Candidate: Steven Cushman

Steve wishes to bring about a commissioner who listens more than talks. Without paramount input from citizens, it is virtually impossible to make sound decisions. Citizen input needs to remain at the forefront of county business. Steve believes in open government and will maintain an open door policy in which citizens can engage their government and have a voice in the management of Wakulla County. He strongly believes in keeping Wakulla County the natural place it is. Advancement of tourism and responsible development need to remain the focus for our government. Steve moved to Wakulla County in 2011 to conduct research in water quality and species populations within karst features such as sink holes, springs and rivers. He soon became involved in bat studies and salamander studies in dry caves in south Georgia. He opened a new dive shop on Bloxham Cutoff Road to support the much needed research. Today this type of research has become a front issue in the State of Florida known as the Springs Protection Initiative. Steve began implementation of a new aquaculture industry in Wakulla County over 16 months ago which is currently providing educational instruction to 10 students through Wakulla Environmental Institute. One county citizen is currently employed due to his efforts. By January 2015, there are 30 people scheduled to be employed under the new industry. Steve has conducted extensive research and assessment of existing oyster bars within Wakulla County. He has ongoing research in population studies of many finfish, shellfish and aquatic plants within Wakulla County Bay waters under FWC permits. His vision is a level of restoration equal to that of which the bays will become sustainable and reach a complete sustainability of the seafood industry of Wakulla County. Steve is currently the sitting director of the Aquatic Science Association which is a nonprofit conservation organization. He is conducting research in water quality, species population and environmental conservation of karst features within the State of Florida. This group is responsible for the cleaning of such sites as Church Sink in Leon County along with Natural Wells, Ferrell Sink, Meeting House Sink as well as continuing efforts in the Wakulla River. Steve has served 1 year of a 3 year term on the Wakulla County Code Enforcement Board. His involvement is to insure the code board focuses on public health and safety as a primary concern and not allow the code board to get involved in community disagreements. Since his seating, he has remained consistent with his belief that code enforcement should be about citizen protection and not resolving citizen disputes. He has implemented a mutual benefitting agreement between the code board and Keep Wakulla County Beautiful. This agreement has been responsible for aiding citizens to meet compliance and avoid penalties for non compliance. Steve is sitting president of Keep Wakulla County Beautiful. As president, he has seen many successful projects involving community cleanup and beautification. He works with current executive director Joann Palmer in providing a comprehensive plan to engage community beautification. Together, the two have worked diligently at establishing a working relationship with the Wakulla High School Naval Junior ROTC cadets. These cadets provide valuable input to the KWCB workforce. Without their commitment, many KWCB projects would not be completed. Steve was recently appointed to the Wakulla County Marine Advisory Committee. He will be working with some of the best businessmen and scientists this county has to offer in developing and restoring our marine ecosystems. The committee will make recommendations to the BOCC on the most responsible means to utilize our natural marine resources. Steve may be a newer citizen of Wakulla County but works hard to insure Wakulla County remains a desirable place to live, work and visit. He remains fair in his business and strongly believes in a government that is fair and consistent. He approaches issues with an open mind and always looks at every citizens view to achieve the best solution for Wakulla County.