The incumbent, Leanetta McNealy, is seeking re-election, facing one challenger, Lew Welge. The race will appear on the August ballot open to all voters in the district.
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 and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| CANDIDATES |
Leanetta McNealy
The incumbent has not yet responded to email invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be promptly added to this space.
Campaign website: None found
Campaign social media: None found
Lew Welge
Occupation: Florida Public School Guidance Counselor (retired)
Age: 69
Family: Esposa: Nancy Reid Welge
Education: Hayfield Secondary School (#FairfaxCountyVirginia) grad ‘73.
Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies w/ an Asian Emphasis from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, ‘77.
Master of Education & Educational Specialist degrees from the University of Florida’s Counselor Education Department, 12/17/83.
Political experience: 2020 Candidate for the Duval County School Board, District 1.
2022 Candidate for the Ormond Beach, Florida, City Commission
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1 - The Nutritional neglect of Students will be ended by emphasizing “Fruit first” for breakfasts, and Salad & Sandwich Bars for lunch.
2 - Autocratic Administrative Overload at the District and Individual School Levels
will be reduced via attrition and Counselor & Parent-Teacher Association Leadership.
3 - Curricular “high stakes testing” overemphasis on IQ, to the relative neglect of EQ (Emotional intelligence) and Physical Education at the Elementary and Middle School levels, will be ameliorated through Music, Song & Dance (MSD).
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
My two-term incumbent opponent cannot bring #AbrahamLincoln #LivingHistory into the schools that I can and will.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Like Lincoln, I hope to win the esteem of my friends by making myself worthy of their esteem.
Campaign website: LewWelge.com
Campaign social media: (None listed)