The following contested races will appear on the Aug. 26 ballot in Clay County.

Channel 4 sent questionnaires to every candidate on the ballot, and received these replies. They are presented verbatim as they were received.

Scroll down and read about the candidates in primary races for offices in Clay County.

SHERIFF - Republican

Rick Beseler

AGE: 54

FAMILY: Married for 27 years to wife Joan, 3 children, 4 grandchildren

OCCUPATION: Currently serving as Clay County Sheriff

EDUCATION: Masters Degree, University of North Florida, Criminal Justice Management. Bachelor of Science, Florida State University, Criminology. Associate of Arts Degree, St. Johns River Junior College. FBI National Academy 141st Session, Quantico Va.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Elected Sheriff of Clay County 2004

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

1. Reductions in funding due to Amendment 1 and falling property values will stretch our resources very thin as our population increases. How will the next sheriff handle these challenges?
2. As population increases so will the incidence of crime, especially violent crime. Managing our limited resources to target problems areas and individuals will be essential. Does the next sheriff have a plan to do that?
3. Traffic related issues continue to be the most frequent complaint the sheriff receives. Our traffic fatality rate has fallen 28% due to good enforcement efforts and that needs to continue. Will the next sheriff make traffic a priority?

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
I am the only candidate with the proven experience to handle the issues facing the Sheriffs Office. I not only have a plan, I am currently working the plan which has the budget, crime rates, and traffic fatality numbers going in the right direction. Don't mess with success, let's not fix what is not broken, keep an experienced sheriff working for you.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
Restoring honesty, integrity and high standards to the Clay County Sheriffs Office

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: beselerforsheriff.com

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Aaron "Gary" Newman

AGE: 66

FAMILY: Wife, Mary Anne; 2 adult children; one granddaughter

OCCUPATION: Retired, U. S. Navy & Civil Service

EDUCATION: Attended St. Johns River Community College; Police Standards Academ; Community-Oriented Policing - State Certified Crime; Prevention Officer; FDLE Instructor Course; Defensive Tactics Instructor;- Supervisory & Management courses; Extensive training in Anti-terrorism; Nuclear, biological & chemical warfare; Field Training Officer; Weapons of Mass Destruction; FL First Responder Awareness; FDLE Executive Seminar for Chiefs of Police; Incident Commander Certification Course

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

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

1. Morale within the sheriff's office.
2. Reduction of operating budget by $2.1 million
3. Crime prevention

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
My 23 years of proven experience as a manager, administrator and leader of a fully-faceted police department (NAS JAX) will prove to be the difference. I will return the Sheriff's Office to a pro-active agency through community-oriented policing.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
A Sheriff who served his community with integrity and trust with an ability to work effectively within the community.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: none

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Mike Taylor

AGE: 42

FAMILY: Married to wife Tari for 21 years, 4 Children.

OCCUPATION: FDLE Special Agent Supervisor (Retired)

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology, Saint Leo College (Summa Cum Laude). Associate of Arts Degree, Saint Leo College. Foundational Leadership Program Graduate, Florida Department of Law Enforcement. FDLE Drug & Money Laundering Investigation (Curriculum Author). Advanced Drug Investigation, DEA. Basic Drug Investigation, DEA.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Lead Special Agent on three Governor’s Protection Details under Governor Lawton Chiles, Buddy McKay & Jeb Bush.

