Demonstrate Leadership - An opinion

Submitted by Samuel Jefferson Kennard

March 24, 2016 11:30 a.m.

Conspicuously, nobody is addressing the truck traffic problems on Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. Regrettably, our local government has failed to take any remedial action and the mills and port have failed to be responsible citizens and stewards of our local environment. The status quo is unacceptable.

Foresight, courage and leadership are requisite to address the most difficult challenges facing the welfare and quality of life of our community. Responsibility and accountability are what the electorate expects from our elected Fernandina Beach City Commissioners.

Presently, there continues to be no greater or more urgent unresolved problem, in terms of the dangers, inconvenient congestion, emissions pollution and road repair expenses, than the heavy truck traffic on our local roadways and city streets. These problems are forecasted to significantly increase, to an estimated 2,000 truck trips daily in only seven years, until they become totally unsustainable and absolutely intolerable.

Additionally, the truck traffic problem jeopardizes the approximately $570 million total local economic impact realized from the rapidly growing tourism and services based economy, not to mention significant contributions from the robust real estate and development economy.

Rayonier, and soon to be included LignoTech, WestRock and the Port of Fernandina all share the increasing log, materials and supplies truck traffic problem. They all must be parties to a community acceptable solution. It is preferable that the stakeholders agree to prudent and practical transportation alternatives for mitigating this urgent issue, without resorting to restrictive and punitive local ordinances.

Our local government, the Fernandina Beach City Commissioners, have continued to ignore their responsibility in addressing the increasingly urgent truck traffic problems. It is past time for them to demonstrate leadership by bringing the egregious parties together to hammer out a feasible long-range solution that reconciles progress and preservation.

Who in our city government has the foresight and courage to step up and be the champion for this important cause?

Editor's Note: Samuel Jefferson Kennard's Florida roots go back to the early nineteenth century. His pioneer ancestor signed the Territory of Florida's First Constitution in 1838 and others have lived continuously on Amelia Island for 150 years. The great grandson of a Cumberland Sound pilot family, Kennard continues a proud tradition of advocacy for a viable Port of Fernandina. Kennard stated, "Nassau County, and Fernandina Beach need a working port. It's part of our rich heritage and who we are."

Kennard is founding chairman of Stand for Amelia Island, Inc., a not for profit State of Florida Corporation dedicated to advocating solutions for important issues affecting the general public welfare of Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island and Nassau County.

Kennard was graduated from the University of Georgia and attended Harvard Business School executive development programs. Kennard is married and he and his wife, Karin live on Amelia Island.