It’s that time of year. Just as surely as we anticipate the arrival of spring flowers, the political signs begin sprouting up from the ground. The April 3 Green Cove Springs election is just around the corner. Green Cove is making great strides. You don’t need to look far to see evidence of change. I urge all of my friends and neighbors to participate in this on-going change by voting in this very important election. I can think of no better candidates to vote for than Bob Page and Debbie Ricks. I know both of them personally and know that they believe in our town and have worked hard to bring about these significant changes. Together, Bob and Debbie have made significant contributions toward a better Green Cove. Under “Tomorrow’s Vision”, adopted by the City Council 12/6/2005, they identified some 50 items and worked tirelessly to bring them about.
- A cultural center for the City’s youth;
- A cleaner, Greener Green Cove Springs beautification program;
- Five grants for the Augusta Savage Community Center;
- Zero Drug Tolerance with a new police chief experienced with tackling neighborhood drug problems;
- Reduction in the tax millage rate;
- Site Development Review Team that meets once a week to assist prospective business owners;
- Putting more teeth into code enforcement;
- Annexation of property outside the city limits to increase tax revenues;
- Purchased over a hundred acres for a new Green Cove Nature Preserve, using Florida Communities Trust grant funds;
- Drove plans for the addition of an Amphitheater and ballpark at Vera Frances Hall Park, and a new pavilion at Spring Park;
- Town Hall meetings to promote dialogue between the Westside Community, law enforcement, City, and elected officials;
- Initiated quarterly Community Walks to Take Back Our Streets with the cooperation of City staff and law enforcement;
- Promoted Green Cove Springs for major events such as the Ham Jam, First Coast Winter Lights, International Flower Show;
- Developed public, private, and government partnerships with the Green Cove Food Pantry, YMCA, Hummer Gallery, Clay County Commissioners, and more;
- Paved the way for a new Walgreens at the corner of US 16 & 17, renovations to the Milan Building, and the arrival of Vystar in 2008.
Let’s keep Green Cove on the move! Re-elect Bob Page and Debbie Ricks.