08/24/2024
I’m Cori Bylund and I am running for Mayor of Neptune Beach.
I have enjoyed meeting many of you on the campaign trail, knocking on your doors or at one of the many Meet & Greets I have attended over the past several months. The thoughts and concerns many of you have shared have been invaluable. If we haven’t met yet, I hope we will soon. In the meantime, here are a few of the positive changes I will bring to Neptune Beach as mayor.
First, it’s no secret that our infrastructure needs improvement. We have been muddling through repairs to our failing infrastructure on a very tight budget. While we’ve made recent progress, we need a proactive and comprehensive plan. It’s time to develop a plan that is both sensible and affordable. Within my first year, I will present a comprehensive plan that will outline funding sources, deadlines, accountability and results.
Next, our budget and our budget process will be examined closely. I will work with the City Manager, staff and Council to ensure the budget is presented and approved in a timely manner. The community should have ample time for review and the opportunity to have their questions answered. I will be conservative with our spending so we can ensure long term sustainability and efficiency. I will prioritize funding for infrastructure and essential services and avoid unnecessary spending.
I am committed to transparency, accountability and active community engagement. To rebuild confidence, I will prioritize open communication. I intend to conduct town hall meetings, bring back active committees, and improve our city’s website. By addressing policies openly and working collaboratively with members of the community, we can create a more inclusive and responsive governance structure that fosters trust and reinforces a commitment to serving the best interests of our city.
I am often asked what sets me apart from my opponent. One of the major differences is my education. While we both have law degrees, I have a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration with double emphases in Public & Non-Profit Management and Public Policy Analysis. This area of study provided me with specialized knowledge and skills tailored to the complexities of public sector management. Unlike a business degree, which focuses on profit-driven strategies and corporate structures, a public administration degree emphasizes navigating the intricacies of public policy, governance and community needs.
My educational background has equipped me with a deep understanding of public service ethics, regulatory frameworks, and the diverse challenges unique to government operations. My targeted expertise will guide me in making informed decisions that prioritize the public good and foster efficient, transparent and equitable local government.
Another significant difference is, having lived in Neptune Beach for the past nine years and at the beaches for the last 18, I bring a deep, personal understanding of our city’s unique character, challenges, and needs, which significantly enhances my qualifications as a mayoral candidate. Over nearly a decade, I have developed strong connections with residents, local businesses, and organizations, gaining invaluable insight into the issues that matter most to our community. I serve as a volunteer on our Community Development Board, hearing and ruling on requests for zoning changes, variances and special exceptions.
This long-term perspective allows me to address concerns with a well-informed approach and build on the progress we've made together. In contrast, someone who has only been here for three years may not yet fully grasp the intricate dynamics and historical context of our community.
My extensive experience and commitment to our town ensures that I am not just a candidate with fresh ideas, but one who genuinely understands and is invested in the well-being and future of our home. I hope I can count on your vote for Mayor of Neptune Beach in November.
