Two seats for supervisors for the Duval County Soil and Water Conservation District are up for election this year. One 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.
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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.
One of the candidates for district supervisor in Duval County is unopposed this election cycle: Kamren Stowers in Group 4. Candidates in Group 2, 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.
| GROUP 2 CANDIDATES |
Douglas Daze
Occupation: Retired
Age: 70
Family: Wife and two married children all residents of Duval County.
Education: A.B. University of Georgia
J.D. Florida State University
Political experience: None
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Security of local water sources (aquifer, river, ocean) 2. Effective use and maintenance of commercial and residential land 3. Increasing public input for insight to better utilization of resources. All three must be addressed by the entire commission in conjunction with city and state agencies to coordinate effective efforts among all three.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
There are only two candidates for this position. Each voter should examine the candidates for every office to ensure any candidate selected will be most appropriate to representing his concerns.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
That I did a good job.
Campaign website: None
Campaign social media: None
Lisa Ellen Dirnberger
This candidate declined to participate in the WJXT/News4JAX Voter’s Guide candidate survey.