High Springs residents will vote for two commissioners on Nov. 7 to fill seats four and five, currently held by Mayor Katherine Weitz and Commissioner Byran Williams. 

Williams decided not to run for the seat again. Weitz will face Sue Weller for seat five while Julie Tapia-Ruano and Chad Howell campaign for seat four.  

Katherine Weitz for Seat 5 (Incumbent) 

What’s your occupation?   

Former Analytical Chemist and current HR Manager for a local electrician. 

What elected or public service positions have you held? 

I have the privilege of serving as the current Mayor of High Springs and have held Seat #5 as a City Commissioner for almost 3 years. I have previously served on Band Booster boards for both middle and high school band programs. 

Where can voters go to learn more about you?   

They can visit my Facebook page: Katherine Weitz – High Springs City Commissioner Seat 5. 

What prompted you to run for reelection?   

During my first term in office, great progress was made in increasing transparency in the budgeting process, but there is still much work to be done. Current administration is working hard to cut costs together with identifying opportunities for increased revenue. Additionally, ongoing large infrastructure projects are very important to me. At the core, however, continuing to serve the people of our beautiful community is my first priority and greatest honor. 

What are the two most important issues facing the city? 

Financial stability that leads to a better budget position is critical. A small community that has both its own Police and Fire Departments poses unique challenges financially. Secondarily, a focus on long term planning that mirrors the desires of the community is critical to be able to determine our own destiny.    

How can the city make progress on them?  

The city has already made progress in terms of financial transparency and stability, but we are only at the tip of the iceberg. A quarterly review of the budget throughout the year together with monthly reports on spending would help keep the overall financial health of the city in the foreground. In terms of long-term planning, the commission is in the infancy stages of potential updates to our comprehensive plan, future land use map, and land development code to identify goals that align more closely to the wishes of the citizens of High Springs. 

What principles should guide the commission in its role? 

High Springs is such a special place, and the current governing body is very mindful of that. A unity of purpose in serving the community rather than personal goals or agendas is of the utmost importance. With the knowledge that each of the 5 commissioners is committed to the community, even through our dissent, we are guided in a mutually respectful manner. Maintaining an open mind and heart to the needs of others is essential.    

What votes from the current City Commission have you disagreed with, if any, and why?  

I have been largely opposed to taking on debt on the backs of the taxpayers. In the words of one much smarter than me, “There are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation. One is by the sword, the other is by debt.” – John Adams, 1826. I am also additionally opposed to any development that poses a threat to our Karst geology and Floridan Aquifer. Visiting the springs is the #1 reason tourists come to High Springs. If we lose that precious natural wonder, we lose our town.  

Open comment: 

Over the past 3 years, I have had the honor of meeting so many High Springs residents. The more people I get to know, the more I fall in love with our community. I believe that I possess a unique skill set to serve the needs of High Springs and would be humbled and honored with the opportunity to continue with the progress that has been made since I took office in November of 2021. As a “September 12th community”, High Springs deserves commissioners who will listen to their concerns and serve with an open heart. 

Sue Weller for Seat 5 

What’s your occupation? 

Retired from the City of Miami after 24 years.  Currently, I am a FEMA Reservist – Individual Assistance Specialist.  

What elected or public service positions have you held? 

Most of my career has been spent in public service working for the City of Miami in Labor Relations reporting directly to the City Manager and regularly attending city commission meetings. I have been very active in our local Kiwanis club for 20 years. After moving to High Springs, I served on several city committees prior to being elected as a High Springs City Commissioner in 2010 and 2013. During those six years I also served as Mayor for two years. 

Where can voters go to learn more about you?  

Voters can go to my Facebook page at Sue Weller for High Springs City Commission Seat #5. 

What prompted you to run for office? 

In my opinion, the city is in turmoil. We have decisions that are being made outside of the Commission as a whole. Of particular concern the Commission is not speaking with one voice. Public statements outside of official commission meetings have been perceived as reflecting the entire commission’s stance when in fact they are one commissioner’s opinion. 

There is a lack of transparency within our government. There have been actions and data not openly shared leading to misguided decisions. As a result, citizens have become increasingly distrustful of the actions of the city. 

We have had a number of employees leave the city resulting in the loss of institutional knowledge which causes operational problems. Without a clear understanding of past practices employees struggle to execute tasks, leading to mistakes, delays, or duplication of work. The retention of institutional knowledge is essential for maintaining effectiveness and efficiency. 

How can the city make progress on them? 

In order for our commission to work as a team they need to understand that our Charter is our Constitution. Our Charter needs to be strengthened to clearly define the roles of the commission. Our commissioners should be required to take the Florida League of Cities training and refresher courses. 

