Bronson Election Candidates Respond to Spotlight Questions

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.

Mark Kjeseth Thinks Urgent Care Center, More Community Activities, Businesses Would Help Bronson

My name is Mark Kjeseth and I am running for Seat 2 on the Bronson Town Council. I have lived in Bronson for about 3 years and have attended most of the Council Meetings, as well as sat on several committees and am currently on the Code Enforcement Board for the Town of Bronson. I have three grown children and 9 grandchildren. I love animals and have 3 cats currently. Bronson will be my home until the good Lord says my time is up on this Earth. During my time, I would like to see Bronson become the vibrant but small and quaint town it currently is. I look forward to having your support in the upcoming election.

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

A 1: My years of Hotel Leadership and involvement with other city government activities throughout the country, gives me insight of working together to get the job done for the betterment of the town and its residents as a whole, and not just for a select few.

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: There are many questions surrounding this topic and I do not have enough information to make a firm decision as of yet. What I will say is that the infrastructure that this project would bring would set Bronson up for future expansion as well as assist our current sewer and water infrastructure to be more efficient and effective moving forward.

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

A 3: This is a process that has been building for years and must be monitored closely to ensure that our systems are maintained accordingly so these types of substantial increases are not needed in the future.

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

A 4: This is too broad as there are many factors that go into tax rates. We are certainly not the highest in the county.

Q 5: How would you like to improve Bronson for the residents and businesses?

A 5: What are your goals and aspirations? I would like to see more community activities as well as have small businesses move in to accommodate our residents’ needs and wants. For example, an urgent care would be a good start. Roads and streets should be reviewed to see where the biggest need is for repairs, etc. Steps should be taken to promote the small businesses we do have, shop locally whenever possible. Lastly, encourage and promote extracurricular activities for the residents of Bronson, improve on what we do have currently OR expand our offerings. Bring events to Bronson etc.