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CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
My name is Nathaniel Bell. I live off a dirt road in Hilliard with my wife Janelle. I've lived in Nassau county since 2009, minus a few years spent abroad. While I am currently a hydraulic mechanic, I have had many occupations and careers in my life. I like continuously learning new things.
Have you ran for/held office before?
I've never held or ran for office before.
What made you want to run for OHPA?
The primary impetus for running is that I am disappointed that the authority would vote to double its salary without concerns for the finances or best interests of the port. I hereby make a public pledge to only accept the original salary, and I will donate the excess to local charities.
What made you want to run for OHPA?
I've spent the bulk of my adult life working in either logistics or maintenance, both of which are of prime importance to a port.
What could be done to attract more business to the port?
The port currently has excess land zoned industrial that could be better used. Additionally, given the position of the port, an increased presence of the Navy or Coast Guard is possible and perhaps desirable.
How do you think the sale of Worldwide Terminals will affect the port?
Port operations should be managed by whoever is best equipped to do so. A primary purpose of the port authority is to monitor operations and make assessments on an ongoing basis.
What do you think could be done to improve OHPA’s relationship with the City of Fernandina Beach?
The city of Fernandina Beach must remember that the port has existed for a very long time, and many of its operations are by their very nature disruptive. The port must remember that actual people live in the city. While finding the right balance is never easy, both the port and the city need each other. The port should pursue development that is carefully moderated and serves the need of the county as a whole.
What plans, if any, should be made for off-port facilities?
Fernandina Beach occupies a unique position, being at the mouth of a river which is prime territory for outdoor recreation, and also in extremely close proximity to a major naval base. Both offer avenues for increased use and value of the port; whether or not such activities can be confined to current facilities or will need additional infrastructure is something the port authority must determine.
Do you believe OHPA commissioners are overpaid, as they used the Authority’s reserve fund to give themselves a raises?
I absolutely agree that the port authority is overpaid. I would remind the readers that this is a strong motive behind my desire to run, and I would also like readers to remember my pledge and hold me accountable to it.