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

1. Restoring Leadership to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. We must appoint qualified law enforcement professionals to positions of leadership within the Sheriff’s Office.
2. Restoring National Accreditation that was lost under the current administration. National Accreditation sets the standards and required proofs of compliance to demonstrate to Department members, our law enforcement peers and the public we are operating at the highest levels of excellence.
3. Budgetary constraints. The Sheriff’s Office must not over inflate a budget in the beginning of the fiscal year only to return money at the end of the year for political gain. The Sheriff’s Office must prepare an honest fiscally conservative budget to provide for the public safety needs of our citizens to reduce property crime, violent crime drug and gang activity.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THAT OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
I have been a patrol deputy, traffic homicide investigator, property crimes detective, persons crimes detective and sex crimes detective. I have worked street-level, mid-level drugs and organized crime undercover. I was the Lead Special Agent on three Governor’s Protection Details, worked undercover money laundering and major drug investigations in Miami. I was a sniper on the Special Ops Team and the Team Leader for the Counter Assault Team in Miami. As a Special Agent Supervisor, I directed the White Collar Crime Squad and Major Drug and Money Laundering Squad, coordinated Homeland Security Funding for Regional Domestic Security Task Forces. I have been a real law enforcement officer at virtually every level. If you are to lead men and women in law enforcement, it is certainly incumbent upon you to have a broad range of experience in the job you direct them to perform.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
Today men and women do not feel safe to shop at our own Orange Park Mall on the weekends and even fear being car-jacked in major store parking lots in broad open daylight. I am committed to fighting violent crime, drug crime and gang activity to make Clay County a safer place for our children. I will not go to sleep each night without asking myself if I have done everything I can that day to make it a safer day than it was the day before. I hope folks in our community will feel that I made a difference!

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.MikeTaylorForClaySheriff.com

Other Contested Races In Clay County's Aug. 26 Primary

CLERK OF COURT - Republican (Open)

With no Democrat in this race, voters of all parties can cast ballots in this Republican primary.

James B. Jett

AGE: 55 y.o.a.

FAMILY: Married: Wife...Anne, Daughter...Alana, Son...Tyler, Son...Cody

OCCUPATION: Elected Clerk of the Court, Clay County

EDUCATION: Associate of Science Degree from St. Johns River Community College. Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Central Florida. Graduate of Jacksonville Police Academy, with honors. Graduate of F.B.I. National Academy. Certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Clerk of the Circuit Court in the State of Florida.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Elected Clay County Commissioner, 1982 to 1994. Elected County Comptroller, 1998 to 2000. Elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, Clay County...1998 to present

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

The top three issues facing the voters of Clay County in this race are examining the candidate's qualifications, experience and record of public service.
1. There is only one candidate in this race with a background in Law Enforcement, with judicial experience, and certified by the Florida Supreme Court to be a Clerk of the Circuit Court in the State of Florida. There is only one candidate endorsed by the Clay County Fraternal Order of Police, Clay County Firefighters and the N.E. Florida Realtors Association.
2. There is only one candidate who has experience in operating a governmental office, "LIKE A BUSINESS". Upon being elected to the clerk's office we began examining every position and task within our office. We were able to decrease our staff levels by 13.2%, which has resulted in our office returning to the taxpayers, over $4 million dollars in unspent budget monies. We have less full-time personnel today than was in our office in 1998.
3. And, lastly, there is only one candidate in this race with a "PROVEN RECORD" of placing client service 1st. We have successfully placed your official/public records on an internet website for free public access, instituted credit card payments for court fines and fees over the internet, began accepting electronically recorded documents and significantly improved the technology within our courtrooms for easy access and presentation.
   Your Clay County Clerk of Courts office is setting the standard for public access and client service through increased technology and this candidate will continue to place Clay County's taxpayers as #1.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THAT OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?
By utilizing my Law Enforcement and Judicial Experience, I know where to go to help a voter/constituent who may need to access our Court System. I have successfully worked with all factions of the judiciary to solve problems and address client concerns. Client service has always been our #1 focus and our #1 priority.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
For my...Honesty, Integrity and dedication to public service

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: None

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Wayne Spivey

AGE: 62

FAMILY: Wife Susie, Sons Aaron, Ben, Erich, Tim; Stepsons Jan and Richard; Daughters Michelle and Angel; Son-in-laws Emery and Glen; Daughter-in-laws Olga, Andrea and Donna; 19 Grandchildren; 1 Great Grandchild.

OCCUPATION: Retired Infantry Lieutenant Colonel, US Army Reserves, Freelance Writer for Neighbor to Neighbor newspaper

EDUCATION: BSBA 1969 (UF), MBA 1975 (UNF),Infantry Officers Advanced Course, Command and General Staff College 1982 (US Army), Doctoral Candidate (UF) Currently.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Elected Clay County Commissioner 1976 to 1988, (6 years Chairman or Vice-Chairman); Elected by peers as President of the Florida Association of Counties 1985/86, Appointed to the Metropolitan Planning Organization 1985/88; Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army Reserves 1969 - 2005 with active duty in Vietnam and Desert Storm (LTC, Infantry).

