Two candidates are seeking this office. The race will appear on the November ballot open to all voters in the city limits.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| CANDIDATES |
Cynthia Garris
Party affiliation: Republican
Occupation: Retired City Employee
Age: 63
Family: Widow with grown children
Education: Master’s Degree Organizational Management
Political experience: My third political campaign besides helping others behind the scenes
What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?
- Residents concerns
- Addressing the flooding
- Climate Control
- Affordable housing
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
- I have county and city experience inside knowledge of how the City works and County experience of the local laws as well. Familiar with the staff and current commissioner will not have to be informed 13 years of knowledge. My last postition was Facilities Coordinator for the City I was responsible for work orders which involved taking calls from concerned citizens as well as city staff to send a facilities team or contractor to address any and all city properties that needed to be repaired. So I have knowledge of what still needs to be done. Just retired in September 2021.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
- Addressing the west part of the City that has inadequate lighting and no side walks making it dangerous for children and elderly residents to walk in their neighborhoods. This area is like the forgotten part of the city.
Campaign website: Being created soon
Campaign’s social media site(s): Being created
Bruce Maguire
Party affiliation: NPA election
Occupation: Retired US Air Force Officer, city resident and business owner
Age: (no response)
Family: (no response)
Education: Masters Degree in Bus Administration from the Univ of Florida
Political experience: Chair of St Johns County Commission; Chair, St Johns County Airport Authority, North Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization, State of Florida 2010-2020 Transportation Planning Committee
What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?
- Increase City transparency and openness, such as putting Commission & PZB meetings back on tv.
- Construct adequate parking and reduce traffic congestion, rather than just talk about it. Improving/maintaining the quality of life for our residents and businesses are my primary focus.
- Focus programs and projects that are for the residents and businesses, rather than the tourists. Our efforts need to improve the livability of the city, not to saturate the city with excessive tourist problems or legacy projects.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
- As a solution-oriented person, I am a man of action, not talk! I dig deep into the concerns and do not like to leave issues hanging nor unresolved. I will listen to the concerns and problems of all the citizens and businesses and get things done.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
- I did what I said I would do!
Campaign website: in development
Campaign’s social media site(s): Facebook - facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082817664240