Early voting is underway in Okaloosa County and will continue until Nov. 2, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Below are Shannon Hayes’ answers to our questionnaire:
CNB: What is the best way to reduce Crestview’s millage rate?
Reduction in millage rates is always a hot topic, but funds/millage rates differ from city to city because of the dollars needed to provide services to its citizens. Assessed property values are much higher in Destin, Niceville and other cities in the south end of the county including Fort Walton Beach, which generate more funds than our current millage rate does. To maintain city services, infrastructure, and capital improvements, to name some, certain funding is necessary for budget purposes. Reduction can and will happen as property values increase, new businesses develop, and capital projects, improvements are completed and paid off.
CNB: What are some ways the city can help support small businesses on Main Street?
Here are four: Have ongoing public events on a regular occurring time that showcase downtown merchants, music and food weekly or monthly; create a permanent public market; bring downtown entertainment; and develop and encourage downtown living and dining.
CNB: Many Crestview residents are concerned that roads and other infrastructure are not keeping up with new developments/growth. What are your thoughts on this view?
The city is doing great on “soft infrastructure” (water, sewer and services required to maintain the economies, health and social needs of this population. “Hard infrastructure” (state roads, federal highway, bridges) including transportation are county, state and/or federal responsibilities. Civil society can only do so much. I see no immediate solution to road infrastructure on State Road 85 except to advocate our county, state and federal officials/ agencies.
CNB: Where do you think the new jail should stand, and why?
Preferably in a nonresidential area five miles from the city which will maintain the character of our neighborhoods in our city.
CNB: What can the city do to provide more affordable housing?
The city moves quickly in approving developments that meet zoning laws to establish affordable housing, which is very good. The city can continue to look at the city inventory and allocate public land for affordable housing to nonprofit organizations and work with private developers to designate a percentage of development to affordable housing.
