The Greater Pensacola Chamber asked candidates for the Escambia County Commission, ECUA Board, Escambia County School Board and Pensacola City Council to complete surveys for its membership.
Below are the surveys for those commission candidates that will be on the August 20 primary ballot. Following these surveys are links to pdfs of the other races, including write-in candidates and city council candidate who will not appear on the ballot until November 5.
If a candidate is missing, they chose to not complete the survey.
County Commission, District 1
Candidate: Jesse Casey
Homelessness and panhandling continue to be significant problems in Escambia County. What are your solutions to this pressing problem that impacts the business community?
Nobody is above the law, we have laws that we all have to abide by and should be
enforced for the safety of all. Look for new ways to help them to get back on track to be
productive citizens.
What role should the County Commission play in addressing the shortage of workforce housing in Escambia County?
We’re closer with the organizations involved in workforce housing in helping people in
need and have checks and balances for anyone trying to abuse the system
What would your Five-Year Plan for Escambia County look like?
My lifetime goal is to help people not just a five-year plan but as long as I’m alive, it’s all
I wanna do is help people.
What role should county government take in attracting new businesses to the area? What types of jobs would you like to see growing in Escambia County? Be specific.
Tax break for creating jobs. Distribution centers and Manufacturing companies,
employees a lot of people, good health plans, retirement programs etc
######
Candidate: Jeff Bergosh
Homelessness and panhandling continue to be significant problems in Escambia County. What are your solutions to this pressing problem that impacts the business community?
We have to balance humility, respect, and empathy with a firm commitment to upholding
the law and not allowing the dysfunctional life choices of some to upend communities
and diminish the excellent quality of life in Escambia County. The homeless situation is
complex; there are roughly 1/3 of this population that are quite content and are just where
they want to be. Another 1/3 are suffering from untreated/undiagnosed mental
health/addiction issues. and the final 1/3 require help. I want to and I have as a
commissioner supported policies to assist the 1/3 that are truly in need of help and want
help. I have and continue to support strong legislation that disallows folks that comprise
the 1/3 of homeless folks that are content in their situation from panhandling in streets–
where this activity creates massive safety issues for citizens. And I support and will
actively help the 1/3 of citizens who, for whatever reason, are suffering from addiction
and/or untreated mental illness. We have implemented project reconnect in the county
and have provided one-way transportation to nearly 300 homeless in Escambia—back to
their hometowns where they have support systems, family, or other wrap around services.
For any homeless individual who breaks the law, I simply say nobody–not even a
homeless camper—is above the law. So for anyone who breaks the law I support swift
intervention of law enforcement.
What role should the County Commission play in addressing the shortage of workforce housing
in Escambia County?
We need to support economic development which assists all citizens in achieving a good
job and the potential to own a home and live the American dream. When folks move up
the ladder to home ownership–the cascade effect of this is MORE housing choices being
made available at lower cost points. So the facilitation of policies that improve the
economy, lower unemployment rates, and facilitate business creation/operation in our
area is one of my biggest focus areas going forward.
What would your Five-Year Plan for Escambia County look like?
It looks like the strategic plan I have written, built on input from D1 citizens, for the year
2024 forward. The plan is called ’24Forward Escambia and can be found at my website,
www.jeffbergosh.com.
What role should county government take in attracting new businesses to the area? What types of jobs would you like to see growing in Escambia County? Be specific.
We need to keep economic development at the forefront of what we do–alongside public
safety and infrastructure upgrades—because without a strong economy and jobs base—
the citizens of our community will have to bear the burden of higher costs to run our local
government as compared to a situation where we have more citizens making higher
salaries contributing to supporting our government, our public safety, and infrastructure
expenditures.
######
County Commission, District: 4
Candidate: Ashlee Hofberger
Homelessness and panhandling continue to be significant problems in Escambia County. What are your solutions to this pressing problem that impacts the business community?
