Two candidates are running for St. Augustine City Commission Seat 1, which is currently held by Roxanne Horvath. Jonathan DePreter and Billy Triay will be on the November ballot.
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 |
Jonathan DePreter
Occupation: Artist and Retired Small Business Owner (Sign, Design and Graphics Business)
Age: 72
Family: Wife Andrea DePreter
Education: BA Chico State University
MFA University of Colorado Boulder
Political experience: Lighthouse Park Neighborhood Association President 2015-2018
St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board Member 2018-2024
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
(1) FLOODING Encourage and incentivize sustainable building practices in areas with a documented history of flooding (2) PARKING AND TRAFFIC Continue to work on the goals of the. Mobility Plan in ways that improve the quality of life for the residents (3) LOCAL BUSINESS Encourage and Incentivize Businesses that serve locals
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I have a nine year record of community service experience that has delivered results for the residents. As a Planning and Zoning Board member for 6 years I have a full understanding of the land development issues that face the entire City. I have heard public testimony from both residents and businesses on over 450 cases and have a history of making level headed decisions based on evidence and reason. During this time I also worked on long term goals of the City such as the updating of the Comprehensive Plan, the development of the Mobility Plan, the new Parking Code update and updates to the land code to promote Sustainable Building practices. My experience as a Neighborhood Association President educated me in the importance of organizing a smaller community around a set of concerns and delivering results on those concerns. These experiences give me a unique perspective to help improve the quality of life in St. Augustine both on a neighborhood level while also understanding the larger issues facing the City as a whole. If elected, I would be the only Commissioner with this experience on the City Commission.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would like to be remembered for an improved quality of life for residents, expanded business opportunities for local businesses and more responsible and sustainable building practices.
Campaign website: votedepreter24.com
Campaign social media: Instagram
Billy Triay
Occupation: University of Florida, UF Historic St. Augustine, Inc. Operations Manager.
Age: 54
Family: Two Children. Gabriel, 13 and Michael, 11.
Education: Some College
Political experience: None
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1) Historic preservation - Protect not only the historic buildings but also the streetscape by keeping new structures to an appropriate size relative to the area.
2) Parking for residents and employees in the historic area - Place parking lots and structures outside of the busiest areas so they may be more useful for employees, residents and visitors. Establish a shuttle service that runs on a schedule suited for the needs of the employees and residents.
3) Neighborhood awareness - Bring our neighborhoods together to act as one city. All of our residents should be be aware of the decisions being made by the City of St. Augustine in every neighborhood so we can be supportive of each other. What happens to one, happens to us all.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I have been working in the historic district for 29 years, focused on historic preservation, visitor services and commercial/residential leasing. I am not retired and see the activities downtown, and most of the city, every day.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
A more cohesive community.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook