2022 General Election: City of Palm Coast, District 4 Candidate Comparison

Palm Coast City Council District 4 is being contested by 2 candidates in the 2022 General Election, none of which are the incumbent. Candidates include (as appearing on the ballot):

Cathy Heighter

Campaign Website: http://www.votecathyheighter.com

Fernando Melendez:

Campaign Website: https://voteformelendez.com/

Question #1: Please summarize your education and work history, including certifications, professional designations and licenses.

Cathy Heighter:

Florida Military Specialist (FMS)
Military Relocation Professional (MRP)

Volunteer Veterans Service Officer, (VVSO)

Licensed Realtor, Florida Notary, (RON) Remote Online Notary
Certified Notary Signing Agent (NNA, NSA)

At Home with Diversity Certification (AHWD) Certification Florida Board of Realtors

Member of Flagler Beach Rotary Satellite Group in Bunnell

Fernando Melendez:

My background in education consists of a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Psychology and a masters degree in Political Science with a concentration in economic development. In New York I spent twenty five years in the School Bus industry both as a driver and an elected union official. In Florida I have worked as a Florida State Investigator for the Dept of Children and Families (DCF) and a Family Advocate for an agency called Devereux Advanced Behavioral in a program called family builders. I am a 2017 Palm Coast Virtual Citizens Academy graduate and hold a certification from the Florida Institute for Political Leadership.

Question #2: What experience do you believe uniquely qualifies you to be a Palm Coast City Council member?

Cathy Heighter

What I feel qualifies me the most for the most to serve a s a city council member is my level of honesty, integrity, work ethics and my ability work with others through negotiation and collaboration in efforts to make decisions which will work best for the citizens of Palm Coast.  I am willing to fight and be a voice for the citizens of Palm Coast. I view myself as a good team player. 

Fernando Melendez:

Since moving here to Palm Coast, I have been intricately involved in my community. With a personal interest and passion of getting to know the needs and concerns about our community and actually getting involved by serving on several volunteer boards where I can help make a difference. I believe a combination of experience, skills, and resources will make me the better candidate to serve in our city council.

Question #3: Please list any charity work, board experience and other community engagement you believe is important for voters to know about.

Cathy Heighter

I have worked as a volunteer for the city of Palm coast for several years.  some of my volunteerism has included”

• The I can read Program for Flagler County school district grade 3
• Our House program in Bunnell, helping young men and women learn basic computer skills to better themselves and offer them better work and educational opportunities in the future
• Volunteer for the City of Palm Planning board working with Denise Beven, during the time I was studying to earn my bachelor’s degree in business at empire State College
• I have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity helping to build homes for low-income families

Fernando Melendez:

I am currently the acting Community Director at (SEAS) St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.  With the help of the Knights of Columbus we were able to coordinate with the Flagler County Health Dept setting up the second largest vaccination site in Flagler County during the height of the pandemic. Using our parish grounds and community center to vaccinate over two hundred clients daily. We did this for three months. I am also the current Vice Chair at the Flagler County Planning and Development Advisory Board where we meet with applicants as well as community organization/leaders to evaluate the approvals on land use/special exceptions, etc. Making sure that proposed master plans meet the provisions of the county’s,and state’s general development codes. I was also appointed to the Palm Coast 2021 Redistricting Commision Board where I had the honor and the privilege to help in establishing our existing district map. 

Question #1: What is your assessment of the City of Palm Coast’s economic development efforts?

Cathy Heighter

Since recently beginning to attend city council meetings on a regular basis, The city is beginning to move in the right direction where economic development is concerned. The city recognizes the need for more diversity, bigger businesses and corporations which will off better job opportunities to is growing and diverse population.

Fernando Melendez:

In my personal view, I think It’s been a steady and consistent growth. It hasn’t been big, splashy nor flashy but we’re definitely making progress in the right direction. I definitely feel I can help bring some value in this area if elected.

Question #2: If elected to the City Council, how would you approach economic development? Please share your economic development priorities.

Cathy Heighter

My position would be to encourage Economic development and growth that will provide better job opportunities to the residents (citizens) of the city who which to live and work where they live.  We need to bring in larger corporations who can offer better paying jobs to individuals still in the workforce.

Fernando Melendez:

Great question, I feel the city of Palm Coast needs to stop limiting itself to the service sector industry, a core part of economic development is working towards a diversified economy. Let’s work on attracting new industries that won’t take up too much space since land has become somewhat scarce here in Palm Coast. Industries that include Innovative Technologies and Digital Media, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Aviation, Aerospace & Defense, Advance Manufacturing etc. 

Question #1: What is your assessment of the city’s recent efforts to strengthen higher education in Palm Coast?

