BIG BEND ENVIRONMENTAL CANDIDATE FORUM

 

Thursday night’s candidates forum at Tallahassee City Hall was a mix of candidate opinions, rehearsed quotes with a few good ideas mixed in.  Few candidates were well versed in the issues and fewer still had any good suggestions to address global warming, transportation alternatives, reducing the local governments’ carbon footprint, supporting alternative energy and smart growth policies.  The event was sponsored by the Big Bend Environmental Forum, the League of Women Voters, the Council of Neighborhood Associations and Sustainable Tallahassee. For the most part, questions came from the audience and were read from cards by the moderator, sometimes with his own additions, interpretations or commentary. Each candidate was not asked to answer each question.  Sometimes candidates were asked new questions instead of being provided a chance to answer the same question as his/her preceding opponent.  This meant that either the second responding candidate had to take time allotted to answer the new question to address the preceding question or he/she had to skip the preceding question altogether.  This format made it difficult to track each candidate’s response to each issue.

 

Here’s a summary of candidates as they appeared. 

City of Tallahassee Commission, Seat 1

How Would You Address the Issue of Urban Sprawl?

 

Mark Mustian (incumbent) talked about using Blueprint 2000 funding for Capital Cascades funding and possibly requesting a vote to extend the one cent in sales tax that funded the original Blueprint projects.  He also talked about raising private sector money to complete the Capital Cascades project, including Phase Three, as there is not enough Blueprint money to complete the entire project.  He also mentioned the need to complete the Franklin Blvd. project to further address flooding.   

 

Larry Hendricks, qualified write-in candidate, said he takes a “no growth” policy within the urban service area and criticized the Gaines Street project as a “state sponsored bohemian village.” He also mentioned the need for financial support for solar but did not identify any source of this revenue. 

 

What are your views on alternative energy?

 

Mustian said that the City of Tallahassee has the most aggressive demand side management program in the country and his focus would continue to be on decreasing the demand for electricity through further conservation and education of the public.  He said his view may include subsidies for solar and other alternative sources.  He commented on the proposed bio-waste plant near Innovation Park and the questions raised about the safety of the emissions from the plant.  He said that this is not the City’s project, and that the City’s only involvement in the proposed project is the agreement for the City to purchase power generated.  He said the City may need to look to building codes that require more efficient energy-use buildings, but he also thought that public demand may do a better job in driving more energy efficient buildings. 

 

Hendricks questioned why citizens should ask the utility company to send back the citizens’ own money. 

 

Should the City join Leon County’s energy initiatives in reducing its carbon footprint such as joining ICLEI (INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES)?

 

Mustian answered that the City should work to establish base lines of energy useage, then establish guidelines.

 

 Hendricks responded that people need to be angry about environmental pollution.

 

Leon County Commission At-Large

What is the top environmental crisis facing Leon County today?

 

Ed DePuy (incumbent) made comments on the current economic crisis in the US.

 

Akin Akinyemi mentioned urban sprawl and the need for directing new growth into the existing urban services area and criticized the current County Commission’s frequent approval of (development) plans that are in direct conflict with recommendations made by its own planning staff. 

 

DePuy said he also supports an aggressive in-fill program.  He addressed his vote to approve current development projects such as Rockaway (on Mahan Drive in eastern Leon County) saying that he was in the voting majority in approving the project over the objections of the state growth management agency the Department of Community Affairs.  He went on to say that if public opinion indicated a need, he would reconsider his approval of the project. 

 

How should the Florida aquifer, what steps should be taken to bring water back to Lake Jackson and limit development around its perimeter?


DePuy said that his votes for any development at Lake Jackson were votes made by the majority of Commissiners.  “I like the environment,” he said and noted his interest in fishing, hunting and being in the outdoors.  He felt that we should let Mother Nature bring water back to Lake Jackson. 

