Duval County Soil & Water Conservation District

Every four years, the five supervisors for the Duval County Soil and Water Conservation District are filled in the general election. Two of those posts will be on this November’s ballot.

One of the most frequent questions we get during election cycles is: “What is the Soil and Water Conservation District and what does it do?” These districts were created across the nation in the late 1930s and originally represented small-scale farms by reporting soil and water needs to the government. Conservation and safety of the beaches are also in the purview of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the elected supervisors often serve as environmental advocates and educators in the community.

Although the district cannot levy taxes and has no enforcement powers, they work with agencies, individuals and local businesses to promote best natural resource management practices and conserve the environment.

Elected supervisors receive no pay for serving but may be reimbursed for travel expenses. Some former district supervisors have gone on to run for City Council or other elective offices.

Three of the candidates for district supervisors in Duval County are unopposed this election cycle: Tiffany Bess in Group 1, Kym Wallace Maye in Group 2 and Ashantae Green in Group 4. Candidates in Groups 3 and 5, detailed below, will appear on every Duval County resident’s ballot.

District supervisor seats are nonpartisan.

News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate for a contested seat asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.

Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.

Eugene “Trey” Ford III

Occupation: Filmmaker | Film Programmer | Author

Age: 34

Your family: 2 daughters (8 & 3)

Education: University of Florida Bachelors- Agricultural Operations Management (Construction Planning Focus)

Political experience: Worked with political PACs - Campaign management - Political event organizing

What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?

1. Resistance from the Mayor to attack food desserts in north Jacksonville
2. Funding Urban Agriculture projects
3. Developing farming/agricultural programming that is well marketed and attended with limited resources

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

• By connecting them with the right people and righter information. My network is very vast, broad, and diverse not only in Jacksonville but throughout Florida and the United States. My network equity is deep so that when I do not have an answer or solution, one is readily available a phone call or text away.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

• For pushing Jacksonville and Duval County into a place of sustainability and resourcefulness to make it not only the military stronghold it is on the east coast but also a food resource economics stronghold able to withstand challenges even when the state or the country is not able to provide aid.

Campaign website: None

Campaign’s social media site(s): None

Demetris Harrison

Occupation: City of Jacksonville Employee

Party affiliation*: Democratic Party

Political experience: I am the President of the Jax Lions Quest Cyber Club, an organization that works towards fostering a better community for unprivileged youth.

What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?

1. Community Awareness - there are many citizens who have never heard of a SWCD Supervisor(s) and their responsibility to the city of Jacksonville. I aim to change that narrative.
2. Funding - In order to make true change and increase the level of community awareness, we need to increase the funding.
3. Community Involvement- we need to ensure that the citizens of Duval County are aware of every program and projects that is offered to make the environment better as well as educate.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

• I am running for the Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor position (DSWCD), because I’ve lived in Jacksonville for the last 25 years. As a homeowner, a parent and grandparent I want to ensure that my family and the citizens of Jacksonville will have environmental sustainability for years to come. I have the drive and determination to become an amazing DSWCD to make sure that natural resources is a political topic that is no longer overlooked. Together we can help make a difference in our community. I will do my part to ensure that your voice is heard.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

• I want to be remembered for not being afraid to challenge the status quo, the first DSWDC to raise the level of awareness and change the way people view natural resources.

Campaign website: (none listed)

Campaign’s social media site(s): Facebook

Ray “RJ” Deacon, Jr.

Occupation: Sales/Retail

Age: 43

Your family: Husband, Jason Mongold-Deacon

Education: James Madison University, Bachelor of Arts

Political experience: First Time Candidate

What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?

• Educate constituents on the importance of conserving natural resources.
• Strategize and formulate ideas to move Duval County forward in a Green Earth manner
• Making sure that each person is aware that the future of the Earth is in our hands and only we can make sure the Planet thrives.

How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?

• I am willing to reach out to each constituent individually and guide them towards safer, more energy efficient means of completing daily tasks. Using my office as a platform, I will help Duval County and its residents understand the benefits of Green initiatives.

What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?

• Leaving a lasting legacy in Duval County that not only benefits our residents but the entire State of Florida.

Campaign website: deacon4duval.com

Campaign’s social media site(s): Facebook | Twitter

Bryson Kade Morgan

This candidate has not responded to the News4Jax candidate survey. His answers will be added if they are received at any point prior to the election.