Republican incumbent Alexandra Compere is not seeking re-election this year, so the District 2 commission seat is an open race. One Republican and one Democrat qualified for this race, so it will not appear on the August primary ballots. Democrat Leroy Edwards and Republican Lolita Smoak will appear before voters in the November general election.
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 by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE |
Leroy Edwards
Occupation: UPS
Age: 63
Family: marred
Education: Miami Technical
Political experience: Community engagement
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Managing Growth, Our road, public safety, Infrastructure
I plan to address these challenges by putting responsible ahead of rapid growth
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
What I can offer voters is a commitment to being present, accessible, and accountable, I believe County Commissioners should be visible in the community
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
If I’m fortunate enough to serve, I hope people remember me as a commissioner who always put Clay County first
Campaign website: leroyedwardsfordistrict2.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | Instagram
| REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE |
Lolita Smoak
Occupation: Retired
Age: 67
Family: Mother, Cruz Mancheno; Brother, Jose Mancheno; Sister-in-law, Rosemarie Mancheno
Education: BS Engineering; MS Engineering; Doctorate Business
Political experience: Current Clay County, FL: Republican Executive Committee Member.
Past Fairfax County, VA: Virginia Co-Chair RNC Virginia Hispanic Advisory Council; Virginia Chapter Republican National Hispanic Assembly; Past Springfield District Appointee FCPS Adult & Community Education Committee; Past Vice Chairman Fairfax County Republican Committee; 2011 Candidate for Fairfax County School Board At-Large; 2017 Candidate for Virginia House of Delegates, District 42.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Infrastructure: Growth and infrastructure have a symbiotic relationship that requires a strategic stance on what development is best for our community’s needs both in the near term and long term. Growth should benefit Clay County holistically and not burden existing taxpayers - needs to be done responsibly. I will ensure development serves the interests of our community by requiring new projects to be consistent with our comprehensive plan and by holding developers accountable for paying their fair share of the infrastructure improvements their projects require, including roads, utilities, and public safety.
Business Development: As Clay County grows, it needs to expand its commercial tax base and provide higher earning employment opportunities for future generations. I will engage in efforts to attract quality long-term employers via responsible investment in infrastructure and strengthening public/private partnerships with schools and local businesses to expand workforce training and skilled trades opportunities.
Fiscal Responsibility: In light of upcoming budgetary challenges, protecting taxpayers by demanding accountability for every dollar spent is simply good governance. Drawing on my experience as an engineer, certified project manager, and Six Sigma Master, I will focus on measurable results, eliminate waste, and ensure county programs deliver real value.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
My experience leading complex projects in both the private sector and federal government gives me the ability to solve problems strategically and efficiently. Combined with decades of community service, I bring a results-driven approach focused on accountability, collaboration, and delivering practical solutions for Clay County.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remembered as a servant leader who strengthened Clay County’s quality of life through responsible growth, fiscal discipline, and transparent, accountable leadership that always put residents first.
Campaign website: www.smoak4commissioner.com
Campaign social media: Facebook