The Shedding Light on the News and Events of Titusville, Mims, Scottsmoor, Port St. John, and now Merritt Island & Cocoa Vol. 5 No. 27 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2008 www.NorthBrevardBeacon.com Candidates Long, Whitaker aim for economic growth, ask for community’s trust By Susan Walden It’s the final lap in the race for Titusville City Council. Although many citizens believe the candi- dates Martha Long and Andrew Whitaker are polar- ized about growth and other key issues, their answers are more similar than most expect. We know attracting new business will help our Titusville economy. Being specific, what are ideas you will push at city council to strengthen our econ- omy? Long: Jobs, jobs, jobs. First, the council must look for ways to help stabilize our current local busi- nesses. Titusville has the reputation as a city un- friendly to local businesses. I will work to help change that perspective. Then, I will encourage the development of an Economic Development Business Plan for Titusville’s true economic growth potentials. The plan should include how, and to whom, to market those resources. Some of our re- sources are a well-trained work force, an outstand- ing transportation network, industrial parks available for growth and the best natural environ- ment in the country. Whitaker: We need to work as a council to con- tact and help attract new businesses that are look- ing to relocate. A workforce will be freed up with the upcoming layoffs planned at NASA. We need to promote that we have a skilled and qualified work- force already here. For a high tech company it is a huge plus to have that workforce in place. We also have other advantages to highlight such as being so close to major cities and airports for travel and commerce. We also have beautiful ecological assets in our own backyard. It is important that we do not just go after one big employer in one industry. We have learned that reliance on one industry can have dra- Mary Ann Nash matic consequences should something change with In reverence them. What we need are clean industries that pro- vide well paying jobs such as medical equipment Four-year-old Wyatt Donahue of Titusville takes a moment at the Police Hall of Fame Oct. 11 to manufacturing, pharmaceutical firms or durable pray for police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Police Hall of Fame is lo- cated on State Road 405 in Titusville and honors police officers across the country. See COUNCIL, Page 2 NEXT ISSUE: Oct. 30 PAGE 2 NORTH BREVARD BEACON Thursday, October16, 2008 Seeking new business top priority for candidates COUNCIL, from Page 1 it has not been finalized. I do have to add that in the last year and a half my wife suffered a high-risk pregnancy goods. and our son was born premature at just over three pounds and spent time in the neonatal ICU. After that he What steps will you take to make sure we don’t “give required much care before he could go to daycare and the keys to the city away” if prospective businesses my wife could get back to work. This has affected us fi- want to drop anchor here but it wouldn’t be good for the nancially but like many others in this economy we intend city? to persevere and pull out of this situation. Whitaker: I would look at all sides of the situation ob- jectively. Issues such as the environmental impact it will Many Titusville residents don’t believe city council lis- have on the area, does it fit the area and the number of tens to them. How will you make a difference to them? jobs they will bring are all important factors. Public input is also important to the decision. I do think that offering Long: I am running my campaign as the candidate for incentives from the city if they occupy existing vacant “the voice of the people.” I am the “grassroot candi- buildings would also be beneficial. date.” Supported by grassroots and not special inter- However, it has to make sense and as you said not ests. I am the candidate who believes Titusville’s best is be a deal that will “give the keys to the city away”. I be- yet to be. I am the candidate who cares about future of lieve incentives should only be given after companies in- the city and I know the heart of our people. vest in the community and produce the jobs promised. BUYING A NEW HOME? Whitaker: My record shows I listened when I was co- REFINANCING? Long: A business that is not “good” for Titusville chairman of the Cocoa code enforcement board. When should not be considered. However, the Council has to people came and stated their side I listened. In many FREE Pre-Qualifying! determine what guidelines are to be used before we so- cases what they had to say made sense and warranted FREE Quotes! licite an industry to come build here. a reduction or removal of the fines for the violation. It is Those guidelines should be done as a part of the important to remember that as a council member I am CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGES Economic Development Business Plan as discussed there to represent all of the citizens. When the citizens 40 YEAR MORTGAGES above. Titusville has to determine what it wants to be come to speak I will be there to listen and represent and go find those industries that fulfill those ideals. We them. FHA & VA PROGRAMS can no longer wait for them to knock at our door; we HOMEBUYER GIFT PROGRAMS have to go seek those that would best suit our needs Why are you the best candidate? ALWAYS GREAT RATES Happy and our resources. Whitaker: I am the best candidate because I will listen ALWAYS LOCAL SERVICE Halloween! to the citizens of Titusville. I am rooted here and raising The slowed economy, tax rollbacks and Amendment 100% UFDA LOANS my family here and care about the future of Titusville. In 1 is forcing Titusville to do more with less. Since being addition I am walking in the same shoes of the families fiscally responsible is key now in the next few years, Contact Sandy or Ellen at: and business owners that are trying to survive in this tur- how fiscally responsible are you personally? bulent time. I grew up in Brevard County and have a di- 770 Country Club Drive, Titusville, FL 32780 Long: I am retired and live on a fixed income. I have verse background ranging from labor, sales, Tel: 321-268-9600 • FAX: 321-268-0500 EQUAL HOUSING no choice but to live within my means. OPPORTUNITY management and business ownership. I have always been involved in the community and want to further my Whitaker: Throughout my life I have been always been fiscally responsible. I have done everything from involvement by serving as a member of Titusville city saving for retirement to clipping coupons. I would apply council. that frugality to all proposed city contracts for goods and services. Long: I am the best candidate because I have the However, recent national economic events have best skills, education and experience. My education and made it tough even on those who are fiscally responsi- work history has more than prepared me to service well Our new address is: ble. The national franchise my company represents is on Council. I have a real economics background and P.O. Box 10026 like many others in financial trouble and may wind up in real work experience in producing jobs. My systems Titusville, FL 32783 bankruptcy. That, of course, has affected me personally. management experience has trained me to find the best This economy is tough on everyone and I am no differ- solutions for each problem. I have spent years learning Tel: (321) 269-1070 ent. However, my family and I have roots in Titusville about how city government works. I have read and com- www.northbrevardbeacon.com and I have committed to serve this community. And if prehend the laws and statures that govern our system. I elected I will proudly do so. have been very involved in serving Titusville through community service in several organizations. For more The North Brevard Beacon is published every other I am currently pursuing the option (of bankruptcy) but Thursday. We welcome story ideas, commentaries and details, see my Web site: www.marthalong.com Letters to the Editor. Submissions must include signature, typed or printed name, full address and telephone num- ber. Content is due the Friday before publication date. 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