Candidate for Nassau County Board of County Commission, District 5: Klynt Farmer
The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce recently asked each candidate running for the Nassau County Board of County Commission to answer a Candidate Questionnaire and provide a Campaign Video that we could share with the public. Answers to each question have been copied and pasted directly as they were submitted.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Chamber at (904) 261-3248.
Candidate did not provide a campaign video
2024 Nassau County Board of County Commissioners Questionnaire
INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In your opinion, what is the County's role in economic development?
The County's role in economic development is to make sure we have a welcoming environment for businesses to start, grow, and succeed. This means having good infrastructure, fair regulations, and being proactive in understanding what businesses need. We should work closely with local, regional, and state organizations to attract and keep businesses, which in turn creates jobs and improves the quality of life for everyone.
Discuss your opinion on conducting a comprehensive and continuous review of all regulatory processes that impact businesses and provide solutions that address these barriers.
Regularly reviewing and updating our regulations is crucial. It helps us spot and fix unnecessary red tape that might be slowing down business growth. By listening to feedback from the business community and being flexible with our rules, we can make Nassau County a more attractive place for businesses to thrive.
Local economic development efforts present an opportunity for growth, as our County has room to expand high-wage jobs. While Florida is the nation's 10th largest manufacturing employer, with 422,800 jobs, Nassau County has the potential to increase its share of this and other thriving industries.
Nassau County has great potential to grow high-wage jobs, especially in manufacturing. We need to highlight our strengths like our location, infrastructure, and skilled workforce. Partnering with schools to create training programs can ensure we have the right talent. Also, offering incentives to businesses that invest in advanced technologies will make our county an attractive place for high-wage industries.
JaxUSA Partnership recently announced 77 regional economic development projects within the last 18 months. With the right strategies, Nassau County can secure a portion of these opportunities in the future. Please outline your recommendations to enhance Nassau County's performance and attract more industry to our area.
To attract more industry to Nassau County, we should strengthen our partnerships with groups like JaxUSA and promote what makes our county special. We need targeted marketing to showcase our assets, offer competitive incentives, and invest in infrastructure improvements. Supporting workforce development to ensure we have skilled workers is also key.
The Crawford Diamond Industrial Site covers 1,800 acres, with 400 acres ready for industrial use next to 1,300 acres of solar generation by Florida Power & Light. It's well-equipped for heavy industrial projects, having received substantial infrastructure investments from the state and County for roads, water, and wastewater. It is development-ready with a 100-megawatt capacity for high electric demand—suitable for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and defense sectors. The site also boasts 10,000 feet of dual Class 1 rail frontage, access to major shipping terminals, and proximity to Jacksonville International Airport. Despite these attributes, it has struggled to attract significant tenants.
Considering this challenge, does this present an opportunity improve our economic development strategy? If so, what are your recommendations?
The Crawford Diamond Industrial Site has so much potential. We should boost our marketing efforts to industries that fit the site's capabilities, like advanced manufacturing and aerospace. It's also important to get feedback from potential tenants to understand any concerns they have and address them. Offering tailored incentives and creating training programs with local schools can make the site more attractive.
How can the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and staff actively and positively contribute to economic development in our County? Give recommendations.
The BOCC and staff can support economic development by creating a dedicated team to attract and retain businesses, regularly talking with business owners to understand their needs, and making our regulatory processes more business-friendly. Investing in infrastructure and creating incentives for businesses to grow here will also make a big difference.
BUSINESS CLIMATE AND COMPETITIVENESS
How do you plan to engage with the local business community to understand their needs and challenges better?
I plan to engage with the local business community by hosting regular town hall meetings and roundtable discussions, setting up an advisory council with business representatives, and keeping an open-door policy. Surveys and focus groups can also help us get a clearer picture of what businesses need.
According to the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, Microbusinesses (businesses with fewer than five employees, including the owner) represent 92% of all businesses. What will you do as a county commissioner to improve these businesses?
To support microbusinesses, I'll push for simpler regulations and easier permitting processes. Providing access to resources and training, creating networking opportunities, and exploring grants and low-interest loans will help these small businesses thrive. Encouraging local purchasing initiatives can also make a big difference.
How can Nassau County create partnerships and specifically funding programs related to talent recruitment, existing business expansion, and start-up opportunities?
We can create partnerships by working with local schools and colleges to develop training programs, partnering with state and federal agencies for funding, and setting up business incubator programs. Offering grants and incentives for businesses that invest in their employees will also help with talent recruitment and expansion.
CIVIC AND GOVERNANCE SYSTEM
What, in your opinion, are the three most significant challenges facing Nassau County, and what recommendations do you have to address these?
The three biggest challenges are economic diversification, infrastructure development, and affordable housing. We need to attract a variety of industries, invest in transportation and utilities, and promote policies that encourage affordable housing development. Public-private partnerships and leveraging state and federal resources will be key.
When making decisions that impact specific community segments, like businesses, it's crucial to invite their representatives to discuss and contribute. How significant is this input in shaping effective policy, and how do you plan to incorporate it?
Input from the community is crucial. I'll set up advisory councils, host public forums, and keep lines of communication open with community organizations. Surveys and other feedback tools will help us make informed decisions that reflect the needs of our residents and businesses.
Do you believe Nassau County has adequate funding from property taxes, or do you expect to require additional resources from Nassau County property owners? Please explain.
Right now, our property taxes are adequate, but as the County grows, we might need more resources. Before considering additional taxes, we should look at alternative revenue sources like grants and public-private partnerships. Any decision to raise taxes should be made carefully and with plenty of input from the community.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND GROWTH LEADERSHIP
How can Nassau County balance and pursue both natural environment protection and sustainable economic development?
We can balance growth and environmental protection by promoting smart growth principles, protecting critical natural areas, encouraging green building practices, and supporting eco-friendly businesses. Engaging with stakeholders to develop comprehensive plans will help us achieve sustainable development.
Recognizing the initial Public Transportation study spearheaded by the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce from 2015 to 2017 and considering the new Transportation Study currently being conducted:
What actions would you recommend to enhance transportation options and mobility for Nassau County's workforce?
We’re still waiting on the results of a new transportation study this year from the county. However, I do have some initial thoughts. To enhance transportation options, we should expand public transit services, develop bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, and explore flexible transit solutions like ridesharing. Partnering with neighboring counties can help create a seamless transportation network.
Will you commit to supporting sustained county investment in public transit initiatives?
Yes, I’m committed to supporting sustained investment in public transit. It’s essential for reducing traffic, improving air quality, and providing equitable access to jobs and services. Investing in public transit will enhance mobility and support economic growth.
How will you guarantee that Nassau County consistently enhances its connectivity, ensuring faster, stable, and secure infrastructure while also remaining competitive with various technological options to: drive future innovation and, governmental efficiency?
We need to invest in high-speed internet and smart technologies to improve government efficiency. Public-private partnerships can help us upgrade and maintain critical infrastructure. By staying innovative and competitive, we can drive future growth and improve services for our residents.
QUALITY OF LIFE AND QUALITY OF PLACES
The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce recently secured a million dollar appropriation with Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida. Legislators and the Executive branch both believe that affordable housing is a top issue facing Floridians. This historic investment in Nassau County housing is an effort by those entities to address this fundamental issue.
As county commissioner will you commit to using all efforts at your disposal to assist the Chamber and its Northeast Florida Land Trust in accomplishing this goal. Specifically, what efforts or proposals are you willing to spearhead to help this project become accomplished?
I’m committed to using all efforts to support affordable housing initiatives. I’ll advocate for policies that streamline approval processes, secure additional funding, and promote mixed-income housing projects. Partnering with non-profits and using surplus county-owned land for housing projects are also key steps.
What specific policy changes would you advocate to elevate and facilitate workforce housing development in our community, thereby overcoming existing local bureaucratic and regulatory challenges?
To facilitate workforce housing, I’d advocate for streamlining permitting processes, reducing impact fees, implementing inclusionary zoning, and offering incentives for developers who build workforce housing. Setting up a dedicated fund for workforce housing initiatives would also help.
Would you support the proposal to utilize any surplus county-owned land specifically for these projects? If so, how would you propose to implement this policy effectively?
Yes, I support using surplus county-owned land for affordable housing. We should identify suitable land, involve the community in planning, set clear criteria for projects, and provide support to developers. Regular monitoring will ensure these projects meet our housing goals.
Residents feel unencumbered growth is a problem. How will you ensure that initiatives to protect and improve our natural resources balance Nassau County's growth and development needs? How do you feel we have addressed this issue thus far? Going forward, how will you address these concerns?
To balance growth and protect natural resources, we need smart growth principles, strong zoning regulations, green infrastructure, and community engagement. While we’ve made progress, there’s always room for improvement. I’ll prioritize transparency and data-driven decisions to address these concerns.
Can you describe your vision for the ongoing beautification and regular maintenance of Nassau County's main thoroughfares?
My vision for beautifying and maintaining our main roads includes landscaping and streetscaping projects, regular maintenance, and using native plants to reduce costs. Engaging community organizations and allocating enough resources in the budget are also important.
FINAL COMMENTS
Do you have any other comments you would like to specifically address to the business community?
To the business community, I’m committed to working with you to create a thriving environment. Your success is vital for our County’s health and vitality. I’m here to support policies that promote economic growth, innovation, and sustainability. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community. Your input is invaluable, and I look forward to working closely with you.