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

1. The Clerk's office should be the best in the state. Digital/Paperless Technology is the next step to improved customer service and lower costs to the taxpayers. That's the main issue. The business community has saved billions of dollars for many years with cutting edge technology but local government still lags behind by at least five years. Currently, all of the Clerks in the state of Florida have modernized the Clerk's functions but I intend to help draft new legislation to improve local government, as I did when I served as President of the Florida Association of Counties. I will keep Florida's new fee system to a minimum and improve customer service with sound business practices.
2. Ethics, truthfulness, honesty and integrity have become issues in this campaign. My candidacy embraces the notion that the Clerk of Courts should be a public trustee whose job is guardian of public records, public funds, and public property - providing customer service at the lowest cost to the taxpayers.
   I believe it is unethical to ask public employees for campaign contributions. It is also unethical for the clerk to drive a public vehicle 24/7, for personal trips and campaigning. Those gas receipts for the past nine years of the current administration should be audited and the clerk should reimburse the taxpayers for all these unauthorized trips. I will personally drive my own car to work, pay for my own gas, pay for my own clothing and pay for my own gym membership. Most taxpayers don't realize they are currently paying for these things.
   The Clay County Courthouse is a place of justice and the Clerk of the Courts should set the highest example.
   My leadership style embodies working closely with local, state and federal governments and helping forge new legislation to lower fees and taxes. I enjoying working with local judges, county administrators, business leaders, the military and citizens.
3. Money saved should be kept in Clay County to expand the Clerk's Branch Offices to five days a week to better serve the Keystone Heights, Middleburg/OakLeaf areas of Clay County. The branch offices are currently open only one day a week - Keystone Heights on Tuesdays and Middleburg on Wednesday. At the Middleburg Civic Association Forum on June 9th, the incumbent claimed to have turned in $8,000,000 to Tallahassee. At the Orange Park Republican Forum he claimed $4,000,000 sent to Tallahassee. What is the true figure? Shouldn’t the Clerk’s budget be posted on the official CAMPAIGN WEB SITE for all to see? At any rate, Clay funds should have remained in Clay County. Under my leadership we will reach out to the ever-expanding Keystone Heights, Middleburg and OakLeaf citizens with improved services and job opportunities.
   "'The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in the direction we are moving,' is a quote from the great physician and poet Oliver Wendell Holmes," said Spivey. "I intend to keep the Clerk's office moving in the right direction to better serve the people of Clay County." Leadership in the community, in business, within local government and the family will help make Clay County an even better place to live, work and worship.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
There are many ways to help voters and citizens of Clay County. Higher education and leadership are key. I am the only candidate with advanced business management degrees: BSBA (UF), MBA (UNF), Doctoral Candidate in Higher Education Administration (UF). I am the only veteran in this race (Vietnam and Desert Storm) with leadership in managing large workforces, both military and civil service. I have advanced college credits in accounting and economics, and the only candidate who has taught graduate school finance. I am the son of a retired Navy Chief and have been an effective liaison between Clay's military and civilian communities.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
Humble Servant of the People...Always Honest and Truthful

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: SpiveyForClerk.com

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS - Republican (Open)

Stephanie Thomas, Deborah Ricks and Chris Chambless are running in this primary. Since no Democrat or independent qualified in this race, the primary is open to voters of all parties and the candidate receiving the most votes wins the office.

Chris Chambless

AGE: 45

FAMILY: Wife, Kellie with two beautiful daughters, Katie and Rachel

OCCUPATION: Former Clay County Assistant Supervisor of Elections

EDUCATION: Recent Graduate of the Elections Administration program from Auburn University and the Elections Center.

