Five questions with Milton City Council candidate Roxanne Meiss

Early voting is underway in Santa Rosa County and will continue until Nov. 2, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Below are Roxanne Meiss’ answers to our questionnaire:

SRPG: What are some of the qualities that the new Chief of Police should have?

I think that with the method that we have chosen to accomplish this, we will find a perfect replacement for Chief Tindell. Who better to understand the challenges of a position than someone who has served in and supervised this position for many years; as the people on this chosen board have.

SRPG: Citizens have addressed their concerns with the wastewater effluent carrying PFAS into our drinking water. How will you address these concerns?

The city is following current standards and limits set forth by the governing authorities concerning PFAS and PFOS levels in our treated effluent. I personally suggested moving one of our current planned spray fields off our aquifer and relocating to another area; even though we are approved where it’s currently planned. I have found that our citizens are concerned about this and we, as a council, are in our position to follow their will.

SRPG: Traffic has been an ongoing issue in Downtown Milton. What should be done about this, if anything, and what would the timeline for that project be?

I’ve been on the board of our local TPO/FDOT for the past four years. I have seen the widening of Highway 90 move up many positions during that time … We need a walkable/bike bridge across the Blackwater at or near our downtown area. This same bridge could also be used in case of an emergency, closed to foot/bike traffic, that would allow
emergency vehicles to bypass the existing bridge or planned wider bridge.

SRPG: What makes you the right candidate? Tell us about your platform.

I am experienced in both government and community service for over 50 years. I have been in this position for four years and have a thorough understanding of how our system of government works. My current primary concerns are: Save the Blackwater and ensure clean drinking water; widen Highway 90 as quickly as possible; work for/with and respect our taxpaying citizens and total government transparency. I represent all citizens of Milton.

SRPG: How can you reaffirm the citizens trust in you as a city council member?

It’s embarrassing for the City of Milton that we have council members who have ethics and Sunshine Law violations against them. We are here for our citizens to be good stewards of their tax monies. When we are sworn in, we agree to follow all ethics and Sunshine laws. Some believe these laws apply to them. Some have been charged and fined for this disobedience and others are awaiting their day in court.