Two seats on Lake City’s City Council are up for election this year, in District 10 and District 14. The races will only appear on the ballot for voters in those council districts. The races are non-partisan, meaning they will appear on the ballots of all voters in those districts, regardless of party affiliation.
In District 10, incumbent Chevella Young faces one challenger, Jennifer Jones. In District 14, incumbent Ricky Jernigan faces three challengers: Daniel Carlucci, Befaithful Coker, and Norbie Ronsonet.
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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.
Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| DISTRICT 10 CANDIDATES |
Neither Jennifer Jones nor Chevella Young have responded to email invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
| DISTRICT 14 CANDIDATES |
Befaithful Coker
Occupation: Small business owner and director of non profit
Age: 51
Family: Married with blended family of six kids
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, 2 years of law school,, current PhD candidate.
Political experience: Never elected. Served on committee fir education and economic development.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
- Safety for family and kids
- Small Business Development
- Transparency and Fiscally Responsible spending
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I offer experience, visioned leadership that identifies creative ways to solve problems.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Helping to steer Lake City back focusing on proper planning centered on protecting the quality of life for citizens.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook
Daniel Carlucci
Occupation: Earthwork Specialist for FDOT
Age: 47
Family: Wife Theresa, Daughter Elizabeth and son DJ.
Education: HS and some college.
Political experience: Current member of Planning and Zoning board, Board of Adjustments, and Historic Preservation Agency. Board member for Kiwanis of Lake City.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Crime-more police patrols and gunshot detection systems in high crime areas.
Things for kids to do-improving playgrounds and bringing in more businesses that cater to children and families.
Taxes-I support the new homestead exemption law and oppose raising of any other taxes, including for raises for council members.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I believe we need younger, smarter people making decisions for our city. People with young children that know what the city needs to move forward in the future.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would hope that people remember that I always listened to their concerns and then made decisions to support those ideas.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook
Ricky Jernigan
Occupation: Retired
Age: N/A
Family: N/A
Education: College
Political experience: 3+ years as City Council District 14/Vice Chair of Columbia County Tourist Development Council/North Central Florida Regional Planning Council/Clearinghouse Committee/Vice Chair of the Program Committee/Regional Planning Committee
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Infrastructure
2. Taxes
3. Visionary
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Experience with the job at hand.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
It’s about the voters and what they want/need; roads paved, taxes, and being transparent.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook
Norbie Ronsonet
Occupation: automobile business
Age: 66
Family: married 4 children 2 grandchildren
Education: Graduate from Florida State University with degrees in accounting and sociology
Political experience: none
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
planned growth. .continue working the city’s plan 2050 and also revitalize downtown
workforce .... work with the schools to keep our kids local and trained to entice new business
safer and cleaner city.. work with one neighborhood at a time to make Lake City a place proud to call home
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN So I can be their voice at City Hall
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Somebody that accomplished Lake City’s goals without over burdening taxpayers
Campaign website: N/A
Campaign social media: Facebook