POLITICALEXPERIENCE: 10 years of service with the Clay County Elections Office

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

1. Continuing fairness and impartiality for all. The Supervisor of Elections has a high ethical duty to every registered voter, every candidate, and every taxpayer in Clay County to run a completely non-partisan office, where voters and candidates from every political party, or Independents, are treated equally and fairly. Even though the Supervisor of Elections is an elected constitutional officer with a party affiliation, that affiliation cannot come into play at any time when carrying out the duties of office.
2. The current voting equipment in use by today's Supervisor of Elections will be at the end of it's designed life in 2009. As a result, it will be up to the next Supervisor of Elections to select new equipment which will not only meet current needs, but have the ability to take Clay County elections safely into the next decade and beyond. The choice for new equipment must be made judiciously and with a combined eye on being a good steward of taxpayer monies while at the same time selecting the most qualified and sufficient equipment.
3. The Supervisor of Elections office has one of the smallest permanent staffs of all of the elected constitutional officers. Every paid position must be as productive as possible, and good use of highly motivated part-time employees must also occur throughout every budget cycle. Therefore, the elected Supervisor must have the ability to manage the elections office from a position of knowledge and experience, not from a position of going through on-the-job training. The Supervisor must be willing and able to understand and intelligently supervise every position in the office, from computer systems to warehousing functions. No job must be too small for the Supervisor to undertake when necessary, and whatever the Supervisor asks someone else to do, they must be willing to do, too.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
As the longest serving employee of the Supervisor of Elections office among all of the candidates vying for this position -- including most recently as the Assistant Supervisor of Elections -- I have full knowledge of all operations of the elections office, including having worked closely with retiring Supervisor of Elections Barbara Kirkman to 10 years ago select the current voting equipment used in this election.

I am Florida's 21st nationally recognized Certified Elections/Registration Administrator, as designated through graduate course work at Auburn University. I am not a politician, but I am a professional elections official, who has a complete and full understanding of modern technology, the ins-and-outs of elections offices, and all of the myriad of details that compose a successful election. I have already assisted with the completion of 50 successful elections in all parts of Clay County. I know the strengths and weaknesses of the elections process in Clay County, and I seek to continue the positive work that has been completed by retiring Supervisor of Elections Barbara Kirkman and her predecessor, retired Supervisor of Elections Dorothy Holt.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
I want to be remembered as a successful Supervisor of Elections who grew up in Clay County, graduated from Orange Park High School, went to serve my country in the United States Air Force, and then returned home to put the many skills I had learned to work for the good of my fellow citizens.

I want to be remembered as a young father who served his fellow taxpayers honorably, his family as a good husband and provider and example for his children, and his church as a dedicated member who was not afraid to practice the morals and ethics of his faith and religion.

I hope my successor will be able to run his or her campaign and say, "I want to be as good of a Supervisor of Elections as Chris Chambless has, who came into office on a positive note, ran the office in a fair and ethical way, and leaves the elections office as one of Clay County's best constitutional officers."

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.ElectChrisChambless.com

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Deborah Ricks

Channel 4 has not received a response from this candidate.

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Stephanie Thomas

AGE: 44

FAMILY: Married 19 years. Son, student FCCJ - Daughter, Senior at Fleming Island High School

OCCUPATION: Human Resource Manager

EDUCATION: BS UNF 1996. MBA Jacksonville University 2001

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

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

1. Maintaining Clay County's well earned reputation in conducting accurate and impartial elections.
2. Remaining at the cutting edge of elections technology despite tough economic times.
3. Combating voter apathy with enthusiastic outreach programs.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?
I am the only candidate with a diverse background with a combination of 20 years of elections, business and legal experience.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING THIS OFFICE?
To becoming the leader in the state for voter turnouts with a highly informed electorate.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.votestefanie.com

COUNTY COMMISSIONER - At Large - Republican (Open)

Republicans Diane Hutchings, Ronnie Coleman and Paul Ackley are the only candidates running for this seat, so all voters can cast ballots in the primary. The candidate receiving the most votes wins the seat.

Paul N. Ackley

AGE: 70

FAMILY: Wife Marty, 6 children, 11 grandchildren 2 great grandchildren

OCCUPATION: Retired

EDUCATION: BS in Business from George Washington University. Graduate of Naval School of Hospital Administration.

