U.S.

House District 7
Duval

State Attorney
Nassau

State House of Representatives districts

Nassau Baker

Baker County School Board and Commission districts

17
2

Putnam County Commission districts

2 2
21 17 207
3

Putnam County School Board districts

3 2
21 17 207
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L-6 Clay TIMES-UNION AUGUST 5, 2012 THE

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100

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100

voter guide
Putnam Flagler

St. Johns

4
Clay

Duval

12
Union Clay Bradford Putnam

Duval

18
St. Johns

4
125
250

5 19
17

4 5

19 17

Clay County school Board 7

DistriCt 2
Putnam

St. Johns

229 90

121 3

21

Flagler

10
231

5 2

elementary education and middle and high school Age: 50 language arts. Education: Most important issues: Bachelors The most important degree, issues include lack of business Duval County 95 open communication adminSchool Board district wide. Additionally, istration; 17 students deserve relevant masters districts in teaching 6 and accurate curriculum Family: Son, Justin presented in a 21st century Previous elected offices: 295 model that utilize resources None properly and in an effective Qualifications: I am a 4 4 manner. United States Navy veteran. 6 1 6 How would you deal with While serving in the Navy, I5 worked on nuclear submarine budget cuts? I have very 10 specific evaluation plans equipment, in the mapping 2 and planning department and to take3a look at time and 301 in the supply department for 7 determine if the time we are 9A the base security command. 17 spending is being spent well. 1 295 During business analyses Upon leaving the Navy, I there are often money raised my son, Justin, and 7 saving discoveries through attended college while evaluation of 95 processes. working part-time in the Do you believe that the logistics field. I have more recent controversy over than 12 years teaching in prayer on campus, and the classroom and earned Congressional in reading; Congressional public access/comment at my credentials DistrictsBoard meetings, School 6 exceptional Districts 3 education,
Nassau

carla cran

Most important issues: Adequate funding for public education. Dealing with unfunded mandates. Keeping our A rated school district on the path to excellence. How would you deal with 95 budget cuts? I do not favor raising taxes. If we have to 17 11 make cuts, it is important to keep the cuts away from the classroom. 9A Do carol sTuddard 8 8 you believe that the 10 recent controversies Age: 67 7 Education: 1 9 over prayer on campus, and public access/ University of 11 2 comment at School Board Alabama 3 10 12 meetings, has negatively Family: 10 13 4 301 Husband, 14 impacted the publics 5 1 9A James (47 17 trust and confidence in the districts leadership? years); daughters, Laura 13 295 I believe that the majority Studdard, Leigh Scales, Amy of our citizens 95 proud are Walker; four grandchildren 6 of our school district and Previous elected offices: have trust and confidence Clay County School Board in the School Board and member since 1992. St. Johns County the superintendent. Qualifications: Experience, Florida House of The Commission and School controversy over prayer proven leadership, and Representatives was promoted and commitment. Board districts

has negatively impacted the publics trust and confidence in the districts leadership? Unfortunately, the loss of confidence in our Clay County School Duval County Board has been a long time coming. The City Council ignition happened to be the prayer issue. Confidence comes with respect, integrity and being open.

Clay County School Board districts

4 1
215 16 21

Circuit Nassau County Court Commission and Judge School Board districts
Group 1
95 Age: 47 2 Education: 301 B.A., Political Science, University of the Virgin Islands; A.A., El Centro Junior College, Texas, Paralegal Studies; J.D Juris Doctorate, Nova Southeastern University, State Senate District 4 Law Shepard Board School of Family: Single; children, Carlina, Carl Previous elected offices: None 4 95 Strongest qualifications: I have been a trial attorney for 18 years. I am death qualified. I 301 am involved in the community and stay connected with the issues involving our youth. As a 10 single mother, I have balanced career and family which has 295 shown my ability to multi-task. In my professional life, I am most proud of earning my law degree, becoming qualified to represent defendants in death penalty cases of Florida Houseand becoming the first African-American Representativesposition in woman to hold a the Capital District 11 Crimes Division of the Public Defenders Office in Duval County. Most important issues: I have spoken to citizens in the 11 95 community throughout my campaign and two words were repeated over and over again. 301 They want judges to be fair and treat them with respect. I will do so. Regardless of the ruling 10 in a case, each person will be treated fairly and with respect. 295
2

2 2

17 4 1 Melina e. BuncoMe 1 5 3

5
17

100

misrepresented Clay County by some people for political reasons. Commission districts We have always welcomed

citizen input at our meetings. 3 2 The only exception is when we have a workshop, which is held to educate the board 5 on issues. At a workshop, no 215 formal action is taken. 16
21

DistriCt 3 Baker
Columbia

Nassau

4
210 increases good schools cost 5 money and everyone benefits 1 1 from good schools. I believe 95 a sales tax increase if needed is the way 210 go because to everyone would contribute. 16 Do you believe that the 13 controversies over recent 2 prayer on campus, and public access/comment at 3 School Board meetings, 206 has negatively impacted 95 the publics trust and 204 confidence in the districts leadership? I believe respect is a two-way street, in order to receive respect you must give it. Board members and the public need to be reminded that we are role models for students and need to act accordingly.

