Townsend COAB Letter of Intent
November 24, 2015
Mayor & Commission,
I would like to formally present myself as a candidate to replace Jonathan Daugherty as City
Commissioner. Along with this letter of intent, you will find my resume, along with a research project
concerning the Mayport Corridor that I conducted in 2013 and presented to the City Commission.
As I mentioned to the Commission last night, I admit to having mixed feelings about serving in local
government. This has nothing to do with my passion to serve my community, but is based solely on my
experience in dealing with local government during the years of a prior mayor and commission. During
that time, I found myself continually frustrated by the in-fighting that kept the Commission from
responding to the larger needs of the community. I watched as personal vendettas resulted in removal
of critical City employees who, for the most part, had served the City well.
Regardless, I have stayed as active as I can working mostly behind the scenes with Beaches Habitat, local
churches, and of course the after-school programs. Now, I find that local residents have sought me out
and asked me to serve on the Commission, and it is to these residents that I agree to serve. The election
of a new commission and mayor also gives me hope of a more productive City government. You might
therefore call me a reluctant politician as I am not aware of having political ambitions. I am aware of an
intense passion to see continued economic development in our city, and particularly fulfillment of a
dream to see redevelopment of the Mayport Corridor.
I therefore offer the City my experience as a husband, father, pastor, educator, volunteer, organizer and
Beaches Habitat homeowner. I offer my ability to connect with residents (young and old) that represent
the wealthiest members of our community to those that live at or below the poverty line. I offer my
ability to think strategically, communicate effectively and make difficult decisions in a timely manner. I
offer any business or managerial acumen I have, led as best possible by a compassionate heart.
Based on Article 2 Section 6 of the City Charter, I meet the full-time residency requirements for
Commissioners, having lived in the Scheidel Court Community located in District 1312 since 2010. If you
would like to meet with me to discuss my candidacy, please feel free to do so.
Sincerely,
Mike Townsend
1101 Scheidel Court
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
904.401.3090
Miketownsend622@gmail.com