Being homeless in Escambia County should not be an option. Being homeless in an
unfortunate situation for anyone and we can not just let people stay there. As a
community, we need to come alongside these folks and move them to their next step in
life. For some, that is job skills training, for some it’s connecting them to mental health
resources, and for some it’s drug or alcohol rehab. Whatever that next step is, we have to
get them there, remaining to live in unsanitary brownfield locations is not an option. We
need a clear path to independence and model similar to Tallahassee and Leon County
would work well and is a proven way to significantly reduce our homeless population. It
should be noted that we currently have 1,168 homeless people in Escambia, The average
burden of a chronically homeless person in the state of Florida is $31,000.
What role should the County Commission play in addressing the shortage of workforce housing in Escambia County?
We need an overall on the land developing code (LDC) so we have clear areas of
opportunity for workforce housing. The next step to providing more workforce housing is
making it less expensive to build. As a previous owner of a construction company, we
have a percentage we have to make in order to pay our employees and keep the lights on.
Most jobs are materials + labor + a set profit margin percentage. When labor went up and
materials went up, our profit margin percentage did not. YES, contractors made a higher
dollar, but like everyone else, our power bills also went up a huge amount, as did
everything else, so our net profit was less. As a county, we can help that by reducing the
holding cost of property by providing more automation and less bureaucracy around
permitting and zoning. (Something I have declared as my top 3 issues since I filled to run
on 2/1/24) Impact fees are a hard no. it just makes the home less affordable. As a county
we need to focus on concurrency to make the most of our resources and eliminate overlap
on projects from the county and utility providers. We need to plan for future
infrastructure based on the LDC. We need to consider how insurance rates (which effect
your monthly payment) are impacted based on your distance from a fire station- how they
can be over 20% higher if your more than 5 miles from a fire station.
What would your Five-Year Plan for Escambia County look like?
Over the next five years, my vision for community and economic development includes a
thriving ecosystem of small businesses, fostering innovation and local job creation. I aim
to significantly bolster the number of first responders, ensuring rapid and effective
emergency services for all residents. Enhanced planning and zoning practices will be
prioritized to create well-organized, sustainable, and attractive community spaces. A
streamlined and efficient local government will be pursued to reduce bureaucracy and
improve service delivery. Schools will see substantial improvements, with a focus on
quality education and resources to prepare our children for the future. Investment in
infrastructure will support growth and connectivity, facilitating economic opportunities.
Community engagement will be a cornerstone, ensuring that development reflects the
diverse needs and aspirations of residents. Partnerships with local businesses and
organizations will drive innovation and economic resilience. Together, these efforts will
build a robust, resilient, and prosperous inclusive community for all.
What role should county government take in attracting new businesses to the area? What types of jobs would you like to see growing in Escambia County? Be specific.
It’s the government’s responsibility to make our community a business friendly
environment. The mentality among leadership and county employees should be, “How do
we provide needed amenities for our community and how to we foster responsible
growth?” I can say from experience, that is not the culture of the county, it feels more
like, “What problems do we see with this project, and how do we block it?” You saw it
when we lost Amazon, Cheney Brothers and Novelis. You see it by comparison to
Baldwin County AL. Baldwin County is now creating more high paying jobs than
Escambia County. Your seeing almost daily in PNJ with OLF 8. If you were a Fortune
500 company looking to expand, and Googled “OLF 8 ” you would run. Everything about
the way we have handled that piece of property screams we don’t want your businesses,
we don’t want your homes, and our community doesn’t want you. We need to focus on
creating jobs for individuals with all types of skill sets. For example, workforce
development beginning in high school focusing on not only technically advanced jobs,
but also, service industry jobs- check out Baldwin County Preparatory Academy. They
provide the groundwork ranging from cybersecurity to HVAC. I’d like to see more jobs
that provide a career path from entry level to C-Suite. Examples, logistics, aviation,
military contracting and high end manufacturing. Once we change the culture to
welcoming and ready to do business, we need a concerted effort to bring new companies
here.
######
Candidate: Buck Mitchell
Homelessness and panhandling continue to be significant problems in Escambia County. What are your solutions to this pressing problem that impacts the business community?
