Candidate for City of Fernandina Beach Commission, Seat 4: Len Kreger
The Nassau County Chamber of Commerce recently asked each candidate running for the City of Fernandina Beach 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.Â
For additional information or questions, please contact the Chamber at (904) 261-3248
2026 City of Fernandina Beach Candidate Questionnaire
EXPERIENCE & LEADERSHIP
1. Why are you running for the Fernandina Beach City Commission, and what experiences have prepared you to serve?
I am running because I believe I can effectively contribute to the cost-effective management of the city. I have extensive experience to include 7 years as a City Commissioner (termed out in 2022) 6 years on the FB Planning Advisory Committee, 5 years on the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council, served on Fernandina Beach Sustainable Committee, Nassau County Code Enforcement Board, Nassau County Affordable Committee and currently serving on the FB Board of Adjustments. My experience has provided me with the ability to provide quality leadership.
2. What do you believe are the three most significant issues facing the City over the next four years?
The major issue is to establish an effective strategic plan with provides for funding both and the Capital Improvement Plan. The city has aging infrastructure along with significant improvements planned, the key is to ensure that both established levels of Service are met along with maintaining the existing Quality of Life. Another major issue is the potential planning for the possibility of the passage of the Homestead Exemption Referendum.
3. What role should the City Commission play in supporting a healthy local economy while preserving Fernandina Beach's unique character?
It is the city’s responsibility to support the economic development as required by the Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive Plan. Any and all efforts to support economic development must be based on maintaining the city unique character The current Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code presently provide good guidance.
BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
4. What specific actions would you take to improve the business climate for existing businesses and entrepreneurs?
Over the years I have heard that Fernandina Beach is not Business Friendly. My first step would be to conduce a simple survey to determine what are the issues, and if valid attempt to resolve the problems. I would also establish a periodic forum to allow meet with local businesses to review any problem areas. An example is the significant changes to the Stormwater fees for Commercial Property.
5. How should the City balance economic development, tourism, historic preservation, infrastructure, and quality of life?
As noted above the current Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code along with Ordinances provide effective guidelines for the management of all these elements. Historic Preservation is well managed by the by the city Historic Development Council which is guided by the Comprehensive Plan along with the best management and current historical recommendations. The TDC does an excellent job with Tourism. Infrastructure is a problem. Meeting the funding requirements of the Capital improvements is a challenge.
6. What improvements would you prioritize for transportation, parking, utilities, and public infrastructure?
Public transportation improvement continues to be a major issue which needs to be a priority. I would work with all originations to attempt to implement previous plans.
Infrastructure is a major issue, see my comments in question 5.
At the present there are no issues with utilities.
7. What is your vision for the City's relationship with organizations such as the Nassau County Chamber of Commerce, Nassau County Economic Development Board, Amelia Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, and other community partners?
The city should maintain excellent relations with all these elements.
When I was a Commissioner, I served on both the TDC and the Economic Development Board in addition to having a good relationship with the Chamber.
The city has and continues to have positive relationships with the non-profit community to include significant financial support.
HOUSING & WORKFORCE
8. Workforce housing continues to be one of our community's greatest challenges. What role should the City play in expanding housing opportunities while maintaining community character?
The city Comprehensive Pan states there should be adequate sites available for Affordable housing. But there is not a way the city can ensure sites are available. The city has and will continue to waive impact fees for affordable housing projects. (Habitat Nassau). The city has as required by state law posted available sites for adorable housing as required by the Live Local Legislation.
GOVERNMENT & LEADERSHIP
9. How will you ensure transparency, accessibility, and public engagement throughout your term?
I will as I have always done comply with the State laws relative transparency and freedom of Information laws, Sunshine requirements and ethics.
10. Earlier this year, the Fernandina Beach City Commission approved and implemented a paid-parking program for the downtown area. A citizen-initiated referendum concerning paid parking will now appear on the August 18 ballot. What is your position on paid parking, how would you respond to the outcome of the referendum?
I would not have implemented paid parking. I would have pushed back on the 5-year Capital Improvement plan funding used to justify paid parking and adjusted priorities to match available funding and potential funding options which could be implemented.
Let’s see what the Referendum results are. It is not retroactive so it should pass then
11. 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, and local government services?
I DO NOT SUPPORT
The passage of this referendum will deviate the city finances, with the latest estimate of the city loosing 30% of funding over the years.
It will result in significant increases in service fees, creation of service fee structures
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE & PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
12. 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
13. If elected, what would success look like after your first term?
The city remains a desired place to live (Quality Life) with safe infrastructure, police, and fire protection along with smart growth based on both Property Rights and current future use and zoning.
14. Is there anything else you would like Fernandina Beach’s business community to know?
As a retired Marine with 24 years of service including 19 months in combat in Vietnam along with my significant government experience, I have the ability to provide leadership and management.