By increasing transparency our electorate will better understand why decisions are made by our commissioners and the city manager. The city should provide easily understandable real-time updates on our expenses, large projects and contracts online. Information on grants received and the conditions of the grant should be online. With this increased knowledge our citizens will be better able to hold our leaders accountable for their decisions. 

To reduce the loss of institutional knowledge the city needs to create detailed manuals, policies and procedures and regularly update them. Cross training of employees needs to occur. We need to ensure outgoing staff transfers critical knowledge to their replacements. We can’t skimp on training. Regular training and professional development is essential to ensure our employees are up to date on best practices and technologies relevant to their roles. 

What principles should guide the commission in its role? 

A commission must be transparent in its decisions and actions. Making sure their decisions are clearly explained and in the best interest of the city and its citizens.  Decisions on issues should be made on facts and reason, avoiding political or personal reasons. The commission is the policy maker and needs to leave the day-to-day operations to the City Manager. In making decisions the commission shouldn’t just look at the short-term impact but also consider the long-term impacts as well. The commission must understand our charter, our laws and regulations and operate within those laws and regulations. 

What votes from the current City Commission have you disagreed with, if any, and why? 

In particular, the vote to limit the ability of The High Springs Brewery from being able to open on Sundays without first requesting a special permit. We currently have restaurants that are allowed to serve alcohol on Sunday as long as their sale of food equals 51%. The Brewery does not have a license to sell liquor.  Their license allows them to distill and sell only wine and beer. The City should be able to revise the alcohol ordinance thereby allowing The Brewery to do business and yet address citizen concerns about bars being established in town that only sell alcohol with no food. 

In my opinion there have been instances where one or more commissioners have voted against an issue solely for political reasons and not for the good of the city. Decisions should be based on facts, evidence, and reason, avoiding political, personal, or financial interests. 

Open comment: 

I have worked for the betterment of our city and our government for twenty years, the entire time I have lived in High Springs. The knowledge and experience I gained in 24 years working for the City of Miami; the multiple city committees and task forces I have served on; as well as my prior six years as a commissioner, with two years as Mayor; make me uniquely qualified. I believe that my broad range of experience in municipal business, my professional approach to issues, and my consistent respect for citizen opinions will serve the city well. I will, as I have in the past: do my homework; consider each person’s opinion; encourage our commission to work as a team; strive to reach consensus; and make decisions best for the city and our citizens without politics getting involved. 

Chad Howell for Seat 4 

What’s your occupation? 

I currently work for the Alachua Police Department as a Detective Sergeant in the Criminal Investigations Division. I have worked for APD since 2013 and have served Alachua as a patrol officer, school resource officer, union representative and detective. I have been a law enforcement officer for more than 15 years. 

What elected or public service positions have you held? 

I have served on the board of the Santa Fe Babe Ruth softball league, also served as a parent representative for the Santa Fe High School advisory board for two years. I was appointed to and served the High Springs Parks and Recreational board. I acted as the union representative for the Alachua Police Department for seven years. 

Where can voters go to learn more about you? 

I have an active Facebook account—Chad Howell For High Springs City Commission. 

As well as an Instagram account—Commissioner Chad Howell.  

What prompted you to run for office? 

I have lived in High Springs for six years and have absolutely made this my family’s home. I am running because I think that High Springs has so much more potential in becoming a destination spot for visitors. I have not seen an extraordinary amount of effort to embrace any of that potential. Growth is coming and High Springs needs to start being proactive in making that growth responsible. We need to make decisions now for tomorrow’s concerns, and we need to stop being reactive. 

What are the two most important issues facing the city? 

For me one of the most important decisions facing High Springs is that of the financial concerns, the city overspent in the past and now we need to make choices to right the ship. Secondly, I believe that there needs to be a balance between protecting the nature around us and working with our small business to help them succeed. I have not understood why the city continues to make it so hard for business startup and business expansions. 

How can the city make progress on them? 

I do believe the city has worked very hard recently in the effort to cut the budget and plan better, that needs to continue. As far as the commerce, I think we need to incentivize property owners, entrepreneurs and investors alike to help revitalize or to assist the HEART of our city to flourish. We want visitors to come into our beautiful city to experience all of the outdoor adventures that our area has to offer and then we want them to walk along main street and spend their money. 

What principles should guide the commission in its role? 

Start with being more proactive, determining a path before it is needed. Being accountable, the city needs to know what is going, with being transparent our small town can build a closer knit community. And a commissioner needs to continue to learn and work for the residents of the city. 

What votes from the current City Commission have you disagreed with, if any, and why?  

I will finish with not causing more separation between groups of the city but trying to provide a more positive approach. There have been decisions made that I have not agreed with and there have been decisions that I have agreed with. What I want for this commission is when a decision has been made, for the commissioners to be more forthcoming about the factors that led them to that decision. Helping our citizens understand more of what is happening in High Springs. Commissioners are very much allowed to disagree that is the beauty of this all—just explain better the why or why not 

Julie Tapia-Ruano for Seat 4

Occupation: 

Married 34 years, 5 children, homemaker, journalist, landlord, secretary, and retail experience. Many leadership roles in civic/service groups.  