District 17

17

4
school system 210 works and make informed decisions. How would you1 deal with 95 budget cuts: I think the education 210 17countywide budget has been cut as much as it 16 can be. The problem is you 13 any more. But if cant cut there have to be cuts, then it should be of the politicians who are making the 206 decisions. Do you believe that95 the 204 recent controversies over prayer on campus, and public access/comment at School Board meetings, has negatively impacted the publics trust and confidence in the districts leadership? Yes, there has been a decrease in public confidence and trust in the School Board. I think it is a very passionate issue on both sides but I think it could have been handled differently. To help restore that confidence, I am willing to go out and talk to people and listen to them and work to find solutions together. private sectors, I will use my experience to move our school district forward. While serving in the District 5 CongressionalU.S. Army and Florida Army National Guard, I learned the value of hard Nassau work and the dedication required to stand up for what I believe in. Duval Most important issues: Fiscal accountability. In these St. we economicClay conditions,Johnsneed to make sure our $320 million budget is used effectively Alachua and efficiently. Academic Putnam excellence. While striving Flagler for academic excellence and providing opportunities forMarion students going to those Volusia college, we also must provide opportunities for those not Lake going to college. Sumter Seminole How would you deal with budget cuts? Before we state Orange ORLANDO we have a need to raise taxes or cut services, lets look at what we are doing with what we have. We also need to lean on our state representatives to make sure Clay County is receiving our fair share of funding. Do you believe that the recent controversies over prayer on campus, and public access/comment at School Board meetings, has negatively impacted the publics trust and confidence in the districts leadership? There will always be prayer in school and I support it. There has been controversy on both sides of the issue, but I think it is resolved and we should now focus on the education of our students.
100

Age: 59 Columbia Union Education: Clay Clay Masters Tina Bullock Bradford from Liberty Age: 3 Bradford 63 St. Johns University, Air Education: Alachua Putnam War College Bachelors Alachua 6 Family: Wife Flagler of science in Putnam LeaNan; children, Tammy, Elementary Flagler Michelle, Ashley Education, Marion Previous elected offices: Jacksonville Volusia Marion None University; masters in Volusia Qualifications: Unwavering Administration/Supervision, leadership skills that I have University of North Florida developed over a 30-year Family: Husband, Chuck career in the Florida National (43 years); son, Chris; one Congressional to treat Guard. The ability grandchild Districtsequally as I would people 4 Previous elected offices: want them to treat me, and None the ability to make rational Qualifications: I am a Nassau decision in a short period of retired Keystone Heights time in order to streamline Junior/Senior High principal. 4 and make our school system I have kindergarten through Baker more efficient.Duval 12th grade experience. I Most important issues: have served at three of To bridge Clay gap between the the six schools in District Tallahassees unfunded 3. I am a past president of Bradford St. Johns mandates and what we locally both the Principals and need to ensure effective Administrators Associations Alachua standards in the Clay County of Clay County. Putnam school system. I have Flagler many Most important issues: legislative endorsements 1) Enhance and add to such as Sen. Steve Wise, Rep. our Career and Technical Janet Marion Adkins, Rep. Daniel Academies. 2) Develop Volusia Davis. positive school relationships How would you deal with with communities and budget cuts: Not in favor of families in need. 3) Improve raising taxes. articulation between Do you believe that the elementary and secondary recent controversies over schools to address and prayer on campus, and decrease the dropout rate. public access/comment at How would you deal with School Board meetings, budget cuts? Just like in our has negatively impacted home, when money is tight the publics trust and we must make adjustments. confidence in the districts I would ask each department leadership? Absolutely, the to first look and see if there public is disappointed in the are areas to cut that would leadership. I would raise not impact student services. the bar for public servants, Even though no one likes tax DistriCt 4

Buck Burney

Duval

Baker

treating people with respect Duval and give honest answers.

Brian davis

Did not respond

donald Mairs

sMiTTy HuffMan

Age: 58 Education: Bachelors degree, University of North Florida Family: Daughter, Samantha; one grandson Previous elected offices: None. Qualifications: I have a diverse spectrum of education experience. No other current school board member or candidate has the same level or more education experience. Common sense. I will not be influenced by special interest groups. Most important issues: Public awareness and involvement. Making sure accurate information is getting to the public so they can understand how the

Joe WiGGins

Age: 46 Education: Bachelors degree, University of North Florida; masters, University of Florida, J.D., Florida Coastal School of Law Family: two sons, Bryant Wiggins, 23, Chris Wiggins, 21 Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: With my background in business and law in both the public and

frank farrell

Age: 76 Education: Siena College (undergraduate), University of Illinois (graduate), U.S. Army Officers Artillery/Missile School, General Electric Co. advanced management program Family: Wife, Janet (51 years); children, Elizabeth; Richard, Robert; eight grandchildren Previous elected offices: Board of Education, Ridgefield, Conn., Clay County School Board Qualifications: 1) Eight years School Board experience, 2) vice chairman/chairman Clay County School Board;, chairman, Northeast Coalition of School Boards, boards of director, Florida School Boards Association, Clay County Education Foundation, Voices for Children, 3) Board designated liaison to the state legislature, Clay County Commission, Chamber of Commerce. Most important issues: 1) Effective implementation of the Student Success Act. 2) Maintaining the countys A rating despite substantially increased student performance standards and reduced funding at the local and state levels.