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

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

1. The lagging economy. One of the largest industries in the County is the housing industry. That industry provided most of the local employment across several trades and related businesses. Some builders state that they will not build within the County in the foreseeable future. That translates to loss income for a large segment of the population and a loss of tax revenue to the County. We need to attract industry to the County and at the same time provide incentives for existing industry, not penalties such as impact fees.
2. We need to improve the infrastructure to provide the roads and other services to support the planned controlled growth.
3. We need sensible solutions for the disposal of solid waste. As the population grows, the problem grows larger. At present solid waste is transported to Georgia at great expense. There are now ways to dispose of solid waste without creating landfills and providing syngas and electrical energy in the process. Even old landfills can be mined and processed to create energy. It is no longer rocket science. The technology is already here.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
By getting industry moving in Clay County. Provide incentives to keep and attract industry which will increase our tax base and eliminate the necessity to impose penalty taxes such as “impact fees” (another way to say tax) which are proven not to provide the needed revenue. In other words, grow the ecomomy.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
Being a fair, honest, hard working servant of the people that moved Clay County forward without increasing taxes.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: None

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Ronnie Coleman

AGE: 63

FAMILY: Married to Marlene Kelly Coleman. Have 5 children and 15 grandchildren.

OCCUPATION: Clay Sheriff Department Reception Detention Center; Publix Supermarket

EDUCATION: Robert E. Lee High School 1963; Attended Jacksonville University, Studying Business Management

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Ran for public office 5 times. Ran for Sheriff in '92, Ran for Supv. Of Election in '96, Ran for County Commissioner 3 Times. Served on numberous County Committees for the last 20 years.

WHAT ARE THE THREE TOP ISSUES IN THIS RACE

1. Transportation.
2. Economic Development.
3. Keeping our citizens informed & bringing accountability,

HOW CAN YOU HELP THE VOTERS IN A WAY THAT OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
I will a full time commissioner. And I will not have any special interest groups to have to satisfy when voting for Bills that will affect our citizens.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER YOU LEAVE OFFICE?
That I have made the quality of life in Clay County a better place to live in. I hope that our county will grow on the economic side for our citizens.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: Do not have one

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Diane Hutchings

AGE: 47

FAMILY: Husband, Brett Hutchings - Daughter and son-in-law, Ashley and Adam Gilhousen - Son, Kyle Hutchings

OCCUPATION: Financial Planner, CFP

EDUCATION: [No reply]

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Mayor & Council Member Green Cove Springs City Council 1993-1999

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

1. Transportation within our County as well as connectivity to major interstates in our region.
2. Growing and diversifying Clay County’s economy.
3. Transparency in our local government with a focus on giving the best service to our tax payers in return for their hard earned tax dollars.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
This seat is only a two-year term for this first race, which makes my local government experience of even greater importance. Along with my 6 years of experience I am a graduate of the Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. Additionally, I feel my professional training, as a financial planner will enable me to offer the insight of planning our future rather than reacting to what may come. We have a wonderful opportunity to set a course that will impact not only our quality of life today but also that of future generations.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
I hope to be remembered for my character, my leadership and for being a part of setting the direction for Clay County’s economy, quality services, and planning for the future.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: NA

COUNTY COMMISSIONER - District 1 - Republican

Republicans Tom Platt, David McCall and Wendell Davis are running in this primary. The winner will face write-in candidate Charles Nelson in November.

Wendell Davis

AGE: 65

FAMILY: Married, 3 grown children, 2 grandchildren

OCCUPATION: Realtor

EDUCATION: Bachelor and Master's Degree, UF

POLITICALEXPERIENCE: No previous elected office

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

1. A lack of quality economic development - we need to diversify and strengthen our economy.
2. Taking millions of gallons of water and shipping to other regions of the state -- we can not allow our watr resources to be depleted.
3. Transportation bottlenecks -- more jobs in Clay, thus reducing commuter traffic, and adding new traffic intelligent systems allowing for better coordination of heavy traffic.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
I have been active in the community as Past President of the Chamber, meeting and working with both State and Local officials to resolve our issues, Past Chair of Clay Transportation Advisory Council. I am a consensus building, problem solving person.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
: Wendell always had the best interest of our citizens at heart, and worked hard to improve the quality of life where we live.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.electwendelldavis.com

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David K. McCall

AGE: 46

FAMILY: Wife Sharon of 25 years, Daughter Miranda 8

OCCUPATION: Lieutenant Jacksonville Fire/Rescue

EDUCATION: A.S.Degree from FCCJ. Paramedic cert. Emergency Medical Technition

POLITICALEXPERIENCE: Appointed to several community boards. Elected as an advisor to the Jacksonville Police and Fire Pension Fund

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

1. Economic developement
2. Maintaining services(police and fire)
3. working within our current revenue

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
Leadership.I will use my 20 years of experience in local government.Knowing how the government works to assist the voters with the issues that concern them.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
: I will be remembered by my integrity,honesty and character

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: electdavidmccall.com

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Tom Platt

Channel 4 has not received a response from this candidate.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER - District 3 - Republican

Republicans Deborah Terry and William "Travis" Cummings are running in this primary. The winner will face independent candidate R.G. "Ron" Raymond in November.

