On Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, the City of Palm Coast’s Council members held two meetings; their regularly scheduled 9 am meeting was followed by a special workshop where the City Council Applicants were interviewed for their interest in replacing former council member Caty Heighter. Of the 11 applicants, eight were present in the room for interviews.
The interview process started with applicant Robert Boggs, who stated on the record he is a native Floridian who resides in the R Section of the city. Following the introduction, the question-and-answer process began. Vice-Mayor Ed Danko asked the candidate what his political party and standing was. Before the applicant could answer, the City Attorney interrupted to express his concern over the way the question was phrased, stating that as it stood, it could be seen as discriminatory to ask the applicant’s registered party. Danko stated his outrage, accusing the city attorney of stifling his freedom of speech. Vice Mayor Danko and Mayor Alfin entered into an argument, with Danko first stating he would walk out, ending the meeting early because they would have no quorum, followed by the two telling each other they were free to leave the dais. After some discussion, the applicant was able to answer, stating that in the last few years, he switched parties to Democrats and has never voted strictly party line but has always voted based on a candidate’s ability to do the job regardless of party. The applicant was able to continue to answer questions from Klufas, Pontieri, and Alfin, including questions on how to handle the budget, the westward expansion, and his work history with Volusia County.
Darryl Boyer was the second applicant, a Flagler resident who previously this year was running for State office. His introduction included talking about the flooding issues in Palm Coast, along with other infrastructure needs. He spoke of his experience as a legal aid, a former Private Investigator, and a legal assistant and how those jobs provided him with the necessary skills for the job. Danko pointed out that he could not vote for Mr. Boyer since he just moved into his parent’s home. Boyer took a moment to offer a rebuttal, stating the fact he is a lifelong resident of Palm Coast and has grown up in District Four from the time his parents adopted him as a toddler. Klufas asked about the strategic action plan, curious to find out what aspects Mr. Boyer would champion, with Mr Boyer citing economic development and infrastructure, environmental stability, and parks. Mayor Alfin had no questions for Mr Boyer.
Charlie Gambarro has been an R Section resident since 2006; he is an army veteran and a University of Florida graduate. His military career included serving in multiple positions, including briefing the president, working in intelligence, and working in the Pentagon, among his many positions while in the military. Danko expressed his respect for the applicant’s resume, followed by the fact he had no questions for the applicant. Klufas asked about the applicant’s history on the Flagler School Board in 2007, as well as the strategic action plan. The applicant explained that the strategic action plan needed more focus on public-private partnerships, allowing a break for the residents in the area of taxes. Pontieri asked if the applicant was in favor of the charter amendment, the applicant explained that he would not support the referendum as written but would welcome the idea of rewriting the referendum to allow for public-private partnerships in the future. Mayor Alfin asked if the applicant had any desire to apply for the city manager position, to which the applicant explained he didn’t need the position but had applied for the city council seat out of a desire to serve the community.
Leslie Driscomb, who has been a Palm Coast resident for 33 years, explained that as a council member, certain aspects should be focused on, such as rapid growth, safety, environment, diversity, healthcare, education, workforce development, technology, and public engagement, along with some other key points. Danko again asked the applicant’s political background, and the applicant refused to answer. Klufas again asked the applicant about the strategic plan and what his priorities would be. The applicant expressed that he would need to delve deeper to provide a more specific answer but circled back around to transparency. Pontieri asked about how the applicant would work towards bringing more economic development and jobs to the city. The applicant explained his background working with committees and companies and how that experience could help build a framework to bring in the larger players. Danko again asked this applicant how he would be voting on the charter amendment. The applicant asked if it was a serious question and chose not to answer.
The next applicant, Mr Lyon, explained his previous experience, having served on the council during Klufas’s first term in the City Council. He was a part of the council that removed Jim Landon as City Manager. Danko again asked the applicant what he thought of the language of the amendment going on the ballot, followed by if he was in favor of the amendment. The applicant said the language is not ideal, and as a lawyer, he understood the language but understood how it could be confusing to those who are not lawyers. Klufas again asked about the strategic action plan, to which the applicant stated he didn’t have a specific point for the strategic action plan but did explain some things should take priority, such as diversifying the tax base, the water issue, and the drainage system. Pontieri asked why Mr. Lyon didn’t run for the seat but has applied again to take the District four seat. He explained that the first time he was appointed, it was agreed that he would not run after his appointment and that he didn’t run for District Four last time because he was running for school board.
