NEWS

Meet the County Commission candidates

From staff reports
pnj.com

DISTRICT 1

The race to replace Wilson Robertson in District 1 on the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is among the hottest local contests this year.

The race features three Republicans — Jeff Bergosh, Jesse Casey and Karen Sindel — who will face off in the Tuesday primary. The winner will take on Democrat Audra Carter in November's general election.

The District 1 seat on the county commission encompasses the Beulah area, and the District 1 commissioner will play an important role in the development of Outlying Field 8 there.

Jeff Bergosh

Jeff Bergosh

Age: 48

Party: Republican

Occupation: Work Control/Quality Assurance Manager for Irby Engineering LLC, 2007-present; Escambia County School Board Member, District 1, 2006-present; immediate past-president of the Florida Coalition of School Board Members Inc., 2014-present.

Education: Master's in public administration, University of West Florida; bachelor of arts, San Diego State University; high school diploma, Pensacola High School.

Why should you vote for me?

What I’d like voters to know about Jeff Bergosh is that I come from extremely humble beginnings, growing up in severely dysfunctional conditions and in poverty. I was raised by a single mom, adopted by a Navy petty officer when I was 9 and my brother was 10. I’ve worked hard my whole life because I was never supposed to amount to anything. I want to serve our county to make our community better so that our students, our children, our families and kids like me (when I was 18) can stay in Pensacola after graduation and find good jobs here. I want to work to improve our county and tackle the big issues coming our way over the next few years. We’ve developed a specific plan for all this at www.jeffbergosh.com. I hope District 1 voters will conclude that I’m the most qualified candidate for this office because I have the right education, experience, passion, drive, and energy to get the job done. I can articulate ideas to large groups or individually one-to-one effectively. I write well and quickly find creative, effective solutions to complex challenges. I have a track record of success in both the public and the private sectors, I’m the resident District 1 knows, I’ve worked hard for our county as a tireless volunteer and public servant over the last 12 years in District 1 —  and I would be humbled and honored to continue to serve you as your next commissioner.

What are your three priorities once in office?

I’ve personally visited 8,500 homes walking door-to-door over the last year. Citizens have told me they want their voices heard so we’ve created a plan based upon these wants — and this plan will make government more responsive and efficient at the county level. (Read our detailed plan for making Escambia County the best it can be at www.jeffbergosh.com.) These same residents have shown me multiple areas where deficiencies exist in their own neighborhoods and communities. From drainage issues on Dunaway Lane, Rebel Road and Merlin Road, to unsafe intersections (Mobile Highway and Beulah Road; and Doug Ford Drive and Sorrento Road), to unsafe roads with no shoulders (Klondike, Eight Mile Creek, Beulah Road) to rapid growth district-wide that is creating traffic congestion — there are many challenges that I will begin to address for the people beginning on day one if I am so humbled and so fortunate to be elected. I’ll work relentlessly yet collaboratively to find solutions for the people. I won’t make excuses and I won’t raise property tax millage rates on property owners because governments at all levels must live within their means  — like families do.

Audra Carter

Audra Carter

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Owner, Audra Carter Minority Ad Agency

Education: Master of management in public administration, University of Phoenix; bachelor of science, State University of New York at Binghamton

Why should you vote for me?

I decided to run for county commissioner of District 1 because I was sick and tired of previous commissioners saying whatever they had to say to get elected, then completely ignoring all the voters who put them into office and those they were elected to serve after they actually got elected. Through my own life experiences, I've learned firsthand just how important the environment is. If we want to have a high quality of life, not only for ourselves but also for our children and grandchildren, then ensuring we have clean air and clean water is absolutely essential. We also need access to great health care through health facilities and wellness programs that have the resources they need to provide top-tier medical services. Of course, access to a K-12 education, as well as higher education, is critical to a high quality of life as well. I also know how important it is to have an emergency plan in place — not only for our individual family but for our entire community as well. That's why, as county commissioner, I would immediately implement an Emergency Disaster Management and Recovery ALERT plan, to ensure that communities in historical flood areas take the necessary steps to prepare for any environmental or emergency challenge recovery head-on. I have both the formal training and background required to be your county commissioner. I have always been a go-getter and now it's time for me to bring that same attitude to the position of county commissioner for District 1. I will build a team and create a business plan for our county, and ensure that we have a clear and upward direction moving forward. This means having a plan for everything from improving, repairing or retrofitting our infrastructure, to developing economic growth via tourism to identifying other income streams for the county, which would result in better safety, health, and prosperity for all citizens of our communities. At the same time, I am very cost-sensitive and will make sure we get the best bang for your buck while also living within our means.