Addressing homelessness and panhandling in Escambia County, are complex issues that
require a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between local government,
businesses, non-profit organizations, and the community.
1. Housing First: The most effective way to combat homelessness is to provide people
with stable housing. This approach prioritizes getting people into permanent housing and
then providing additional support services, such as mental health care, substance abuse
treatment, and job training.
2. Support Social Services: Offering support services to mental health care and substance
abuse treatment, as well as access to basic necessities like food and healthcare, can help
address the root causes of homelessness.
3. Employment and Economic Opportunities: Providing job training and employment
opportunities can help people become self-sufficient and reduce the need for
panhandling.
Encourage local businesses to participate in job training and hiring programs for
homeless individuals, possibly incentivized by tax breaks or other benefits.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public about homelessness and
panhandling, reducing stigma and encouraging community support.
5. Enforcement of Existing Laws:
Implement clear and fair ordinances that address panhandling without criminalizing
homelessness, ensuring they focus on connecting individuals to services rather than
punitive measures.
While providing support is important, it’s also necessary to enforce existing laws to
ensure that public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone.
It is important to approach this issue with compassion and a focus on finding sustainable
solutions that address the root causes of homelessness and panhandling.
What role should the County Commission play in addressing the shortage of workforce housing in Escambia County?
The County Commission should play a proactive role in addressing the shortage of
workforce housing in Escambia County. There are several key roles they could assume:
1. Public Awareness and Engagement:
Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate the community and highlight the
importance and benefits of workforce housing.
Engage the community through public hearings, workshops, and forums to gather input
and build support for housing initiatives.
2. Policy Development and Zoning Changes:
Implement and amend zoning regulations to allow for higher-density housing, mixed-use
developments, and affordable housing projects.
Encourage the inclusion of affordable units in new developments through inclusionary
zoning policies.
3. Incentives for Developers:
Offer tax incentives, expedited permitting processes, and reduced fees for developers
who commit to building workforce housing.
Create public-private partnerships to leverage private investment in affordable housing
projects.
4. Funding and Resources:
Allocate county funds or establish a housing trust fund dedicated to workforce housing
development and maintenance.
Apply for state and federal grants to support local housing initiatives.
5. Regulation and Code Reform:
Review and revise building codes and regulations to reduce construction costs while
ensuring safety and quality.
Streamline regulatory processes to make it easier and faster for developers to build
workforce housing.
6. Advocacy and Collaboration:
Advocate for state and federal policies that support affordable housing development.
Collaborate with neighboring counties, local municipalities, non-profits, and community
organizations to create regional solutions to housing challenges.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation:
Establish metrics and regularly monitor the progress of workforce housing initiatives.
Evaluate the effectiveness of policies and programs and make necessary adjustments
based on outcomes and feedback.
Escambia County Commission should be the catalyst for change, as a visionary leader, I
will inspire and motivate everyone involved to work towards a common goal: ensuring
that everyone in Escambia County has a safe, affordable place to call home.
What would your Five-Year Plan for Escambia County look like?
Creating a Five-Year Plan for Escambia County, would involve a comprehensive
approach to address the county’s unique needs and potential opportunities. My plan
would include the following key components:
1. Public Safety and Security:
Increase funding and resources for the Sheriff’s Office and Fire Departments, to hire
more personnel, and provide advanced training focusing on community policing and de-
escalation techniques to ensure a safe environment for all residents.
Develop and regularly update disaster preparedness plans, especially for hurricanes and
other natural disasters.
2. Economic Development and Job Creation:
Partner with local industries to create jobs, particularly in technology, healthcare, and
renewable energy sectors.
Enhance Tourism development and marketing efforts to promote Escambia County’s
attractions, including beaches, historic sites, and cultural events.
Work closely with our local Military partners to ensure the needs of the men and women,
and their families are met. Focusing on first class educational facilities and spousal job
opportunities.