 

Akinyemi said he supported efforts to restore water to Lake Jackson, but pointed out that the problems created by sink holes were a direct result of poor planning for drainage and stormwater run-off over many years.  He mentioned his knowledge as an architect as one who understands the importance of good engineering when planning new developments, including new roads.  He said his support of smaller, urban infill is more efficient and beneficial and large urban projects that create urban sprawl and which create situations where sink holes appear due to lack of good engineering and good planning.  He spoke extensively about his proposed “e-Square” concept and provided a position paper on “Environmental Stewardship” to the audience.  Under “e-Square” planning would support mixed-use environmentally sensitive live and work communities.  

 

DePuy commented that it was a 4—3 vote of the County Commission to approve the cut off of the upper lake from the lower resulting in a negative impact on the lake.

 

What is your definition of sustainability?

 

Akinyemi defined it as “whatever you do must be able to provide for itself.”  He referred to his Environmental Action Plan and called it a blueprint for sustainability, including “Ten Simple Things You Can Do as an Individual.”  He supported having the local government provide more education about the environment and sustainability. 

 

DePuy defined it as “stop doing things wrong and correct the mistakes of the past.”  He said an example of the siting the CSX track years ago as a mistake, but noted “we can’t correct that now.”  He support energy audits of county facilities, addressing stormwater issues and said that the Commission should set an example for its citizens.  He went on to point out that he is the former chairman of Blueprint 2000 and he is in support of forumulas now in place to provide ““green stormwater projects, as well as pedestrian and bike paths.

 

Opinions on the Realignment of Capital Circle SW?

 

DePuy stated that the realignment project needed to use Capital Circle’s existing route, but that it needs to address stormwater drainage and that it “needs to be done right.”  There is no quality of water in the surrounding lakes because of stormwater runoff and the fact that the existing road has no stormwater drainage.   Water now goes into the Lake Bradford chain of lakes.  He support the County’s approach to complete this project by 2015. 

 

Should Leon County Require New Development to Provide for Mass Transit as a Part of its Project?

 

Akinyemi “Yes,”  he replied.  Developments outside the urban service area should provide a plan for mass transit.  Star Metro should support bike-to-work pathways that would make it easier for citizens to safely bike to work.  He returned to the Capital Circle SW and said that he was disappointed in the County’s approach to building roads and that building more lanes in a highway is not always the answer.  He said that there were areas in Tallahassee/Leon County where an overpass might alleviate traffic congestion and move traffic more efficiently rather than widening roads. 

 

How should we protect Florida’s water resources, especially in light of Florida’s “Water Wars” with Alabama and Georgia?

 

Akinyemi He mentioned his support to protect Florida’s waters and suggested that water conservation was an important part of any approach.  He suggested that the County should adopt two systems of water drainage, recycling “grey” water, with another system for drinking water.  He said this would save money. 

 

Should the County Renegotiate the Rockaway Project in Leon County?

 

 

DePuy said that he would support renegotiating of the status of the development of Rockaway if a group of people reached consensus about the project and came back to the local government in support of denying the project, then he would be willing to come back and reassess the project. 


House Districts 8 and 9

 

What is the most important environmental issue facing Florida today?

 

Robert Maddox (House District 8) answered “the economy.”

 

Alan Williams (House District 8) answered sustainability and clean energy.

 

Michelle Vasilinda (House District 9) answered energy independence, water and conservation.

 

John Shaw (House District 9) answered legalizing industrial hemp as a biofuel source. 

 

* note Peter Boulware (House District 9) and qualified write-in candidate, Rodney Davis, (House District 8)   did not attend the forum.

 

Do you support solar rebates?

 

Shaw said “yes.”  He went on to talk about biofuels as an alternative energy source and that growing hemp would produce more fuel than any food source we now use for biofuel. 

 

Vasilinda said that getting away from fossil fuels is the first priority.  Florida should become known as the “solar” state in invest heavily in solar. 

 

Williams said that government should be great stewards of our environment.  He would continue the Florida Forever program [note the program was extended through 2020 effective July 1, 2008, with funding of $300 million a year].   He thought that the Florida Legislature whould work to create green jobs, build LEEDS certified office buildings, examine the energy plan proposed by Governor Crist as well as look at other energy sources that are renewable. 

