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News: Better Cell Phone Service plus Revenue for the City?
December 18th, 2008

News: New Water Main Plan
December 15th, 2008

News: Santa in Cedar Key
December 9th, 2008

News: Dolphin Research Draws a Crowd
December 5th, 2008

News: Area Authors Win Statewide Honors
December 3rd, 2008

News: Four Arrested for Cedar Key Burglaries
December 2nd, 2008

News: Fire-Rescue Boat Arrives
November 24th, 2008

News: Cedar Key School Speech Winners
November 19th, 2008

News: Garbage Billing Agreement in Flux
November 19th, 2008

News: City Attorney to Work for Fixed Fee
November 19th, 2008

News: Change Has Come
November 12th, 2008

News: Commissioners Yearty and Parker Indicted for Bribery
November 6th, 2008

News: Republicans Victors in Two Levy County Races
November 5th, 2008

News: Voting Results in Cedar Key, Nov. 4, 2008
November 4th, 2008

News: Tree Survey Being Conducted
October 31st, 2008

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Candidates Face the Citizens

Candidates Face the Citizens

Jim Hoy

A small but vocal band of citizens attended the May 3 Candidates Forum sponsored by Cedar Key News and held at the Cedar Key Community Center. They spent ninety minutes questioning four current and potential commissioners regarding growth management, economic development, City expenditures and repair of the Big Dock.


Commissioner-elect Gene Hodges warning of the possible loss of CRA funding.

Incumbent Commissioner Pat O'Neal participated despite retaining his Commission seat by virtue of having no opposition. Commissioner-elect Gene Hodges also participated, although he will be seated automatically following the withdrawal of his opponent. Incumbent Sue Colson and her challenger Brian Hussan rounded out the speakers, all of whom graciously responded to the guidance of moderator Jim Green.


Commissioner Sue Colson addressing a question.

Finding a way to speed reconstruction of the Big Dock was the first item discussed. Commissioner Colson explained that the project has become "an engineering nightmare." Commissioner O'Neal added that the Commission has "done everything that it can legally do." Challenger Hussan suggested that the property owners near the construction site may have insurance that would cover potential damage from pile driving activities.


Candidate Brian Hussan remarking on a budget item.

Regarding property taxes, Commissioner-elect Hodges noted that the millage rate is low at 3.1 mills, but cautioned that if the state legislature rescinds the Community Redevelopment Agency the millage would go up. Audience member Doris Hellermann asked why with property assessment way up the millage rate has not been adjusted downward? Commissioner O'Neal pointed out that only one or two citizens attended the six or seven budget workshops to voice desires. He added that he is comfortable with how the money is being spent. Commissioner Colson concurred, saying that strict guidelines govern how CRA and Marina funds are spent. Candidate Hussan expressed concern about pending $150,000 on a "fire boat."

Rick Cooke asked why commercial fishermen must pay $150 to launch boats while local property owners pay only $10, with the implication that commercial fishermen help preserve the "fishing village atmosphere" called for by the Comprehensive Plan.


Commissioner Pat O Neal during a lull in the discussions.

In closing statements the speakers looked optimistically to the future, despite Commissioner-elect Hodges' restatement of his concern about the permanency of CRA funds to pay off bonds.

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