District 2

Jimmy Cherry

386-362-6506

What are your thoughts on the role of city government?

The role of city government is for the elected officials to work with city staff and boards of commissions to make sure that the people who live in the city are represented when decisions are made that affect the schools, city and county taxes, zoning changes and public services such as the police department and fireman and other services reflect what is best for the community and improvement of the city.

How do you feel about consolidation of governmental offices/positions?

Discussing consolidation is a scary subject because communities fear losing their representation in their districts. I believe before considering consolidation we must make sure that this would create better services to the people as well as generate revenue to the city. Also that the citizens of Live Oak, businesses and officials are in constant communication to determine if this would be a benefit to consider shared services were possible and consolidation in other areas. Consolidation does not always mean cost savings does not always deliver more efficiency. The process can take years to implement and should be with caution and planning to consider all interests to make sure Live Oak always flourishes and the people represented.

How do we keep spending down while at the same time ensuring a safe, productive society?

In order to keep local government spending down we have to get more of the citizens involved in the public discussions, ask questions and then vote on the issues that need to be changed which impact the budget. The people in our districts are the best form of quality control and as elected city council it is our role to review spending practices and really ask ourselves is this the best way to spend the taxpayer’s money just because we have always did it this way. We have to make sure that we are meeting the budget challenges and continuing to look for ways to bring in new business, new grants to benefit our communities while generating revenue to make sure we are still productive and growing. We have to realize that the young people in our community can be an asset to society and find ways to get them involved in keeping the community alive.

One major issue concerning our area right now is protecting our water. Briefly explain how we protect our vital resource while also using it to attract growth?

As the population grows the demand for drinking water increases which put a demand on existing water resources. We need to find grants that will assist the city in bringing in experts to help us improve water usage by citizens, in agriculture by tapping into our city infrastructure will assist in the water demand problem and also bring revenue to the city with new jobs some temporary to assist while implementing the plan and other jobs permanent to maintain good water management.

Bennie Thomas (Incumbent)

386-364-5535

Did not submit Last Word.

District 3

Jacob L. Grantham

386-208-3012

What are your thoughts on the role of city government?

I believe the city government exists to serve the taxpayers that pay for their existence. It should provide those services which the residents of Live Oak want and need while minimizing the cost of effective distribution of those services. City government should do neither more nor less than the will of the people.

How do you feel about consolidation of governmental offices/positions?

If there are duplicate services being performed, then I am for consolidating them. However, I think it is important that the city only consolidate those services which allow it to maintain its identity. I am not for consolidating the entire city with the county.

How do we keep spending down while at the same time ensuring a safe, productive society?

In my opinion, keeping spending down is easy. If you do not have to have it, then you do not buy it until you save the money to get it. I use this principle in my home and would apply it to city business as well. In regards to ensuring a safe, productive society, I think it is important to keep our police and fire departments properly staffed and equipped to provide the best quality of service to our residents.

One major issue concerning our area right now is protecting our water. Briefly explain how we protect our vital resource while also using it to attract growth?

Protecting our water is important to every resident of the City of Live Oak and Suwannee County. This situation provides an excellent opportunity for the city and county leaders to work together which is something that needs improvement. The city and county both get water from the same aquifer and so it is essential that we both participate in the FLOW board created to protect our most vital asset.

William J. “Jimmy” McCullers

386-590-0259

What are your thoughts on the role of city government?

I believe the role of city government is crucial to the maintenance, development, and safety of our city. City government must oversee the business of the city which includes, but is not limited to, the police, fire, and public works departments, and it must also insure that the city operates within the set budget. As well, city government has the duty to serve its residents on a more localized level. Each councilman (woman) has the responsibility to know the issues specific to their district and has the obligation to address those issues, as needed, within the forum of city government.

How do you feel about consolidation of governmental offices/positions?

In current economic times, when most Americans are pinching pennies within their own homes, it only makes sense that government be willing to do the same. One way that can be obtained is through consolidation of government offices/positions. If the quality of service and public safety are not compromised, I believe consolidation can be a benefit to our local government.

How do we keep spending down while at the same time ensuring a safe, productive society?

