Jeffery Cortland Seib Candidate For Palm Coast City Council District 1
MY PLATFORM
- Sustainable Growth Strategy Palm Coast is undergoing rapid development, with extensive residential projects already approved and further expansions planned. My priority is to ensure that new developments are compatible with existing land uses, adhere to our Comprehensive Plan, and integrate significant open spaces and buffers to preserve our natural environment. I will push for a thorough environmental review of any proposed developments, with a focus on maintaining and enhancing our wetlands, which are crucial for groundwater replenishment and natural stormwater management.
- Fiscal Responsibility and Low Taxes The growth pattern directly influences the financial demands on our city. Without careful management, we face inevitable tax increases to fund expanding services. I propose a critical review of our growth strategies to maintain a low-tax environment, potentially imposing a moratorium on new housing developments if necessary to control tax hikes and manage growth sustainably.
- Environmental Leadership As a candidate with extensive environmental knowledge and experience, I recognize the unique challenges Palm Coast faces in this era of rapid development. I am committed to preserving significant green spaces and natural habitats, ensuring our city remains a sanctuary for both wildlife and residents. My environmental strategies are designed to be cost-effective and focused on long-term sustainability.
- Responsive Governance Having served eight years on the Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee (BEAC) and attended city council meetings regularly, I’ve witnessed the disconnect between council actions and community concerns. I pledge to change this dynamic by actively listening to and addressing the issues raised by our citizens from day one in office.
- Economic Development with Integrity While Palm Coast has historically relied on small businesses and home construction for economic growth, there’s potential for diversifying our economy. I advocate for attracting non-polluting industries through tailored tax incentives, leveraging our existing infrastructure and skilled workforce in the medical and other technical fields to create high-quality jobs.
MY BIO
Retired senior scientific researcher at the University of Florida, Weyerhaeuser Nursery products Division laboratory manager, Everglades National Park American alligator biologist, and Louisiana State University Veterinary School. Academic training at Louisiana State University, undergraduate and graduate schools. Master’s thesis on the effect of intensive commercial timber production on wildlife populations. At LSU Veterinary School studied the elements of habitat quality for Whitetail Deer in Louisiana wildlife management areas.
University of Florida research included studying the genetic components of various agricultural crops and pasture species such as corn, peanut, soybean, for the purpose of growth and survivability.
I did Volunteer work at Shands Hospital and as the Saturday kitchen manager at the St. Francis House homeless shelter in Gainesville.
Caregiver along with my wife for ten years caring for my mother suffering stroke related progressive dementia.
I moved to Palm Coast in 1995, and applied for and was selected by Flagler County Commissioners to be a member of the Palm Coast Service District Advisory Council in 1997. As the Environmental subcommittee leader, I solved a sewerage drainage issue in Seminole Woods, and I worked with Jerry Full on the beginnings of the Long Creek Park and Rails to Trails projects.
Previous member of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Black Bear Management team
I was an eight-year member of the City of Palm Coast Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee (BEAC), serving four years as committee chairman. I was the BEAC liaison and member the Palm Coast Arts Commission, worked on the Monarch Butterfly project, began the city process of approval of my friend Shirley Chisholm memorial on Pine Lakes Parkway, approved the design and placement of the PTSD monument at Heros Park. Participated in the 2016 revision of the LDC, and made two presentations to Planning and Land Development Review Board (PLDRB) on climate change and sea level rise and plan to city for offer tax incentives for business and home sustainable environmental methods. Personally responsible for the donation and placement of the Chuolota American Eagle statue in City Hall.
Lifetime health and fitness advocate. Animal lover, 13-year involvement caring for abandoned animals.
The overall theme of my life has been to help. Helping people, helping animals, helping the environment, and helping the community. Therefore, I am running for the city council District #1 position so that I can help this community move forward into the 21st century.