St. Johns County’s Anastasia Mosquito Control District collaborates with the Florida Department of Health in Tallahassee, Florida. provides control, community education, and research. It is based in St. Augustine but serves all communities in the county.
Three seats on the five-member elected board are on the November ballot for all county voters.
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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.
Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| GROUP 1 CANDIDATES |
Ed Slavin
Occupation: Retired
Age: 67
Family: My parents, the late Ed and Mary Slavin, helped organize unions. Dad survived malaria in WWII (South Jersey Chapter of 82nd ABN DIVN ASSN named “CPL Edward A. Slavin Chapter” in his honor). My father got malaria in Sicily WWII as an 82nd ABN DIVN paratrooper. My parents taught me, as JFK’s parents taught him, that you have to stand up to people with power or they walk all over you. When AMCD bought a no-bid luxury $1.8 million Bell luxury jet helicopter in 2006, I counted on my mom’s advice as a former purchasing secretary at Camden County College in South Jersey. Our Mosquito Control District got a full refund of our deposit and we learned a valuable lesson about the need for frugality and competitive bidding.
Education: B.S.F.S., Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. J.D., Memphis State University Law School (now University of Memphis).
Political experience: Your watchdog, called an “environmental hero” by Folio Weekly.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Advancing research and education while protecting scientific integrity and free speech rights; safeguarding the independence of AMCD as an independent scientific and technical organization; protecting public health, the environment and wisely spending public funds. How? Asking questions and encouraging open, honest transparent government.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Long experience as a watchdog of mosquito control and environmental protection here in St. Johns County, including helping persuade AMCD Commissioners to vote 5-0 in 2007 to cancel contract for illegal, no-bid $1.8 million purchase of a luxury jet helicopter, resulting in a full refund. Longtime advocate for government accountability and protection of worker and citizen rights.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Inspiring better informed decisionmaking on spending and on environmental, safety, health and scientific issues.
Campaign website: edslavin.com
Campaign social media: None given
T.J. Mazzotta
Occupation: Entrepreneur, Military Veteran, Musician (percussion)
Age: 42
Family: Wife Audrey who teaches at Nease High School
15 year old twin boys Maverick and Micah
2 dogs (Gibson and Judge)
3 cats (Link, Zelda, and Kidini)
Education: ‘-Associate in Applied Science (Aircraft Systems Technology) with a focus on Psychology- CCAF via Louisiana Tech
-Practical Nursing Degree via First Coast Technical College, Saint Augustine
Political experience: None
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
*Taxpayer dollars being spent- I will ensure taxpayer dollars are being allocated appropriately and efficiently, while maintaining a deep-seated commitment to public health and wellbeing.
*Listening to the community and residents of Saint Johns County- I am looking forward to working collaboratively with local officials and the citizens of Saint Johns County to implement policies that protect our community from mosquito-borne diseases and enhance our quality of life.
*Oversight with efficacy- My goal is to maintain AMCD’s essential services effectively while striving to keep millage rates low, ensuring every taxpayer dollar is used wisely.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
As a military veteran and entrepreneur, I bring an invaluable mix of traits to this position. Integrity, discipline, dedication, and an unmatched ability and need to solve problems and help people.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Doing everything that I do to the best of my ability, and being a positive influence and figure within the community.
Campaign website: www.tjmazzotta.com
Campaign social media: Facebook
| GROUP 3 CANDIDATES |
Gayle Gardner
Gardner, who currently holds Seat 5 on the Anastasia Mosquito Control District’s commission, has not yet responded to email and phone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be added to this space promptly.
Campaign website: None found
Tom Reynolds
This candidate has not yet responded to email and phone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be promptly added in this space.
Campaign website: None found
| GROUP 5 CANDIDATES |
Gary Howell
This candidate has not yet responded to email and phone invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be promptly added in this space.
Campaign website: gary-howell.com
Gina LeBlanc
Occupation: Business owner and science teacher
Age: 49
Family: I am married (20 years) to a wonderful man and have one daughter and one son.
Education: BS Biology
Political experience: ‘Commissioner: 8 years Anastasia Mosquito Control District
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Growth of the county
Reducing mosquito population
Reducing pesticides
These three issues can be accomplished via better strategies, increased use of technology, education and research.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I served as Anastasia Mosquito Control District’s first Education Specialist for 3 years in addition to serving on the Board for 8 years. I have knowledge of the inner workings of the business and make decisions that are in the best interest of the people.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I want to be remembered as someone who stood their moral ground, who doesn’t have a political agenda and who truly served the people.
Campaign website: (None given)
Campaign social media: Facebook
Martin Miller
This candidate has not yet responded to email invitations to complete the News4JAX candidate questionnaire. If any responses are received, they will be promptly added in this space.