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Rep. Matt Gaetz Discusses Issues With Locals In Century And Jay
February 22, 2019
Congressman Matt Gaetz brought his “Open Gaetz Day” tour to Century and Jay on Thursday, an area he had not visited during his term.
“These communities have unique challenges with infrastructure and with the environment and agriculture that we don’t l necessarily hear about in the more urban areas of our district. So I am here to learn how I can be a better congressman for every town in Northwest Florida, not just the major urban centers,” he said.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Century Mayor Henry Hawkins said he wants to see an expansion of the town’s sewer system. Gaetz explained that the best source of funding would be the state.
“We are going to be in the golden era of environmental infrastructure in Florida during the DeSantis governorship,” he said.
During an afternoon roundtable with the Century Town Council, Century Chamber of Commerce officials and local citizens, Gaetz asked what should be the “brand” of Century headed forward.
“We’ve lost the brand of this town,” Century council member Ben Boutwell said. “There’s no industry here, that’s what’s hurting us. Our infrastructure’s failing. You brought that up. We have to rebuild that to get an industry in here. Something’s got to come to help us.”
Gaetz again pointed to state funding, rather than federal, to help the town.
“In Northwest Florida’s communities, they don’t care if the federal government or the state government is the solution. They just want the solution,” said Gaetz.
The Congressman spent most of his day in Jay, where he made several stops. He visited the Terrace at Ivey Acres Assisted Living Facility where he was met with chants of “Build the Wall”, toured the Jay oilfields and Escambia River Electric Cooperative and had lunch with local leaders.
He started the day at Jay High School, where he said students encouraged him to support national legislation against texting and driving. The day ended with a town hall meeting at the Linda Carden Community Center in Jay.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com and courtesy photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
4 Responses to “Rep. Matt Gaetz Discusses Issues With Locals In Century And Jay”
Out of curiosity, did anyone mention to him the years long water issues in the town of Jay? Due to work, I was not in attendance of any of these town hall meetings.
These towns are desperate for help. So you come to tell them to call somebody else for help. The voters want more than I feel your pain. Maybe use your influence or have your assistant make some phone calls to those who can . The voters get called and asked for their votes.
Sounds like he listened and suggested they look to the State for belp.
It is always good for a politician to get out and talk to the people. Politicians are the voice of the people and there is only one way to become that voice. Listen to the people that you represent.