Mary Hudson Bourgeois
November 5, 2018
The following is a response to a candidate questionnaire sent to all four candidates for two seats on the Century Town Council. Responses have not been edited.
Candidate: Mary Hudson Bourgeois
- Current occupation: Self Employed Hudson’s Cafe and Antique Shop
- Previous occupations: Release Estate and Antique Shop
- Civic, church and other community involvement? Century Methodist Church, Community Redevelopment Association, Century Chamber of Commerce, Century Lions Club, Alger Sullivan Historical Society
- Education: 2 years of College
- Previous offices held, previously sought: President of the Century Chamber of Commerce (current) Vice President of the Century Chamber of Commerce (2 years)
- Why are you running for Century Town Council?
- What makes you the most qualified candidate for a town council seat? Without good leadership nothing gets accomplished! My business experience over the past 40 years qualifies me as a leader in budgeting, planning, policy and procedures required to run a successful business. Hiring qualified professionals that can work together to accomplish goals, customer relationships.
- What are the three most important issues facing the Century Town Council? We have to have communication between the Mayor and Council, Transparency, and all the facts to make good Finance decisions and a solid plan for budgeting.
- Do you support Home Rule? Home Rule is the ability to establish its form of government through its charter and to then enact ordinances, codes plans and resolutions without prior state approval. To further be able to enforce them “at home” and to make necessary changes as the Town of Century grows is a great reflection of the trust that citizens have in their respective Town Council members. Yes, with the understanding of how the governing body works. The Council is the governing body… and our mayor has to be forth coming and presents ALL problems and request to the council prior to action and not after the facts. Abiding by the Charter and presenting a complete financial assessment to the Council and Town Accountant. We have to work as a team.
- Do you support the provisions of the Sunshine Law? Should Century’s government become more transparent; and, if so, how? Yes, I do support the Sunshine Laws. If The Mayor and or Council members do not understand them, my thinking is that a course be given to understand basic laws. I highly recommend that we hire a Town Administrator or a Town Manager that is qualified and has prior local government experience and reports directly to the council.
- How can the Town of Century solve current town government financial issues? What do you see as the biggest issue? By reducing the number of personnel in the office and requiring team work. Similar Towns/Cities run their office with 2 or 3 persons. WE have to getting a billing system in place. The meters are not being read correctly and billing is a problem. Stop all over time!!! We have to have a plan to resolve some of the town’s finances and communication between the Council. Biggest issue is funding the gas department.
- Are there any ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see added? The Town’s Sign Ordinance needs to be updates to improve the U.S. Highway 29 corridor Consideration should be given to posting stop littering signs, a fine if trash cans are not taken off streets.
- The Town’s Sign Ordinance needs to be updates to improve the U>S> Highway 29 corridorConsideration should be given to posting stop littering signs, a fine if trash cans are not takenoff streets.
- Are there any additional ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see eliminated? I would need to see a list of ordinances/regulations to make suggestions.
- How can Century better work with the county and state? Economic Growth for Century
- Are there are services Century should consolidate with the county? (no answer)
- How does Century attract additional businesses and/or jobs? How does Century work to support/grow additional businesses? By working with the Town’s economic partners to include Florida West, The University of West Florida’s Hauss Center the Century Chamber.
- What should Century do about the vacant Alger-Sullivan property? How? First, needs to be cleaned up. Work with owner to get companies to bid cleaning the site. Research redevelopment options/proposals and solicit citizens input/comments on plans for redevelopment.
- What should be done with the “Helicopter Technology” building in the Industrial Park? The town should come up with a plan to up-grade the building, install what is needed to put on the market for Industry, to help with Century’s growth for jobs.
- How does Century solve the gas department financial issues? SHOULD SELL and move forward!!! Install the meter at the gate station that measures the amount of gas purchased and out go. How many commercial customers? How many residential customers do we have in Century? Encourage competitive bids for materials and supplies by advertising a solicitation for bids.
- What changes, if any, should be made to the Town Charter? Amend the Charter and adopt a procurement policy. Mayor/Town Clerk and Council needs to understand how the charter reads and abide by the charter.
- How does Century improve its public image? Start solving problems within Council, Mayor and Town Accountant in a business forum not a blaming session. Bringing everything to the table so good honest discussion can be made which will benefit our town’s growth.
