The current Group 2 commissioner, Justin Campbell, is running for the Group 4 commission seat this year, making Group 2 an open seat. Two candidates, Jamaad C. Batts, Sr. and James Norwood, Jr. have qualified for this non-partisan race. It will appear on the ballot for all voters in the city of Palatka 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 and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES |
Jamaad C. Batts, Sr.
Occupation: I am a business owner I own my own monument company
Celebration By:Jamaad C.Batts Sr LLC also I’m Florida Licensed Funeral Director
Im the manager D.A .Boyd & Boyd Funeral home
Lead Pastor of Victory Worship Center
Age: 31
Family: Entire family is a part of the democratic party
Education: Crescent city high school
Florida State College of Jacksonville
associates in science
Florida State College of Jacksonville bachelors sciencein progress
Political experience: My experience comes from serving this community every day. As a local business owner, licensed funeral director, and community leader, I’ve worked with families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Running a business requires balancing budgets, managing employees, complying with regulations, and earning the trust of the people you serve. Those are the same leadership qualities I will bring to the City
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Affordability
You can talk about concerns many residents recognize:
* Rising utility bills
* Higher grocery prices
* Housing that is becoming harder to afford
* Property taxes and city fees affecting homeowners and seniors
* Small businesses struggling with operating costs
* Young families finding it difficult to get ahead
As a city commissioner, focus on what the city can realistically influence.
Lower the Cost of Government
* Review city spending for waste.
* Prioritize responsible budgeting.
* Avoid unnecessary fee increases whenever possible.
Transparency
Open Communication
Hold regular community meetings where residents can ask questions and receive updates.
“Your voice deserves a seat at the table before decisions are made—not after.”
Financial Transparency
Support making budgets, major expenditures, and city projects easy for residents to understand.
Message:
“Taxpayer dollars belong to the people, and the people deserve to know how every dollar is being spent.” Accessible Leadership
Be available through town halls, community events, social media, and neighborhood meetings.
YOUTH AND RECREATION
Our children deserve safe places to play. Our families deserve places to gather. Our seniors deserve opportunities to stay active. Recreation isn’t a luxury—it’s an investment in our community.”
How We’ll Get It Done
1. Improve Existing Parks
* Upgrade playgrounds and equipment.
* Improve lighting for safety.
* Repair basketball courts, walking trails, and picnic areas.
* Keep parks clean and well maintained.
Instead of relying only on local tax dollars:
* Seek state and federal recreation grants.
* Partner with nonprofits and local businesses.
* Work with civic organizations to improve parks and facilities.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
What sets me apart is that I already serve this community every day in multiple capacities. As a local business owner, I understand the challenges of creating jobs, managing budgets, and making responsible financial decisions. As a licensed funeral director, I’ve walked alongside families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, giving me a deep understanding of compassion, service, and the needs of our community. As a pastor, I’ve spent years listening to people, bringing different viewpoints together, and serving without regard to politics.
I don’t want to be a commissioner who only shows up at election time. I want to be accessible, accountable, and present in every neighborhood. My commitment is to listen first, communicate openly, and make decisions based on what’s best for the people of Palatka. My goal isn’t simply to hold office—it’s to deliver results that improve affordability, strengthen public safety, expand recreation, and earn the public’s trust through transparent leadership.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
e.
“I hope to be remembered as a commissioner who kept his promises and always put the people of Palatka first. I want people to say that our city became more affordable for working families, safer for our neighborhoods, and more connected through improved parks and recreation. I want to be known for leading with transparency, listening to residents, and making decisions that were thoughtful, responsible, and in the best interest of the community.
Most of all, I want future generations to look at Palatka and say it became a stronger, more united city because we worked together. If, at the end of my service, the people can say they trusted their government, felt heard, and saw real progress in their everyday lives, then I will consider my time in office a success.”
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook
James Norwood, Jr.
Occupation: Retired
Age: 68
Family: Married to the former Regina Wright, four children Chrislena, Mary, Nayilah and Jonathan
Education: High school graduate
Political experience: Former Palatka City Commissioner for 1 years.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1.Public Safety: Addressing this begins with the budgeting process ensuring the Police and Firefighters have the adequate resources to do their jobs. Supporting them as they build relationships with all our citizens. Holding them accountable for their performance as they work to protect the lives of our citizens and the protection of property.
2.Jobs : Encourage more small business development by creating incentives when possible. Expansion of job opportunities by continuing to develop the Palatka Business Park to show those potential employers that are interested in relocating their business; we want you here in Palatka. Seek more partnerships with the county, with the business community, and with developers. We have to be serious about moving developments and projects through our building process in a timely manner.
3. Infrastructure: We must ensure our infrastructure is adequate to support the potential growth in our city. That includes our drinking water plant and pipes, our wastewater treatment facility and pipes, fiber optics to support the ever changing technology that we have grown so dependent on.
4. Entertainment and recreation for our children, adults and seniors.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Through my experience in building a consensus with the commission, the community and our business partners. Getting all of our partners to work together to address other potential challenges (property taxes reduction and other issues).
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I was fair, honest and I did things with integrity. We made a difference.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: (None found)