 

Maddox said that the State should look for alternative energies and technologies including innovations like spray-on solar.  He supports energy credits or rebates for energy efficient appliances, selling back excess energy to utility companies and that government can often misdirect how things are done. 

 

Do you support the quasi-public Road Districts created by former Governor Jeb Bush to build new roads which provide for little oversight and public input or should they be abolished?

 

Maddox said that no decisions should be made at the topo without input from the bottom.

 

Williams said these Districts are a duplication of services and that he would vote to eliminate them.  He said Florida already has MPO’s (Metropolitan Planning Organizations).

 

Vasilinda said that we may need to stop building roads and obtain more public input for more bike paths and public transit.  She indicated this is good for the environment.

 

Shaw gave a response that was incomprehensible for this writer to record. 

 

Regarding the management of growth, do you support strengthening the state’s comprehensive authority through the Department of Community Affairs?

 

Williams stated he would not support this, as the comprehensive plan to day is a cumbersome process requiring much detail and paperwork.  He said he felt that the local government can protect the environment without so much regulation by the State.  He said the city and county can self-regulate with input from its citizens. 

 

Maddox said it’s a local issue and should be treated as such.

 

Shaw said he supported less power at the top and that power should be put in the hands of local people. 

 

Vasilinda said that growth decisions should be left to state and local governments.  She indicated people in the community know their local environmental issues.  While there is a place for the comprehensive plan, but not as many comprehensive restrictions as there are now. 

 

In the topic of economic development, should the state invest in high tech and bio-science using funds from things like the state pension fund? 

 

Vasilinda indicated that the Legislature needs to be very careful with the state retirement funds in the area of investments and should emphasize investments in green jobs and green energy.

 

Maddox said that the State should honor its commitment to retirees to be a good steward of its investments for pension funds.

 

Shaw said his solution was to create a new cash crop – hemp – that would open up new jobs.   

 

Williams said the State should invest in companies that invest in green development with a part of retirement fund dollars being committed to investments that create green jobs.  

 

How would the candidate reduce the stress on North Florida’s aquifer?

 

Williams stated the state should be the protector of the Floridian aquifer and that funding for more desalinization plants in south Florida could create fresh water there and then south Florida would leave north Florida’s water alone so we can enjoy our resources.

 

Maddox said the State should work on perfecting desalinization as well as energy efficiency.

 

Vasilinda recommended everyone at the Forum should read the book Mirage by Cynthia Barnett.  We should emphasize conserving water and invest in strategies such as xeriscaping.  She said we should not depend on state growth—just moving in more and more people—as Florida’s economic engine.  She said that Florida should grow green jobs and consider desalinization.  In addition, she disagreed that Florida should allow water be obtained for free by bottling companies for bottled water.

 

Shaw said south Florida should decrease its demand for water and that water is a global issue. 

 

What is the candidate’s position on the constitutional amendment (which will not appear on the upcoming 2008 ballot) called “Hometown Democracy?”

 

Shaw said he was not an expert on the issue, but that we should make sure we know what our priorities are.

 

Vasilinda said that as proposed, the amendment would be difficult and expensive to implement.  That, instead, perhaps more input at the city and local level was needed as a part of the existing comprehensive plan process. 

 

Williams indicated the amendment would have been too expensive to implement.  He said the current comprehensive plan is outdated now.  Citizens already have the power to vote on elected officials who approve the comprehensive plan.  He said this proposal did not belong in the constitution, “along with pregnant pigs.”  He said public comment for the comprehensive plan was the method he preferred, that this issue did not belong as an amendment to Florida’s constitution. 

 

 

Maddox said he didn’t support it and that government should create “direct democracy.”

 

Second Congressional District

 

What is the most important environmental issue facing Florida today?

 

Allen Boyd (incumbent) said a long-term energy policy.