- Summarize your four year term of office plan for Century: My four year plan while I am serving the Town of Century as your councilwoman, I will offere new ideas for a plan to rebuild Century. Quality of life also means qualify of jobs. I will create a better relationship with our town government and our community. Help cut spending and balance the budget. Help beautify promote tourism in Century. We have to have economic growth to raise our population which can bring schools back. Working together we can Rebuild Century.
Benjamin D. Boutwell
November 5, 2018
The following is a response to a candidate questionnaire sent to all four candidates for two seats on the Century Town Council. Responses have not been edited.
Candidate: Benjamin D. Boutwell
- Current occupation: DoD USAF Retired – Asst Baseball Coach Coastal Alabama
- Previous occupations: DoD USAF Civil Service
- Civic, church and other community involvement? Lions Club; Escambia County Community Action Board Member; President Century Community Redevelopment Agency
- Education: 3+ years college
- Previous offices held, previously sought: Century Town Council Seat 3; Competed for Mayor 2016
- Why are you running for Century Town Council? To effect a positive change both economically and culturally in our Town.
- What makes you the most qualified candidate for a town council seat? My military career taught me the invaluable skills of leadership, supervision and communication. All of these are vital when serving the community.
- What are the three most important issues facing the Century Town Council? Getting our Gas Dept in a fiscally sound position. Put our community in a position to entice new business growth. Nurture a community mentality.
- Do you support Home Rule? Yes
- Do you support the provisions of the Sunshine Law? Should Century’s government become more transparent; and, if so, how? All forms of government must be transparent to ensure the support and trust of the citizens. As an elected official, I work FOR the citizens of Century.
- How can the Town of Century solve current town government financial issues? What do you see as the biggest issue? Of course our Gas Department. Due to a lack of effective metering, we have not been able to properly track usage nor bill properly, leading to a significant deficit.
- Are there any ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see added? Our town Charter is in dire need of being reviewed and updated in the immediate future and on a semi-annual basis afterwards.
- Are there any additional ordinances/regulations in Century you would like to see eliminated? N/A
- How can Century better work with the county and state? By becoming more active in County led initiatives that directly impact Century. By being a positive presence to spread the word about our town and its needs.
- Are there are services Century should consolidate with the county? Escambia County provides us with Police, Fire Dept and other services that are financially not feasible for us to assume. All others should stay the Towns responsibility.
- How does Century attract additional businesses and/or jobs? ow does Century work to support/grow additional businesses Cleaning up our town, presenting a positive environment that appeals to the over 10,000 cars that travel Hwy 29 daily; aggressively advertise our Industrial Park properties. I’m of the opinion we don’t do enough. We need an aggressive Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Committee working with County resources to promote our town.
- What should Century do about the vacant Alger-Sullivan property? How? There are numerous environmental issues associated with this property that must be addressed before any advancements can be made.
- What should be done with the “Helicopter Technology” building in the Industrial Park? It needs to be brought to code ASAP. We always have interests expressed in leasing the building, but by brining it to code it will make it more appealing to those businesses.
- How does Century solve the gas department financial issues? Due to a lack of effective metering, we have not been able to properly track usage nor bill properly. The problems have been identified and are currently being rectified.
- What changes, if any, should be made to the Town Charter? Our town Charter is in dire need of being reviewed and updated in the immediate future and on a semi-annual basis afterwards.
- How does Century improve its public image? Century citizens MUST become leaders in our community. Each of us MUST be a direct reflection of the image we want others to see in this town. The more positive we bring into our lives and our neighborhoods, the more likely we are to weed out the negative.
- Summarize your four year term of office plan for Century: I have continually worked to clean up Our Town through community and personal efforts. As President of the Community Redevelopment Agency, I am aggressively working with our Town Planner and County and State representatives to pursue positive growth. I will continue to promote our Town. Its time to make forward progress.
Trump Brings Republican Campaign Message To Escambia County (With Gallery)
November 4, 2018
President Donald Trump brought his “Make America Great Again” message to Pensacola Saturday evening along with a simple message — get out and vote Republican.
As Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” played, Trump walked on stage where he was greeted by Vice President Mike Pence.
