Dr. Charletha Powell: Candidate, Pensacola City Council District 2
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an interview conducted via questionnaire by the Pensacola News Journal with Escambia and Santa Rosa County election candidates for their respective races. All of the answers were submitted to the Pensacola News Journal by the candidate and are available to our readers to show the candidates' position and priorities on the issues. Candidates were limited to 750 words.
Candidate: Dr. Charletha Powell
Office you're seeking: Pensacola City Council, District 2
Occupation: Owner of a Mortgage Closing Agency
Education: BA, MBA, Doctorate
Why are you running for this office?
I'm a dedicated public servant who cares deeply about our people in District 2 and the whole of Pensacola. I plan to galvanize my public service, academic achievement, and career success to advance our district's progress.
What makes you stand out from your opponent(s)?
My capacity to understand and work well with others informs my broad background in public service and business success.
More about the race: Pensacola City Council District 2 race is a contest between neighbors
Previous elective office/ elective office experience: None
What are your three most important priorities if you are elected or re-elected?
Priority 1: Safe Neighborhoods How would you implement Priority 1?
I will bring the police and fire representatives directly to interested citizens so that we can collaboratively develop safety strategies for all residents of District 2.
Priority 2: Storm Water Drainage/Carpenter Creek How would you implement Priority 2?
Identify the stormwater drainage issues in District 2.
Review and implement the City of Pensacola Stormwater Master Plan for District 2.
Collaborate with the Engineering and Construction Service Division of Public Works and Facilities to find solutions to existing or developing issues.
Engage with developers and investors to design and develop sites for construction and infill.
Collaborate with the Restore the Watershed Project, FDOT, City Staff, and County Commissioners to fund and design plans to restore Carpenter Creek and reverse damage.
Priority 3: Economic Development How would you implement Priority 3?
Link our residential areas to the thriving medical centers by developing businesses that will synergize with both.
Create a district in which citizens of every age range can flourish economically and recreationally.
Identify the historical/cultural stories that position District 2 as a premier location for investors.
Lead with the vision of Pensacola as a Smart City by leveraging technological advances and intelligent city management systems.
How will you approach the growing infrastructure needs with the growth and development our community is experiencing? First, we must identify areas where we can optimize growth and anticipate aging infrastructure and the impact of SLR. Strong data will help us appoint appropriate police and firefighter presence, proper lighting, and safe and walkable/bikeable streets. Second, we must accurately inventory our housing stock to identify every opportunity to gain infill and create affordable/workforce housing. Third, the City Council and the Administration must collaborate on finding and funding infrastructure projects so we can intelligently and affordably move through challenges and guide our community toward the future.
In what ways will you work to promote civility among your colleagues and with the public, especially when dealing with divisive or controversial issues?
As a public servant, my job is to serve by not only hearing but listening for understanding, not rebuttal. We do not have to agree on everything but through hearing, understanding and compromise we can accomplish anything amicably. I never enter a situation with preconceived ideas because that is an exercise of futility. I approach each situation with fresh eyes with the goal of doing everything in my power to provide the support needed by the people that have chosen me to serve them. I will work diligently to collaborate with City Staff, the Mayor, fellow council members, governmental agencies, and constituents to make sure our collective needs are responsibly met. I will always promote constructive unity. The decisions we make as leaders are not personal but are for the people we serve.
What policy proposals do you have to increase the supply of affordable housing in our community?
Improve citizens understanding of affordable housing so that it is not viewed as synonymous with low income housing. When citizens understand the direction we are taking they are more amenable to helping us reach our affordable/workforce housing goals.
Expedite and expand our state of affordable housing rental and homeownership programs.
Coordinate with nonprofit affordable housing developers who have access to land/buildings, and financing subsidies.
Target community development initiatives.
Review city planning legislation that may hinder or block affordable/workforce housing development.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Dr. Charletha Powell: Candidate, Pensacola City Council District 2
