Parker candidates discuss recovery, possible millage rate during election forum

March 27-- Mar. 27--PARKER -- The recovery from Hurricane Michael, a possible discussion about creating an ad valorem tax and other community issues were discussed during a candidate forum in Parker hosted by the Bay County League of Women Voters on Wednesday.

Four candidates are running in the upcoming municipal City Council elections in Parker: incumbent Ron Chaple and challenger Tonya Barrow are running for seat 2 on the council, while incumbent Stacie Galbreath and challenger Ken Thomas Jr. are running for seat 4. Barrow was not able to attend but did provide a statement which was read at the forum.

Candidates were asked a variety of questions by League members and the audience, which packed City Hall to hear what their next future city official had to say. The first question asked how the City of Parker can help residents who do not have a mean to rebuild or recover from the hurricane.

"The City's pretty well broke too because of debris and stuff we've been picking up--tons of it. The only thing I can say on that is we're here to help not necessarily financially, but we're here to help you get through the struggling of getting your place back in shape," said Chaple. "We do have volunteers that will help people that can't get things done. ... It's a terrible thing if people don't have insurance. I don't know how much FEMA can help us out but hopefully they can help some of the people in our area recover their roofs and stuff like that."

A question from the audience asked if the city would be open to establishing a millage rate for hurricane recovery.

"I believe I would. I know that is a tough question and something that not everybody wants to hear but depending on how the outcome is of the percentage that the city has to pay, I think we may have to consider conversation on that," said Galbreath.

In his response to various questions, Thomas emphasized the importance of thinking about a downtown Parker and what that downtown would look like.

"I look at Tyndall Parkway from Cherry Street to where it merges with Business 98 as more straight commercial, with some apartment complex perhaps, a hotel hopefully, motel," said Thomas. "I would look at the stretch here along Business 98 to be where we want to build. Our downtown Parker, what do we want that to look like? We have an opportunity here to create our own downtown area for people to be able to walk, have activities, to recreate."

Barrow was not able to answer questions but did give her platform in a statement.

"I would like everyone to know that Parker is very important to me. Parker, as we know it, has been forever changed by Hurricane Michael. Our lives, homes and businesses are all changed," said Barrow. "As a past Mayor and Council member, I feel my experience can help Parker to rebuild and plan for the future. The next few years will be difficult financially but working with the Mayor and Council members to bring back our businesses here is a start."

Candidates also discussed the importance of working with Tyndall and their needs, providing community activities for residents to go to, future development and keeping the small-town feel in Parker. Election Day is April 16 and early voting starts April 8.

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