Our national and local election cycle is fast approaching and there are decisions to be made in addition to that of President. I and my family are St. Johns County residents, having moved here 16 years ago following 41 years in the Navy, starting as a Seaman Recruit and ending as a four-star Admiral commanding the Atlantic Fleet and US Fleet Forces Command. Like many of our St Johns County friends and neighbors, I was and still am attracted to Florida for its healthy outdoor weather, the flourishing economy (opportunity), world-class beaches, and conservative tax policies.
Having served for most of my adult life sailing in ships and living around the world, I did not vote in State, County, and local elections, voting solely for Presidential and Congressional candidates. Since moving to St Johns County though, I am clearly impressed with the impact local and County officials have on all of us, from tax levying, tax revenue distribution, and the education and safety of our kids.
In essence, the responsibility of our County Commissioners is to levy taxes on us when necessary…and always fairly for the common good of all our neighbors being taxed. And this “Fair and Equitable Taxation for the Common Good” principle is why I am supporting a new District 1 candidate to replace the incumbent, Jimmy Johns. I have attended Commission meetings at St. Augustine and listened attentively to the Commissioners. More importantly, I’ve watched in dismay at some of their votes. Some votes have actually defied logic. Specifically, in spite of the glowing generalities in Jimmy Johns' slick political handouts, he has voted regularly against the principle of fair taxation and fair distribution for the common good.
Examples:
(1) Johns was the ONLY commissioner to vote against incrementally enhancing security for St Johns County school kids after the horrific Parkland massacre. Come on…a vote against our school kids’ safety?
(2) Johns voted to implement beach parking fees at a time when the county was running a budget surplus! What a financially irresponsible move for a politician who claims to be a fiscal conservative. Thankfully, beach parking fees were never instituted given the public outcry.
(3) Johns was the ONLY Commissioner to vote SIX times-SIX TIMES against restoration of Ponte Vedra’s Beaches. His vote helped make PV Beach one of the ONLY Florida beaches not being renourished from hurricane damage. And all St Johns County citizens benefit from those beaches, from families enjoying them, to County-wide benefits derived from out of area visitors’ hotel tax payments, to visitors’ frequenting local businesses, stores, and restaurants throughout the County.
I have talked with candidate Christian Whitehurst who has committed publicly and personally that he will correct these kinds of nonsensical votes coming from Jimmy Johns. This August is time to elect a Commissioner who will VOTE fairly and equitably for ALL St Johns County residents. I support Christian Whitehurst. Please VOTE on August 18. Early voting opens August 6.
