Candidate: Suzie Johnston
Position Sought: Mayor of Flagler Beach
1. Please tell readers about yourself.
I’m a lifelong resident of Flagler Beach. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing in Atlanta, GA. After college, I moved back to paradise to start my family here in the same city that created me. I am right now raising my eleven year-old daughter here and decided to run for Mayor because I wanted to continue to see this city grow into a city with not just ideas, but with actions.
When Linda Provencher, Flagler Beach’s current Mayor, decided she was not going to run again, I knew it was time to step up to the plate. I’ve spent the last thirty years volunteering here and the last nine years working alongside Linda.
I have volunteered and worn many hats within the County and the City of Flagler Beach. I am currently the Vice President of Scenic Highway A1A. Co-organizer of Light Up Flagler Beach. Helped co-organize the 2019 Holiday at the Beach Parade and turned it into a fundraiser to raise over $7,000 for the two local High Schools. Help deliver meals with Feed Flagler. An original member of the Flagler Beach All-Stars and FB3 (Flagler Beach Business Group), I support the business community here on the island. Plus, I am a Board Member of the Flagler County Education Foundation. Giving back to the community where I live is important.
I love Flagler Beach. I want to help preserve the culture of this City for future generations to grow up in our beautiful, safe town like many of us did. I am friendly, personable and very approachable, with the passion to work with others. I have the advantage of bringing a resident’s point of view and a fresh perspective to old problems. I would be honored to represent you as Mayor of Flagler Beach.
2. What experience makes you uniquely qualified to hold the position you are seeking?
I have the energy and the drive to be the Mayor of Flagler Beach. I have the tools with my degree and I give 100% to any task. My goal will be to fast track solutions and not throw roadblocks. I am a great negotiator and that will be a benefit when it’s time to go to the County or other governments to request additional funding to benefit our City.
3. What do you think are the Top 3 issues facing Flagler Beach in the next five years and how will you address each?
The top 3 issues facing Flagler Beach are:
Flagler Beach is facing an aging infrastructure and faced with who is going to pay for it.
Apply and Receive Federal Grants if they are a good decision for the City. Flagler Beach is the showcase of Flagler County and monetary help is needed so residents don’t have to foot the entire bill.
Helping our commercial base prosper, which will provide jobs and increase property values. Showcase our town through advertising, community events, and we can work together by supporting local businesses.
Maintain a low tax rate. I will look for ways to save money, think outside the box, and think of alternatives. Use my relationships and negotiating skills to go to the County and ask for additional funding so our taxes won’t go up.
4. Local, state and federal officials must work together to ensure the community is successful as a whole. What qualities do you possess that make you a consensus builder?
I’ve never met a stranger. I am a people person and love to talk, share ideas, and solve problems. I have positive relationships already built on the County and City levels. I was endorsed by two County Commissioners, I have a close relationship with Mayor Holland of Palm Coast and Mayor Robinson of Bunnell, and even worked with Travis Hutson, our 7th District Senator.
5. What is the number one issue you hope to address as an elected official?
To work with County Officials and the County Attorney to get the construction portion of the Beach Renourishment project started. We have the chance for the Federal Government to pay for the project and maintain it for the next fifty years. This project is so important to the city, we can not afford to lose A1A.
Bonus Question:
Tell readers something about you that will help them connect with you on a person-to-person level. (Something you’ve done for Flagler Beach that has made it a better place)
I’m a creative and quick problem solver! I noticed that cars were not seeing and stopping for pedestrians trying to cross at our cross walks. I had seen the orange flag canisters with flags work in other cities, so I brought the idea to our hometown. I gathered the materials, purchased the flags, and worked with the Department of Transportation to get the job implemented to keep our residents safe. If you are out getting ice cream and cross the street to go to the beach, make sure to grab a flag.
