Earlier this week, the Pensacola Chamber published the candidate questionnaires. District 2 County Commissioner Mike Kohler and challenger Glenn Dorsey both completed the questionnaires. Kohler completed his questionnaire on June 29, and Dorsey sent in his on July 8.
These were the questions:
- What is your position on the renewal of the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) for infrastructure in Escambia County? If the measure fails, what specific alternative funding mechanisms would you support for infrastructure needs?
- What is your position on the Property Tax Reform Initiative on November’s ballot? Regardless of your position, how would you propose addressing potential budget impacts if this initiative passes?
- Rising costs for food, gas, and other necessities have impacted many residents. What specific policies or initiatives would you support to improve affordability in our community?
- Housing affordability and availability are significant concerns for residents across income levels. What specific strategies would you pursue to increase housing supply and improve affordability?
- Health outcomes vary significantly across different neighborhoods and demographic groups in our community. What role do you believe local government should play in addressing these health disparities, and what specific actions would you support?
- The Pensacola Bay Center and surrounding downtown area represent significant redevelopment opportunities. What is your vision for this area’s future, and what factors should guide decision-making about its use?
Round 2: Candidate Forum
On July 21, I moderated a candidate forum sponsored by the Northwest Florida Chapter of NAIOP, ABC North Florida and the Home Builders Association of West Florida. Kohler and Dorsey faced off again.
- I had no specifics of the Chamber survey, its questions or the candidates’ answers. My questions focused on infrastructure, government structure and fiscal oversight. The two had more time to consider their answers.
Kohler highlighted his record. “Four years ago, I came here, and I ran on infrastructure. I ran on public safety, roads and parks. Everything I ran on, I accomplished, except one thing, and that was Sorrento Road, which is a complicated situation.”
- Dorsey argued that the west side of the county is suffering. “I am running to return us back to the basics. I live on the west side of town, and what I see are roads that are deteriorating, appearances that are deteriorating, and I’m committed to cleaning that up.”
When asked about the lawsuit in which the county has joined the two nonprofits suing Clerk Pam Childers over community grants, Kohler argued that the Florida Constitution grants the county commission the authority to decide “public purpose.”
He expressed concern about a single person having the power to veto the decisions of five elected commissioners.Dorsey defended Childers as a necessary “stopgap” and safeguard against illegitimate spending, citing her successful litigation against the commission’s previous retirement program. Note: Kohler was not a part of the 401(a) program.
In their closing arguments, Kohler positioned himself as a “straight talker” with a proven track record of results, specifically citing the removal of derelict vessels, the demolition of blighted commercial buildings, and extensive road resurfacing in District 2.
- Dorsey presented himself as a fiscal conservative and a “change” candidate. He criticized the 32.6% increase in the county budget over the last four years and argued that basic county services should not require a commissioner’s direct intervention to function.