One way to keep spending down while maintaining the safety and productivity of the city is through long range planning. Looking ahead and planning for the future often times means adjusting present spending. City government should be proactive in matters that may not currently be an issue, but could have a big impact down the road. Another way to keep spending down is to prioritize. Tough decisions have to be made with regards to how tax payer’s money is used. Each department within the city has an obligation to eliminate any wasteful spending.

One major issue concerning our area right now is to protect our water. Briefly explain how we protect our vital resource while also using it to attract growth?

First, we protect our water through conservation. We should be mindful of how we use and conserve water within our homes, as well as businesses. Fixing leaky faucets, purchasing low-flow fixtures, and limiting the use of sprinkler systems (which should never run in the heat of day, as the majority of the water is evaporated) are just a few ways that we can contribute to conservation on both personal and business levels.  City government has the responsibility to lead by example and they are. The city is now using reclaimed water for much of its irrigation. Reclaimed water is formerly sewer water, but it goes through an extensive filtration process making it safe for landscape irrigation and even recharging underground aquifers. In addition, the city requires that new commercial customers put in reclaimed water lines and low-flow fixtures. I would continue to support such measures, and I would promote additional efforts for conservation in the future.

Quinn Skierski

386-688-3385

What are your thoughts on the role of city government?

Our City has to be run like a business or a household budget. We can not spend more than we take in and expect to be a healthy government!

City government is paid for by the people and businesses. Our government should therefore serve the people to the best of its ability.

How do you feel about consolidation of governmental offices/positions?

When Governments are run efficiently everyone benefits! If we are duplicating our efforts in any one area we must reevaluate and consolidate as needed.

How do we keep spending down while at the same time ensuring a safe, productive society?

We must increase revenue by attracting new, outside businesses and offering them our services such as gas, water and sewer. Partnering with others such as the county and the Chamber of Commerce would benefit everyone.

One major issue concerning our area right now is protecting our water. Briefly explain how we protect our vital resource while also using it to attract growth?

I would work closely with the Suwannee River Water Management and have realistic expectations of what can be expected in different weather cycles.

Also, one of the biggest draws to our area is recreation on the rivers, springs, and the music festivals. We need to be partners with the things that are assets to us.

District 5

David Blevins

386-362-2215

What are your thoughts on the role of city government?

The people elect their leaders to vote for them and they trust us to do the right thing. It is the duty of an elected official to do what’s best for the people. There has been some situations that give the people the idea that its elected leaders aren’t working well together. The city government needs to convince the people that we can govern well. This will give them confidence to trust us. Once that trust is established, we need to do the most we can with the least we can.

How do you feel about consolidation of governmental offices/positions?

I am all for saving money. But, as in all things, we need to make sure any combination of duties, positions, etc. will be for the best in the long run. I do believe the city workers need to have a clear chain of command. They need to know that they will not be second-guessed by another party.

How do we keep spending down while at the same time ensuring a safe, productive society?

We need to look at the budget with the mindset of running a business. If a household, or business was not bringing in the same amount of money that they used to have, they need to look at ways of trimming costs. We do need to keep an eye to the future. We need to think about any future expenses that will come without having a safety net of money coming in from the state. Grants and state or federal money should be gravy and not counted on as ever-lasting money. Services & protection are our number one duty.

One major issue concerning our area right now is protecting our water. Briefly explain how we protect our vital resource while also using it to attract growth?

Like it or not, the Suwannee River Water Management District makes all our decisions for us. Any plan or ideas we might have would have to be approved by them. The District and rainfall determine the amount of water we can enjoy recreationally. We can only influence the District so I would like to have a councilman be the City’s liaison to attend the meetings to be our City’s advocate. Having said that, we need to think ahead of the curve. We need to appreciate the fact that we might have water rationing in our future and plan on that event.

Annette Loston

386-330-2034

What are your thoughts on the role of city government?

Oversee and provide municipal and life safety services as cost effective as possible to residents within the City limits. Plan and budget for future needs i.e., capital improvements etc.

How do you feel about consolidation of governmental offices/positions?

I think consolidation, where possible, is a good thing. I believe that as this economy progresses consolidation may happen out of necessity. Research will need to be done to come to the most cost effective solution for each party.