The following applicant has lived in Palm Coast for 17 years, stating he has gotten married here, lived here, and brought their first child home here in Palm Coast. The applicant works in the health analytics industry. Danko again asked the applicant what his political background is; the applicant chose not to answer the question, instead stating that it is important to stay fiscally conservative on the local level. Danko followed up with the question about the amendment to the city charter, to which the applicant didn’t say one way or the other as to whether he opposed it or not, as it is currently up to the voters. When Klufas asked about the strategic action plan, the applicant explained that community engagement is a big aspect, and making sure the community has the means to communicate with the city is a priority, along with access to more health-related food options and other health options. Pontieri asked about the budget, to which the applicant explained that investing in technology would be incredibly smart. Mayor Alfin asked if his career would limit his ability to continue to serve the city beyond the two-year appointment. The applicant explained that if the residents were happy with his service, he would be open to running for election following his two-year term.
The next applicant moved to the U.S. from Uganda in 2015, right here to Palm Coast, and has been a US citizen since 2019. His experience in engineering is based in Uganda. Danko continued with the question of political affiliations, asking where the applicant stood. The applicant explained that he was not here for political ideology and that he was here to serve the community. The applicant stated that fiscal positions were not political but economic standpoints. The applicant explained that the growth in Palm Coast has been amazing and that the town has grown from a retiree community to a more family-based community. He explained the need to continue to grow to facilitate the growth correctly. Pontieri asked how the applicant would handle working with council members who may disagree on how to handle policy. The applicant stated that the council works for the people and that they need to look past the drama, be mature, and work for the people of Palm Coast. Danko stated that the people of Palm Coast are divided, to which the applicant explained that politicians divide people. The applicant explained that most of the taxes come from residents, and no one wants to pay high taxes, and he agrees that taxes do not need to be raised. Danko again asked about the charter amendment and whether the applicant was in favor of the charter amendment or not. The applicant stated that he would need to look into the charter amendment more before he could answer that. Mayor Aflin had no questions.
Meredith Rodrigez has lived in Palm Coast for 20 years and is currently raising two girls in Flagler Schools. She has previously worked for the original Palm Coast Chamber of Commerce. She has served in multiple jobs in communications and currently works for a land developer, Sunbelt Land Management, which currently has no projects in the area. Danko asked about the charter amendment, to which the applicant stated her strong support of no longer paying as they go. Klufas asked about the strategic action plan, to which the applicant stated other areas could work better but felt it was overall a strong strategic plan. Pontieri asked for an explanation of smart growth. The applicant explained that there should be strong oversight from the planning board and council and the developers proceeding with caution while following the law, as well as phasing when it comes to development.
Sandra Shank was the next applicant who boasted of being an intentional leader. She explained her experience as the vice chair of the planning board gives her the ability and skills needed to make decisions, ask questions, and disagree with respect. Danko asked where she stood on taxes, Ms. Shank explained she looks for different ways to obtain funding and considers herself fiscally conservative. When Danko asked Ms. Shank her stance on franchise fees on utilities, she stated there are always alternatives to increasing taxes. Danko again asked about the charter amendment. Ms. Shank reiterated that if she is brought on the council, nothing she says will affect the charter amendment, and she is not in favor of taking away the rights of citizens, but she is in favor of meeting the needs of the residents. Klufas asked what Ms. Shank felt the priority needed to be, to which she explained infrastructure.
The final applicant who was present for the interview process is from California, has lived all over the world during his time in the Army, and is currently employed by the Army National Guard. Danko was again first up on the questions, asking again where the applicant stood politically; the applicant stated he is Catholic, voting with Catholic values, and expressed a desire to see commercial development over residential development. Danko continued questioning the applicant on how he would solve the problem the city faces with a lack of businesses that are asking to move into Palm Coast. The applicant didn’t have a direct answer but stated that if the residential development continues without jobs to support it, “Palm Coast will turn into a ghetto. People will start dealing drugs.” Danko asked about the charter amendment that is going on the ballot regarding the bonds and public-private partnerships and where the applicant stood on the issue. The applicant stated he would need to do more research but is not in favor of “any blank checks.” Klufas asked for examples of safeguards that would ensure Palm Coast doesn’t turn into a ghetto. The applicant stated that Palm Coast needs more businesses west of Belle Terre that will provide jobs with livable wages.
The process will continue with all of the applicants who were interviewed at the next business meeting on October 1st at 6 pm, where the selection will be made, and the applicant will be sworn in. The city attorney will be researching how many votes a candidate will need to take the majority, and it will be discussed at the next meeting on the 24th. September 24th’s workshop will allow the council to discuss the candidate interviews at the workshop, as well as the public.
