Candidate for Board of County Commission, District 2: Laura Dotson
The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce recently asked each candidate running for the Board of County Commission to answer a candidate questionnaire that we could share with members and the community. Answers to each question have been copied and pasted exactly as they were submitted.
For additional information or questions, please contact the Chamber at (904) 261-3248
2026 Board of County Commission Candidate Forum
EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP
1. Why are you seeking election to the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners?
I want to see the citizens of Nassau County have a voice in the decisions that we as a community expect. we are the tax payers and we deserve transparency in local government.
2. What experiences best prepare you to serve the residents and businesses of Nassau County?
I am a common sense and fiscally responsible individual. I am a leader in my career, making decisions with integrity and honesty. I will put the community first.
3. What do you believe are the three most important issues facing Nassau County today?
Community moral, property tax increases and over development
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & BUSINESS
4. How should Nassau County balance economic growth with preserving the character of its communities?
First, we need to balance taxes between commercial and homeowners. Homeowners have carried this burden far too long. We need more businesses creating high paying generational jobs. Such as Aerospace and aviation, medical and healthcare services, marine manufacturing and technology.
5. What policies would you support to strengthen small businesses, attract quality employers, and create high-paying jobs?
Stream line permitting, review impact fees where appropriate and reduce unnecessary red tape. Lets offer more “Buy Local” initiatives. Implement small business workshops and technical assistance. Invest in workforce development with local schools and colleges for skilled trades, apprenticeships, certifications in manufacturing, aviation technology and nursing..
6. How should the County prioritize investments in roads, utilities, broadband, and other infrastructure needed to support continued growth?
The county already has a plan to repair roads and utilities. This plan is scheduled and can be stretched to accomodate budget reductions over the coming years. We need to prioritize roadways for business development and to relieve traffic congestion.
7. In 2022, nearly 68% of Nassau County voters approved up to $30 million in bonds for the Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Program. What role do you believe the CLAM Program should play in Nassau County's future, and how would you balance land conservation, private property rights, economic development, and the needs of the business community?
CLAM is intended to conserve land for the county and preserve it for years to come.
8. Nassau County recently adopted a temporary moratorium on data center development and established a fact-finding process to evaluate the potential community impacts of these facilities. What factors should guide the County’s final policy on data centers, and how would you balance potential investment and tax revenue with demands on utilities, neighboring properties, and the needs of existing businesses and residents?
The commission’s top priority is public health, safety and welfare of our community. First, protect natural resources, any proposal should not jeopardize our aquifer. Not putting extra load on electric or robbing farmland away from agricultural use. Control zoning and establish ordinances that protect the citizens. Our policies must be concrete to protect our county and zero risk to citizens or resources.
HOUSING & WORKFORCE
9. Workforce housing continues to be one of Nassau County's greatest challenges. What role should County government play in expanding housing opportunities while maintaining responsible growth?
Our role is to ensure our policies encourage the right kind of development while protecting taxpayers and preserving the character of our community.
Infrastructure must be in place before new, planned residential growth is expanded. Reduce unnecessary regulations, encourage a mix of housing options. The benefits are for the entire community, not just developers.
10. How can the County better support workforce development and strengthen partnerships with schools, colleges, and employers?
We must invest in the people who live here. We shoud work closely with local employers to identify workforce shortages. Aligning education with industry needs, we can help businesses grow while giving our residents better career options close to home. We don’t need more burger joints. We need to attract employers with high-payings generational jobs.
GOVERNMENT & LEADERSHIP
11. How will you ensure transparency and public trust in County government?
We need information to the people in a timely manner. We need to have public meetings that are transpraent to the public. With full disclosure. We need to get away from deceptive talking points regarding the millage rate reduction when we are actually increasing taxes according to the State of Florida
12. Describe your leadership style and how you approach differing viewpoints when making decisions.
Straight forward, black and white, common sense. I will always discuss the issues and what the possible alternatives are. I will make decisions based on honest evaulation
13. What role should regional partnerships play in addressing countywide challenges?
Our regionals partners are our cities, port authority, law enforcement. Economic development board, chamber of commerce and FSCJ. These are great partnerships that we will continue to work with providing resources and assistance and seek the same. We need more business development around the port authority. ie; yacht basin, boating repair and manufacturing. These are generational businesses. This could be a huge economic driving force.
14. Florida voters will consider significant property-tax reform on the November ballot that could provide additional relief to homesteaded property owners while reducing revenue available to counties and municipalities. Do you support the proposed reform, how do you believe it would affect homeowners, businesses, renters, and local government services, and what steps should Nassau County take to prepare while continuing to fund public safety, infrastructure, conservation, and other essential services?
I absolutely support the reform. It puts guard rails on county spending, we need fiscal discipline. This puts money back in the hands of the people. This will force us to tighten our belts, just as our citizens are already doing. Why is it objectional to put money back into the hands of our citizens?
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE & PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
15. Have you ever received, or do you currently receive, compensation, advertising revenue, sponsorship income, monetization revenue, consulting fees, in-kind benefits, or any other thing of value connected to online content in which you discuss local government issues, public policy matters, elected officials, candidates, or campaigns? If yes, please describe the source and nature of the compensation, the issue or candidate involved, and whether the financial relationship was publicly disclosed.
No
CLOSING
16. What specific accomplishment would you hope to achieve during your first term?
I would lower property taxes so the residents can actual see the benefit. Increase transparency to the residents and hear what their concerns are. We need transparency in how money is spent; conservation funds, charitable contributions, and contracting. I will work hard to ensure infrastructure is continually being developed for sustainable long term growth.
17. Is there anything else you would like Nassau County's business community to know?
The business community needs more generational jobs. I have said this before and will continue as well. We want employers that generate high paying jobs which will ensure the our families can work where they live