Flagler County Commission, District 2 Republicans

The candidates:

Greg Hansen, chair of the Flagler County Commission, was appointed in January 2017 to finish out the term of late commissioner Frank Meeker. He's a retired U.S. Navy veteran of 27 years. Abby Romaine is a patient administrator at Florida Hospital Flagler who vied for Meeker’s seat in 2012. They’re both running as Republicans.

The race:

District 2 is entirely in the northeastern section of Flagler County and includes the barrier island known as The Hammock. Flagler County commissioners serve four-year terms and earn annual salaries of $53,951. The primary winner faces no-party affiliate candidate Dennis McDonald, who ran for commission in 2012 and 2014, in the Nov. 6 general election.

How do you think officials should handle the issue surrounding the sheriff's Operations Center?

HANSEN: The primary focus is the health and welfare of the sheriff’s employees. We cannot make any decision on the building until all possible tests have been completed and evaluated. We have included the Center for Disease Control in the process. We will do the right thing when all the data is in.

ROMAINE: The employees assigned to this building have been left with the impression that their health and well-being is not a priority by the county. I would: Keep the building vacated; assure the employees that they are valued; and continue the testing until the source of the contaminant is identified.

What are the county’s greatest capital needs and how should they be addressed?

HANSEN: Beach nourishment/repair on a long term basis – funded through bed tax revenues, state and federal grants. Flagler County employees to perform the work. Also, Marineland Acres Drainage Program – completely funded. Phase One underway, Phase Two out for bid, Phase Three in design. Project to be completed 2–3 years.

ROMAINE: Improving the stewardship of our environment and basic infrastructure across the county are the greatest capital needs. These priorities are: drainage issues throughout the county; impassable roads on the westside; beach/dune repair and restoration.

What should be done to improve the relationship between county and city governments?

HANSEN: The City Council looks out for the city; the County Commission looks out for the county. Occasionally we have a difference of opinion. That said, overall we work well together as evidenced by our combined efforts in economic development. We will schedule combined meetings in the future to discuss those areas where we have differences.

ROMAINE: Our community deserves a County Commission that works in concert with rather than counter to, the leaders of the municipalities. I will establish a community “summit” with local leaders to come together and identify common goals and potential obstacles. Ongoing interlocal meetings will be scheduled to proactively address any issues.