Election guide: County Commission District 4

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Dick Williams

Republican

Submitted by the candidate

Dick Williams is honored to have the support and endorsement of St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar. Williams looks forward to working with Shoar and his law enforcement professionals to continue to protect St Johns County schools and keep the community’s neighborhoods safe.  

Like most families with school age children, Williams and his wife, Linda, chose to live in St Johns County 17 years ago for its A-rated public schools, low crime rate and the special quality of life. Now, Williams is looking forward to the opportunity to give back.

As a conservative, Williams is committed to bringing his decades of private sector business experience to the job as St Johns County commissioner. His full-time focus will be protecting tax dollars, maintaining the quality of life that the community enjoys and ensuring that the Board of County Commissioners manages future growth in the county.

Williams acknowledges that St. Johns County is a special place with amazing natural resources. As St Johns County commissioner, he will work to create permanent solutions to restore area beaches, protect the environment and manage residential growth in a way that benefits all who live in the community.

As an experienced business leader, Williams will recommend that the county government implement zero-based budgeting to ensure that it is spending tax dollars wisely and effectively. He is prepared to dedicate his full-time attention to serving as District 4’s Commission representative. Williams pledges that the voter will be his top priority and not special interests. 

For more information on Williams, visit https://www.williams4commission.com/.

 

Erika Alba

Republican

Submitted by the candidate

 

Erika Alba has been a Republican since she first voted in 1984.  A resident of Palm Valley for over 13 years, she and her husband have two children:  a daughter (PVHS 2011 graduate) and a son who’s a fifth grader at Ocean Palms Elementary School.

Alba’s 25-year legal career began as a deputy district attorney where she prosecuted child sexual abuses cases.  Since leaving the DA’s office, she has worked in the private sector: first as a senior vice president and assistant general counsel for Fidelity National Financial, and now as an attorney with a business law firm advising corporate and nonprofit clients on regulatory and compliance matters.   

Alba is running for commissioner because she believes the status quo is not working. She says St. Johns is rapidly growing and infrastructure is lagging behind. According to Alba, the county cannot jeopardize its wonderful quality of life with mismanaged traffic, overcrowded schools and eroded beaches.  When elected, Alba will call for a “top-down” forensic audit to ensure that hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely. She believes the county must create more high-wage jobs through strategic economic development and prioritize infrastructure with particular attention to roads and maintenance-starved parks/recreational facilities.

As commissioner, Alba says she will always put citizens first. She believes she has the experience to serve on the commission because she understands how government works, both the good and the bad.  Throughout her legal career, she has seen the negative impact government can have on ordinary folks when it is not working for the people.   

Alba says her family loves this county and cares deeply about the community. She believes in public service and has served on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club, Florida, Florida TaxWatch and the PVAA.  Alba believes the county can fix its problems if “service” is put back in public service. 

For more information on Alba, visit https://erikaalba.com/.

 

Jeremiah Blocker

Republican

Submitted by the candidate

 

Jeremiah Blocker was born and raised in Ocala, Florida. He comes from a family of public servants, as all four of his brothers are combat veterans in the U.S. military.

He is a graduate of the University of Florida, where he obtained a degree in history and commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Army ROTC program.

In the military, Blocker served as an Army officer for over 13 years, both on active duty and in the reserves. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Blocker commanded a military police company in combat operations.  Blocker continues his military service in the Air Force Reserves as a judge advocate general officer with the rank of major. Awards Blocker has received include the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Blocker graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law. He has also earned graduate degrees in land use and business entrepreneurship.

 

Before transitioning into private practice, Blocker served as a state prosecutor in both Jacksonville and Palatka, Florida, trying over 30 cases in front of juries ranging from DUIs to violent felony cases. As a prosecutor, he served as the Drug Court liaison for the state of Florida, managing all Drug Court diversion cases.

Currently, Blocker is a partner in a small firm where he concentrates his practice in the areas of small business law, title insurance and veteran benefits. His firm has offices in St. Augustine.   As a small business owner and a conservative Republican, he believes that fiscally conservative principles are the best way to serve. According to Blocker, this includes limiting the size and scope of government, reducing taxes, creating a business-friendly environment to retain and attract new businesses and promote job growth and providing the best public safety to protect citizens. Blocker is also a former board member of the Florida Bar Committee on Military Law and is certified in Veterans Benefits Appeals.

Blocker and his wife Lauren have lived in St. Johns County for seven years. They have two young children and worship at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Nocatee. They volunteer their time with local organizations such as K9s for Warriors.

 

For more information on Blocker, visit http://jeremiahblocker.com/

 

 

Nicholas “Mike” Dudynskay

Republican

Submitted by the candidate

 

A first-time political candidate, Nicholas “Mike” Dudynskay is an engineer, entrepreneur, marketer and consultant. His vision is to make St. Johns County the best place to live and work in America.

As commissioner, Dudynskay would work to attract clean, high-technology firms to diversify the economic base and grow tax revenue. He would also plan to eliminate wasteful spending. According to Dudynskay, more tax revenue would then result in more county services.

Dudynskay believes unbalanced (irresponsible) growth is leading the county toward fiscal insolvency. He says the tax base is over-represented by residential property taxes and residents typically consume more public services than tax dollars paid. He believes larger businesses are grossly underrepresented.

Dudynskay believes the functional St. Johns County tax base should be roughly 65 percent residential and 35 percent business. In addition, he says each new home that is constructed increases the financial risk if not counter-balanced by economic growth.

Dudynskay is married to Christine, who holds degrees in criminal justice and psychology, and is a “Daughter of the American Revolution.” Their son, Max, attends Palmer Catholic Academy and is a baseball fanatic.  Dudynskay believes in faith, not fate.

 

For more information on Dudynskay, visit www.ElectMikeSJCC.com.