Q: Can you give your thoughts on the recent county redistricting?
A: This is an exercise that only happens every 10 years due to the census. We are required to have balanced districts according to population and District 1 was 13,000 people over the limit. Our district had to shrink the most geographically due to the population density. We had a joint meeting with the St. Johns County School Board on Dec. 9 and we approved the final maps that will be used for the next 10 years. School board members are elected by district, so some residents might have a different school board member representing them, but County Commissioners are elected at large and will continue to be on all St. Johns County ballots. I thought it was cool to be a part of this historic process.
Q: What do you know about the newly named [as of interview date of Dec. 14] county commissioner for District 2?
A: I knew that several people, including Sarah Arnold, were being considered for the position. I’m really excited that she will be the new commissioner for District 2 and think she will do a great job. I believe she will be sworn in prior to our meeting on Dec. 21 and will get right to work.
Q: Can you comment on the proposed rezoning of the parcel of residential real estate at the entrance to The Parkes of Julington Creek neighborhood to commercial?
A: I’ve been hearing about this from a lot of residents and encourage people to continue to send their thoughts and opinions. This is a proposed major modification, which means that it is a quasi-judicial matter. I am required to withhold making a decision until I hear all the evidence up to and including at the BCC meeting. Neither the PZA nor the Board of County Commissioners meeting have been scheduled as of today [Dec. 14], and the developer will be required to hold an official neighborhood meeting that residents should make sure to attend.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Readers can email me at bcc1cwhitehurst@sjcfl.us or call me at (904) 584-5348.Â
