Candidates Queried by Citizens

The eight candidates that are running for office in Cedar Key`s May 3 election stood before potential voters at a forum Friday evening. About eighty people listened to the candidates` response to questions from the audience. The forum was co-sponsored by the Cedar Key Lions Club and Cedar Key News. Forum Moderator Ruth Hernandez restated each question after eliminating preambles and other asides.

Planning Cedar Key`s future was the underlying theme of most queries. Requests for services for children, business owners and clammers also were made. Surprisingly, the need for better fire protection was not raised. Nor was merger of water and sewer service with the city.

The candidates generally agreed with each other, and with rare exception they did not disagree with questioners. All agreed that some streets needed paving as soon as practical. Plans for rebuilding the "Big Dock" were outlined, with consideration for Levy County`s involvement.

Kevin Flynn, a member of the Local Planning Agency, asked what could be done to avoid overbuilding. The answers ranged from enforcement of current regulations to tightening Land Development Regulations. Mike Day asked how quasi-judicial hearings could be conducted without conflicts-of-interest. The candidates agreed that where there is even an appearance of conflict Commissioners should step aside. Harry Hooper questioned the validity of Community Redevelopment on the basis of blight in Cedar Key. In general, the candidates identified poor roads, neglect by the county and economic conditions that justify receiving redevelopment funds. Caution regarding unwise use of the funds for "gussying up" the town also emerged. Every candidate that responded supported the request for a second community meeting (charrette) that would prioritize the use of Community Redevelopment Agency funds.