What are your three priorities once in office?

1. To create a two-way conversation so I can listen to the voters, prioritize the most important needs pressing to my district and county,  communicate effectively with staff and leaders, and build a trustworthy team. Advocate and govern cooperation, prudent compromise and negotiation between our governing bodies. We will build and post a budget and action plan for all to see. I want to be held accountable to and for carrying out my duties, responsibilities and obligations as your county commissioner.

2. Study, assess, prioritize, fund and implement infrastructure projects to include roads, highways, bridges, government buildings, parks, technology systems and emergency facilities.

3. Economic development — to include bringing in new businesses, new jobs/job training, private and public partnerships for real estate, entertainment, education, health/health care and environmental projects.

Jesse Casey

Jesse Casey is running for Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, District 1.

Age: 63

Party: Republican

Occupation: Certified general contractor for the state of Florida, with a specialty in masonry; captain, Auxiliary Air Force

Why should voters vote for you?

I am the most qualified candidate to handle the challenges we are facing with our infrastructure. At the early age of 13 I had to work after school, weekends, holidays, and during the summer vacations with my dad in the construction industry. By the time I reached 18 years of age, I was a foreman for H.R. Doty Construction Co., at Pensacola Naval Air Station. I continued to work my way up through the residential, commercial, industrial and the nuclear power construction fields. As a consultant to Public Service of Indiana I was one of five on staff below project manager responsible for renegotiating all contracts from lump-sum contracts to reimbursable. I also filled a civil structural estimating position at the same time. More than 40 years in the construction industry and over 500 county meetings have prepared me to be the next county commissioner.

What are your top three priorities once in office?
1. Infrastructure 
2. Public Safety
3. Jobs

Karen Sindel

Karen Sindel

Age: 57

Party: Republican

Occupation: Nonprofit organization management

Education: BA in communications from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Ala.

Why should you vote for me?

Because experience, proven results and temperament matter. I have over 20 years of public and private results proven experience. I have led organizations like Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida and the Florida Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities; served as vice president of the National Naval Aviation Museum Foundation; and am a small business woman managing as many as 50 employees. I spent 10 years on the Escambia County Planning Board helping completely update the County’s Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, write the Sector Plan, and ordinances restricting cell towers and billboards and those protecting wetlands and established neighborhoods. I helped reduce lease fees on Pensacola Beach by 50 percent in my first year on the Santa Rosa Island Authority Board by functionally consolidating two of its departments into Escambia County. I have been successful in these efforts because I know how to listen to people and work collaboratively with staff and other elected officials. Your government should be accessible to everyone, not just a handful of people who know how to benefit from it. I can’t be bought, sold or intimidated. I will listen to you and put my experience to work for you making strong, positive decisions.

What are your three priorities in office?

1. Develop a strategic plan for Escambia County that includes input from ALL aspects of the community. The county does not have a strategic plan. Who would run a $400 million company without a plan? Without a plan we spend more time in costly and wasteful chaos management than in moving the community forward.

As your Escambia County District 1 commissioner, I will propose the development of a County Strategic Plan that takes the politics out of process, and moves our community forward efficiently and cost effectively on its highest priorities. And I will ensure that you have a voice in the preparation of that strategic plan.

2. Take a portion of the funds dedicated to economic development and reinvest them in local businesses. This would create instant job growth at a low cost of additional employee acquisition. Develop existing businesses; support those who have already invested in our community; and grow jobs locally with a lower cost of new employee acquisition. For years I have watched the county give the Chamber of Commerce’s related economic development groups $550,000 annually of your tax dollars to recruit new jobs with very little return on investment. Many promises and announcements, but few actual new jobs.

3. Create a Beulah Area Master Plan with full citizen participation for OLF-8 and the surrounding areas, including the Bluffs in District 5. OLF-8, the 640-acre site adjacent to Navy Federal, has the potential to be the most important economic driver in Escambia County for the next 20 years.

DISTRICT 3

The only Democratic member of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, Lumon May, faces a challenge this year from Escambia County Sherriff's Office Sgt. Delarian Wiggins and political newcomer and used car dealer Mirza Ahmad.

