Spotlight on Levy County Government posed questions to all five Bronson Town Council candidates in advance of the April 4 municipal election. Three candidates, Julie Stalnaker, Jordan Jabbar and Mark Kjeseth responded. Candidates Franklin Schuler and Virginia Phillips didn’t respond. The answers provided by the three responding candidates, and the questions they were asked, are listed below.

Julie Stalnaker Believes Adding Businesses, Annual Festival, Keeping Small Town Atmosphere Would Boost Bronson

Q 1: What qualifies you to hold the office of Bronson Town Council?

A 1: I was born and raised in Williston, Florida. In 2003, I took a position as a mail carrier in Bronson. For nearly 17 years I had the pleasure of delivering mail to the residents and businesses of Bronson. In those 17 years, I built relationships with many of the residents and business owners. In 2017, while still working for the post office, we had the opportunity to lease a restaurant.  In 2020, my husband and I purchased the restaurant and the motel and finally moved to Bronson. The support of local residents and small businesses was and still is, overwhelming. Throughout the years I have learned so much from our small town and the people in it. I feel that my small town roots as well as my business experience makes me a good fit for the town council seat.

Q 2: Do you support the creation of the Waccasassa Water and Wastewater Cooperative that would connect Bronson, Otter Creek, and Cedar Key with a centralized water and sewer system?

A 2: At the present time I do not support this. I feel like we have our own water issues to deal with before we take on Otter Creek and Cedar Key. 

Q 3: What is your opinion regarding recent increases in water and wastewater rates?

A 3: As a business owner, I know that prices must increase. I feel that the increase was necessary and reasonable. I am in support of the increase. 

Q 4: Are taxes too high in Bronson, or at the right level, to provide city services?

A 4: I feel that there is room for improvement 

Q 5: How would you like to improve Bronson for the residents and businesses? What are your goals and aspiration?

A 5: My goal is to keep our small town small. Bring more small businesses in. I would like to see more community events to bring revenue to our community. Maybe an annual festival of some sort. In addition, I would like to find ways to better promote our school events and fundraisers. 

—————————–

Enterprise Reporting by Terry Witt March 17, 2023; Posted March 31, 2023