- Restore the faith of the voters in our elected officials. The voters deserve to have confidence that their elected officials are wisely using the county’s tax dollars.
- Congested roadways from downtown Pensacola, Perdido Key and north to the Highway 29 raceway must be addressed.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING NORTH ESCAMBIA (MOLINO NORTH), AND HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES?
- The ever present problem of booming growth above Molino and the constant need to upgrade and pave dirt roads. With only 3 million dollars spent in District 5 paving last year, the county has 233 million dollars reserves sitting in a bank. Could we not at least spend 6 million on paving in the North end of the county?? That would be a good start.
- Property tax relief should have been a priority in 2006 when there was a 31 million dollars surplus. This was tax dollars out of our pocket, above and beyond the budget. Last week the Commissioners “Found 111″ passenger cars that could be sold as surplus. Who has been driving those cars and who did they think paid for them??
- There must be a concerned effort in helping Century and the surrounding area. The voters in Century are asking for increased Law Enforcement to help stop the increasing drug problem. Too much time and money is spent promoting downtown Pensacola while the residents of North Escambia is ignored.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD NORTH ESCAMBIA VOTERS KNOW ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PLANS FOR DISTRICT 5?
I have stood up for your constitutionals rights on the floor of the County Courthouse, State Senate and the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. I was the Chairman of “Dump the Charter” in 1995 when we defeated the “Downtown Written” Charter by 56 votes. I served you in 1970 in Vietnam and 2004 in Iraq. I am the proud and Longest serving member of the Atmore National Guard where many voters in District 5 has served.
I am a Tate Band Booster and active in the Community.
Keeping our Jobs, paving roads, revitalizing Century; It can be done. We must stop wasteful projects. Your Vote-Your choice
YOUR WEB ADDRESS: (none)
PHONE NUMBER(S): 476-0674 (work) 516-4984 (cell)
EMAIL: jhbarnett2004@yahoo.com
ECUA Candidates Repond To NorthEscambia.com Questions
August 25, 2008
The race for the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 5 will be decided by voters on Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com emailed a candidate questionnaire to both candidates in the race last week, using the email addresses each had on file with the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections.
Both candidates responded, and you read what they have to say by clicking their names below.
District 5 School Board: Tom Harrell
August 25, 2008
NAME: Tom Harrell
OCCUPATION: Retired Principal-R. C. Lipscomb Elementary
BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS IT RELATES TO THE SCHOOL BOARD POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING:
I am a proven educational leader who puts children first in all decisions.
Teacher at Ransom Middle School for 17 years.
Assistant Principal at Brentwood Middle School for 3 years.
Principal at Escambia Westgate School for 5 years.
Principal at R. C. Lipscomb Elementary School for 10 years.
District Administrator on Special Assignment for 1 year.
Adjunct instructor at Pensacola Junior College for 10 Years.
Prior to becoming a teacher, I owned and operated my on business.
I retired from the Escambia School District in 2006 with 35 years of service. I returned to work in the 2007/08 school year first as a math coach at Bellview Elementary School and in October 2007 was hired as a District Administrator on Special Assignment. I resigned from this position on June 18, 2008. My experience ranges from elementary through junior college.
Education
B. S. degree in education from the University of West Florida
M. S. degree in educational administration from Troy State University
Ed. Spec. degree in educational leadership from the University of South Alabama
Education
B. S. degree in education from the University of West Florida
M. S. degree in educational administration from Troy State University
Ed. Spec. degree in educational leadership from the University of South Alabama
WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING THE ESCAMBIA SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS:
Our District is facing a period of declining revenue. We must learn to do more with less and set priorities that puts children first in all decisions. I have the experience and expertise to manage large budgets. I will work collaboratively with others to bring about change.
District 5 is the largest district geographically. In my opinion, the last four years the citizens of District 5 have not received the level of representation on the School Board that the public deserves. As your School Board member, I will visit schools on a regular basis and talk to the principals, teachers, parents, and community members. I will return your phone calls and emails and I will be a positive and proactive member of the School Board. I will listen to the community’s concerns and make sure your voice is heard.
