Letter: My message has not and will not change

Letter: My message has not and will not change

Nancy Shaver
Linconville

Dear Editor and Historic City News readers:

As I’ve walked this City during my campaign and spoken to hundreds of you, I hear over and over again, how much you love St Augustine—and I’ve heard loud and clear what you expect from the City government and your Mayor.

• You want traffic that is managed, not just a traffic study that sits on the shelf

• You want water that does not stain the clothes in your washing machines

• You want streets that are kept in good repair so trucks don’t fall through them and your tires aren’t blown by potholes

• You want zoning that protects your neighborhood from surprises like the 7-11

• You want practical action, not just talk, and studies and plans that are never used

• You want ordinances enforced evenly and consistently whether it’s about signs, or loitering

• You want a straightforward permitting process if you’re opening a business, or constructing a building

• And, you want a Mayor who listens and doesn’t have a personal agenda.

That’s been my campaign platform from the day I entered this race; and I have to say that it’s interesting that my opponents are just now catching on to the issues that matter to you.

You know that your City government is a service business and you want and deserve value for the taxes you pay. You haven’t said you want a town full of “fiestas” (but you do like celebrations every so often). You haven’t said you want the City to act like a developer for more tourist attractions.

You want to know what the City government is up to; you want all the facts and you want to be listened to. And you want sound action to address our issues and you know we all won’t agree all the time. That’s democracy.

So how do we get back to basics? As a proven leader who operated a business about the size of our City in my 30’s, I’ve built my career as a leader who listens, puts all the facts on the table, and works hard with people to create practical solutions. That’s what we need to do together.

Over the past years, I’ve put the facts in front of you about exaggerated City claims, and questionable “projects”. And it’s made a difference. Why have I lent my time and expertise to these efforts? That’s simple. Because I love this City—and yes, it is magical. We are all blessed to call this home, and as citizens we owe this place our care.

Before I chose to run for Mayor, I read Thomas Jefferson on public service. To paraphrase, he said “There is a debt of service due from every citizen to his city, proportioned to the bounties which nature and fortune have measured to him.” And it seems it’s time for me to offer to pay that debt to you and to my hometown.

I hope you will consider carefully your choice in this election, and trust me with your vote. But most importantly go to the polls on August 26and vote. Your vote is your voice.