Candidate Q&A: Darron Ayscue

Website: https://www.darronayscue.com/

Email: connect@darronayscue.com

Phone: 904-591-3647

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

Could you give us some general information about yourself?

I was born and raised in Jacksonville Florida. I met my wife of 20 years, Michelle, at Terry Parker High School. We have two children, Macy and Tyler. Macy is a recent graduate of FBHS and is attending Jacksonville University to study nursing. Tyler is a rising senior who is skipping his junior year of high school to graduate early. He plans to follow in the family trade of firefighters as my father was a firefighter. I have served 23 years with Nassau County Fire/Rescue the last 19 as a Lieutenant at Station 20.

I have lived in Nassau County for over 20 years. We lived just off island for just over 16 years and have lived in the city proper for 4 years.

Have you ever run for/held public office before?

I was Commissioner and Chairman of Amelia Island Mosquito Control District for the past 3.5 years. I had to resign to run for City of Fernandina Beach Commissioner but up until that point, I was Chairman gaining valuable experience in government. At AIMCD we had to set milage rates, balance a budget and oversee staff so I am prepared to hit the ground running as City of Fernandina Beach Commissioner.

What part of your career or life experience do you believe gave you the skillset to be a City Commissioner?

My experience as a commissioner of Amelia Island Mosquito Control District and also my involvement with IAFF Local 3101. Through my public service as a firefighter, I have served my community in some of its most dire times. As a commissioner, I have served to improve the AIMCD. I have worked with the Florida Professional Firefighters on many levels including working with Nassau County’s and surrounding areas' state legislatures to fight for state legislation for firefighter issues. I have a servant-leader mentality that is the core of my skill set to serve the City of Fernandina Beach as a commissioner.

What do you feel are the biggest problems facing the City?

The biggest problems facing the City of Fernandina Beach are gaining control of the budget process and completing the sea wall.

Now that the marina has received a payment to pay off an accumulated cash deficit, do you think the marina can be financially self-sufficient?

Yes. Once the marina debt is paid off it will be financially self-sufficient.

What changes do you think the City can make to help the golf course become financially self-sufficient?

By taking back control over the city golf course, the city golf course will become financially self-sufficient. This process has already began and needs time to show its viability.

How could the City Commission improve its relationship with the Board of County Commissioners and the Ocean Highway Port Authority?

Through great relationships and understanding. In my many roles with the IAFF Local 3101 and AIMCD I have had the opportunity to build great working relationships with all of the County Commissioners and County staff. Furthermore, I have a great working relationship with a majority of OHPA. I bring a unique balance of understanding the goals of the County and OHPA along with great working relationships with all of them. Throughout my years of service, it has put me in a position to immediately improve relationships at the local and state levels for the City of Fernandina Beach.

Do you think the City should raise the surcharge (currently 25%) for users of facilities that are non-City residents?

Yes.

What parts of the City’s budget are of the most concern to you?

The budget process is the biggest concern. We should start the budget balanced on the calculated rollback rate minus new construction. From there we can identify the most pressing capital projects, how they will be funded and the timetable to which we can accomplish them. This should be an annual process that allows for long-term planning of maintenance and budget control.

What do you think, if anything, the City should do to encourage development in the CRA?

Public/private partnerships are the best way to encourage development in the CRA. Working with the private sector entities to bring their expertise and planning will be a benefit to all.