Since no Democratic candidate is running for this seat and there is no opposition in November, this Republican primary is an open primary that all voters will see on their primary ballot. Four candidates are seeking the position.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate 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.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
Philip Jefferson
Occupation: Retired state of Florida DOC 28 years
Age: 59
Family: Wife: Anita Jefferson
Daughter: Porsha Brown
Son in-law: Arron Brown
Son: Mondrell Jefferson
Son: Phillip Jefferson
Grand son: Elijah Brown
Education: High School graduate Baker County high school
Completed correctional academy lake city community college
Several certificates for community involvement
Political experience: Never held political office
Advocate for community
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Growth: control growth/planned growth
Budget management: Forge a common vision between elected officials that support sub stainable growth and economic prosperity
Small Businesses: develop a mentoring program that provides guidance for small business
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I’m ready day one
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Leaving the office better than it was when I got there
That I served with dignity and fairness to all
Campaign website: (None listed)
Campaign social media: Facebook
Lucious Lee
This candidate has not yet completed the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be promptly posted in this space.
Campaign social media: Facebook
Ronald Mann
Occupation: Sales/Technical Support for Wire Mesh Corporation and Co-Owner of the software company MeshWright, LLC.
Age: 66
Family: My wife, Denise Mann, and I have been married for 44 years. We have two grown sons who live and work in Baker County.
Education: I graduated from Baker County High School in 1975 and have two years of college.
Political experience: I’ve never held political office. I’m a citizen who loves Baker County.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Infrastructure: Prioritize infrastructure in budgeting, improve support for our County Road Department, and plan ahead for future water and sewer needs.
Budget management: Set long-term budgeting goals for future improvements and find the best path forward for managing the Baker County Jail budget.
Growth management: Growth is already happening in our rural county. There is potential for explosive growth in residential and industrial development in the coming years. We need to understand the scope of this potential growth and develop a comprehensive plan to address its associated costs.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
The First Coast Manufacturers Association has endorsed me because of my business experience and professionalism. My experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and staffing, along with my public service on the Baker County Development Commission, gives me the business foundation and background to be an effective County Commissioner.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I want to be remembered as a citizen who took action to help preserve Baker County’s heritage, address our current needs, and plan for the future.
Campaign website: (None)
Campaign social media: Facebook
Kenu Turk
This candidate has not yet responded to the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be promptly posted herre.