In the town of Interlachen in Putnam County, two seats on the Town Council, as well as the office of mayor, are up for election this year. Only one candidate, James “Rick” Hanes, qualified to run for mayor, so he is automatically elected.
In the race for town council, three candidates qualified: Raymond John Baxter, Joan Conner, and Anna Rose Larsen. All three appear together in one non-partisan race, and voters will vote for two. The top two vote-getters will be elected.
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In addition to the town council election, Interlachen voters will face choices on three proposed town charter amendments. The town council held a final vote in August on the ordinance that placed the three questions on the ballot.
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.
| TOWN COUNCIL CANDIDATES |
Raymond John Baxter
Occupation: Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Age: 55
Family: Wife - Angelique Baxter
Daughter - Cathlin
Grand Daughter - Delilah
Education: Interlachen High School Graduate with a 3.49 GPA - Some College to include Florida State Fire College, OSHA Safety Academy and various hazmat, health and safety classes.
Political experience: None, first time running
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1)Smart Safe Infrastructure- Applying professional safety and compliance expertise to ensure roads, public facilities and town systems are modernized, efficient and safe. 2) Fiscal Accountability- Using corporate experience to ensure taxpayers dollars are spent wisely and transparently. 3) Preserving Community Character- Balancing economic growth with hometown feeling - having more events for the youth, and safety for our neighborhoods.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
New thinking and change in the council that has been place for over 10 years. Listening to what the voter and giving them more of a voice in how our community is managed.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
The people of community saw I reached out for their input and listened to their wants and needs. I was always fair and honest about what I did..
Campaign website: N/A
Campaign social media: Facebook
Joan Conner
The incumbent has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
Anna Rose Larsen
The incumbent has not responded to email and telephone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
| PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENTS |
Town of Interlachen Charter Amendment #1
This question clarifies Section 1 of the town charter. Voters will be asked to make a yes or no vote based on the following ballot language:
Revision to Section 1 of the Town Charter
Shall Section 1 of the Charter of the Town of Interlachen, Florida, be revised to add reference to the 2022 Amended Charter?
Section 1 of the Charter currently lists prior Charter amendments but does not reference the 2022 amendment. This revision would add the 2022 Amended Charter to that list for consistency and completeness.
If approved, Section 1 would state; “This Charter revises and amends the 1997 Charter, the 1998 Amended Charter, the 2006 Amended Charter, and the 2022 Amended Charter which were amendments to the original Charter that was enacted by the Florida Legislature in Chapter 61-2280, Laws of Florida. Any portion of prior Charter amendments not retained in this Charter are hereby repealed.”
Town of Interlachen Charter Amendment #2
This amendment clarifies when the town’s mayor is elected. Voters will be asked to make a yes or no vote based on the following ballot language:
Revision to Section 7 of the Town Charter - Form of Government
Shall Section 7 of the Charter of the Town of Interlachen, Florida, be revised to provide that the Mayor shall be elected in even-numbered years?
The current Charter provides that the Mayor serves a two (2) year term, but it does not specify whether the Mayor is elected in even-numbered or odd-numbered years. The Charter does specify the election cycle for Town Council members: three (3) Council Members are elected in odd-numbered years, and two (2) council members are elected in even-numbered years.
If approved, this amendment would clarify that the Mayor is elected in even-numbered years.
Town of Interlachen Charter Amendment #3
This amendment deals with how vacancies for mayor or town council are filled. Voters will be asked to make a yes or no vote based on the following ballot language:
Revision to Section 8 of the Town Charter: Section 8 - Vacancies
Shall Section 8 of the Charter of the Town of Interlachen, Florida, be revised to remove the procedures for filling Mayor and Town Council vacancies from the Charter and provide that those procedures be governed by the Town Election Ordinance?
The current Charter provides that, when a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor or on the Town Council, the remaining Council members shall select a qualified person by majority vote to fill the vacant seat for the remainder of the term.
If approved, Section 8 would provide that the procedures for filling Mayor or Council vacancies shall be determined in accordance with the Town of Interlachen Election Ordinance.