Mike Cella
Republican
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Age: 62
Family: Wife, VIcky, Daughter Lauren, Son Brian
Occupation: Small Business Owner/ Jumperz Fun Center
Education: BS Broadcast Journalism, University of Bridgeport, CT
Political experience: Previously elected 3 times to FLeming Island Plantation CDD Board of Supervisors
What do you see as the top three issues in this race?
1) Public Safety
2) Economic Development
3)Roads and infrastructure
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Experience and community leadership. I have owned a business in Clay County for the past 7 years, 30+ years in radio and TV broadcasting plus 12 year as on the Fleming Island Plantation CDD Board (10 as Chairman)
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would like to be remembered as someone who was able to keep Clay County a great place to live, work and raise a family at the same time help the county move ahead improving roads, attracting new business development and maintaining a high standard of public safety.
Campaign Website: MikeCella.com
Facebook and/or Twitter pages: Mike Cella for Clay County Commissioner
Michael Kerekes
Republican
Age: 28
Candidate's family: Single
Occupation: Prosecutor (Attorney)
Education: Graduate of the Clay County School District. Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Finance. Juris Doctorate.
Political experience: Served as Precinct Committeeman for the Clay County Republican Executive Committee for more than 10 years. Previously appointed by the Clay County Board of County Commissioners to serve on the Charter Review Committee where I was elected by my peers to be the Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race?
1. The Budget: As a Commission, we are responsible for constantly reviewing and maintaining the integrity of our budget. As a fiscal conservative, I believe we must constantly look for places to trim excess spending and prioritize projects based on the benefits they will offer to our community as a whole. We can continue to grow the county's tax base by continuing to promote new growth and development. Although the growth
has slowed in recent years compared to the 1990's, Clay County is still a growing community. I am opposed to any Commission impact fee and would support offering incentive packages to encourage business relocation.
2. Public Safety: The Commission is responsible for funding the sheriff's office. As a Prosecutor, I have dealt with crime, and seen the affects it can have, firsthand. I believe that my experience in the courtroom is one of the reasons the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors has chosen to endorse me in this race. We must ensure the resources are available to stop the crime I see everyday in Duval County from spilling over I-295 and into Clay County.
3. Protecting our Quality of Life: Most Clay County residents have chosen to live here because of our excellent quality of life. More than just libraries, Clay County offers parks, trails, boat ramps, and a safe and clean environment to raise a family. This must be protected, not only for current residents but also to continue growing as a county. This would also include continuing to improve upon the county's infrastructure. The western and southern portions of Clay County still have a high number of unpaved roads. Without paved roads, many businesses are deterred from moving to Clay County.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I believe I am the stronger candidate in this race for three key reasons:
1. My Background: I am a Clay County native. I've watched my community grow around me. My parents originally moved here with the military and decided to stay and raise their family here. Now I plan to stay here and one day raise a family of my own. From a young age I have been involved with various organizations and boards and believe my background makes me an excellent candidate. I'm excited about the opportunity to make a difference in this community that I love so much.
2. My Legal Experience: As a lawyer, I understand not only how laws are made but also how to read them and interpret intent. I was Chairman of our Charter Review Legal Affairs Committee and am intimately familiar with our Home Rule Charter. As a Prosecutor, I have not only dealt with victims of crime and worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement but I have also seen the damage caused to families and ultimately our community. Presently there are no attorneys on our Commission and I believe I will be a valuable asset.
3. My Commitment and Dedication: I have a reputation as a hard worker and someone who always works to get the job done. I will devote my full attention to the needs of our community as a Commissioner and will always be accessible to the public and other stakeholders. Serving as a Commissioner means working together with all interested parties to make the best decisions as a whole for Clay County.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would hope to be remembered for making my community a better place to live. I consider it a true honor to serve my community, the community that I grew up in. I am proud to call Clay County home and plan to one day raise my own family here. I look forward to serving on our County Commission and representing the taxpayers.
Campaign Website: www.VoteKerekes.com
Facebook and/or Twitter pages: