District 2 commissioner Rocky Ford is seeking re-election and faced two challengers in a non-partisan August primary. Nobody got more than 50% of the vote, so the top two vote-getters, Ford and Clint Pittman, advance to 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 |
Rocky Ford
Occupation: Retired
Age: 62
Family: Lisa Ford
Education: High school diploma
Political experience: “Been commissioner for 8 years
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Property tax cuts. Cut the budget.
Funding EMS . Find the money inside the budget.
Expanding infrastructure. Through grants and expanding regional utility.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Through 30 years of business experience operating my own business. Planning and problem-solving.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
North Florida water utility authority starting it from the ground floor
Campaign website: rockyforddistrict2.com
Campaign social media: Facebook
Clint Pittman
Occupation: Retired Landscape and Parks Director
Cattle Rancher owner of Cow/Calf operation
Age: 57
Family: Wife of 17 years and Two grown step children
Education: AS Degree in Landscape Technology
Graduate of Graham School of Cattlemen
Political experience: Was employed by the Board of Commissioners for 26 years
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Ensuring smart budgeting to address public safety issues with EMS, Fire staffing, and employee retainage
Monitor possible revenue losses due to property tax cuts if it passes
Better planning for growth and infrastructure maintenance on roads right growth right areas
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Take the personalities and politics out of the Board room and make educated decisions for the people of our county with no personal gain.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
A Commissioner that was for the people of our community, that took care of the employees and made Columbia County a better place to live.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook