District 5 county candidate says he's best choice

District 5 county candidate says he's best choice



By Ken Bryan
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 05/18/08


This is in response to an article printed in a local publication recently, "Candidates need to make some noise." The article asked why the current County Commission District 5 Commissioner/incumbent should not be re-elected and why I, Ken Bryan, should be elected in the Aug. 26 primary election.

The incumbent is basically the architect of the problems this county has suffered and will continue to face in the future. He has rubber-stamped the overdevelopment of this county, which has left us with increased taxes, backed up traffic and urban sprawl -- resulting in one giant unfunded infrastructure sinkhole.

The incumbent was the only commissioner to vote "no" for the new budget reworked by then-Chairman Ben Rich which has saved the citizens of this county millions of dollars. For nearly 12 years, the incumbent has been a spend-thrift and has continued to vote for wasteful budgets. He is a lackey to developers and special interest groups whose only objectives are to make this county resemble our neighbors to the south. I ask that you take a look at the incumbent's voting record and contributions he has received over the years.

I am the only candidate who has more than 36 years as a public servant. I have worked as a public servant in various capacities of the federal government. Go to the Supervisor of Elections Web site and learn more about me and the other candidates.

My platform is simple and straight forward - control growth and adhere to strict fiscal standards. With budget constraints and cuts, the commission will have to be responsible and responsive to the many challenges of safety, health, welfare and quality of life.

I am concerned about the lack of jobs in our county and will work with the Economic Development Council to increase and encourage business development, especially for small businesses -- the backbone of our country.

I will support a voter initiative to allow the people to decide if they would like to purchase development rights for our existing farm lands as well as conservation lands to be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.

I will also continue to push for conservation and alternative water supply initiatives.

I opposed the LeNatures water plant, which would have depleted millions of gallons of water from the aquifer. The incumbent voted to approve them without any research on a company that was heavily in debt.

After much public outcry, the contract was cancelled. I am proud to have been part of the few that exposed the plant for what is was.

Growth issues the county faces, dictate that we are proactive and diligent with the safety and welfare of our citizens. We have to focus on and work together as public officials with the first responders to ensure the community is safe at all times.

The incumbent has publicly stated that he will not campaign and will not go out to meet you -- the people he serves. This job is about taking care of the people of this county, not just collecting a paycheck. We can't afford any more irresponsible decisions and actions by the incumbent.

If you elect me to the District 5 Seat, I pledge to be your full-time commissioner. I will be your new choice and new voice. My only job will be as your full-time St. Johns County Commissioner.

Please remember that this is a countywide election which means that everyone eligible to vote in this race can vote for a commissioner not living in their particular district.



Ken Bryan is a retired senior staff director with 36 years of service with the federal Departments of Justice, Navy and the White House. He currently serves on many community boards.


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