Cathy Heighter

The city’s’ efforts to strengthen higher education is extremely important to our growth and economic development.  Bringing higher education to the city will help to create higher paying job opportunities and have a positive impact on our economic growth.

Fernando Melendez:

I am a big believer in higher education, and would advocate for it.

Question #2: Would you continue to support Jacksonville University and the University of North Florida’s presence in Town Center?

Cathy Heighter

I recently discovered that the University of North Florida is in town Center.  It is a great idea to have their presence in Town Center and by having them there will encourage further higher education and educational opportunities to locate in Palm Coast as our city continue to grow and expand its opportunities for better employment opportunities and educational growth.  I would have no problem with the university having a campus here in Palm Coast.  It would certainly encourage me to finish my MBA in business.

Fernando Melendez:

Yes! Absolutely, and, I Will continue to advocate the importance of making Town Center the future educational hub in the NorthEast Region of Florida as this will make Palm Coast a future destination stop for students, professors, and many other associated businesses.

Question #1: What is your assessment of the City of Palm Coast’s budget?

Cathy Heighter

My assessment of the budget is that the city needs to look at amenities which have been here for a very long time since the city was first built shortly after 1979.  Some of these amenities no longer support the needs of the community since we have grown so much over the years from a population 3500 soon to be 100,000.  I moved here in 2005 and the city has changed tremendously since that time.  We may be spending more to maintain these amenities than it would cost in a long run to build newer amenities which will support the population growth of the city.

Fernando Melendez:

I think given the last couple of years and what many cities went through with the pandemic, Palm Coast did very well. I think when it comes to the taxes, budget and spending the city has a balanced approach.

Question #2: How would you describe your approach to adopting the upcoming city budget? Do you have any budget priorities that you would like to call attention to?

Cathy Heighter

In my opinion the city should make these items a priority in its budget:

• Road improvements, repairs and maintenance
• Drainage systems
• Repairs for Holland Park splash pad
• Make sure that there is funding for the needs of law enforcement, EMS and the fire department

Fernando Melendez:

My approach to adopting the upcoming city budget is a very analytical approach. A line by line approach to look for those hidden assets. The assets that are in excesses and may not want to be found. At this point as a new if elected city council board member I would go with a (PBB) a priority based budgeting model that looks at the entire operating budget.

Question #3: Please share your position on voting on a “roll-back” tax rate (no increase in property taxes), versus voting on a tax rate that may increase local property taxes.

Cathy Heighter

I do not agree with increasing property taxes.  Residents of Palm Coast, which many have lived here for a long time are feeling the impact of all the increases in the cost of living and are already struggling to make ends meet.  So, my position on taxes is to is to find ways to lower property taxes.  I am a licensed realtor and I see the affect everyday on individuals who would like to live the American dream of home ownership.  Often times the property taxes keep them from being able to attain that goal.

Fernando Melendez:

Under normal circumstances we would view the rising property values as a great economic indicator as to where our city is heading economically. But in the economic world we call our current situation here in PC an inflationary economy where everyone and every business including our municipality is struggling. Our Ad valorem tax is the largest single revenue source that goes into our general fund and should only be considered for a roll-back tax rate when there’s what is considered to be a (Booming) economy.  We are not in a Booming Economy. I would vote to hold it flat at last year’s rate so we can continue to maintain the same level of services offered to our city’s residents the year before.

Question: What is your assessment of the City of Palm Coast’s “Business Friendly” initiative?

Cathy Heighter

The “Business Friendly” initiative for the city of Palm Coast is powerful initiate which will help bring more business opportunities to Palm Coast and economic growth.

Quoting City of Palm Coast Chief Development Officer, Jason DeLorenzo, I agree that “Business owners are the backbone to the city’s economy and are important stakeholders in this community.”

I fully agree with the city working to redesign necessary processes to work with new businesses to help get them get up and running as quickly as possible.

Fernando Melendez:

Any “Business Friendly” initiative is always a welcomed approach. We need to work not only with new business coming into our city but helping those that are already here expand and grow. 

Question #1: Please share your perspectives on the rate of growth and development-related topics in the City of Palm Coast?

Cathy Heighter

Over the last two years I have watched the population growth of Palm Coast increase at a very rapid pace.  I am please to see the city growing as it has since I moved here in 2005 however my opinion is that we need economic development to support the growth and the increase in the cost of living.

Fernando Melendez:

Like many other cities in Florida, we are experiencing growth. The great news is that under our city’s Strategic Action Plan, Palm Palm Coast is already gearing up in support of,

1- Expansion

2- Smart Growth

3- Population Growth

4- Business & Development

All essential in anticipation of inevitable growth.