Where can voters go to learn more about you?  

tapiacampaign2024@gmail.com   

Tapia-Ruano 4 High Springs 2024 on Facebook 

P.O. Box 1458 High Springs FL 32655 

What elected or public service positions have you held? 

Assistant Clerk Supervisor of Elections Precinct 60, Notary Public, City Charter Review Board Appointee. Several leadership positions at local and state level of a 130-year-old Women’s Service Organization. Church volunteer in Video/Camera and Children’s Ministries 

What prompted me to run for office?   

The more time I spent in my service organization, the more I became interested in the founding principles of our Nation. I began to look at local issues and decided to join the election workers at the Precincts, to learn the process and to help ensure integrity in it.  I began paying attention to oversize developments in our area and their impacts on traffic, safety, aesthetics, and water quality.  This led to my increased attendance at City Commission meetings where I began to voice my concerns and eventually received my appointment to the Charter Review Board. It was the direct challenge of a former Commissioner who asked me “when are you going to run? We need people like you.”  I passed over the opportunity at the Special Election and chose instead to pursue my current path to Commission Seat #4. 

What are the two most important issues facing High Springs? 

First is the impending overdevelopment of cookie-cutter neighborhoods not only in our town, but in adjacent communities of Alachua and Newberry that will have undesirable effects on our critical Floridan Aquifer and downstream water supply. Growth must be intentionally managed. 

Secondly, we must continue to promote safety at all levels, for all demographics, for the kids, families, elderly, tourists and seasonal workers. Laws and enforcement, street lighting, safe places, roadways in good repair, emergency response, contingency funds, great communication, and a sense of well-being are necessary for a thriving community. 

How can we address these issues?     

How can the city make progress on them?   

Currently, the City of High Springs is in a fix and rebuild process economically. Over the years there has been a build up of effects from previous decisions that some perceive to have been excess or waste. There is new leadership in many areas now under the direction of a new city manager. Together, all departments are beginning to trim where they can, choosing purchased over leased vehicles, evaluating critical needs versus wants, and planning for growth with new impact fees and assessments. The city will continue this path.  The city is actively pursuing clear communication with neighboring communities regarding their growth and impact. The city will monitor closely all effects on its water quality and traffic concerns. Letters of impact are periodically drafted by the legal team and Commissioners will attend other municipal meetings as needed. Cooperation is key.  All citizens should be involved in the promotion of safety. Laws and first responders must be supported. Business models must be family and neighborhood friendly. Hazards must be identified and fixed where possible. Neighbors need to build better relationships. These will build a vibrant hometown community. 

What principles should guide the commission in its role?   

“I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed, a democracy in a Republic, a sovereign nation of many sovereign states; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established on those principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes. I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies.” William Tyler Page 1917 

All local, regional, state, and federally- elected officials should represent their constituents in ways that are community-minded, transparent, and honest. They should lead in ways that demonstrate vision, integrity, and humility. No one has all the answers, issues must be researched, and options vetted. Constituents should expect freedom to speak and to be heard on any issue by an attentive and knowledgeable panel.  The constraints of the Constitution of these United States are not to be trifled with. The citizens of freedom expect their leaders to be just and upright, faithfully protecting those precious liberties. 

What votes from the current City Commission have you disagreed with, if any, and why?   

The two most recent controversial votes with all the emotionally charged input from the people and the leaders would be everything “Bridlewood” and “the Brewery.”   

With Bridlewood Neighborhood, I am still concerned about how my tree-lined street will be decimated if they put in 2 or 3 entrances on 222nd St.  The city fought against an outdated plat map giving the owner rights to many more units. While I oppose the entire mass development, the city was able to get some concessions in larger lots, fewer units, buffers, architectural diversity and landscaping. 

 For the “Brewery” I was opposed to them receiving same status for every Sunday per different kinds of alcohol licenses. I believe that they run a great local gathering place for a good percentage of our residents and that the special use ordinance language was a good compromise between parties. 

Open Comment:    

Various commentary from citizens state that this job requires great skill, experience and commitment; that if we keep electing people new to the processes of governance that we would be harming the city. I perceived I was seen as just a homemaker without any substantive qualifications for the job.  

The following is a partial response to that Facebook post: “No shortage of commitment here. I left a wonderful position in construction (plumbing) to devote myself full time to the business of our city. I have worked for the Supervisor of Elections, a position of public trust, I have served in community leadership roles since my days at the UF College of Journalism. I have navigated the public school system for 5 successful children. I have been appointed to the City Charter Review Board. Experience is a continuous process. It is something I access every day, and it is something I hope to build on in the very near future.”