We need to continue to provide the resources necessary to improve our test scores.
We need to pay our teachers and employees a comparable salary with other Districts. This will help us maintain and attract the best qualified teachers for our students.
We have a mobile student population and our facilities do not match up with where students live. We need to look more closely at long range plans for our facilities.
WHAT CHANGES DO YOU SEE, OR DO WE NEED, IN NORTH ESCAMBIA SCHOOLS?
Growth is going to be a big issue in the coming years. We need to start preparing now for the impact of additional students. We need to take a long range look at facilities. I would recommend that we request a review of the five year plan from the Department of Education. Our facilities do not match up with where our students live and that is why it important for us to start the process of closing schools with the inner city first. Also, in my opinion we are going to need a new middle school in District 5.
WHAT SHOULD HAPPEN TO CARVER/CENTURY K-8 SCHOOL, AND WHEN?
I am against closing Carver/Century School for the following reasons:
It is not in the best interest of the children, parents or the community to close the school.
The distance to other schools is too far. It is one thing to choose to go to another school but parents should not be forced to bus their children up to 17 miles away from their community.
When I look at the situation from a cost perspective, I don’t see the big savings that they are projecting. I believe that transportation costs will consume a big portion of the savings.
We have programs and schools all over our School District that are not cost effective and we make exceptions. Due to the geographical location of Carver/Century School, I believe that this school should be one of those exceptions.
The town of Century is doing a good job in trying to attract industry and businesses. Closing the school will only hurt this process.
The process for closing schools needs to begin with our inner city schools. We have schools that are only a few city blocks from each other.
However, we do have too many schools in our District and we need to reduce the number as a cost saving measure. The School District needs to develop a master plan for closing schools and it should have clearly defined criteria that everyone can understand. The process should allow for adequate time for community input. Finally, the School District needs to stop talking about closing Carver/Century and perhaps this would help encourage some of the students to return.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT WALK LIMITS FOR STUDENTS, ESPECIALLY IN A RURAL SETTING LIKE NORTH ESCAMBIA?
I believe that we need to make exceptions to the walk limits for the rural part of our School District where there are safety hazards and no sidewalks. Our first priority should be the safety of the children. Also, anytime changes are made to policy in this area we need to give parents plenty of notice and give them an opportunity for input.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD NORTH ESCAMBIA VOTERS KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I am a proven educational leader who puts children first in all decisions. Those who know me will tell you that I am a trained professional who educates from the heart. I have the vision, common sense and organizational expertise to make a positive difference for our community and School Board. We are facing some very difficult budget issues and this is not a time to elect someone who will need on-the-job-training. I have 36 years of proven educational leadership experience at all levels -elementary through junior college. I will work with the superintendent, other School Board members and the community in a positive and collaborative way to set priorities that puts children first.
My wife an I have been married 38 years and have three children who all attended school in District 5. We both are retired from the Escambia School District.
I have lived in Escambia County since 1969 and District 5 since 1976.
My son is a teacher at Brown Barge Middle School and my daughter teaches at L. D. McArthur Elementary.
Honors
Principal of the Year for Escambia School District 2006
Recognized twice by the Escambia School Board for outstanding service
Awarded master teacher status by the State of Florida, 1985
Teacher of the Year for Ransom Middle School,1980
Paul Harris Fellow–Cantonment Rotary Club
Organizations
Lifetime member of the PTA
National Association of Elementary School Principals 1989 to present
Florida Association of Elementary School Principals 1989 to present
Escambia Association of Administrators in Education 1989 to 2006
Cantonment Rotary Club 1996 to present
ECUA District 5: Larry Walker
August 25, 2008
Name: Larry Walker
Occupation: Faculty, University of West Florida (retired)
BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR EXPERIENCE AS IT RELATES TO THE DISTRICT 5 ECUA SEAT YOU ARE SEEKING: Four years as appointed member of the Finance Advisory Committee and sixteen years as an elected member of the Authority.
WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES FACING ECUA (IN THE ENTIRE COUNTY) IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS:
- Completion of the Central Water Reclamation Facility project, including industrial reuse of 80-100 percent of CWRF effluent by Gulf Power and International Paper
- Continued expansion of the wastewater collection system—that is, (a) running sewer lines into old neighborhoods that need and want sewer and (b) ensuring that all new development in southern part of county is on sewer
- Reduction of infiltration of sewer lines by stormwater. Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis, and Katrina caused thousands of breaks, loosened joints, and weakened manholes in the wastewater collection lines. The cost to repair, over thirty years, will be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. A beginning must be made within the next four years.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST ISSUES FACING NORTH ESCAMBIA (MOLINO NORTH), RELATED TO ECUA, AND HOW WILL YOU ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES?
- Residential sanitation. Who will collect the garbage and yard debris, and how well will they do the job? Allied Waste Services (AWS) has had a poor service record, overall, and I favor the ending of Allied’s contract at the earliest possible date. Their contract extends until March 2010, but I am hoping to see it ended by, say, January 1, 2009. In that event, ECUA will extend service into the northern franchise area. I am confident that ECUA will provide better overall service than Allied has done.
- Northward extension of ECUA’s wastewater collection system (i.e., sewer lines) beyond the current northern limits of the Central Industrial Park on Highway 29 and housing developments on Quintette Road. A long-range goal should be to provide sewer service to the Molino business strip on Highway 29 and to new subdivisions in the Molino area.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD NORTH ESCAMBIA VOTERS KNOW ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PLANS FOR ECUA DISTRICT 5?
- As long as Allied provides the residential sanitation service, I will be an active watchdog of Allied’s performance. Ill-served customers should call to inform me of poor performance by Allied. Customers who have a defective Allied container—no lid, broken lid, no wheels—should inform me. Since December 2007, I have gotten Allied to repair or replace nearly 300 cans.
- Despite the fact that ECUA directly serves none of the NorthEscambia area, I will personally serve by participating in the community life of the North End. I am a member of the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society, the Barrineau Park Historical Society, and the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club. I will visit many churches and attend community events whenever possible.
YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.larrywalker.com
PHONE NUMBER(S): (850) 723-6094 (cell phone)
EMAIL: larry@larrywalker.com or lwalker@ecua.org
Final County Update On Fay
August 24, 2008
The Escambia County Emergency Operations Center closed at 8:00 Sunday morning. Here is their final update:
Escambia County Emergency Operations
- The Emergency Operations Center deactivated at 8:00 a.m.
- Officials will continue to monitor the rivers.
- At this time, there are no anticipated closings.
Escambia County School District
- Schools will be in session tomorrow.
Shelters
- The American Red Cross shelter at Pensacola High School Gym closed this morning.
- A total of 19 people, 15 clients and 4 special needs patients utilized the shelter.
Sand Bags
- If you have sand bags and once you feel you no longer need the sand and bags, please
- Empty the sand and spread it in your yard.
- Store the bags for future use.
- The bags will not last if stored with sand in them.
Beaches
- Pensacola Beach will continue with normal operations today.
- Yellow flag conditions (swim with caution and where lifeguards are on duty).
Citizen Information Line
- The Citizens Information lines closed at 8:00 a.m. Sunday
Flood Warning Has Been Canceled For Escambia River
August 24, 2008
The Flood Warning has been canceled for the Escambia River near Century.
Sunday morning, the stage was 5.5 feet. No flooding saws occurring, and no flooding is forecast. Flood stage is 17 feet,
Power Companies Report Few Outages
August 24, 2008
Both power companies that serve North Escambia were reported few outages from Fay. By contrast, in Alabama, power companies reported nearly 50,000 people lost power, mostly in a line from Dothan to Montgomery.
Gulf Power company was reported that less than 50 people lost power across all of Escambia County. Escambia River Electric Cooperative reported just a few isolated outages Saturday, and they said crews were quickly able to restore those customers.