Question #2: Please share your perspectives on affordable/workforce housing and the role the Palm Coast City Council plays.

Cathy Heighter

My perspective on affordable housing is that it is absolutely needed in Palm Coast.  As we watch our city continue to grow the increase in home prices have more than doubled over the last two years making it very difficult for working class individuals to afford to live and work in Palm Coast.  Working in the real estate industry I watch individuals struggle everyday to afford housing whether it be to purchase a home or rent as rental property cost have tripled since I moved to Palm Coast in 2005.

Fernando Melendez:

Right now our city is going through a housing crisis. And as the only Palm Coast City Council candidate that qualified by knocking on doors for petition signatures, and talking to over four hundred residents personally, I can tell you that we need housing. Many residents were forced to buy a single family residence due to the fact that there were no rentals available. And if renting an apartment or single home was available the rents were astronomically high and it’s why they decided to buy a house instead. The term I heard a friend coin was (housing that’s affordable) and that’s where I’m at with the city, zoning for housing that’s affordable.  Think westward expansion. 

Question #3: Please share your perspectives on increasing residential density in a new development to preserve open space.

Cathy Heighter

I am concerned that we will lose our natural preserve open space if the city continues to grow at this rapid pace.  I love Palm Coast and love living here for the last 17 years of my life, we have such a beautiful clean city, and I would like to see it stay that way.  Density in population increases waste and the ability to maintain the beauty of the city as we once knew it.  Population growth also creates other risk and a rise in cost to run the city, we will need more of everything and the cost to maintain the roadways due to the increase in traffic will also increase.  We can already see the large increase in traffic on our roadways and main highways, which can cause more accidents and again create more issues for the residents of the city.

Fernando Melendez:

Land can be preserved in three basic ways.

1- Agricultural Zoning

2- Regulatory Measures

3- Dedication of Land

However Florida state law requires local municipalities to protect the rights of all property owners and their right to build/develop. As long as the applications are complete and meet all the required provisions or general development codes developers are entitled to go with medium, low, to high residential density if they wish.

Question #4: Recently, the subject of a multi-family construction moratorium was debated by the Palm Coast City Council. What are your thoughts on multi-family construction, and do you believe a moratorium is appropriate?

Cathy Heighter

Born and raised in Long Island, New York and spending a lot of time in NYC Manhattan going to school and doing business I have no problem with multi-family housing if they are properly zoned in and area which will not conflict with the lives of individuals living in single family homes or gated communities.  In multifamily unit’s tenants live closer together and with the closeness the likelihood of disagreements and conflicts will increase.  There will be more waste, noise, clutter, odors and parking issues.  I recently drove through Central Landing community in town Center and witnessed a garbage dumpster overflowing with garbage, some of which ended up on the ground in the parking lot.  I immediately recognized that this could cause problems for individuals and management of a multifamily dwelling unit.  Good tenant screening and living guidelines would need to be set for the community in order to maintain the property and keep things under control or all its’ residents.  Currently I do not feel the need a moratorium on multi-family units is needed but I do feel that strict guidelines need to be put into place for residents in efforts to keep the area clean, safe and well maintained.

Fernando Melendez:

My thoughts on multi-family construction are simple, it’s nearly impossible to build middle-income housing today given land cost, construction and general NIMBYism. Multi-family housing is the closest to middle-income housing sorely needed today in Palm Coast. NO! to a MORATORIUM. Wrong Message to be sending out.

Question: Last year, the Palm Coast City Council voted to increase the number of deputies patrolling our neighborhoods. What are your perspectives on law enforcement efforts in Palm Coast?

Cathy Heighter

Law enforcement and public safety should be a priority in Palm Coast.  As Palm Coast City Council voted last year to increase the number deputies patrolling our neighborhoods, I agree that this increase should be made.  We need to make sure that the city has enough law enforcement on duty to meet the needs of the citizens of Palm Coast given the increase in population over the last two years.

Fernando Melendez:

Our quality Public Safety is one to be commended for. We are now enjoying the lowest crime rate at (53%) in the history of Palm Coast courtesy of the FCSO. I do believe that we must keep our law enforcement funded in anticipation of growth, always keeping our public safety ahead of the curve. It’s one of three components that make up for Palm Coast’s second to none high quality of life.

Question #1: How would you describe your leadership/management style?

Cathy Heighter

I have been leading, guiding, and managing people for most of my adult life through business ownership and through it all it has been a learning journey in which I have constantly worked at making myself a better leader and manager in all areas of my life.  I returned to higher education late in life to earn my bachelor’s degree in business and began my MBA in 2013, I still have 18 credits to complete to earn my MBA in Business Administration and look forward to completing it hopefully within the near future.

