Two of five seats on the Neptune Beach City Council are up for election this year. As the only candidate for the Seat 5 position, incumbent Nia Livingston was elected without opposition.
Two candidates are seeking Seat 4: Christine Burke is challenging incumbent Josh Messinger, who is seeking a second, four-year term.
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Neptune Beach elective offices are nonpartisan and all districts are at-large, meaning all registered voters in the city vote in every race.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to both candidates 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.
| CANDIDATES FOR NEPTUNE BEACH CITY COUNCIL, SEAT 4 |
Christine Burke
Occupation: Managing Director Strategic Sales
Age: 58
Your family: John Gray - Fiance’, Travis, Pancho, Luna - Three Rescue Dogs, Mom - April Rivers, Dad - Pat Burke, Sister - Colleen McDonald, Brother - Harry Burke, plus 150+ other relatives across the country
Education: Masters Degree - Business
Political experience: (No response)
What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?
- Holding the entire Council accountable for bringing money into Neptune Beach and spending money on critical infrastructure
- Some issues may be important to council members and the community but may not be within the council’s power or authority. Determine appropriate partnerships to address these issues.
- Attracting and retaining talent of at least 10 open positions and help with rebuilding the morale of the city
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I am recognized across business and personal relationships as a transparent, collaborative leader. I will bring this leadership back to the residents of Neptune Beach.
I will put proven real-world experience to work. I have a Master’s Degree in Business with over two decades of experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, negotiating contracts, assembling and managing effective teams, and building consensus.
I will ensure projects have a realistic project schedule and stay within budget and project timelines. Projects that should have taken months have taken years to complete and are not finished.
I am very thorough when it comes to follow-up and communicating. Our residents don’t feel they are being heard when emails and other communications go unanswered. I will follow up with the Neptune Beach community.
18-year Neptune Beach property owner, 13-year resident and homeowner. I currently own and pay taxes on two properties in Neptune Beach and care about protecting the unique character of our town.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Bringing back collaboration and transparency to Neptune Beach residents.
Directing budget towards critical areas of need vs special interest.
Advancing the safety and security of Neptune Beach residents
Keeping our small beach town from being overdeveloped.
Being a problem solver, making well-informed decisions, and listening to different points of view.
Professionally representing Neptune Beach when requesting grants and other funding from State and Federal Agencies.
Campaign website: christine4neptunebeach.com
Campaign’s social media site(s): https://www.facebook.com/christine4neptunebeach/
Josh Messinger
This candidate has not responded to our questionnaire. It will be published here if it is submitted at any point before the election.
Campaign website: josh4neptune.com