Justin M. Taylor
CANDIDATE STATEMENT
Editor’s Note: Justin M. Taylor is running for Ocean Highway and Port Authority, District 3. Taylor submitted the following for publication.
My name is Justin Taylor and I am a candidate for Ocean Highway & Port Authority, District 3. I have spent most of my life working to improve the community I call home. As a business professional, advocate, and leader in the community, my focus will always be to improve our quality of life.
I have a diverse background in both the public and private sector. My passion and experiences have granted me the opportunity to serve the community as an elected Nassau County Commissioner where I have worked to enhance our community through partnerships that brought awareness and policy improvements to public safety, affordable housing, government planning, and initiatives to reduce veteran suicide rates.
In the private sector, I currently serve as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Residence Inn by Marriott on Amelia Island.
Public service is my passion and some of my community affiliations include Greater Nassau Rotary Club, Nassau Education Foundation Board of Directors, and Leadership Nassau Alumni Board. I was recently honored to be recognized by the News-Leader as one of Nassau County’s Top 40 young professionals under 40.
The reason for my candidacy is simple. I want what is best for the Nassau County community. If we work together, we can create more opportunities and build a better future by improving the operations of the Ocean Highway & Port Authority.
In order to do this, I believe we must accomplish some very critical components:
First – Improve our role in Economic Development
When the Ocean Highway & Port Authority was established, it was intended to be the elected economic development arm of Nassau County. The Charter allows the Port Authority to issue bonds which could be used to help strengthen our local economy. I believe Nassau County citizens should feel proud to reside here. As we continue to grow, the Port Authority should work with our community partners to help sustain growth that makes it easier to attract new businesses beneficial to our citizens. This can be accomplished without expanding the existing footprint of the Port of Fernandina.
Second – Improving our Community Partnerships
The Ocean Highway & Port Authority does not levy any taxes against the residents in Nassau County. This means not a single dime collected comes from the people, but rather the revenue collected from Port operations. Still, the Port Authority is responsible for protecting the interest of the community and should always have a good working relationship with the City of Fernandina Beach, Nassau Board of County Commissioners, and the Economic Development Board. It is through these partnerships that we can become more beneficial to the citizens we serve. I intend to foster the relationships with other officials to improve the values of the Port Authority while protecting the interest of the people.
Finally, and one of the most critical components - Transparency in Operations
It is important that as we move forward, we focus on transparency in all that we do. The Ocean Highway and Port Authority must show a clear focus on operating with the best intentions of the community in mind. We must follow the rule of law and eliminate costly legal disputes. Ultimately, we need a Board with more vision and stronger leadership – and this requires a transparent relationship between the public, the Port operator, and the Board members.
I would be honored to earn your support and your vote for the Ocean Highway & Port Authority, District 3.