City Commission Candidate Questionnaire J.Q. Hodges and Sue Colson are the two candidates running against each other for a seat on the City Commission. They have responded to a questionnaire provided by Cedar Key News as follows:
I. What experiences have you had that make you a good candidate for the City Commission? Hodges: I`ve been on the Commission for forty-one years. Elected in 1962, and was elected mayor twice. Colson: I believe I can turn visions into successful realities. I was involved for twelve years with the Suwannee River Water Management District, supervised a 2500 unit apartment complex, and organized and served as President of the Suwannee Oyster Association. Helped organize the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association, was a member of the Project Ocean Advisory Board, ran a $150,000 4-H program and have been involved in sewage treatment and storm water projects. I am a Registered Nurse and Paramedic. And I am a member of the Cedar Key United Methodist Church. 2. What is the greatest problem the the City Commission has the power to solve? Colson: In one word, change. The City Commission must be involved in planning and looking ahead toward change and growth. It must not just react to it. Hodges: Parking. 3. What is your solution to the problem?
Hodges: There is no land in the city limits big enough. There is no solution. Colson: Simply, to be elected to the City Commission. I will take a proactive outlook toward growth and change. People with experience, organization, and the ability to turn visions into successful products must be elected to the City Commission for change and growth to be managed properly. 4. What can the City Commission do to minimize the impact of Cedar Key Plantation and similar developments on life in Cedar Key? Colson: The City Commission and the Cedar Key citizens need to attend and participate in Levy County Commission meetings regarding developments in and around the Cedar Key area. We have to expand our world view beyond the # 4 Bridge and have a voice wh\thin the Levy County Commission. The developments will have a great impct on life in Cedar Key. Hodges: It is up to the County. The City Commission can ask the County to do something. The State can do something. The County can make them pave the roads. 5. Although the Commission election is nonpartisan, your party affiliation, if any, may tell the voters something of your political philosophy. Please indicate how you are registered to vote, and how long you have been so registered. Hodges: I`ve been a Democrat all my life. Colson: Democrat for thirty-eight years. 6. What is your strongest conviction with regard to personal political philosophy? Colson: The government and the people are not separate. The people are the government. Public participation in public forums is a right that needs to be exercised. Government is only as good as those who participate and are elected. No participation equals failure. No matter how diverse opinions can get, common ground must be sought. Then a consensus will be found. This must be done with healthy dialogue and participation. Hodges: City control is important to people in Cedar Key, but you have to go to the State to get things done. We have to have the State do inspection so we can sell clams out-of-state. | 