3. Infrastructure Improvement:
Invest in public transportation, road maintenance, and expansion projects to reduce traffic
congestion and improve connectivity.
Promote smart infrastructure projects like parks, bike lanes, and renewable energy
projects.
4. Environmental Conservation and
Coastal Protection: Implement measures to protect and restore coastal areas, including
beach nourishment and wetlands restoration.
5. Community Engagement:
Increase transparency and communication in local government through regular public
forums, accessible online resources, and open data initiatives.
The goal is to create a safe, secure, and resilient community through a balanced approach
of enforcement, engagement, technology, and policy. My plan would aim to build a safe and more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive Escambia County over the next five years, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals.
What role should county government take in attracting new businesses to the area? What types of jobs would you like to see growing in Escambia County? Be specific.
Escambia County government can play a pivotal role in attracting new businesses to the
area by implementing several strategies:
1. Economic Incentives: Offering tax breaks, grants, and subsidies to businesses willing
to bring their businesses to Escambia County.
2. Infrastructure Development: Investing in transportation, utilities, and high-speed
internet to make the area more attractive for businesses.
3. Workforce Development: Partnering with local educational institutions to create
competitive and high paying jobs for our local college graduates and to ensure a skilled
labor force is available, offering training programs tailored to the needs of potential
employers.
4. Business-Friendly Policies: Streamlining the permitting process, reducing bureaucratic
red tape, and providing support services for startups and small businesses.
5. Marketing and Promotion: Actively promoting Escambia County as a great place to do
business through marketing campaigns, participation in trade shows, and direct outreach
to potential investors.
In terms of the types of jobs that would be beneficial for Escambia County, consider the
following specific areas:
1. Technology and IT: Attracting tech firms could create high-paying jobs and foster
innovation. Positions such as software developers, IT support specialists, and
cybersecurity experts would be valuable.
2. Healthcare: Expanding healthcare services can provide stable employment. Roles like
nurses, medical technicians, and administrative staff are crucial.
3. Advanced Manufacturing: Jobs in advanced manufacturing, such as robotics
technicians, quality control inspectors, and production managers can stimulate economic
growth.
4. Renewable Energy: Investing in renewable energy projects can create jobs such as
solar panel installers, wind turbine technicians, and energy analysts.
5. Tourism and Hospitality: Given Pensacola’s appeal as a tourist destination, enhancing
the tourism sector can provide a range of jobs from hotel management to tour guides.
6. Education and Training: Expanding educational services, including vocational training
centers and higher education institutions, can create teaching and administrative
positions.
By focusing on these sectors, Escambia County can diversify its economy, provide high-
quality jobs, and ensure sustainable growth for the future.
######
Candidate: Walker Wilson
Homelessness and panhandling continue to be significant problems in Escambia County. Whatare your solutions to this pressing problem that impacts the business community?
1. Collaborative Partnerships: I believe in fostering partnerships between local
governments, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and businesses to coordinate
efforts and leverage resources effectively. By working together, we can pool resources,
share best practices, and create more impactful solutions without providing duplicative
services that would otherwise compete against one another.
2. Supportive Housing Initiatives: Providing stable housing is crucial to addressing
homelessness. I will support initiatives prioritizing supportive housing models, which
combine affordable housing with access to wraparound services such as mental health
care, addiction treatment, and job training programs. This can be accomplished through a
low-barrier shelter as the front door to help individuals looking for help and a willingness
to work towards permanent housing.
3. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: Many individuals experiencing
homelessness face mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. I will advocate
for increased funding and improved access to mental health services, substance abuse
treatment programs, and crisis intervention services to be wrapped into a low-barrier
shelter so we can meet these individuals where they are.
4. Job Training and Employment Opportunities: Economic stability is key to reducing
homelessness. I will work to expand job training programs and collaborate with local
businesses to create employment opportunities for individuals experiencing
homelessness. Supporting initiatives that connect homeless individuals with job readiness
skills and employment placements can provide a pathway to self-sufficiency.
