A.M. "Hupp" Huppmann
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Nassau County and how do you plan to address it?
Public safety should always be the County’s number one priority. Ensuring Police/Fire/EMS have the proper funding and manpower levels to match the demand for services. That said, properly managing growth and development is a close second. We are growing so fast it is straining all our resources.
What does “smart growth” look like to you?
Smart growth starts with smart planning. Have a strategic vision for growth and stick to it. Ensuring that new development pays for itself without burdening the existing homeowners. I also firmly believe that new development should include density considerations (how much is too much?), green space, parks and recreation considerations, adequate drainage planning and the host of other development issues that have plagued the County for the better part of a decade.
Should the county government do more to create affordable housing? If so, what steps would you take as commissioner to make this happen?
This will require a public/private partnership, spearheaded by the Chamber of Commerce and Planning and Zoning Board to entice developers to work with the County on the creation of an effective affordable housing inventory. This program requires management to ensure the inventory can be turned over as part of the long-term success of the program to make it available to the next generation of recipients.
How do you factor in conservation when so many new businesses and developments are being built?
Again, it is all about effective planning and a strategic vision as in question 2 above. Build a required percentage of conservation in the planning phase and enforce those limits with no waivers of the requirements as allowed by law and code.
As a county commissioner, how do you intend to engage with commercial and residential developers, especially when community members voice concerns?
Property owners have rights as allowed by law. Citizen and advocacy groups' concerns should be addressed and considered in the early planning phase of any commercial or residential development. Working together is a best practice for success. If the developer meets or exceeds all expectations, there should be no additional opposition to a project. Citizens can’t just say “no” simply because they disagree with what property owners are legally entitled to do with their properties.
Who do you think should be financially responsible for recreation and infrastructure costs in new developments?
Traditionally, when new developments are planned, the developer donates the lands used for recreation and the County installs and maintains the infrastructure (walking trails, playground equipment, picnic tables, and multipurpose courts, etc.). To my knowledge, this has always been the case.
How do you see Nassau County evolving as a tourism destination? Should the county invest more money in the tourism industry?
Tourism is a huge economic engine for this area. It takes a well-managed program to achieve the right balance of residential quality of life vs. the influx of a tourist population utilizing the area's natural resources for their enjoyment. Tourism (and its associated costs) should not be placed on the backs of the residents that already live here and funds earned (i.e. the bed tax) from tourism should be spent wisely within the entire community that supports the tourism.
The recent retirement of County Attorney Mike Mullin highlighted the issue of public records. How will you ensure that you abide by Florida’s Sunshine Law?
Follow the law. Period.
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Editor’s Note: A.M. “Hupp” Huppmann, is running for County Commissioner, District 2. Huppmann submitted the following for publication.
I’m asking for your support in the Primary Election on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 as the qualified candidate for County Commissioner in District 2.
Many of you know me as Hupp, the entertainer or the retired Navy Senior Chief and veteran that rowed across the Atlantic Ocean for a cause our community rallied around. But there is more to my story and I would like to discuss why I am running and why I am the best candidate for District 2. Not to oversimplify it but it really comes down to service.
I have spent most of my adult life in service, putting my faith and energy into things that are bigger than myself. The success of the row campaign has compelled me to want to serve the community that made it so successful. Call it payback if you like, but I feel driven to serve.
This level of service requires solid leadership and experience.
I believe my performance on the Foar From Home campaign clearly demonstrates that I am up to facing big challenges. It wasn’t just a 51-day row, it was nearly 900 days in the making.
We know Nassau County is facing numerous big challenges. Challenges in managing growth and development, controlling taxation, maintaining proper levels of public services, infrastructure creation & maintenance and challenges in budgeting.
With the right leadership, these challenges can be addressed and properly managed. That said, it will take mature, decisive and focused leadership to confront these challenges.
Good leaders have good judgment and make solid, fact-based decisions and they do the right thing, no matter how hard or how unpopular that may be. Good leaders don’t need to take the credit.
I am offering District 2 that kind of leadership.
I don’t believe combative and provocative slogans are going to solve any problems for the citizens and taxpayers of Nassau County. Solutions will be found by bringing the concerned parties together to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
The County was correct to stand by the 45-foot ordinance it passed and not allow the 85 ft towers on the south end. Working to avoid litigation should be the next step. No one wins if we saddle the taxpayers with a multi-million dollar settlement and protracted litigation, yet again.
Further, the scandalous and negative headlines detailing professional shortcomings, extended litigation(s) and the inability to keep planning and programs moving forward are bogging down our staff and dragging our community down an economic void. It’s time to get out from under all this negativity and move forward!
I would like to mention some of my experience and ability to work on large programs. I spent four years serving among the Executive and Legislative branches of the Federal Government in Washington, D.C. in direct support of the nation’s multi-billion dollar nuclear weapons program.
I spent three years serving on an Aircraft Carrier during two forward-deployed combat cruises, executing multi-million dollar HR services for over 5,000 people. These services were delivered on the scale of a small city.
Locally, I spent five years serving as the general manager of a successful historic business and my wife Lori and I have spent recent years building and running two small businesses of our own.
And lastly, I have spent years volunteering and serving for dozens of charities right here at home.
This all adds up to a diverse toolbox of government and private sector experience. I believe this makes me the best-qualified candidate to represent District 2.
I stand ready and energized to serve for the future prosperity of Nassau County. I’m asking for your trust and more importantly your vote on Tuesday, August 23.