Andrew Werner is one of three candidates filed to run for the Palm Coast City Council in District 3. The seat came open with the term-limited departure of Councilman Nick Klufas, who’s held the seat since 2016. Werner’s opponents are Dana ‘Mark’ Stancel and Ray Stevens. None of the three have held office before.
The 2024 primary election is on Tuesday, August 20th. Palm Coast voters will be able to vote for Mayor, and the City Council seats for Districts 1 and 3. Whether residents reside in a given district does not prevent them from voting in all districts that are up for election.
Other Candidate Interviews
Flagler County Commission:
- Andy Dance – Flagler County Commission, District 1
- Fernando Melendez – Flagler County Commission, District 1
- Kim Carney – Flagler County Commission, District 3
- Bill Clark – Flagler County Commission, District 3 (Did Not Complete)
- Nick Klufas – Flagler County Commission, District 3
- Ed Danko – Flagler County Commission, District 5
- Michael McElroy – Flagler County Commission, District 5
- Pam Richardson – Flagler County Commission, District 5
Flagler School Board:
- Derek Barrs – Flagler School Board, District 3
- Janie Ruddy – Flagler School Board, District 3
- Lauren Ramirez – Flagler School Board, District 5
- Vincent Sullivan – Flagler School Board, District 5
East Flagler Mosquito Control Board:
- Julius ‘Jules’ Kwiatkowski – East Flagler Mosquito Control Board, Seat 1
- Perry Mitrano – East Flagler Mosquito Control Board, Seat 1
- Lance Alred – East Flagler Mosquito Control Board, Seat 3
- Ralph Lighfoot – East Flagler Mosquito Control Board, Seat 3
Palm Coast City Council:
- David Alfin – Palm Coast Mayor
- Peter Johnson – Palm Coast Mayor
- Alan Lowe – Palm Coast Mayor
- Cornelia Downing Manfre – Palm Coast Mayor
- Mike Norris – Palm Coast Mayor (Did Not Complete)
- Kathy Austrino – Palm Coast City Council, District 1
- Shara Brodsky – Palm Coast City Council, District 1
- Ty Miller – Palm Coast City Council, District 1
- Jeffery Seib – Palm Coast City Council, District 1
- Dana ‘Mark’ Stancel – Palm Coast City Council, District 3
- Ray Stevens – Palm Coast City Council, District 3
- Andrew Werner – Palm Coat City Council, District 3
Interview Criteria
- The object of the interview is not to grill the candidate, nor to give them softballs. Ideally, in their answers the candidates provide to voters a useful insight into their ideology, their priorities, and their knowledgeability and preparedness for office.
- These questions are sent to each declared candidate in Flagler County’s local elections. All candidates running for the same office received the same exact questions.
- The only edits made are for spelling, formatting and basic grammar (i.e., ‘their’ when it should be ‘there’). Censorship of profanity may also be applied if it were applicable. Otherwise, answers are presented in their full form as the candidate provides them.
- Answers are subject to fact-checking if they contain information that’s blatantly misleading or untrue (misrepresenting factually verifiable information, misquoting a statistic, etc). Clarifications will be added underneath the candidate’s answer if applicable. The answers will still be presented as given even if a fact-check or clarification is needed.
Candidate Interview
Date of Birth: 45 years old
Hometown:
Career/Educational Resume: “I have a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, and an Educational Specialist (ED.S) in School Psychology.”
1. Describe your experience forming and managing budgets, aside from personal/home finance.
“As a member of multiple school leadership teams I have been part of managing budgetary decisions including staffing, financial planning, and budgeting for the annual programs. I have also been a part of two HOA boards where we were responsible for adequately managing neighborhood funds, reviewing financial reports, budgeting for upgrades and repairs, maintaining general fund requirements, putting projects out for bids, working with vendors, and planning yearly neighborhood events.”
2. Is Palm Coast growing too rapidly? If so: what makes the growth excessive, and what should the City Council be doing differently? If not: what would you say to ease the concerns of those worried about the pace of growth?
“Most residents I have spoken with are favorable to responsible and community led growth. However, there needs to be a continued focus on taking care of our current residents through safety, reliable infrastructure, clean water, and keeping our costs low. The City Council has recently raised impact fees and I think that is a good start to ensure the burden of growth does not fall too heavily on our tax base.”
3. What do you make of the expression ‘development pays for itself’? Is that true in Palm Coast?
“In theory, this statement should be true. Palm Coast has seen a record amount of new revenue from development over the last four years, and if true, we should have a surplus in our general fund. Unfortunately this is not the case. Last year, we had to tap into our general fund to allocate funds for road repair. Our recent budget discussions had most council members wanting to roll back our millage rate, but due to budgetary constraints, if rolled back, we would not be able to adequately meet our budgetary needs.”
4. Are there any new or underutilized revenue streams you can name that Palm Coast could tap into to support its operating budget? If so, expand upon your plan for implementation.
“I see the Southern Recreation Center as a top of the line amenity that could be tapped for such a purpose through recruiting competitive tournaments and events. ”
5. What’s your opinion on the firing of City Manager Denise Bevan? Was the firing necessary, and was it handled well by the City Council?
“I was surprised by the firing of the previous city manager but I will not comment about necessity. The City Council has the right to fire the City Manager if they do not feel they are adequately performing. The process was done in the sunshine and the vote was 3-2 to relieve her of duties. Our citizens deserve the best outcomes and long term results from our city management. I believe, due to our city’s responsibility to its tax payers, we need to have the right person in that seat.”
6. Give your evaluation of these city leaders: interim City Manager Lauren Johnston, Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo, and Stormwater & Engineering Director Carl Cote.
“I have personally met with all three of these city leaders and some of them on multiple occasions. My goal was to get a more in depth look into the operations of our city. Each of them provided me with a presentation on their duties, discussed department goals, and engaged in dialogue on numerous topics. As a candidate for Palm Coast City Council, I will refrain from any evaluative comments at this time.”
7. Though Palm Coast has taken steps to plan educational and vocational opportunities for its graduating residents, many Gen-Z Palm Coast residents complain of little recreation or entertainment in the city that appeals to them. Is there anything the City Council can or should do to address these complaints?
“I completely understand the desire for increased recreation and entertainment for all ages here in Palm Coast. The idea of entertainment and recreation is such a broad spectrum and unique to each individual resident. I love to bike, surf, swim, hunt, fish, run, and play pickleball. All of which I can do right here in Flagler County. However, many residents don’t like to do any of those activities and have an entirely different expectation for recreation and entertainment. I would encourage residents to get out there, do what they love and invite others to join you. Palm Coast should always look to partner with residents to increase recreational activities that are offered in our city.”
8. City Council members are paid $24,097 a year, thanks to a raise the Council approved for itself in 2022. The Mayor makes $30,039 comparatively. Are you in favor of revisiting these figures, either to increase or decrease them, if you’re elected to the City Council?
“I have no plans to revisit these figures.”
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