How would you deal with budget cuts? In the face of reduced funding, forcing budget cuts I do not favor tax increases as an ordinary remedy. In the extreme, the matter should go out to a referendum. Do you believe that the recent controversy over prayer on campus, and public access/comment at School Board meetings, has negatively impacted the publics trust and confidence in the districts leadership? Public access to a School Board meeting is unquestioned and in no way limited or restricted. The ability of a citizen to speak at a board meeting is subject to some regulation (policy/ procedures) by the board. The boards purpose in meeting is to conduct the business of the school district in an orderly and efficient manner. Those wishing to speak are required to follow fairly simple procedures as to notice, allotted time exhibits, etc.

ken francis

Age: 64 Education: Bachelors degree, Edward Waters College; masters degree of education, Nova Southeastern University

Family: Previously married, four children Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: My strongest qualification for this office is that I have 38 years of experience in education all of which has been served in the Clay County community. My experiences have been blended, ranging from the classroom, district office and secondary school-based principal. Most important issues: 1) Maintaining the tradition of excellence that Clay County has come to present throughout the region and state of Florida in light of increased accountability demands that are falling on schools at each level. 2) Supporting teachers, administrators and staff as they face changes in their evaluation and professional accountability. To deal with budget cuts, would you raise taxes, cut services or a combination of both? I would elect that we explore every funding stream to evaluate ways to further streamline our approach to services and reevaluate what employees can contribute collectively to save money without sacrificing positions. Do you believe that the recent controversy over prayer on campus, and public access/comment at

School Board meetings, has negatively impacted the publics trust and confidence in the districts leadership? I feel that the recent controversy has not caused mistrust of the districts leadership, but has instead polarized the community. The issue of separation of church and state is an amendment that must be respected; but it doesnt supersede the right to freely gather and express ones faith.

JoHnna l. Mckinnon

Age: 49 Education: High school; U.S. military training, some college Family: Husband, Scott (19 years); sons, Christopher, Brandon, Richard Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: U.S. military leadership gained from 10 years of active duty service both during peace time and war. Business skills gained from over 20 years in the military and commercial aviation industry. I have lived in Clay County (District 4) for 19 years. I am the mother of three sons, raised in the Clay County school system. My experience in business and the military coupled with my history of

community service and years of being a mother distinguish me as a superbly qualified school board candidate. Most important issues: The top three issues that I am focused on in this campaign are: 1) Fighting to protect our community values that are being targeted by outside organizations. 2) Achieving academic excellence by moving Clay County into the top 10 throughout the state of Florida. How would you deal with budget cuts? I do not believe raising taxes will solve the problems we face in our economy today. Our problem is not revenue. Our problem is how we spend that revenue. I am equipped with the necessary skills to identify and eliminate waste in processes and programs that drive up excessive cost. Do you believe that the recent controversies over prayer on campus, and public access/comment at School Board meetings, has negatively impacted the publics trust and confidence in the districts leadership? Yes! I plan to work hard to rebuild the trust of the community and restore honor to the position of School Board member demonstrating outright respect, being an active listener, adhering to the ethics and rules.

Age: 49 Education: Juris Doctor, Florida State College of Law Family: Wife, Rita; children Ben, Sarah, Ava, and Cole Previous elected offices: None Strongest qualifications: I believe my strongest qualifications for this office are my experience and temperament. I am a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney (highest level of recognition given by The Florida Bar to an attorney for practice in a specialized area of the law) and an AV rated attorney (highest rating given by the preeminent attorney rating organization). I also have displayed a temperament over the last 23 years that proves I will be professional, respectful and fair-minded to all who appear in front of me. Most important issues: My campaign motto is Don Mairs Experienced, Firm, and Fair. I worked very hard to come up with a motto that reflected the issues most important to me. My community deserves judges that are decisive, consistent, professional, fair, and efficient. I am prepared to be that judge.

GreG Messore
Did not respond

Gerald Wilkerson

Age: 43 Education: B.A., English with Honors, Florida International University; Juris Doctor with Honors, University of Florida Levin College of Law Family: Wife, Janet (12 years), sons Sean, Ryan Previous elected offices: None Strongest qualifications: My intellect and ability to fully understand complex problems. I also believe the fact that I am very wellrounded and come from a very humble background makes me uniquely qualified for this position. I grew up in a very poor neighborhood in Miami. My grandparents raised me for the most part after my mother won a contested custody battle for me against my father who remained estranged from me for many years. I have served my country in the U.S. Army as a Pershing Missile Crewman. I have a family and anyone with children knows how being a parent is perhaps the greatest training one can have to be a judge. Finally, I truly do love people and I believe that above all else, humility and love of people is not only the greatest attribute of a judge, but absolutely paramount to become a great judge. Most important issues: Did not answer.