Three candidates are vying for the seat representing District 3 on the five-member Flagler County Commission. Two — Kim M. Carney and Nick Klufas — are not new to the political arena. While it's Bill Clark's first run for office, he has been involved in several community efforts previously.
The News-Journal posed the following questions to each candidate with a request to limit responses to 100 words. Answers that exceeded the word limit were edited for space; otherwise, answers are presented as they were submitted, save for minor corrections to punctuation.
Kim M. Carney
Age: 68
Occupation: Independent contractor, Realtor
Political experience: Flagler Beach City Commissioner, 2011-2020
What are your top three priorities?
- Planned development: the comprehensive plan and land use map must be updated to reflect the needs of our community and, once zoning is established, it should not be changed.
- Lower taxes: I believe in zero-based budgeting; a budget must be presented and updated to reflect the strategic plans aligned with prioritized projects and spending.
- Stormwater control and roads: I will advocate that this issue remains a top priority as the stormwater plan needs to be funded and the projects need to be completed.
Why are you running?
My goal is to represent the citizens of Flagler County and to bring a citizen-focused board with common sense solutions to our county government. Preserving our quality of life is a major concern of mine.
What is a life accomplishment that illuminates the kind of officeholder you will be?
I am a successful business owner. I understand profit and loss statements and budgeting, life skills that are necessary for leadership.
What is something about your community you treasure and aim to protect?
My goal is to protect our quality of life. Having lived here for 24 years, I know planned development is needed.
What is something you will seek to change?
I would like the county to be more citizen focused, engaging and involving residents.
Bill Clark
Age: 62
Occupation: I have years of experience in business and have a master's degree in accounting. As I am retired, I will be working full-time to represent Flagler County residents.
Political experience: None, but I have served on the Flagler Beach economic development committee and am involved in a number of local charities.
What are your top three priorities?
- Implement a coastal management plan to prevent erosion and protect our coastline and beaches to preserve the 'old Florida' we love. I will also encourage state legislators to create policies for reducing flood and home insurance.
- Keep Flagler County safe by supporting our police and first responders.
- Home rule: Self-governance at a local level.
Why are you running?
I decided to run for office because I’m concerned about the direction Flagler County is moving with its large developments and the oversight process to ensure responsible and sustainable growth. I started looking at potential candidates that were mostly likely to run this election cycle. As there were none that met all my expectations, I decided to run.
What is a life accomplishment that illuminates the kind of officeholder you will be?
Given I was looking for change, I felt that the candidates who previously held elected offices were unlikely to share my concerns and values. I also wanted a candidate that did not have another full-time job or business that they would prioritize.
What is something about your community you treasure and aim to protect?
Preserve and protect our natural landscapes, wetlands, estuaries, beaches and our legacy trees. I will push for select cutting versus clear cutting to preserve our canopy and encourage new developments to put aside open space areas. I understand the county needs to continue to grow, however I believe we need to do it in a sustainable manner.
What is something you will seek to change?
No frivolous tax increases.
Nick Klufas
Age: 36
Occupation: Software engineer
Political experience: Eight years (two consecutive terms) on the Palm Coast City Council and two-time vice mayor.
What are your top three priorities?
- Promoting responsible growth and infrastructure: Ensure sustainable development that supports economic vitality while preserving the environment and managing resources effectively.
- Enhancing public safety and services: Invest in safety measures and essential services to maintain and improve the quality of life for all residents.
- Fostering civic engagement and transparency: Strengthen communication between the government and residents, promoting active community participation.
Why are you running?
I am running for County Commissioner to drive responsible growth, enhance public safety and foster civic engagement. With my background in technology and governance, I aim to implement innovative solutions for sustainable development, ensure the well-being of our residents through robust safety measures and strengthen the relationship between the government and the community.
What is a life accomplishment that illuminates the kind of officeholder you will be?
Leading the implementation of the community's strategic action planning process as a Palm Coast City Councilman stands out as a key accomplishment. This initiative required building consensus, ensuring accountability and effectively managing complex projects.
What is something about your community you treasure and aim to protect?
I treasure our community's pristine beaches and vow to protect them. They are not only a natural beauty and source of local pride but also vital to our economy and lifestyle. I will prioritize sustainable environmental practices to ensure our beaches remain a cherished resource for future generations.
What is something you will seek to change?
I will seek to improve infrastructure planning to better accommodate our growing population. By focusing on upgrading roads, utilities and public services, I aim to ensure sustainable development that enhances residents' quality of life and supports economic growth.
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