Travis Cummings

AGE: 36

FAMILY: Fiance- Jessica Cloutier

OCCUPATION: Financial Services Consultant

EDUCATION: Masters Degree in Business (MBA)- University of North Florida; Bachelor of Business Admin- Accounting, Valdosta State University; Orange Park High Graduate

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Mayor- Town of Orange Park; Councilman- Town of Orange Park

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

1. Transportation- due to unchecked growth to the south and west of District 3, our roads and highway systems are failing badly. The magnitude of the problem is even greater when considering that +60% of the workforce in Clay Co commute to outlying counties each workday, mainly using Hwy 17, Blanding and I-295. We must evalute alternate forms of transportation, as well as introduce "intelligent" transportation solutions that provide more than additional lanes for traffic.
2. Public Safety- District 3 is the most densely populated area of Clay County and borders Duval Co to the north. Due to aging infrastructure and further urbanization, investment must be made into the area of public safety to ensure our neighborhoods remain safe. The Sheriff's Office budget falls under the County Commission.
3. Fiscal Responsibility- the weak economy and property tax reform at the state level has forced local governments to cut their budgets and, in some cases, reduce services to its residents. Clay County has been more fortunate than many, but challenges remain ahead. We must continue to locate inefficiences and waste within our government, while continuing to provide a high, responsive level of services to our taxpayers. This must be accomplished without tax increases.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
I have proven experience and leadership through elected, appointed, professional and volunteer positions. My educational and professional background has a strong financial base that served me well as Mayor and Councilman in Orange Park. Clay Co is nearing 200k in population and has a growing presence in our region. We need experienced, professional elected officials that have the fortitude and commitment to not only identify the key issues, but to provide solutions and produce results. Thus, I feel that I am the most qualified candidate to represent District 3 on the County Commission.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
That I was an honest, approachable and caring public servant that fought hard for Clay Co and its constituents. Such efforts resulted in positive changes and significant progress in our transportation systems, economy and quality of life.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.votecummings.com

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Deborah "Debby" Terry

AGE: 51

FAMILY: Married 32 years to Michael USN Retired, Mother of two daughters, Meredith and Megan

OCCUPATION: Real Estate Broker

EDUCATION: Attended Radford University

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: none

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

Transportation, economic developement, and preserving our quality of life. All three issues are intertwined.
1. First, we must improve and expand our transportation both for our residents and businesses.
2. Second, bringing new businesses into Clay County and expanding exsisting businesses will help broaden our tax base and bring much needed jobs.
3. Preserving our quality of life is important to all families.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
My experiences in Clay County as a business woman, wife, mother and community leader for the past 25 years has given me a unique perspective that can identify the needs and concerns of the people I will represent.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
I hope to rememebered for my honesty, hard work,dedication and responsiveness to the people of Clay County. I also want to be remembered that in every decision, I made a clear, fair choice putting the needs of the people of Clay County first.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: [No response]

COUNTY COMMISSIONER - District 5 - Republican (Open)

Republicans J.D. "Dan" Weisenburger, Harold Rutledge and Ronnie Robinson are running in this primary. The winner of this race will face independent candidate Fred R. Catchpole in November.

Ronnie E Robinson

AGE: 65

FAMILY: I have been married to my wife Jane for 42 years. We have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

OCCUPATION: Auto business for 40 years.

EDUCATION: [No response]

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: [No response]

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

1. New business and light industry
2. Roads and transportation, schools
3. Planning and zoning

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
I have 40 years of business experience.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
Honesty and integrity and trying to make Clay county a better place to live.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.ElectRonnieRobinson.com

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Harold Rutledge

Channel 4 has received a response from this candidate. It wil be posted in the order it was received.