5. Addressing Panhandling through Outreach and Support: Panhandling is often a
symptom of deeper socioeconomic challenges. I support outreach efforts that connect
panhandlers with social services, housing assistance, and employment opportunities.
Effective outreach programs can help redirect individuals away from panhandling and
towards supportive resources. On the other hand, habitual or aggressive panhandling
should not be tolerated and the county should make every legal effort to curb this habit.
6. Public Safety and Quality of Life: Addressing homelessness and panhandling also
involves ensuring public safety and maintaining the quality of life for residents and
businesses. I will work with law enforcement and community stakeholders to develop
strategies that balance compassion with enforcement, ensuring public spaces remain safe
and welcoming for all.
7. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about homelessness, its
causes, and effective ways to help can reduce stigma and foster community support for
initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness and panhandling.
I am committed to implementing practical, compassionate, and collaborative solutions to
reduce homelessness and panhandling. By focusing on supportive housing, access to
services, employment opportunities, and community engagement, we can improve
outcomes for individuals in need while supporting a thriving business environment.
What role should the County Commission play in addressing the shortage of workforce housing
in Escambia County?
The County Commission can review and revise zoning ordinances and regulatory policies
to encourage the development of workforce housing. This includes streamlining
permitting processes, reducing regulatory barriers, and providing incentives for
developers to build affordable housing units. The County should also foster relationships
with private developers, nonprofit organizations, and financial institutions to leverage
resources and expertise in developing workforce housing projects. This can include
exploring opportunities for joint ventures, tax incentives, or subsidies that make
development financially viable.
Implementing a strategic land use plan that designates areas suitable for workforce
housing development. The County should identify underutilized or redeveloped areas
where workforce housing projects can be prioritized without compromising community
integrity or quality of life. This could include incentives such as density bonuses,
expedited permitting, or fee waivers for developers who include workforce housing in
their projects. Encouraging mixed-income developments can help integrate affordable
housing seamlessly into the community.
Also, you must establish a mechanism to monitor the impact of workforce housing
initiatives and evaluate their effectiveness regularly. This allows for adjustments to
strategies based on data and feedback from stakeholders. Without a way to measure a
program’s success, there is no sense in rolling out a program just to leave it unattended.What role should the County Commission play in addressing the shortage of workforce housing in Escambia County?
The County Commission can review and revise zoning ordinances and regulatory policies
to encourage the development of workforce housing. This includes streamlining
permitting processes, reducing regulatory barriers, and providing incentives for
developers to build affordable housing units. The County should also foster relationships
with private developers, nonprofit organizations, and financial institutions to leverage
resources and expertise in developing workforce housing projects. This can include
exploring opportunities for joint ventures, tax incentives, or subsidies that make development financially viable.
Implementing a strategic land use plan that designates areas suitable for workforce
housing development. The County should identify underutilized or redeveloped areas
where workforce housing projects can be prioritized without compromising community
integrity or quality of life. This could include incentives such as density bonuses,
expedited permitting, or fee waivers for developers who include workforce housing in
their projects. Encouraging mixed-income developments can help integrate affordable
housing seamlessly into the community.
Also, you must establish a mechanism to monitor the impact of workforce housing
initiatives and evaluate their effectiveness regularly. This allows for adjustments to
strategies based on data and feedback from stakeholders. Without a way to measure a
program’s success, there is no sense in rolling out a program just to leave it unattended.
What would your Five-Year Plan for Escambia County look like?
1. Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness:
•Goal: Ensure the safety and security of residents through effective public safety
measures.
-Strengthen community policing initiatives and support law enforcement with necessary
resources by supporting a 4-year deal with the Sheriff’s office and giving deputies a sense
of comfort in their future with Escambia County;
-Enhance emergency response by investing in training, equipment upgrades, and local
healthcare providers.
2. Economic Development and Job Creation:
•Goal: Stimulate economic growth and diversification to create more job opportunities.
-Attract new industries and businesses through targeted incentives and streamlined
permitting processes.
-Support local entrepreneurship with small business development programs and access to
capital.
-Invest in infrastructure improvements that enhance connectivity and support business
expansion.
-Foster partnerships with UWF, PSC, & Escambia County School District to align
workforce training programs with industry needs.
3. Housing and Community Development:
•Goal: Address the housing shortage and improve community infrastructure.
-Expand affordable housing options through zoning reforms, public-private partnerships,
and incentives for developers. The demand is outpacing our inventory and we must work
to increase our inventory of housing options.
-Revitalize neighborhoods by investing in infrastructure, parks, and public spaces.
-Enhance access to healthcare, education, and social services to improve the quality of
life for residents.
4. Good Governance and Fiscal Responsibility:
•Goal: Ensure transparent, accountable, and efficient governance.
-Improve fiscal management through budgetary reforms and strategic resource allocation.
-Enhance transparency and public engagement through open data initiatives and
community forums.
-Strengthen ethics and integrity standards for public officials and employees.
-Evaluate and optimize county services to ensure they meet the needs of residents
effectively.
5. Community Engagement and Collaboration:
•Goal: Foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and civic participation.
-Engage residents, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations in decision-
making processes by keeping an open line of communication with groups like the
chamber during my time in office
-Support volunteerism and civic education programs to empower residents to contribute
to community development.
6. Monitoring and Evaluation:
•Goal: Regularly monitor progress and adjust strategies to achieve goals efficiently and
effectively.
•Strategies:
-Work with the County Administrator to establish performance metrics and benchmarks
for each department director.
-Conduct periodic evaluations and solicit feedback from stakeholders.
-Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions and prioritize initiatives with the
greatest impact on our community.
What role should county government take in attracting new businesses to the area? What types of jobs would you like to see growing in Escambia County? Be specific.
Business-Friendly Policies: The County should be implementing policies that reduce
bureaucratic hurdles, streamline permitting processes, and provide incentives such as tax
breaks or grants for new businesses.
Infrastructure Investment: Improving infrastructure like roads, utilities, and broadband
connectivity to support business operations and expansion.
Workforce Development: Partnering with UWF, PSC George Stone, and E.C.S.D. to
ensure a skilled workforce that meets the needs of incoming businesses.
Promotion and Marketing: Actively marketing the county’s assets, including its
workforce, quality of life, and business opportunities, to potential investors and
businesses.
Growth in the following sectors would be my priority:
Advanced Manufacturing: Encouraging industries that specialize in advanced manufacturing processes, such as aerospace components, electronics, and precision
machinery. These industries often provide high-skilled jobs with competitive wages.
Technology and Innovation: Fostering a technology hub that attracts software
development firms, IT services, cybersecurity companies, and startups. These sectors
create well-paying jobs and contribute to economic diversification and innovation.
Healthcare and Biotechnology: Expanding healthcare facilities and attracting
biotechnology companies focused on research and development, medical devices, and
pharmaceuticals. These sectors provide a wide range of jobs from medical professionals
to technicians and researchers.
Tourism and Hospitality: Enhancing tourism infrastructure to support growth in
hospitality jobs such as hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and eco-tourism
initiatives. These sectors capitalize on Escambia County’s natural beauty and cultural
heritage.
Renewable Energy: Promoting renewable energy projects including solar, wind, and
energy storage facilities. These initiatives create jobs in installation, maintenance, and
engineering while contributing to sustainable development goals.
Below are more specific examples of what we could look forward to in Escambia
County.
– Partner with the City of Pensacola by incentivizing a tech startup incubator in
downtown Pensacola to attract software developers and IT professionals. This would
create jobs in software engineering, data analysis, and digital marketing.
-Attracting a biotechnology research firm to set up a research and development center
focused on developing new medical technologies. This initiative would create jobs in
biomedical research, clinical trial management, and regulatory affairs.
By focusing on these strategic sectors and implementing supportive policies, Escambia
County can attract new businesses, create high-quality jobs, and foster sustainable
economic growth for the benefit of all residents
2024 Candidate Forum County Commission