Ramon L. Marrero, a candidate for Palm Coast City Council District 4, spoke in a recent interview about his background, his views on the city’s most pressing issues, and why he believes voters should choose him over his opponents.
Marrero, who has lived in Palm Coast for 19 years, described himself as a father, grandfather, and business administration graduate with experience in the military, law enforcement, banking, mortgage underwriting, and small business ownership. He said his time serving on the Palm Coast Charter Review Committee inspired him to pursue elected office. Marrero is also the founder and president of the Hispanic American Cultural Society and has been involved with various nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Flagler County.
“I believe in integrity, transparency, but most of all thoughtful consideration of our residents,” Marrero said, adding that he intends to lead with those principles if elected.
When asked about the biggest issues facing Palm Coast, Marrero pointed to infrastructure and economic growth. “We’ve been behind on infrastructure, we’ve fallen behind, and now we’re playing catch up,” he said, adding that certain areas of the city are being negatively affected as a result.
On the topic of westward expansion, Marrero said he supports renegotiating existing agreements with developers to ensure benefits for current residents. “I honestly think that we have a unique opportunity to… make Palm Coast a better place and make sure that it’s done the right way, the intelligent way,” he said.
Marrero also addressed the proposed homestead property tax exemption that could appear on the ballot, which would exempt a portion of homesteaded property value — reportedly up to $250,000 over five years — from taxation. He said he opposes the measure, citing concerns about the city’s ability to fund infrastructure improvements without that revenue. “Cutting off local revenue streams doesn’t magically shrink government bureaucracy,” Marrero said. “The cost of services doesn’t disappear… it just puts us in a position to fall more behind on infrastructure than what we already are right now.”
Regarding road improvements already underway — including resurfacing on Palm Coast Parkway, added turn lanes on Belle Terre Parkway, and work on Whiteview Parkway — Marrero said infrastructure would be a top priority if he’s elected, noting that traffic has been a common complaint at city manager meet-and-greet events he has attended.
On the subject of rising utility bills, Marrero referenced a recent city council meeting where resolutions related to the wastewater system’s master plan were approved. He said he is not inclined to support tax or fee increases unless they are essential for infrastructure or economic growth, and suggested exploring alternative solutions, such as restructuring utility billing.
Marrero also weighed in on the city’s relatively new city manager, saying it is too early to fully evaluate his performance. He said city leadership positions, including the city manager and city attorney, should be formally evaluated at least once a year. “He will have to prove to the citizens of Palm Coast that he’s worth what we’re paying him,” Marrero said, adding that he believes the city manager has taken appropriate steps so far given the circumstances he inherited.
Addressing concerns about a perceived lack of accountability on the city council, Marrero said he hopes to serve as “the ear of listening” and “the voice of consensus” if elected, emphasizing transparency and open dialogue with residents. When asked whether trust between the council and residents could be rebuilt, Marrero said he believes it can, provided there is a consistent demonstration of integrity and transparency.
Asked why voters should choose him over other candidates, Marrero pointed to his decades of professional experience. “I bring over 45 years of experience in business, banking, law enforcement, military service,” he said. “I lead with integrity and transparency and a practical business mindset focused on results.” He added that while he does not diminish his opponents, his 19 years of community involvement and business background set him apart. “I think I have the better business know-how background, and I know that if given the opportunity, I can continue to serve the citizens of Palm Coast.”
You can find out more about Ramon Marrero by visiting his website, here. You can also contact him via email: ramon@vote4ramon.com, or via phone: (386) 793-2251.
This article is based on statements made by Ramon Marrero in an interview. Any claims made are strictly the opinion of the candidate and have not been independently verified.
