To further assist our readers in making educated decisions when voting in November, we have sent a list of questions to each candidate running for the District 5 Commissioner of Coral Springs, FL.
Joy Lynn Carter (Incumbent)
- What is your full name?
Joy Lynn Carter
2. Where are you originally from?
Born in Boise Idaho, left California for South East Asia for 6 years, and then back to California before moving to Florida from Las Vegas, NV in 1983.
-Why did you choose to move to your city?
Married with kids on the way and heard about the small, safe town with good schools. Sounded perfect to me and has been!
-How long have you been here?
I have lived in Coral Springs for 35 years.
3. Why are you running for this position?
To complete a 10-year commitment that I made to serve the residents of Coral Springs with passion, commitment to excellence, and heart.
-Have you run in the past?
Elected 2014 as City Commissioner, re-Elected 2016, unopposed, and appointed Mayor Pro-Tempore and Vice-Mayor 2018-2020.
4. If elected, what is your first point of action?
I will expand our video conversations to assist with making mental health service options readily available for residents and aide first responders on finding a good balance with residents in this tumultuous environment.
-Why?
Stress and discontent as well as fear are at all-time highs, with the uncertainty that we live with COVID.
5. What mission do you feel most passionate about?
Currently, the seniors that are choosing to age in place and making Coral Springs a destination city.
-Why?
Like me, they moved here to raise their families and now are empty nesters, but still have lots of life in them. I’m working on an AARP program called – Age-Friendly, but if you think about it…if it is good for a wheelchair, it is good for a stroller. As for the destination, stay tuned!
6. Where do you feel our city needs improvement?
Infrastructure and Neighborhoods
-Why?
Infrastructure is over 50 years old and is up to replacement. Many neighborhoods are overgrown and need a facelift. We are working on a program called, “Neighborhoods of Integrity that we hope in partnerships we can create pride and maybe even a little competition.
7. Where do you feel our city stands above the rest? Why?
Award-winning in being proactive and first-rate first responders that are frequently benchmarked as leaders.
8. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town?
As I have done for the last 6 years. Letting them know any plans, asking for suggestions and input.
I attend just about every city event for interaction.
9. If someone came to you with a proposal to build a new piece of public infrastructure in our city (road, bridge, etc.) how would you evaluate whether that project was worth implementing?
By examining the immediate impact on residents but giving more weight to the future benefits because no one likes inconvenience but sometimes we need, “a little” to get to the great parts!
10. What neighborhood do you live in?
Cypress Glen, SW Coral Springs. Why? My kids and I choose this area because they liked the name and look of the elementary school, 30 years ago. (I had already narrowed it down to the 2 best, so I gave them a choice)
11. Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town?
Coral Springs Country Club Golf Course on Sundays after brunch at many local restaurants with Mom and my best friend. Mom’s favorite is, “Big Bear!’
Joy Lynn Carter
Cathy Natalie Remy
1. What is your full name and what position are you running for?
Cathy Natalie Remy Coral Springs City Commissioner Seat 5.
2. Where are you originally from?
- Miami Gardens, Fl.
-Why did you choose to move to this city/county/school district/state district? How long have you been here?
I chose Coral Springs because it was more than just me. It was about the city that would provide the best suitable environment and culture to create memories with my family. We have been in this lovely city of Coral Springs for almost 3 years now.
3. Why are you running for this position?
Becoming a voice and streamlining those issues that are priorities to the city of Coral Springs is why I am in this race. However, I do not view this as running against others, rather, as running towards my divine assignment, which is to represent, and diligently devote my efforts to regenerate our city in areas where these unforeseen circumstances have weakened us, and steadily move us in the direction that promotes oneness, hope, community, family & faith.
-Have you run in the past?
No, I have not.
4. If elected, what is your first point of action?
What is at the forefront of everyone’s mind is the well being of our community.
The Economic development for Coral Springs has been impacted over the recent months due to the pandemic. Although we cannot move beyond our current reality at this time, it behooves us to adopt a proactive approach regarding immediate intervention and strategic planning solutions that will engender future economic growth for small businesses and the constituents of this city.
5. What mission do you feel most passionate about? Why?
A topic that has not drawn much attention in this campaign is the psychological wellbeing of our students prior to, and after returning to school as it relates to this current pandemic.
Many children have been impacted by COVID-19 in one way, shape, or form. Some have lost nucleus or distant relatives. Close family members hospitalized, and even the experience of having to be quarantined from loved ones can have an emotional toll on our youth. Limited social interaction, stressors of the pandemic, anxieties surrounding e-learning can all produce hypersensitive emotional responses, and possibly PTSD. We should begin to implement wellbeing check-in through school counselors, virtual social interaction, as well as preparing teachers, and counselors during back time school transition, to identify behaviors, or challenges that stem from this most challenging time.
6. Where do you feel our city needs improvement? Why?
An area where our city needs improvement, taking into account that we remain afloat from the COVID insult, is housing affordability. We are to take the approach of influencing housing affordability through the supply of available houses, easing planning restrictions, and government policy. It has been projected that with the rise in the value of Coral Springs homes, moderate-income level homes will be limited. We have great people that serve our lovely community and would desire nothing more than to call it home, but they can not purchase property due to rising costs. Let’s ensure housing is affordable, without impacting housing valuation for our current homeowners negatively.
7. Where do you feel our city stands above the rest? Why?
Coral Springs is a city where the importance of family is upheld. It is a city where neighbors still greet you, and smiles are often worn even in this hour. It is a place where excellency, innovation, & integrity is the standard. There have been events to promote cohesiveness and a sense of community. Coral Springs is where opportunities are created for the well being of the community and the focus is on building a legacy, and a place for our children to call home.
8. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town?
The voice of our community matters.
The best way to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town is to foster a culture of approachability, limiting barriers and encouraging openness which allows the residents of Coral Springs to voice their concerns, affording them the opportunity for their input to be weighed in the final decision. I plan to invite the residents of Coral Springs to reach out to me as it is my responsibility when elected as City Commissioner to have open communication. I will be available for virtual meetings during the pandemic, as well as in-person meetings once we return to norms. I also will ensure that my contact information, such as email & office number, is made public.
9. If someone came to you with a proposal to build a new piece of public infrastructure in our city (road, bridge, etc.) how would you evaluate whether that project was worth implementing?
When determining whether public infrastructure is worth implementing, the value of the project will be contingent on the city’s current needs and whether this proposal for public infrastructure supports our city’s economic, social, and environmental goals. This would require reviewing reliable data & analytics, as well as designs and financial models.
10. What neighborhood do you live in?
Ramblewood
-Why?
Ramblewood is largely a single-family home community, with luxurious amenities and a great school, that perfectly displays the core vision of the city of Coral Springs, as a premier community in which to live, work and raise children. I viewed the listing of our home in Ramblewood a few times as it sat on the market. When the time approached to begin the search for our home, I imagined it was likely sold or off the market. To our surprise, it was still available and awaiting us to make our bid. it’s a 4-bedroom home with a fireplace that immediately caught my attention. This house spoke to me and was the gateway to calling this city home.
11. Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town?
There are multiple places I enjoy frequenting in Coral Springs, from the tasteful diverse restaurants to the movie theaters, to our city parks. I also enjoy the Florida Panthers Ice den for ice skating, walks in our Ramblewood community, but mostly I admire the city’s fun in the sun gathering where the community comes together and look forward to that time when we can gather once again.
Cathy Natalie Remy