Gulf Power Company and Escambia River Electric were on standby to respond to problems.
EREC outages can be reported to their automated system by calling 1-877-OUT-EREC (1-877-388-3732).Gulf Power is able to detect most widespread outages during a storm and customers should wait a reasonable time before calling in an outage report. The company encourages customers to call 1-800-GU-POWER (1-800 487-6937) for reporting outages.
EREC serves about 10,000 members in northern Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida, including Walnut Hill, Bratt, Davisville, McDavid and Jay. Gulf Power serves the rest of the North Escambia Florida area, including Molino, Century and Dogwood Park.
Falling Tree Destroys Two Century Trailers Saturday
August 23, 2008
A falling tree destroyed two trailers in Century Saturday afternoon as Tropical Storm Fay approached.
The adjacent mobile homes were hit by a dead oak tree that fell. Now two Century families are homeless.
Annie Smith and her family were inside on mobile home when the tree fell; Johnnie Carter and is family were inside the other. No one from either family was injured.
The trailers were located at 805 and 807 Salter’s Lake Road, near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue.
The highest wind gust reported in Century Saturday afternoon prior to the tree falling was 28 mph.
The Century Volunteer Fire Department responded. The Town of Century assisted with the cleanup.
Pictured above: A falling tree destroyed two mobile homes in Century Saturday afternoon as Tropical Storm Fay approached. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photo, click to enlarge.
Latest Update From Escambia Emergency Operations Center
August 23, 2008
Below is the latest update from the Escambia Emergency Operations Center:
Escambia County Emergency Operations
o Emergency Management Officials are continuing to monitor Tropical Storm Fay.
o The Emergency Operations Center is partially activated at this time.
o There are no evacuations or protective actions at this time.
o The public will be advised as soon as any decisions are made.
o The declaration of local state of emergency was signed at 10:20 a.m. Friday,
August 22, 2008.
o A declaration of local state of emergency allows the county to implement
protective actions if needed.
Escambia County School District
o Officials are continuing to monitor the situation.
o A decision on closings has not been made at this time.
Beaches
o Officials would like to remind everyone to stay out of the water at least through
Wednesday. There is a high risk of rip currents during this storm.
o Lifeguards will be patrolling tomorrow.
o Expect Red Flags Conditions (no swimming) for Sunday.
Shelters
o American Red Cross opened a shelter at Pensacola High School Gym at 1:00
p.m. on Saturday, August 23.
o A nurse will be on duty for special needs patients.
o As of 3:30pm, there were 14 people and 2 special needs patients with care givers
utilizing the shelter.
o Pensacola High School is located at 500 West Maxwell Street, Pensacola.
Pensacola Regional Airport
o The airport will remain open.
o Travelers should confirm flight status through the individual carriers.
Health & Safety
o When driving, always be aware that the road bed under flood waters may be
severely damaged.
o NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Remember that it takes only two feet of
water to carry away a vehicle, including pickups and SUVs.
o When walking, do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Remember that it takes
only six inches of rushing water to knock an adult off his feet.
o If your vehicle stalls, get out immediately and go to higher ground.
o Be extra cautious at night, when it is harder to see possible flood dangers.
o These four words could save your life: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.
Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT)
o The Beach Trolley Service on Pensacola Beach will not operateSunday.
o All other mass transit services will operate as scheduled until further notice.
University of West Florida
o The campus plans to remain open through the weekend.
o Classes will be held as scheduled on Monday.
o For more information, please visit http://uwfemergency.org.
Pensacola Junior College
o 9th Avenue Campus
PCAT test scheduled for Sunday, 8/24/08 will be cancelled,
Motorcycle Safety class # 8000 schedule for 8/22/08 – 8/24/08, the
outdoor portion has been cancelled.
o Milton Campus
Computer lab and Life Center will be closed 8/23-24/08.
Department of Solid Waste Management
o All Recycling Bin sites are open and ready for use.
Utility Information