Republican Primary Candidates Canaveral Port Authority, District 2
Name: John “Hank” Evans
Age: 64
City of Residence: Titusville
Occupation: Attorney
Website: http://www.votehankevans.com/
Financial Report
Education:
Vanderbilt University - Undergraduate; University of Florida Law School-
Post Graduate
Experience:
Lawyer practicing Business Law in North and Central Brevard County for 39
years.
What makes you the best candidate in 300 words or less?
I am not a politician and have never held public office before. I am running for Port Commissioner because of my long standing desire to serve the Port and from my years of public service in non-governmental positions. I have been President of the Space Coast Economic Development Commission twice, Board member of Chamber of Commerce for many years and currently on the Board of Directors for the SPCA. In my youth, I started and headed up “Save Our Beach” which resulted in a new beach road to Playalinda beach. Clearly, I have a strong public interest for the community. I will bring that to the Port Commission. In addition, as a lawyer specializing in business matters, I am well equipped to deal with the complicated issues the Port will have to navigate in the future.
The Port is a unique and vibrant economic engine which must be protected and encouraged, I will do so. However, the welfare of the surrounding communities is also extremely important. I will insure that decisions regarding the Port also have positive impact on the surrounding communities.
My opponent is seeking his fifth term. He is part of a three vote block that caused tremendous controversy at the Port over the past 18 months. As a new Port Commissioner, I do not have “alliances”. I believe I will bring the job fresh eyes and new ideas to the Port Commission. I will vote to move the Port forward and will seek public input to make decisions which make sense, safeguard the public’s money and are in the best interest of the Port and the public.
Name: Joe D. Matheny
Age: 76
City of Residence: Brevard County 40 Years
Occupation: Attorney, Port Commissioner
Website: www.electjoematheny.com
Age: 64
City of Residence: Titusville
Occupation: Attorney
Website: http://www.votehankevans.com/
Financial Report
Education:
Vanderbilt University - Undergraduate; University of Florida Law School-
Post Graduate
Experience:
Lawyer practicing Business Law in North and Central Brevard County for 39
years.
What makes you the best candidate in 300 words or less?
I am not a politician and have never held public office before. I am running for Port Commissioner because of my long standing desire to serve the Port and from my years of public service in non-governmental positions. I have been President of the Space Coast Economic Development Commission twice, Board member of Chamber of Commerce for many years and currently on the Board of Directors for the SPCA. In my youth, I started and headed up “Save Our Beach” which resulted in a new beach road to Playalinda beach. Clearly, I have a strong public interest for the community. I will bring that to the Port Commission. In addition, as a lawyer specializing in business matters, I am well equipped to deal with the complicated issues the Port will have to navigate in the future.
The Port is a unique and vibrant economic engine which must be protected and encouraged, I will do so. However, the welfare of the surrounding communities is also extremely important. I will insure that decisions regarding the Port also have positive impact on the surrounding communities.
My opponent is seeking his fifth term. He is part of a three vote block that caused tremendous controversy at the Port over the past 18 months. As a new Port Commissioner, I do not have “alliances”. I believe I will bring the job fresh eyes and new ideas to the Port Commission. I will vote to move the Port forward and will seek public input to make decisions which make sense, safeguard the public’s money and are in the best interest of the Port and the public.
Name: Joe D. Matheny
Age: 76
City of Residence: Brevard County 40 Years
Occupation: Attorney, Port Commissioner
Website: www.electjoematheny.com
Financial Report
Education:
Vanderbilt School of Law - Doctor of Jurisprudence
Experience:
Practicing attorney for 50 years
Lt. Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired
Served as General Counsel for:
Brevard Community College (38 years)
First Federal Savings and Loan Association (20 years)
Florida National Bank (15 years)
Jess Parrish Memorial Hospital (20 years)
King Center for the Performing Arts (25 years)
Professional Memberships:
Supreme Court of the United States
Court of Military Appeals
United States District Courts
Supreme Court of Florida and all Florida State Courts
Florida Bar Association
Brevard County Bar Association
U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps
Civic Memberships:
Commissioner, Canaveral Port Authority
Titusville Chamber of Commerce
Cocoa Beach Chamber of Commerce
Propeller Club
Keep Brevard Beautiful
Civilian Military Council
Canaveral Lighthouse
What makes you the best candidate in 300 words or less?
"I
am your current Port Commissioner. I have participated in the decision
making for Port development and expansion of business opportunities for
Brevard at the Port. We have long outpaced the issue of collecting tax dollars as a means of revenue. We
have been extremely successful with public dollar investments such as
channel maintenance and expansion, cargo and cruise facilities and now a
Welcome Center in the Cove. It has long been our pledge
to never return to the tax rolls and I wholeheartedly agree. There have
also been private investments at the Port, SeaPort Canaveral Fuel Farm,
driving our increased cargo numbers, industries and cruise line
investments. All this, plus the utilization of our Free Trade Zone
businesses and opportunities has placed the Port as a business developer
and opportunity creator. As we look to the future for Port Canaveral, we need a steady, knowledgeable board to steer our success through experience and leadership. I have those qualities. I have been involved
on many local boards, and as an attorney represented many of our fine
public/private endeavors such as the College (BCC), Parrish Medical
Center and others. I am not a litigator (courthouse) type of attorney, but deal in wills, probate, real estate and government, giving me insight to make hard decisions.
My goals for the port would include the completion of many projects on the books. We develop a long range budget, and a strategic plan for development. Keeping Port Canaveral out of the hands of special interests is also a goal. Any business success we have had in developing has been directly related to our stability on the board and staff leadership.
I am honored to have the endorsement of Jack Parker, Sheriff, and the Brevard Business Voice, the political arm of the Melbourne Regional Chamber."