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J.D. "Dan" Weisenburger

AGE: 60

FAMILY: Wife, Carol - Daughter Georgia, Green Cove Springs - Daughter Tracey, Kailua HI

OCCUPATION: Business Owner – Game Day Coordinator for National Football League

EDUCATION: Electrical Engineer

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Appointed by Board of County Commissioners to serve Lake Asbury Municipal Benefits Service District 2002-2007 ( A special taxing district created by the Florida Legislature in 1986)

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

1. Failure of the fiscal policy of the incumbent to properly plan and forecast the needs of the county and especially our district. An example is the recent trimming of the county’s portion of the ad-valorem tax (property tax) in the face of declining property values and a deficit estimated to be as much as $5 Million.
2. Protecting the rights of the citizens. The incumbent attempted to stifle citizen input at county commission meetings by suggesting that citizens wishing to speak about an issue talk only to their own commissioners before a commission meeting rather than have the citizens being able to have their comments placed on the official record. Also, the county is now in the process of attempting to limit Private Property Rights to a large segment of the county with something called the Camp Blanding Military Zone. This results in a limitation to the property rights of property owners within 3 miles of the perimeter of Camp Blanding. The proposed ordinance as presented last May violates both the Florida and the US Constitutions however, only a citizen with large financial resources could challenge the ordinance in court.
3. Failure to listen to input from citizens, especially where new fees are to be implemented. A case in point. The county commission determined that a new, mandatory, Solid Waste Management fee was needed. The rational was that property owners in some parts of the county were not having the solid waste removed to the appropriate land-fill/transfer station. As a result this was creating a health hazard to the people of Clay County. I saw this as a Code Enforcement issue, not a reason to make solid waste mandatory with a fee. However, this issue went deeper than just that. One of the appointed commissioners, appointed by then Gov. Jeb Bush was a lobbyist for the firm that was awarded the contract. He made this fact known at the meeting where the vote was taken to implement the new fee. This should have been a “red-flag” to the other commissioners but they all voted to award the contract to Advanced Disposal anyway despite the public outcry in opposition to the entire process. I spoke in opposition to the fee at the public hearing for this ordinance.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
I bring problem solving and listening skills to the office. These are two qualities that neither of the other candidates have demonstrated, either in the candidate forums or in office. My district has a common border with each of the other districts so I expect to forge strong relationships with my fellow commissioners to find solutions to problems that affect the entire county.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
I would want to be remembered as being fair, honest, and a hard worker for the people.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: None

SCHOOL BOARD - District 2 (non-partisan)

Duane D'Andrea

AGE: 42

FAMILY: Wife- Christy, Son- Dalton, Daughter- Ava

OCCUPATION: Professional in Human Resources

EDUCATION: B.S. Human Resource Management, Palm Beach Atlantic University

POLITICALEXPERIENCE: [No response]

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

1. Proper Funding of Public Education
2. Maintaining a balanced budget
3. Teacher and Support Personnel recruitment, training and compensation.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
With the failure of the state to properly fund education and the economic downturn of the economy, Proper funding is the number one issue. I am and would continue to be a voice for school funding. It is more important than ever that board members be involved by making connections, putting names and faces together, and initiating meaningful dialogue with our legislators is critical for realistic educational funding to ever see the light of day. I am committed to seeing that any future school funding proposals do not penalize Clay County Schools. We need to continue to pursue all methods of ensuring the state of Florida properly funds schools going forward and doesn't just take a band aid approach to the shortfall of funding facing our school system.

These are tough times ahead however, they are navigable. I am all for taking the time to find places to trim the district budget however; not at the expense of the teachers or the students. I believe in giving them the tools and resources they need to ensure we stay competitive in this global economy.

I feel as long as we keep a watchful eye on the bottom line, it is perfectly fine to adjust our priorities over time, even during a downturn like the one affecting our country today. Not all budget actions have to be reductions. For example, implementing a new curriculum can cost new dollars and is important to maintain the quality of our school system. In addition, funding the arts , athletics, career tech are just as important as improving our core education.

