Bio: Nancy Sikes-Kline

NANCY SIKES-KLINE

AGE: 57

OCCUPATION: Land Use Planner in northeast Florida since 1984 with experience in historic preservation, transportation, zoning, and comprehensive planning. As a current City Commissioner/Vice Mayor, I am prepared with real experience and practical training to address the complex issues facing the city.

Candidate for: City of St. Augustine Comm – Seat 5

CITY OF RESIDENCE: St. Augustine

PREVIOUS ELECTED POSITIONS: Elected to the City Commission Seat 5 in 2008 and again in 2010.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: 30 years of active voluntary service and experience in lobbying and advocacy for historic preservation, transportation and heritage tourism at the state, regional and national levels. Current: Chairwoman of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization; St. Johns County Cultural Resources Review Board; University of Florida, College of Design, Construction & Planning, College of Historic Preservation Board. Past: Appointed Trustee of the Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board, State of Florida, by Governor Lawton Chiles and the Florida Senate (1993-1999); Appointed to Northeast Preservation Inc. by Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris (1997-2000); Past President, Junior Service League of St. Augustine Inc. (1991-1992); Past Chairperson, St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum Inc.; Founding Board, St. Augustine North Davis Shores Neighborhood Association (SANDS).

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE: Elected City Commissioner. Land use planner for 30 years in Northeast Florida experienced in historic preservation, transportation, zoning and comprehensive planning. Chair of the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization. Government service: City of St. Augustine Historic Architectural Review Board; vice chair or Parking and Traffic Committee; Historic Preservation & Heritage Tourism Advisory Committee; vice chair of City of St. Augustine Beach Code Enforcement Board. Chair of St. Johns County Historic Resources Review Board. Training: Advanced Institute of Government for Elected Municipal Officials; Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council; Florida League of Cities, Best Budget Practices.

REASON FOR RUNNING: Our historic city is at a crossroads and needs experienced leadership. Changes are happening that command everyone’s attention. My expertise in planning, historic preservation, transportation and government budgeting is needed on the Commission. The city has $82.7 million in its five-year capital improvements plan. This promises to bring hard choices in the future. A commissioner that can see the big picture and has working knowledge of local state, and federal funding is a valuable asset. As Chair of North Florida TPO, I have brought state and federal funding to the city, resulting in millions of dollars of transportation improvements, including repaving, drainage, sidewalks, and signage. I have strong relationships with our state legislators and brought over $1.1 million in historic preservation funding for the Alcazar Hotel/City Hall roof repairs and rehabilitation of the historic Water Works in North City. A seasoned commissioner who knows the process and will take action is key. Now is the time to keep experienced leadership in Seat 5 on the City Commission.

GOALS FOR UPCOMING TERM IF ELECTED: To hold the line on taxes and fees while continuing to improve livability for residents and preserve the city’s authentic historic character. To build a proactive planning department to update zoning codes to protect neighborhoods and revise Entry Corridor Guidelines. To improve traffic flow, parking, safety, walkability and to promote a bike friendly city. To continue rebuilding aging infrastructure: Drainage, paving neighborhood streets and eliminate red water. To obtain grants and seek new funding sources to complete all parts of the capital plan. To balance residential quality of life with heritage tourism and economic development for small businesses. To improve efficiency and self-evaluation in government operations.