How do we keep spending down while at the same time ensuring a safe, productive society?

In the aftermath of failed attempts at consolidation I would suggest two things.

Conduct internal evaluations to determine if it is possible to realize a savings by combining existing departments and cross training employees.

Continue to make essential services, such as law enforcement and fire, a priority in order to insure public safety. Try to attract new businesses in an effort to create new jobs. Commercial businesses also generate a higher rate of tax revenue to fund local government.

One major issue concerning our area right now is protecting our water. Briefly explain how we protect our vital resource while also using it to attract growth?

While there are no natural springs inside the City of Live Oak, the attractions to those springs within our county certainly bring people here. It’s in the best interest of the City to attend Water Management District meetings, as well as support the efforts of regional and local citizen groups, that are out there to protect our natural resources. It is vital that we protect our water for both our children and future growth. By doing so we will be prepared to answer the question of availability when potential new businesses come knocking.

Keith Mixon

386-249-5852

What are your thoughts on the role of city government?

Historically city government has served the role of providing a safe environment and public services, while not becoming a financial burden on its citizenry. City government provides police and fire protection, public utilities (such as natural gas, water and sewer services) street maintenance, parks and recreation and other public services necessary to ensure the health and safety of its citizens.

City government is the decision making body responsible for ensuring the best quality of life for its citizens. It attempts to do so by issuing ordinances and zoning regulations, providing emergency services, collecting city taxes, annexing land, and establishing various programs or projects to more efficiently and economically provide government representation of its citizens.

City government faces increasing demands and expectations for its services and resources. In this time of economic difficulties, residents increasingly expect their government to provide them with high-quality services in an efficient and cost-effective manner. City government should ensure that the level and nature of its participation are consistent with its mission, and local government must use resources efficiently and effectively.

Perhaps the greatest task facing city government is to determine the needs and wants of the citizens it serves and to determine the priorities of both. In order to be successful and efficient, city government must be run as a business and it must be accountable for its decisions. Every business must have responsible leadership in order to meet the demands of its consumers. Local government is no different.

In order to be effective, city government must provide a vision for future planned growth, provide opportunities for businesses to grow and expand, and must help to stimulate the overall economic development of the community. In our local city government, economic development must be a priority and must be a shared responsibility with other governmental agencies and private industry. Local city government must have a voice in the recruitment of employers, and must have a shared responsibility in reaching the goals of job creation in order to broaden our tax base and put our citizens in the best possible position to be successful.

To successfully accomplish economic development within our community, city and county government, the existing private business sector, the Chamber of Commerce, our local Vo-Tech educational system, as well as participation from available state agencies must form a shared vision, goal, and plan of action. Shared partnership, responsibilities, and goals in an effort to unite in order to create a broader employer base and job creation is a viable solution to one of our greatest problems.

Essential to any city government is the ability to form partnerships with other governmental bodies and the ability to recruit private sector participation in developing the overall vision for the community.

The ability of city government to solve problems and to be a problem solving body is at the core of all the responsibilities discussed above. To solve problems, city government must identify and take ownership of those issues and move to resolve them in an expedient and efficient manner. As with any business, problems are not always bad. Problems often result in providing new opportunities.

The city government in Live Oak has a tremendous task at hand – to determine how to best serve its citizens and provide the services, direction, and vision that will allow our city to compete successfully with other communities in north Florida. Identifying the problems and inefficiencies of our community, working to resolve them, developing a plan of action, goals and a vision for future growth and development, will provide city government a path to success.

How do you feel about consolidation of governmental offices/positions?

I support the consolidation of offices/positions.

Duplication of positions or services is often counter-productive and not cost effective. Additionally, duplicating services is not the most efficient way of providing the expected quality of services. For example, the zoning department and the building inspection department are two immediate areas that likely that could be consolidated which would provide for better management, quality of services and cost of doing business. Both the City and County have zoning and building positions. The question is whether consolidating the positions will produce more effective and efficient positions serving all citizens. Consolidating positions will provide a greater quality of service and prevent duplication of effort as well as expense.