Fernando Melendez:

My governing method is through the process of interaction and policy innovation as well as the discovery of different models that will help achieve set goals. My philosophy is to continue to acquire knowledge, experience and be readily accessible to all residents while preparing for all council and workshop meetings as I currently do as the Vice Chair at the Flagler County Planning and Development Advisory Board. I will fully review, take notes and meet with the City Manager/ Director of Projects AICP/Planner Etc. beforehand. Politics/ Ideology/Principles play no role in any decision making when it comes to city issues that concern all our residents. Always professional, modest, and respectful to all.

Question #2: How would you handle disrespectful or disruptive behavior at City Council meetings?

Cathy Heighter

My opinion on disrespectful and disruptive behavior at city council meetings should not be tolerated.  As a group of educated adults, we should be able to always conduct professionally and respectfully towards each other and the public which attends the city council meetings.  We should all agree that it is OK to agree to disagree however conduct ourselves professionally so that we can move forward as a team of decision makers for the city and come to agreements which will provide the best decisions for the citizens of Palm Coast.

If a council member decides that they do not wish to cooperate within guidelines set for city council members at meeting or outside of meetings, they should be removed from the meeting and if necessary be removed or asked to resign from city council as a council member.

Fernando Melendez:

I will always handle it tactfully.

Question: Please share your perspectives on the City of Palm Coast’s FiberNet initiative.

Cathy Heighter

I am in favor of FiberNet (FNI) initiative.  Through my research I recognize that the FNI will help to lower the cost of telecommunications for existing businesses in the City of Palm Coast and will also help to attract new businesses and jobs to the city.  With the FNI project coming to Palm Coast it will help with reaching our goals for economic development and growth.

Fernando Melendez:

I think it’s well overdue and will help us attract many different industries to our city. Internet speed and reliability is key to helping transform our city to its full potential and a more efficient local government. 

Question: Please share your thoughts on the City of Palm Coast’s Parks and Recreation offerings/department.

Cathy Heighter

I applaud the Dept of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for the work and dedication that they have to the city.  The DPR has helped to make this beautiful city what it has become and all the offerings through the DPR has helped to attract new businesses and residents to the area.

Fernando Melendez:

Great question! Our local amenities are a huge part of our quality of life, Palm Coast has something for every lifestyle whether you’re a grownup or a tiny tot. It’s one of three components that make up for Palm Coast’s second to none high quality of life.

Question #1: On a scale of 1-to-10, with one being “poor” and ten being “excellent,” how would you rank the diversity of Palm Coast’s tax base (commercial vs. residential)?

Cathy Heighter:

I would give it a “5”, we need more commercial businesses to support the residential growth in the city.  We can continue to build residential homes, but we need to have jobs here to support the population growth.

Fernando Melendez:

We do not have a big enough mix of industries in which to transition the tax burden on existing businesses. I would rank it at 6 but seeing improvement as we head forward with such initiatives as FiberNet, new cell towers, and by supporting expansion ,smart growth, population growth, business and development I can definitely see a big improvement. 

Question #2: What strategies would you implement, if elected, to address the diversity of Palm Coast’s tax base?

Cathy Heighter

I would recommend bringing larger corporations and businesses to the community to earn tax revenue and create jobs and industry to support the residents needs to be able to live where they work.

Fernando Melendez:

Tax Base Diversity equals Industry Diversity which is a core part of economic development, which in turn equals to increase Tax Revenue and more importantly (Economy Fortification) & (Improved Quality of Life).

Cathy Heighter

I would like to see the Palm Coast Flagler Regional Chamber (PCFRC) continue its efforts in supporting:

• Economic Development
• Investments in rural high speed Internet connectivity initiatives
• Health and wellness initiatives
• VISIT Florida funding, increase tourism initiatives to attract more visitors
• Education and workforce development initiatives
• Investments in Flagler County’s transportation systems
• Investments in Flagler County’s water and wastewater infrastructure systems

Fernando Melendez:

I believe that Palm Coast is heading in the right direction and with the right leadership we can help write the next chapter in our city’s future. We are a growing city with growing pains, but that doesn’t mean we have to showcase our inability on how to run our city’s government for the world to see. Unfortunately! lately this has become somewhat of the norm on our city’s dais, I will bring back both respectability not only to the dais but to Palm Coast City as whole. I believe our residents deserve better representation and a more collaborative council. Let’s help shape our future together by supporting Smart Growth, Businesses, and Development in a way that’s not only essential to our economic future but that it doesn’t diminish our superb quality of life.