Agriculture in St Johns County

Agriculture Economic Impact

Having been raised in a small town outside of Indianapolis, Indiana most of my week-ends as well as fondest memories are intertwined as a child on the family farms in Southern Indiana. To this day my extended family continue to farm a combined area of over 2,000 acres in Indiana and I attempt to make my way "home" for at least three extended week-ends each year. My cousin continues to operate a dairy which his father began in the mid 1900's. I share this because I am sympathetic to the struggles those in agriculture live with.

Our agricultural history spans hundreds of years with a primary impact taking place during the time of development and growth brought to our county by those who envisioned and transformed St. Augustine and St. Johns County from a sleepy old Spanish town into a major resort for the leisure traveler. It was during the Henry Flagler era which began in 1880, that the minds of St. Augustine residents turned to the leisure life. The climate, beauty and history all brought together by a unique culture caused travelers from the north to come and discover the unique Renaissance of our city. It was as a result of this that In 1890, Thomas Horace Hastings, who was a cousin of Henry M. Flagler, established a 1569-acre plantation which he called Prairie Garden on a spot about 18 miles west of St. Augustine. Its function was to grow winter vegetables for the tables of the fine hotels which his distinguished relative had built in the Ancient City.

This was a turning point which brought an emphasis to our county not only for tourism but also as an agricultural capital with a special emphasis on potatoes and cabbage. Today, according to the University of Florida IFAS, "The most economic activity generated from a $1 increase in output in St. Johns County was in the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Mining Production Industry Sector. The model indicates that for every $1 increase in output/sales from production agriculture, mining, and natural resources, economic activity in the county increases by $1.53, and thus the implicit economic multiplier is 1.53".

Other industries in St. Johns County have similar multipliers such as Travel and Entertainment Services (1.50) and Manufacturing (1.40). As can be seen by this study by the University of Florida Agriculture plays a very significant role in our economy.

During the next year as the campaign continues I will share more and explaining how I believe we can MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER with TRUE LEADERSHIP IN RESPONSE TO OUR NEEDS OUR HOPES AND OUR PRIORITIES AS CITIZENS FOR ST JOHNS COUNTY.

Author: administrator

Aug 13

St. Johns County Budget

The Budget Foundation

All Americans want the same things in life. Whether we are a Republican, Democrat.... Lean to the Right, Left or in the middle as a Moderate; all of us desire Freedom, a chance to Prosper, good Education, Crime-free streets, Healthy families and as few people as possible suffering. All those things we define as 'quality of life'. The difference is in the answer to the question, “How do we achieve it?”.

Our current leadership enjoys patting themselves on the back for "cuts" in the budget since 2008 of approximately $151,000,000. When in reality, they were forced to reduce the budget in response to a drop in revenue. When we see three attempts to raise taxes to maintain spending levels or fund other projects we can better understand that the position of our leaders is not one focused on reducing our budget but continuing past spending habits.

Following are areas which once I am elected into office we work towards here in St. Johns County. Some are directly related to the budget and others are related to transforming the way the county responds towards the residents of the county and businesses:

1. Full audit of the county budget to alleviate duplication of services.

2. Make the focus of every department of the county as servants to their employer – who is their employer? Those whom they exist to serve. We will be recognized as and will give awards for excellence in Customer Service.

3. Local government review of every local ordinance as having validity today and whether it serves as a hindrance to business development. If so we should repeal it.

4. Those services we decide meet the criteria as necessary for government to service must work to provide alternative sources of funding there budget internally, by 10% through creative sources. This includes our libraries, Fire and Rescue, Parks and Recreation, Public Transportation, Cultural Centers, etc..

5. Lobbying our State legislators to change the manner of legislation they pass down to the local level. If it is mandated by the State then the State must fund it otherwise we will explore all options available to us concerning implementation.

6. If a service currently being done in house by the county can be done by private business we put it to LOCAL business to bid on it. If you want to do service with the county we will make it a priority to award contracts to those who live in the county.

7. If you are involved in another group or organization and a vote is necessary on that group you must make full financial disclosure on that board and absolutely having continuing conflict of interest. Transparency in all aspects of Government.

8. Reduction or elimination of impact fees.

9. Re-align the technology aspects of the County so that it better serves the citizens making our websites revenue centric. (Birth Certificate, renew licenses, paying bills, document searches, etc...)

10. Reform the Tourism Development Commission

During the next year I will continue to expand and clarify each of these points as well as additional areas.

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER..... TRUE LEADERSHIP IN RESPONSE TO OUR NEEDS OUR HOPES AND OUR PRIORITIES AS CITIZENS IN ST. JOHNS COUNTY

Author: administrator