Meet DeLand's 3 mayoral candidates: Chris Cloudman, Buz Nesbit and Reggie Williams
As longtime DeLand Mayor Bob Apgar's time in office nears an end, three familiar faces hope to fill his shoes.
And while residents may decide in the Aug. 23 primary who should wear them next, that individual won't lace up until after the general election on Nov. 8.
Chris Cloudman, Buz Nesbit and Reggie Williams are on the citywide ballot next month, each hoping for the chance to serve as the figurehead of Volusia County's fastest-growing city.
Data from the 2020 Census shows DeLand gained 10,000 residents within 10 years, bringing the total population to 37,351.
It's plausible to say the area's rate of growth and development — and its impacts on the availability of services — is a top concern among residents as officials work to balance the legal rights of property owners versus the rights of the city.
Following the release of the census data last year, Apgar told The News-Journal that proposed developments were drawing greater scrutiny from both the public and officials.
"I think the (City Commission) is taking a harder look at the densities of proposed projects to mitigate some of those concerns," Apgar said. "But how that will play out over the next several years, I don't know."
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If none of the candidates receives more than 50% of the vote, the two candidates with the most votes go head to head in November.
The DeLand mayor chairs City Commission meetings and serves as a figurehead. The term is four years with an annual salary of $16,302.
Meet the candidates
Cloudman, 44, has lived in DeLand since 2008 and served as a city commissioner since 2014. He works as an energy specialist for Cenergistic.
He was appointed to and served on the city's planning board from 2010-14. In 2014 he also served on the charter review committee.
Cloudman currently sits on multiple boards, including the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor Management Entity; Take Stock in Children Advisory Board; Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee; River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization; East Central Florida Regional Planning Council; Central Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Alliance; Florida Municipal Pension Trust Fund Board of Trustees; and the Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council Governing Board.
His top priorities include:
Advocate for local entrepreneurs and business owners, prioritizing their meaningful projects that add value to the community.
Continue working toward providing housing options for all income levels.
Keep recruiting companies that provide additional jobs and higher salaries.
Nesbit, 66, has lived in DeLand since the late 1990s and served on the city's planning board since his appointment in 2017. He was previously appointed to the city's historic preservation board where he served from 2015-17.
In the mid- to late-1970s, Nesbit worked as a staffer for the Legislature in Tennessee and then in Memphis' division of public services.
Nesbit became a realtor in 2014 after working for more than 30 years in telecommunications.
His top priorities include:
Provide the community and developers with clear standards for land development, and develop a strategy for annexation of interior enclaves that will improve quality of life in currently underserved areas.
Encourage citizen participation on boards and task forces to establish stronger municipal strategies, including exploring and facilitating affordable housing options from current property owners and developers.
Provide citizens with ongoing metrics to demonstrate the value of city government.
Williams, 71, has lived in DeLand since 1971. Before retiring, he spent nearly 25 years working for Volusia County in the following roles: community development director; community development/community action agency director; community assistance/services director; and director of community services.
Williams then spent six years working with the Florida Department of Children and Families in an administrative role. For six years after that, Williams worked in local leadership roles within nonprofits including The Children's Advocacy Center and Neighbor to Family.
His top priorities include:
Control growth and development.
Protect the environment and water resources.
Listen to citizen concerns and be a voice for them.
Candidates comment
The following questions were posed to each candidate with a request to limit responses to 100 words. Answers are presented as they were submitted, save for minor corrections to punctuation.
In your opinion, what is DeLand's most pressing issue, and what efforts would you make to address it?
Cloudman: Preserving our sense of identity during a time of growth and change is imperative to protecting what we love most about the city and what attracts so many visitors and new residents. We must support events that promote community fellowship, recognize our amazing local businesses and organizations, keep traditions alive and focus on new initiatives that build upon the community spirit that makes us "Delightful DeLand."
Nesbit: Citizens are frustrated with uncontrolled development. After soliciting input from community members, not just city staff, about different zoning frameworks and community planning goals, we would establish a strategy that we clearly communicate to developers of new projects. We should require higher building quality standards and more diverse sizes of homes built in neighborhoods with preserved green space and active recreational opportunities that promote the health and well-being of our residents and protect our water and other natural resources. We must update our land development codes to make these standards clear.
Williams: I believe the most pressing issue for the City of DeLand is to get a handle on growth and development. A review of its land development regulations and comprehensive plan is needed. When home-rule authority allows, change rules to minimize clear-cutting and protect more historic trees. Also, I believe collaboration with the county and other local governments is needed to help manage or control growth outcomes.
In your opinion, what is DeLand's best feature, and how can it be expanded on?
Cloudman: DeLand is full of people and groups that continuously make this the most amazing place to live. While the national trend shows service organizations declining in membership, our volunteerism rates in the city continue to grow. Local entrepreneurs have launched new unique businesses and have helped revitalize once dormant areas. We must embrace what makes our city special and continue to support the momentum that has created a thriving, culturally rich community that is welcoming to everyone.
Nesbit: In DeLand's earliest years, Henry DeLand recognized that this community's character was grounded in its strong educational institutions, natural and architectural beauty, and rich culture just like Athens, Greece, so he coined it "The Athens of Florida." Today, DeLand continues to be the jewel of Central Florida as it retains that vibrant cultural base. Downtown DeLand's numerous cultural events, including performances at The Athens Theater, holiday parades, and various festivals and events are our main attractions! A thriving Stetson University continues to be an educational and cultural resource, and diverse neighborhood districts contribute community vibrancy.
Williams: I think DeLand's best feature is its small-town feel. DeLand is a great place to live and has and is expanding the number of parks, trails and recreational facilities. It has a vibrant downtown that hosts lots of events. Supporting initiatives to maintain that vitality are important. Investigating ways to bring patrons from the SunRail station to downtown should continue.
Why should someone choose you over your opponent(s)?
Cloudman: I serve the people of DeLand as an active member of the community, as a Rotarian, an involved parent/mentor in the schools, a fellow board member, a volunteer, a neighbor, a supporter of the arts, a frequent customer of local businesses, and a dedicated public servant who enjoys giving back all year round. I have spent the last several years providing a voice for DeLand at the local, regional and state level, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience. I am passionate about our community and will continue to serve with the highest integrity.
Nesbit: Wouldn’t it be nice to have a mayor with proven experience to lead DeLand into a vibrant future? My experience leading complex and rapidly growing businesses distinguishes me from my opponents as DeLand grows from a small town to a medium-sized city. DeLand needs a leader who can inspire citizens to co-create a new vision for our city, and who has experience overseeing negotiations, marketing, technology, communications, budgeting, strategic planning, and crisis management. DeLand already provides its citizens with an exceptional quality of life, but leaders must ensure the city's infrastructure and public services keep pace with growth and rapidly changing technologies.
Williams: I believe having grown up in West Volusia County and living in DeLand since 1971 gives me a unique perspective about the community. Working in county government gave me the opportunity to learn government from the inside, to think and process issues strategically, how to interact with other local governments, community agencies, other stakeholders and how to relate to people on their level. Working in state government helped me to hone these skills to be more compassionate in addressing citizen concerns. My love for DeLand and desire to use my experience to benefit the city and its citizens make me the best candidate.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Election 2022: Meet the 3 candidates in race to be DeLand's next mayor
