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St. Johns County Commission, District 5

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In District 5, Republican Rachael Bennett won the Republican primary to face independent candidate Randy Brunson in the November General Election.

Rachael L. Bennett

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PARTY:  Republican

AGE:  58

FAMILY: 

OCCUPATION:  Planner and land management consultant

EDUCATION:   BLA from University of Florida; currently enrolled in Masters of urban and regional planning at University of Florida

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:  City of St Augustine Beach Planning and Zoning Board

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?

  • "Election of a true conservative Republican that embraces fiscal responsiblity, reduction in governmental regulation, and attention to economic recovery.
  • "Strategic planning that will bring in business opportunities and jobs.
  • "Balancing of the tax base to reduce the burden on homeowners."


    • HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THAT OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CANNOT?

    • "I have ten years of experience with land use questions, interaction with regulatory agencies, and a working knowledge of the business environment and the many disciplines involved in economic development projects. I am a small business owner, a property owner, and am invested in making St Johns County the best it can be!"


    WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?

    • "I would like to be remembered as someone who participated in bringing the government in St Johns County back to the people, who always listened with respect to the thoughts and concerns of the residents, businesses, and fellow commissioners, and who consistently made decisions that brought benefit to the County and my constituents. This position is one of responsible and responsive collaboration."


    CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:  RachaelLNennett.com

    Randy Brunson


    PARTY:  No party affiliation

    AGE:   75
     
    FAMILY:   Married 35 years to Carol; 2 children - Randy Jr. and Tracie; 3 grandchildren, Ethan, Evan and Ryan
     
    OCCUPATION:   Retired Commercial Banker
     
    EDUCATION:   Attended Valdosta State University and various American Management  Association college courses
     
    POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:   Elected in 2006 to commissioner, St. Johns County Airport Authority.  Chairman, Business, Industry, and Government Committee of the North Florida Transportation Organization
     
    WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?

  • "The ad-valorem taxes for St. Johns County is approximately 13% Commercial and 87% Residential.  This is tremendously out of balance.  We need aggressive programs that would attract quality, clean industry to the area to fund the programs that are essential to provide the services that government should provide and additionally creating new jobs.  This also is essential in reducing taxes to the citizens.
  • "It is imperative that we set our priorities to fulfill the programs that government is mandated to do:  Public Safety thru our law enforcement and Fire and Rescue, to maintain and provide infrastructure, and to provide the services for our quality of life for all tax paying citizens. 
  • "The County Commission should work closely with all government agencies: local, state, and federal reducing excessive regulations. The most important is working closely with the County School Board to continue maintaining our high level of education."

    • HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THAT OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CANNOT?

    • "My proven track record in large corporate business and small business, involvement in County Government, Community activity - Ambassador for Chamber of Commerce and various fund raising activities set me apart from my oponents. I am the only candidate that has reduced and eliminated taxes."

    WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?

    • "That I treated all citizens with dignity and respect and made myself available on all issues."


     
    CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:  ElectRandyBrunson.com

    WJXT

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