- March 12, 2025
What should be done with regard to the housing market?
The economy is recovering, although slowly. I sincerely believe (that), at the federal level, we need the partisan bickering to stop. We need the president and Congress to do their jobs, and I would urge community support for Washington to act in the best public interest.
On the state level, we have a problem with Tallahassee. It's been disappointing how the Legislature compounds our difficulties. Unfunded mandates drain our treasury and limit our ability to make investments needed for economic development.
On our home front, we need to aggressively market our community for good job growth, not just the real estate, but long-term economic development. We need to continue our tourism marketing efforts. We also need to preserve and enhance our quality of life, because that is the key to our future growth.
Is there room for further cuts to the county budget or would that mean sacrificing too much?
There are always savings we can achieve in our day-to-day operations. Every organization has some waste. We are constantly striving to be more efficient and to cut costs.
Will there be savings to avoid cuts to critical services? I will do all to avoid cuts to public safety or other areas that could be detrimental to our success. I will continue to call upon all parts of government, including our constitutional officers, to cut costs wherever possible. We need to find new ways of doing business that lessen the financial burden on our citizens.
Why should people vote for you instead of your opponent?
I have a track record of 20-plus years of community service in Flagler County. From pushing for Palm Coast's Holland Park behind the Palm Harbor Publix to sponsoring the artificial reef program for fishermen and boaters, I work for the good of the community.
I am really proud of our efforts to establish the Save Our Seniors Homestead Exemption, approved by a 3-1 vote statewide. An idea born in Flagler County is now part of our state constitution. Other projects I championed include the Flagler County Youth Center and Hockey Rink, the Rodeo Ring at the Fairgrounds, and the saving of the Old Moody Homestead (the homestead of the county's founder), along with its grove of oak trees that are 250 years old, older than our nation.
As a veteran, I am pleased today to be an advocate for veterans’ affairs and rehabilitation. I am proud to be working with Gratitude America to bring programs to Flagler County.
In my two decades of service as county commissioner, I have stayed away from partisan bickering and maneuvering, which never serves the public interest. I represent everyday people. I have no personal agenda, nor will I be controlled by a special-interest group. I won't dazzle you with my articulation, but I will get the job done. I use common sense and have a heart for every person in our community.
My record speaks for itself and can be seen on the Supervisor of Elections web page (www.flaglerelections.com), as well as the County Commissioner profiles on the ceounty's website (www.flaglercounty.org). I would be honored to continue to represent the residents of Flagler County.
Following the questionnaire, we had each candidate come in for a follow-up interview. A sample of Hanns’ responses are found below.
“I was first elected November 1992. ... When I first came here, I got involved. ... I found there were very few things for children to do ... we didn’t even have a park. ... (So) I got involved in doing volunteer work. ... I had no desire to be in politics at all.
“We have an opportunity to mold and shape our quality of life. … Just the name Palm Coast — people know it. ... And by marketing it, we’re selling ourselves. ... We’re so rich in ecotourism. .... I’m going to continue to stimulate ecotourism... ... We have so much to offer.”
Hanns admitted that he considered retiring this year, but ultimately, he felt compelled to run again for reelection.
“The only one that ran against me was Herb Whitaker and, in my opinion ... he doesn’t have a lot to offer the county. ... He served on different things for the County Commission and, quite frankly, was taken off a board ... because of improper decisions ... violating our land code ... in 2009. ... None of us have appointed him since that on any board.
“I’m a giver and I enjoy giving. I’m not a taker at all.”
On budgeting, Hanns said:
“There’s always waste. You can always find something (to cut). ... We’re always trying to save money. We’re always trying to do things easier and better. ... (But) I don’t have the crystal ball to say, ‘We can cut this.’”
On relating to the public, he said:
“I still have the ambition and enthusiasm of a young guy. ... Most people can relate to me because I’m a common guy. I’m an everyday guy. I’m a tradesman. ... You’ve got to be able to work with people, to strategize with people and to bend a little bit when someone has a new idea. ... I do believe that people will see the honesty, the integrity, the dedication in me and the compassion I have for making place work.”
On Herb Whitaker, Hanns said:
“I said to him, ‘If you’re running, I’ll run.’ ... He has a reputation of being tunnel-visioned. He’s unbending, and I just don’t believe that is the proper way of coming in (to the commission).
“I’ve been a donator all my life, and a giver. ... What I bring to the board is a voice of reason. ... Once you’re elected, politics are out of it. ... I’m not beholden to anyone.”
