Clay Today reached out to the candidates for Seat 1 on the Green Cove Springs City Council and asked them the same three questions ahead of the Municipal Super Tuesday Elections on April 14. Here are the results submitted by candidate Ed Gaw.

What qualities distinguish you for Seat 1 on the Green Cove Springs City Council?

What distinguishes my service is steady, hands-on involvement in both our community and our local economy. I have spent more than 35 years as a small local business owner, creating jobs, meeting payroll, and making decisions where results matter. I bring that same practical experience and financial discipline to every budget discussion and policy decision before the City Council.

Since arriving in Clay County, I have been engaged from day one. I served on the Green Cove Springs Planning and Zoning Board, including time as chairman, before being elected to City Council six years ago. During that time, I have focused on strengthening our local economy, improving the reliability of city utilities and infrastructure, and supporting community events that bring residents together.

I believe leadership is demonstrated through action. Throughout my time on Council, I have donated my entire city salary to the Clothes Closet at Charles E. Bennett Elementary School as a way of giving directly back to families in need. Whether supporting responsible development, founding Food Truck Friday to bring families together in Spring Park, or working to keep our city financially strong, my goal in this final term of service is to help ensure Green Cove Springs remains a welcoming and stable place to live and work.

What are the City’s biggest challenges?

One of the biggest challenges facing Green Cove Springs is managing growth responsibly while preserving the character of the community that residents value. Our city continues to attract new residents and businesses, and that growth brings opportunity, but it also requires careful planning to ensure infrastructure and city services keep pace.

Utilities and infrastructure will remain a major focus. Water, sewer, and electric systems must be maintained and upgraded so they remain reliable for both current residents and future development. During my time on the Council, we completed the Harbor Road Water Treatment Plant and continued important investments in our electric system. These types of long-term improvements must continue as our community grows.

Another challenge is maintaining financial stability while providing high-quality city services. Proposals in the Florida Legislature to eliminate homesteaded ad valorem property taxes could significantly affect municipal revenues. If that occurs, it will make thoughtful planning and increased commercial development even more important to ensure the city remains financially strong without placing additional burdens on residents.

Our goal should be balanced progress — protecting Green Cove Springs’ small-town character while responsibly preparing the city for the future.

What’s more important now — a long-term plan or tax relief? How do you balance that?

Responsible city leadership requires both long-term planning and tax relief. The challenge is balancing those priorities while maintaining reliable city services and long-term financial stability.

There is currently some uncertainty surrounding municipal revenues, particularly with discussions in the Florida Legislature about potential changes to homesteaded ad valorem property taxes. Because of that uncertainty, it is even more important that cities plan carefully and diversify their revenue sources.

Part of that balance involves continuing to attract commercial development, so the tax burden does not fall disproportionately on homeowners. Expanding the commercial tax base strengthens the city’s financial foundation while supporting local jobs and investment.

We should also continue developing responsible, new revenue opportunities, such as the city’s proposed mooring field and other initiatives that support economic activity without overburdening residents.

My approach is the same discipline I apply as a small local business owner: plan for the long term, control spending, invest wisely in infrastructure, and grow the revenue base responsibly so taxpayers are protected.