NewsLine staff
Q: You have described the paid parking debate as a consuming topic for the city. What is your perspective on the issue and the best path forward?
A: It is obviously the biggest issue in Fernandina Beach, probably in a decade. It has completely consumed the community, and I believe it has almost paralyzed the city government because it is so polarizing.
Personally, I am against paid parking. However, if it is an issue that is so divided, I believe the citizens should have the opportunity to vote on it. If the majority of citizens want paid parking, that is perfectly fine, and we can work through the process of installing it. But if the overwhelming majority do not want it, then we would have our answer. To me, the most advantageous path—and the one that gains the most trust out of our community—is just to allow the vote to happen.
Q: Outside of commission meetings, how can residents best reach you to share their thoughts or concerns?
A: I always tell people to never feel shy about coming up to me when I am out at dinner or at an event; connecting with residents is actually the part of this job that I enjoy the most.
My preferred method of communication is email at dayscue@fbfl.org, but feel free to call me at (904) 780-4480. If a concern or question is bigger than what we can handle in a phone conversation or an email, I have been known to schedule coffee time with community members to really sit down and discuss the issue.
Darron Ayscue represents Seat 5 and serves as Vice Mayor of the Fernandina Beach City Commission. Questions or comments can be directed to him at dayscue@fbfl.org or (904) 780-4480.
