Citizens' group seeks change on City Commission

Ormond Beach Observer
News

“If we don’t stand up, Ormond Beach will continue down the same road and I can promise there will be more traffic on that road.”

JOE DUGAN, candidate for Zone 2

The Cando 2 organization announced a change of direction at their monthly meeting June 14 at Ormond Beach Regional Library. While previously trying to change government policies, they now aim to change local government itself.

Chairman Ken Sipes said the group is transitioning because city leaders have not responded to any of their requests. Their goal, Sipes said, was originally to become a liaison between government and citizens but he said they now realize it’s not attainable.

“We have decided to endorse candidates and we are now a political committee,” he told the meeting of about 75 people.

Cando 2 had asked the city for a moratorium on development, to restore development rules that had been changed and employ low-impact development. Sipes said they did not hear from the city by their June 5 deadline.

Four people who plan to run for the Ormond Beach City Commission in the Nov. 6 election were at the meeting, and all said they support Cando 2, which has a stated goal to “preserve the unique charm and quality-of-life of our city by opposing irresponsible development.”

The group came together after citizens were surprised by the clearcutting for the Granada Pointe development on West Granada Boulevard.

The city has started an initiative to communicate with residents, setting up a six-month series of workshops starting June 28 to get input on such things as development and the environment. City officials have said the meetings will provide an opportunity for members of Cando 2, as well as other citizens, to express their opinions. Some residents have disagreed with the Cando 2 position, speaking at government meetings and on social media about the need for more development including restaurants and shops.

Sipes encouraged members to make their opinions known at the meetings, which will be 6-8 p.m. at Calvary Academy Kids Center, 1687 W. Granada Blvd.

CANDIDATES ENDORSED

Running for Zone 2 will be Joe Dugan, who works at Green Bank on West Granada Boulevard. Described as an environmentalist on his web site, electjoedugan.org, he said, “If we don’t stand up, Ormond Beach will continue down the same road and I can promise there will be more traffic on that road.”

Barry du Moulin, who retired from the Coast Guard and also has business experience, is running for Zone 4.

“I see your passion is strong,” he told the Cando group. “We need to establish a conservation group.”

Sandy Kauffman, a deputy court clerk who works at City Island Courthouse, is running for Zone 3. She said she will work for environmentally responsible development.

Kathy Maloney Johnson said at the meeting that she intends to run for Zone One. An art teacher, she has worked in Volusia County for 25 years, including seven years at Father Lopez High School.

“It bothered me the moment I saw it,” she said about the cleared land for Granada Pointe.

Candidates must file by June 22.

Sipes said the monthly meetings of Cando 2 will be suspended until after the election and he encouraged everyone to work for the candidate of their choice. However, they will continue to post on their website, candotwo.org, and will plan more picketing.

“We’re going to take our meetings to the street,” he said.

AND ANOTHER CANDIDATE

Also at the meeting was James Holcombe, who has announced a run for Zone 4 but has not been endorsed by Cando 2.

During the meeting, member Suzanne Scheiber told the group that Holcombe had tried to join their Facebook page, but was denied because they found he supports the development at Granada Pointe.

After the meeting, Holcombe said he shared their views on development and did not know where they got their information.

Also, Scheiber said Holcombe has a trial coming up in June on criminal charges. Holcombe said the charges are for racketeering, but he will be found innocent. By going to court and being cleared, he said he can “show Ormond Beach I will stand up to anyone.”