“If this election is based on crowds, they might as well cancel it because we won,” Trump said as supporters waived “Keep American Great”, “Stand Up for America” and “Finish the Wall” signs behind him.
“This is a big beautiful crowd. Pensacola, Florida, we love it. I love the state of Florida, and I tell you we love the Panhandle.”
Trump’s “Make America Great Again” rally came just three days before Tuesday’s general election.
“In just three days, the people of Florida are going to elect Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis,” Trump said. He also pitched for Ashley Moody, candidate for attorney general; Matt Caldwell, running orr agriculture commissioner; Jimmy Patronis, CFO candidate; and Congressional incumbent Matt Gaetz. Each spoke before the rally, including Gaetz who led rousing chants of “build that wall”.
Trump recognized Atmore native and heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield, and he invited former Florida State University coach Bobby Bowden onstage.
Trump’s speech took place in a new ST Engineering hangar at the Pensacola International Airport with Air Force One just outside the hanger doors. An estimated 3,000 people attended the rally.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured top. Former FSU coach Bobby Bowden speaks as President Donald Trump looks on. Pictured inset: Trump address a crowd in an airport hanger in Pensacola as Air Force One sites outside the hanger door. Pictured below: Trump address a crowd in Pensacola Saturday evening. Pictured below: An estimated 3,000 people attended the really. Pictured bottom: Vice President Mike Pence welcomes Trump to the stage. Photos by Perry Doggrell and others for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Byrneville Elementary Holds Annual Fall Carnival
November 4, 2018
Byrneville Elementary School held their annual Fall Carnival Saturday.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
NWE Chiefs Take Sophomore Championship With Win Over Jay (Photo Gallery)
November 4, 2018
The undefeated NWE Chiefs won the Sophomore ERC championship Saturday 32-13 over Jay.
For a NWE Sophomore photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The NWE Sophomore Chiefs took the ERC Championship Saturday in Poarch. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill VFD Honors Firemen, Community Member During Fish Fry (Photo Gallery)
November 4, 2018
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during their 49th annual fish fry Saturday.
Arthur Levins was named Firefighter of the Year, an award chosen by his fellow firefighters, Gerry Steege was named Officer of the Year and recognized for his service to the department. Northview High School agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor Perry Byars received the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department’s Community Service Award for outstanding and dedicated service to the community.
Well over 600 people enjoyed fried and grilled catfish or grilled chicken plates during the event, with proceeds to be used to provide assistance to displaced fire victims in the area.
Pictured top: Walnut Hill VFD Community Member of the Year Perry Byars with District Chief Chris Brown. Pictured below: Fried catfish fresh out of the cooker, Officer of the Year Gerry Steege, Firefighter of the Year Arthur Levins, and a portion of the crowd. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
About A Third Of Escambia Voters Have Already Cast A Ballot
November 4, 2018
About a third of Escambia County voters have already cast their ballots ahead of Tuesday’s general election.
A total of 70,774 ballots received by Saturday represents a 33.23 percent turnout so far.
Early voting ended Saturday night in Escambia County with 39,052 votes cast. An additional 31,696 ballots had been received by mail.
A total of 26 ballots have been marked as provisional.
Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday.
NWE Freshmen Finish As ERC Freshmen Runners-up (Photo Gallery)
November 4, 2018
The Freshmen NWE Chiefs fell just short of an ERC championship Saturday with a 12-7 loss to Excel during play in Poarch.
For a NWE Freshmen photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Increasing Clouds As Showers Move In Tonight, Monday
November 4, 2018
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Tonight: A 20 percent chance of showers. Patchy fog after midnight. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. East wind around 5 mph.
Monday: A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Areas of fog before 9am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Thursday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 5 mph becoming northwest after midnight.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 68.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Veterans Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 66.
Tate Cheerleaders Win Big At Cheer For Hope Competition
November 4, 2018
The Tate High School Cheerleaders started their competitive season Saturday at Cheer for Hope in Ocean Springs, Miss.
The Aggie Varsity Coed squad won first place in their division and took the Show Stopper Award, which is awarded to the team with the highest score for the entire competition.
The Tate Junior Varsity Squad wone first place in their division, and they won the Stellar Stunts award.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.