While new expenses should be carefully investigated, critiqued and debated, it is not acceptable to totally dismiss every new idea with a single minded eye toward balancing the budget. While sponsorship of a building would be a windfall for the district, we can't wait for such a pot of gold we must look at all options available to us. I surely will not have all the anwsers for all the challenges involving the budget however, I will not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to the constituents and their suggestions to improve our school system. In the end I will ask one simple question before making a recommendation or casting a vote concerning the budget.... Is it good for our Children?

My commitment is to ensure that teachers and support personnel receive training and compensation that reflects the professionals that they are. By promoting training and compensation this will allow us to recruit the professionals that we seek to educate our students. For they ensure our most valuable resource (our children) are prepared to compete in a global economy.

Education is all about teaching. Great schools are places where teachers can get up every morning and awaken that spark in each child that motivates them to learn more. This is the most important task in all of education and it takes more energy and confidence than most of us can imagine. Our school district can support this enormous task by finding great teachers and support personnel and providing them the facilities and resources they need to succeed. Recruiting and retaining good teachers and support personnel is of top priority for our school district. This requires a school board that is supportive of all district employees, is an advocate for schools in the community and is willing to work with our teachers and support personnel to make our schools better. The signals the board sends to the community resonate all the way to the schools where teachers and support personnel inspire our children.

I have a vested interest in this position which I seek on the school board. My son is currently attending Junior High and my daughter will be attending school in a few years, as well as my wife who is a educator. When I go home at the end of the day, I am seated across the table from two people, each representing a differnt population who are directly affected by the actions of the school board. I have a vast amout of experience and willingness to learn which makes me a excellent candidate for this position. I'm a Navy veteran. I am a Professional in Human Resources and am certified through the Human Resource Certification Institute which is the certifying body for the Human Resources Profession. I have dealt with large budgets, zero based budgets, six- sigma and lean projects, process improvement studies and labor negotiations. I have proven experience in accomplishing a multitude of goals which will serve me well on this board.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
: He never fogot what his job on the school board was and he certainly never forgot who he worked for. He always gave the teachers and students the support they needed to suceed. He was not afraid to make the tough decisions that made our school system better. He always cast recommendations and votes in terms of the next generation, not the next election.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.electdandrea.com

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Carol Studdard

AGE: 63

FAMILY: Husband, James. 3 adult daughters, 4 grandchildren

OCCUPATION: Owner, Florida Greeting Service

EDUCATION: University of Alabama

POLITICALEXPERIENCE: served for 16 years as member of the Clay County School Board

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

1. Reduced funding for education
2. Discipline in the classroom
3. A person with proven leadership, experience, and a positive track record is needed to face the challenges ahead of us.

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
I have the advantage of knowing who to contact to get things done. I have flexibility in my schedule and can be available when needed.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
: I hope to be remembered as a dedicated, trustworthy School Board member who put the needs of the students first.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.studdard08.com

SCHOOL BOARD - District 4 (non-partisan)

Frank Farrell

AGE: 72

FAMILY: wife (47 yrs) Janet; adult children: Elizabeth/Richard/Robert: 8 grandchildren (7mos.-19yrs)

OCCUPATION: retired CEO/publisher-educational materials

EDUCATION: undergrad. Siena College. grad. University of Illinois. Artillery/Missile School(officer) Ft. Sill, Okla. Advanced Management Program-General Electric Co

POLITICALEXPERIENCE: School Board Ridgefield, Ct. (4 yrs). Governor's Committee_School Financing. Governor's Advisory Committee- Library of the Future. Citizen's Advisory Committee- School Concurrency

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

1. Increasing the graduation rate
2. Decreasing the drop-out rate
3. Maintaining the quality of our educational program in the face of dramatic decreases in State funding for education

HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THE OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CAN'T?
I bring suuccessful track record of demonstrated leadership; direct and highly relevant experience; an in-depth understanding of problems/issues/challenges and a total committment to the job

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR AFTER LEAVING OFFICE?
: frank farrell made a real and substantial contribution to the education of all of the students who will be tommorow's employees/ leaders/parents/taxpayers/business owners of/in Clay County and the great State of Florida.

CAMPAIGN WEB SITE: www.farrell08.com

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Kennith Francis

Channel 4 has not received a reply from this candidate.

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For more information about voting in Clay County, sample ballots, finding your precinct and more, visit ClayElections.com.