The concern is that government doesn’t consolidate a position or service just for the sake of consolidation. Questions must be addressed as to the effectiveness of services, expected cost savings or even the possible increased cost potential of the position. If, after careful consideration of consolidating a position shows better services provided and reveals a cost effective approach, this would most likely be an acceptable area of consolidation as an example

How do we keep spending down while at the same time ensuring a safe, productive society?

Carefully analyzing and prioritizing the services required and the revenues expected. All governments today suffer greater budget constraints in providing citizens with even core services than in the past twenty years. It is paramount that fiscal responsibility be the order of business every day in local government.

In order to provide quality of services to its citizens, local government must adhere to the highest level of business practices possible. Fiscal responsibility is of the utmost importance for local government to effectively budget and manage tax payers dollars.

City government should seek shared tasks and partnership roles among local government agencies. No longer can governmental agencies stand alone and bear the economic burdens of providing services and responsibly spending tax payer dollars.

Additionally, budgets should have line item scrutiny, fiscal management must be adhered to, and the business of government should be handled like most responsible households in our community. There can be no waste of taxpayer money. Spending priorities must be established in every budget and discretion of how government spends our taxes and other revenues are paramount

One major issue concerning our area right now is protecting our water. Briefly explain how we protect our vital resource while also using it to attract growth?

The entire southeastern part of our Nation faces crucial issues concerning water quality and quantity resource management. In particular the State of Florida must deal with the urgent question of available and clean water.

Local government must be proactive in all matters effecting the health and safety of its residents. The issue of clean and available water is one of utmost priority to our community. The economic recession has also affected the available tax revenue to safeguard one of our greatest needs and one of our greatest assets.

We must educate ourselves and understand the issues surrounding our water needs, safely protect our water assets, and protect our water availability. Partnering with Suwannee River Water Management and utilizing that agencies expertise and water management capabilities, will be a key aspect of maintaining our water safety and supply. Again, our city government must have a voice in a proactive management style to communicate the problems and the needs of our community.

Our city government has recently undertaken a tremendous project in building new wells and a water storage tank that will provide our citizens with better and cleaner water. However, we have water lines across our city that are years beyond their usefulness of providing the capacity and safety required for our citizens. This is an issue that must be addressed in the immediate future.

One of our community’s greatest assets is our clean environment and clean accessible water. Our lakes, rivers, and streams are some of the cleanest in the state. Every employer from every industry considering a startup business or relocating a business or industry ranks clean air and water as a priority in their decision to name a community as their new address. To put it plainly, our community’s clean water is an asset all employers want. It is a definite marketing tool that our local government must use to attract new industry

James E. Rewis (Incumbent)

386-362-4911

What are your thoughts on the role of city government?

City Government is an extension of the people in our city. The City Council functions on input from the public regarding rates and services. I would like to see more public involvement at our City Council meetings. City residents would then know first-hand what their Council is doing on their behalf and why.

How do you feel about consolidation of governmental offices/positions?

In my 45+ years of working in the private sector, I’ve had close contact with police and fire departments around the state. Our city police and fire departments have a top-notch reputation and have received many well earned awards and accolades. They work very hard to be the best. I have not found a way we could save money through consolidation of services without laying off local employees and a decrease in services to city residents. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

How do we keep spending down while at the same time ensuring a safe, productive society?

With our present economy, this is a problem worked at daily. Running a city is big business and our city faces the same problems, on a larger scope, that every other business faces. Prices for fuel, supplies, and equipment have increased across the board. It is extremely difficult to maintain required services and still operate within our budget. I commend the staff at City Hall for their tireless efforts in this regard.

One major issue concerning our area right now is protecting our water. Briefly explain how we protect our vital resource while also using it to attract growth?

Our aquifer is in an extremely depleted state due to years of drought and overuse. I have worked hard to get our re-used water system in place and operative. Plans are currently in place to supply re-used water to our athletic fields, area lakes and high use local businesses. Water used under this program replenishes our aquifer, rather than drawing it down. This involves millions of gallons of water being returned to the aquifer. I am opposed to the permits being issued by The Suwannee River Water Management for bottling plants on the river/springs and any proposed piping of our water to other areas of the state.