District 2 commissioner Rocky Ford is seeking re-election, facing two opponents, Jody Dupree and Clint Pittman. Columbia County’s commission elections are non-partisan, meaning candidates run without party affiliation, and the race appears on the August ballot for all voters in District 2. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters will advance to the November 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 |
Jody Dupree
Occupation: General Contractor
Age: 63
Family: (No response)
Education: Some College
Political experience: Past Commissioner, served on Columbia County planning and Zoning Board
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Ensure that the Charter of columbia County and the Administrative code are followed. Create process that allow the Auditor of the county to Audit actions by the board and staff to ensure that the charter and established rules where adhered to.
Using the check and balances that have already been established as it relates to Finance, tax abatement and public information. Have the Clerk of the court which the county Comptroller perform the administrative duties that are required in lieu of commissioners using county staff. required that all economic agreements that provide tax relief are certified by the property appraiser which was the process the citizens voted for currently not being used. Ensure that all documentation is provided to the public thru searchable resources.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I will stay focused on the issues that matter to the people; not political issues that will benefit me as county commissioner. I will work for the people, I will not work for the government.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I don’t need to be remembered. I simply want to leave the community better than I found it.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook
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