Today, the Greater Pensacola Chamber released responses to their 2018 candidate questionnaires for the offices of Escambia County Commission, Pensacola Mayor and Pensacola City Council. The questions touched on a variety of topics that are important to the local business community.
“The Chamber is pleased with the responses from the candidates running for these offices,†said Greater Pensacola Chamber Chairman Steve Moorhead. “We offer the responses to the public as yet another resource for vetting candidates.â€
The six mayoral candidates gave their Five-Year plans for the City of Pensacola:
Drew Buchanan
This is a pivotal moment in Pensacola’s story. Our city has grown so much in just the past decade; this is the moment where we choose whether to continue moving in the right direction or to settle for business as usual. My full platform is available at drewforpensacola.com/issues.
Jonathan Garrett Green
My Five Year Plan for the City of Pensacola would be to grow Pensacola. I envision Pensacola being able to become more of a metropolitan area, especially with consolidation of overlapping city county services. I would like to see a larger push into renewable resources, and how we can utilize natural resources, while being fiscally responsible.
David Mayo
As Mayor, we would immediately begin the steps to activate our waterfront which in cases like the Port property would take 5 years of planning and preparation. Within the first couple of years, we will pass a No Solicitation ordinance to reduce the problem of panhandling. In this timeframe we will be partnering with UWF to have an even greater presence in downtown…a key to a vibrant community. We will have made great headway in making the City a much more walking-biking friendly community – a Complete Streets program will be in effect by then! Increased measures to improve the water quality in Carpenters Creek, Bayou’s Texar and Chico will be in motion. Public safety measures will have been bolstered. Hindrances for job growth and investment in our city will have been removed.
Working together, this and more will be achieved!
Lawrence S. Powell
1. Job creation/economic development
2. One united Pensacola
3. Transparent executive government lead with integrity
4. Infrastructure improvements
5. Safer communities and schools
Grover Robinson
My plan would be for each of the seven districts to develop a citizen led plan. This would ensure that each district was experiencing success and improvement. The mayor would then bring all seven together and work on prioritization and implementation.
In every district we should have immediate objectives that can happen now with relatively low cost. Next would be goals that generate the biggest impact but may take time for funding. Finally, I would want each district to think long term on goals that be transformational for that district and the city. We may not reach then in 5 years but we can begin to orient the city and its resources so that someday we can accomplish.
For me the most important parts are citizen led, in each district and a combination of quick, moderate and long term transformative goals.
Brian Spencer
First, a plan for creating and running a transparent, ethical city government with equitable access, and for ensuring the Mayor enjoys a respectful, collaborative relationship with City Council. My plan would prioritize the following, with steps to address each:
- Create economic opportunities for Pensacola residents of all educational and skill levels.
- Safety in neighborhoods, in the workplace and at schools.
- The efficient delivery of city services.
- Attract new businesses and developers to invest in Pensacola.
- A multi-modal transportation infrastructure.
- Access to educational and cultural opportunities for every city resident, regardless of income.
- Review duplicity and pursue opportunities to streamline and consolidate.
- A sustainable and healthy natural environment with convenient and affordable access to healthy lifestyle amenities.
- Neighborhood development and preservation.
See compete questionnaires:
Brian Spencer
David Mayo
Drew Buchanan
Grover Robinson
Jonathan Green
Lawrence Powell