Flagler County Commissioner Candidate Kim Carney has provided answers to the questions we have sent out to all 25 of the local candidates running for local office. These interviews are some of the last interviews to be posted to the public before early voting begins on August 10th. With many local races being decided in the primaries, candidate research is a hot topic in Flagler County. You can read the interview below with our questions in bold, followed by Kim’s answers.
- Economic development is a subject many are concerned about. With the rising cost of living in Flagler County, and few options for work within the county, how do you plan to combat this issue if elected? I would like to work with Palm Coast and learn more about their program. Flagler County does not provide utilities ie. water and wastewater treatment so our areas for commercial growth are limited. Palm Coast has the most commercial property available for economic development.
- With the Primaries right around the corner, what would you like to inform voters of, when it comes to remembering you at the polls? As a conservative Republican, I will work hard to keep taxes in line with our needs, limit our government, and support traditional family values. I am the best choice for Republicans.
- Environmental conservation has become one of the top concerns among residents, in light of all the recent development projects. How are you working to balance the need for growth with the conservation of the environment in Flagler County? Overdevelopment is a Palm Coast issue. When the government continually changes zoning to allow for high-density and small lot sizes to accommodate a developer over and over again regardless of the infrastructure we will continue to have a problem in Flagler County.
- Many residents are concerned about electing people to office with ties to the real estate and development communities, what ties to those industries do you have? I have been a realtor for 6 years. I do not make any money from development. I sell houses that have been built and are resale. Realtors do not influence development. Developers have their salesforce. I do not work for developers. I will never be a millionaire selling homes from St.Augustine to New Smyrna Beach. I needed a job where I lived. I made a job for myself.
- Taxes are a large concern as well among residents in the county, what plans do you have to mitigate the tax burden on residents in Flagler County? Growth requires money. Increased tax base, residential or commercial will bring additional funding to the County. We need to live within our means. Smaller government, cost efficiency, and a well-planned strategic plan will help you fund the growth.
- As many know, you served as a Flagler Beach City Commissioner; what accomplishments are you most proud of during your time as a city commissioner?
- Developing a Beach Management Plan with citizen volunteers
- Working to get a FIND grant for the City kayak launch
- Initiating a quarterly review of the budget by the Finance Director
- Sponsoring changes to wetland setback ordinance
- Voting against budgets that raised taxes
- Working on several strategic plans to prioritize citywide projects
- Helping citizens with supplies, food, and FEMA applications after Hurricane Matthew
- Reactivating the Investment Committee and making changes to the City Investment policy
- You are running against Nicholas Klufas, Will Clark, and Write in Jose Fabinai; what makes you stand out amongst the crowd? I have a good understanding of my role as a Commissioner and will be an effective Commissioner from the start. I listen to citizens and I communicate with them. I work hard to resolve issues and provide the best customer service I can.
- Why should voters choose you at the polls? I am a conservative Republican with a good voting record. I represent the citizens and realize that government is for the people. I want to engage citizens and I share their concerns and their values.
To find out more about Kim Carney and her platform, visit her site here.
