Cape Canaveral City Council candidates cite growth, infrastructure as among top issues
Voters in the seaside city of Cape Canaveral will have a chance to choose from among four City Council candidates to fill two seats in the upcoming at-large election.
The candidates are incumbents Kim Davis and Maria "Mickie" Kellum, as well as challengers Gregory McDonald and Carroll Sanders.
The city — with a $35 million annual budget — has five City Council members, including the mayor. The other council members are not up for reelection this year.
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The council members are paid $2,400 a year, while the mayor receives slightly more, at $3,200 a year, city officials report.
Some of the issues facing the city of about 10,000 people, just south of Port Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center, include growth, infrastructure development and environmental concerns involving the Banana River Lagoon.
Davis said her focus will continue to be the community's economy and safety.
"I understand the importance of ensuring economic vitality during these difficult times, and promise to be a good steward of taxpayers' money," said Davis, a former Brevard County sheriff's deputy.
Kellum — who was first elected to her seat in 2019 and is the current mayor pro tem — said: "I'm looking at a number of issues, including development, while keeping a small-town feeling and taking care of the assets we have,"
McDonald is a trained chef who ran for mayor in the last election. McDonald says he wants to revisit some of the city's ordinances.
"There are too many rules imposed on the citizens of the city. I've watched things slowly taken away over the years," McDonald said.
Sanders, a small-business owner and attorney, touted his experience with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
"I worked closely with local and state governments and utility providers across the southeastern U.S. to find workable solutions," Sanders said.
Here is more on the candidates. (McDonald did not provide answers to a candidate questionnaire, nor provide a photo of himself by the deadline.)
Kim Davis
Occupation: Retired police officer, but currently working as a phlebotomist with Health First
Political/government/civic experience: Current City Council member for the city of Cape Canaveral.
Campaign email: kdavis4cccouncil@gmsil.com
What are the top two to three issues in Cape Canaveral, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?
I learned a lot my first year on the City Council, and it would be a great honor to continue serving Cape Canaveral residents.
As a native Floridian, I share your concerns in pursuing proactive measures to preserve and enhance the distinctive small-town coastal community, including provisions to improve appearance and beautification.
I will continue to focus on infrastructure, which includes stormwater, streets and wastewater utilities. The focus on environmental sustainability and resiliency is vital.
I support creating a “city center” for multigenerational recreation and gatherings.
Creating “green space” is critical for uniting our community, and mitigating the negative effects of air pollution, excessive noise, heat and flooding.
Maria Kellum
Occupation: Mayor pro tem
Education: Some college
Political/government/civic experience: Serving currently on the City Council. Elected in 2019.
Campaign email: mmkellum@hotmail.com
Campaign phone number: (321) 536-8528
Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links: https://mickiekellum.com/
What are the top two to three issues in Cape Canaveral, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?
I'm looking at development. I want to make sure we can keep that small-town feeling and keeping taxes low.
We also want to continue to revitalize the city and address the infrastructure, and that includes our pipes and sewer system, while making sure we keep our stormwater runoff out the lagoon.
Gregory McDonald
Occupation: Chef
Education: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando
Political/government/civic experience: Ran for mayor in 2021
Campaign phone number: 321-544-2148
What are the top two to three issues in Cape Canaveral, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?
There are too many rules imposed on the citizens of the city. I've watched things slowly taken away over the years.
Carroll Sanders
Occupation: Attorney/small-business owner
Education: Bachelor’s degree from North Georgia College and Military Institute; Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law
Political/government/civic experience: I have practiced law in Florida and Georgia for 15 years.
During my career, in addition to the traditional practice of law, I have worked for the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as working in-house for a global telecommunications corporation.
In that role, I worked closely with local and state governments and utility providers across the southeastern United States to find workable solutions that would allow the company to deploy new infrastructure on publicly owned land, while operating within parameters that were acceptable to members of the communities affected.
Campaign email: Carroll@carrollsanders.com
Campaign phone number (321) 234-5244
Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links: www.carrollsanders.com and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/voteCarrollSanders
What are the top two to three issues in Cape Canaveral, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?
I welcome progress and economic growth, but I share the concerns of those who wish to keep Cape Canaveral true to its roots and protect our natural resources.
Finding the right balance will require pragmatism, fiscal restraint and a servant’s heart.
We shouldn’t spend on pet projects while basic needs are not being met.
Outdated codes shouldn’t be weaponized against local businesses. Instead, we must embrace policies that will ensure their success.
I reject policies that strip freedoms from all, to address a minority of troublemakers.
I trust the people to observe reasonable guidelines on issues like vacation rentals, and I trust law enforcement to deal with those who fail to comply.
J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cape Canaveral City Council candidates focused on growth, infrastructure