Mirza Aftab Ahmad

Mirza Aftab Ahmad is running for Escambia County Commissioner District 5

Age: 53

Party: No party affiliation

Occupation: Owner of a car dealership, SAM'S CAR, and many rentals properties; former criminal defense lawyer

Education: Bachelor's degree in political science and economics; graduated from law school

Why should people in your race vote for you?

I know the necessity of the people and the frustration of poverty and unemployment. And I know how to cure them. I want to make people successful in their lives. I want no corruption and no crime in Escambia County and I want to decrease unemployment. I want to improve the education system. I want a clean and safe environment. I want to improve local businesses. So please compare candidates with all aspects prior to voting. Your vote is your voice. I believe I am the best candidate for county commissioner, District 3.

What are your top three priorities once in office?

1. Decrease unemployment and poverty. In order to decrease unemployment and poverty, I want to bring industries, start technical and trade institutions, and improve tourism.

2. Improvement of education system. Many schools have been shut down. We need to open schools. We need medical and law schools in Escambia County.

3. Protection of health and safety. Some environmental issues are a serious threat on people's health and safety, like toxic and contamination, etc., and crime.

Lumon May, incumbant

Party: Democrat

May did not respond for this report.

Delarian Wiggins

Party: No party affiliation

Wiggins did not respond for this report.

DISTRICT 5

Incumbent Steven Barry is being challenged by longtime county roads employee Daniel J. Smillie Jr. for the District 5 seat.

Steven Barry, incumbent

Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry said he and the board will meet with the  Escambia County School District to discuss reliable internet access for low-income families.

Age: 41

Party: Republican

Occupation: CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Education: Attended McArthur Elementary, Ransom Middle, Tate High, University of West Florida

Why should you vote for me?

I hope the voters of District 5 will support me again because I have served them with the humility of a sincere public servant, and the professionalism of an elected official who takes the BCC responsibility very seriously.

What are your three priorities once in office?

My top three priorities are to stimulate economic development, to practice fiscal responsibility, and to empower Escambia County to be a better place to live, work, and play. For the BCC to stimulate economic development, we need to have a healthy, functioning board. Our board needs to present the type of political environment where businesses will want to operate. Continuing to implement innovative policies and procedures that increase taxpayer accountability and transparency is one way we can be more fiscally responsible. Empowering Escambia County to be a better county involves working closely with our agency and not-for-profit partners, at the local, state, and federal level, since we do not possess the resources to be successful without true collaboration.

Daniel Smillie Jr.

Daniel Smillie, Jr.

Party: Republican

Occupation: Retired after 30-plus years serving Escambia County at the road department, as a road correctional officer at Escambia County Road Prison, and road supervisor.

Education: Public school system (K-12) in District 5; George Stone Technical Center's Correctional Program; Okaloosa-Walton Community College.

Why should you vote for me?

I have 30-plus years of service dedicated to the taxpayers of Escambia County. Because of my proven record of continuous service and my knowledge of each department under the Board of County Commissioners, I am the only candidate in District 5 with hands-on experience. I represent all the working people and their ideas for the future of the district. I will fight to secure the funding for District 5. I am establishing two offices in the district and will be a full-time commissioner and not a part-time politician. I will give you the respect you deserve and will return your phone calls. During the next four years, when I am in office, the roads, bridges, and flooding problems will be addressed. I am not a politician, but a working man dedicated to helping District 5. I will make sure I represent all the people in District 5 and their needs. God Bless America.

What are your three priorities once in office?

My priorities will start with the citizens of District 5. Then I will reach out to the address other areas in the county.

1. Address the traffic on the Nine Mile corridor. The roads that intersect Nine Mile will need turn lanes for merging. Traffic redirection and upgrading to the roads with traffic lights, which allow you to cross Nine Mile Road. Pedestrian crossings will also need to be included.

2. Work on the flooding issues in District 5. Address U.S. 29 flooding of the evacuation route. Work with FDOT to clean drainage basins and restore proper water flow. Increase maintenance of holding ponds so they will perk and decrease flooding of the neighborhood.

3. The safety issues of the district. Repair roads and bridges. Striping of roadways and reflective devices on bridges. Upgrade the dirt roads with coal-mix paving and in the future with hot-mix paving. Increase the security with additional Neighborhood Watch Organizations and deputy participation in the district.