 

Mark Mulligan said water for everybody and indicated that the “jury was still out” on how much man is affecting climate change.

 

* note qualified write-in candidate, Robert Ortiz, did not attend the forum. 

 

Should the US join the Kyoto Treaty?

 

Boyd said that the US probably needs a new approach to energy policy.  Since 2006, climate change and renewable energy has been the primary focus of the Congress.  He indicated that “the US needs to rid itself of our dependence on foreign oil.”

 

Mulligan corrected previous speakers saying the terminology was not “global warming” but “climate change.”  He asked how significant an impact does man have on climate change and stated that coal and combustion engines had to be addressed to reduce man’s impact on climate change.

 

Does the candidate support a Cap and Trade system?

 

Mulligan said he did not support “taxing” coal plants who produce emissions.  He supported other approaches such as clean coal and siting ponds next to coal plants so that the emissions would be absorbed in the water, turned into algae, which could then be used for bio-diesel.  He said the US should innovate not tax.  Cars should be converted to natural gas and then, eventually, converted to hydrogen.  He said that to make the electricity necessary to produce hydrogen, that the US should use nuclear, solar and wind energy. 

 

Boyd said, yes that he absolutely supported a cap and trade system.  He pointed out that the US has the largest reserves of coal in the world and the US needs to use coal cleanly.  This could be done through utilizing the tax code wisely. 

 

Does the candidate support drilling for oil off the coast of Florida?

 

Boyd said he would have to know if the drilling was far enough from Florida’s coast and if it was safe enough.  He indicated that current Florida Statutes prohibit oil rigs from being located within military training ranges (south of Ft Walton to south of Tampa) and these areas need to remain protected for military purposes. 

 

Mulligan said the US should negotiate to put oil platforms in

these areas now protected for military purposes.  He said there was already recreational and commercial activities in this area, so he did not see the need to ban oil rigs in these areas.

 

Does the candidate support Green Collar Job Retraining and full funding of the Green Jobs Training Act?  (*note - The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, signed into law Dec. 19, 2007, amends the Workforce Investment Act by adding the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Program, also known as the Green Jobs Act of 2007.

Congress is now deciding which federal programs will be funded in 2009. Among those programs are the Green Jobs Act, which would invest $125 million in green-collar job training programs, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, which would authorize grants to local communities to help improve their energy efficiency and increase renewable energy.)

 

Boyd said he was not familiar with this.  He went on to say that the US cannot “drill our way out of the oil problem” and that we need to use the US tax code to incentivize alternative and renewable industries and get away from providing incentives to oil companies.  The US should focus on wind, solar, bio-diesel, Cellulosic ethanol and that we know these technologies will work. 

 

Would the candidate comment on the Clean Water Restoration Act? [related to fresh water pollution caused by mountaintop removal processes while mining.]

 

Mulligan said he supported bio-friendly fertilizers to reduce the pollution from chemical fertilizers in our fresh water so that “we can use existing water supplies like the Wakulla River.”

 

Would the candidates comment on Florida’s “Water Wars” with Georgia and Alabama?

 

Boyd said the allocation of water resources for three states were at stake.  Dredging on the Apalachicola River had been stopped and that Alabama and Georgia needed to adopt water management agencies similar to Florida’s water management districts that require the availability of fresh water be tied directly to requests for any new growth.

 

 Mulligan said the “natural flow of water is natural.”  He stated that he supported requiring bio-friendly fertilizers to keep “fresh water fresh.”

 

Should federal dollars be used for mass transit and bicycle and pedestrian paths?

 

Mulligan said that he did not support any increase in the tax on gasoline and that the US needed to drill for oil in Wyoming.

 

Boyd said “yes,” he supported using federal dollars for mass transit and bike and pedestrian paths.  He said that Star Metro in Tallahassee had received over $7 million in earmarks to improve its bus system since 2002.  He also said he hoped that the Sunset Limited Amtrak passenger train from Jacksonville to New Orleans would restart service through Tallahassee in the next year.