Guest column: Gardner sees change in 2014

Guest column: Gardner sees change in 2014

By GEORGE GARDNER
St Augustine, Fl
Special to Historic City News

As a former mayor and commissioner this is the first year since I left office six years ago that I’ve endorsed city candidates, because it’s the first year there’s been real opportunity for change and progress.

For mayor, Nancy Shaver.

Nancy is the promise of a creative, fresh look at our city’s needs and priorities, and full community engagement in finding solutions.

The last time a newcomer broke through the good old boy system, a decade ago, the results included creation of a neighborhood associations program, construction of a world class visitor parking facility and welcome center, and putting Entry Corridor Guidelines into city code.

The current mayor has controlled the city’s 450th commemoration at the expense of the community. Boles’ contrasting detachment from the community is glaring, as is his stumbling efforts to discredit his opponent.

For commission seat 5, incumbent Nancy Sikes-Kline.

Nancy has been the only consistently proactive commissioner, using her position on the North Florida Transportation Organization to bring needed traffic studies and street enhancement projects to our city, and speaking for our archaeology and history.

For commission seat 4, John Valdes.

With service on city boards for a quarter of a century and contributed time, effort and funding to such projects as the Flagler fountains restoration and War Memorial move, John is best equipped to address needed zoning code modifications.