Greg Feldman, a candidate for Flagler County Commission District 2, discussed his background, priorities, and views on several major county issues in a recent interview.
Feldman, a Florida resident since 1979, said he grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Oklahoma, where he developed an interest in law enforcement. He spent 25 years with the South Miami Police Department, retiring as assistant chief, and later worked with the Florida Department of Children and Families, where he helped address a backlog of missing children cases in South Florida. He said that effort reduced the number of unresolved cases from roughly 200 to 18 over six years.
Since settling permanently in Flagler County, Feldman has served on the Transportation Planning Organization’s Community Advisory Council, where he currently serves as chair, and sits on the boards of Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida and the Tiger Bay Club. “I’m getting involved because I really, truly love this county,” Feldman said, adding that he aims to bring a “non-political taxpayer” perspective to decisions affecting all areas of the county.
Public Safety and Fire Rescue
Feldman identified public safety as one of the county’s top issues, particularly regarding fire rescue services. He said Flagler County Fire Rescue responded to more than 20,000 calls last year, over 15,000 of which were medical calls handled by ten rescue units countywide. He noted that Fire Rescue Chief Tucker has proposed adding one rescue unit every three years to keep pace with population growth, which Feldman said would require adequate funding. “When you’re having an issue, or somebody’s doing CPR on someone, you don’t care where the rescue is coming from; you just want it there in a minute,” he said.
Beach Renourishment
Feldman also addressed the county’s beach renourishment program, noting that tourism supports more than 9,000 direct and indirect jobs in Flagler County. He said every household in the county, regardless of location, receives an estimated indirect benefit of $443 a year tied to tourism-related tax revenue. Feldman said the renourishment project is primarily funded through federal and state grants, which require the county to maintain a dedicated local revenue source to cover its share of the cost. He noted that a previous half-cent sales tax proposal, which would have served as that dedicated funding source, did not pass.
Homestead Property Tax Exemption
On the proposed homestead property tax exemption ballot measure, which could reduce ad valorem tax revenue for local governments, Feldman said the county does not yet have clear information about its potential financial impact. He noted that property tax bills include multiple components beyond ad valorem taxes, such as school taxes and service charges, which would remain in place. Feldman said the county would need to make budgetary decisions if the measure passes, and emphasized the importance of maintaining reserve funds for emergencies such as hurricanes. “We don’t know for sure if it’s going to pass. We don’t know for sure what the ramifications will be,” he said.
Infrastructure and Road Congestion
Feldman said road congestion and traffic signal coordination are significant concerns, citing the need for better cooperation between state, city, and county agencies that manage traffic signals in the region. He referenced the planned expansion of State Road 100 (Moody Boulevard) from Belle Terre Parkway to Old Kings Road, noting that the project is not currently scheduled until 2035 despite existing traffic volume. He said the county should request updated traffic studies from the state to reflect current growth.
Governance and Transparency
Regarding the ongoing search for a new county administrator, Feldman said he hopes the county selects a candidate with strong experience in budgeting, planning, and transparency, though he noted the search may conclude before a new commission takes office.
When asked about public distrust of local governing boards, Feldman acknowledged that some concerns are valid, but said confusion sometimes arises from residents not understanding the distinction between city and county jurisdiction. He pointed to the county’s public online records, including budget and expenditure information, as a resource for residents seeking transparency. “Everything is online… ” You can see every dime the county spent,” he said, adding that social media discussions on local issues aren’t always accurate.
Why Voters Should Choose Him
When asked why voters should support him over other candidates, Feldman said his lack of prior political career experience, combined with his personal stake as a taxpayer and resident, sets him apart. “I am them,” he said. “I pay taxes just like they do, so it’s in my best interest to keep taxes down as well as theirs.” He added that he views this campaign as his final public service role, stating, “I can certainly make valid arguments and persuade. And if I can do that and make everybody’s life just a little bit better, I’m a happy camper.”
To find out more about Greg Feldman, visit his website: https://www.votefeldman.com/
This article is based on statements made by Greg Feldman in an interview. Any claims made are strictly the opinion of the candidate and have not been independently verified.
The post County Commission Candidate Greg Feldman Talks Public Safety, Beach Renourishment, and the Homestead Tax Amendment first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
