Jeffrey Callahan

Jeffrey Krauskopf

STUART — For more than a decade, Jeff Krauskopf has held his office as a Stuart city commissioner without opposition.

Martin County lifeguard Jeff Callahan has lived in Stuart for only six of those years, but his growing displeasure with dwindling jobs and the lack of affordable housing has led the 41-year-old political newcomer to believe Krauskopf’s time ought to be up.

“They’ve been there so long that many residents are feeling that they just don’t get it,” Callahan says of long-serving commissioners like Krauskopf.

While Callahan says a lack of fresh faces has caused the commission to became predictable and complacent, Krauskopf touts his tenure in office as the factor that makes him the better choice.

The two face off in the city’s Nov. 3 election. Early voting will be held Oct. 26-31 at the Martin County Supervisor of Elections Office, 135 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Krauskopf, 59, a real estate company owner and property manager, was first elected to the city commission in 1984, then returned in 1995 after a term as a county commissioner. He credits his experience for decisions that have allowed the city to fare better than most during the economic crisis.

Krauskopf says he sent out more than 200 handwritten postcards to city residents and leaders asking for feedback in anticipation of budget deliberations this year. Now, the challenge during the election season has opened up another avenue for contact.

“It forces you to get out on the street and talk to people, to see what they’re thinking,” Krauskopf said.

Callahan, a former board member of Martin County’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said that if elected he would push city officials to go after more state and federal dollars for city programs. He said he also would work to foster a closer relationship between city and Martin County officials.

Callahan said he also wants to decrease the number of empty storefronts downtown and would seek ways to change some zoning in under-used areas to create more industrial jobs.

“That’s a way to keep local talent here, so that they don’t leave the area automatically when they graduate from school,” Callahan said.

Krauskopf said that if reelected he would work to help keep the city’s budget balanced without having to raise taxes.

He also wants to work with tenants and property owners to keep rents affordable so as not to drive away local business, and would hope to revitalize Memorial Park in the coming years.

No matter who is elected, Krauskopf said the years ahead will present challenges for the city, which he says is competing with countries as far away as Macedonia to attract businesses.

On a local level, Krauskopf says, at least two businesses that formerly operated within the city have gone completely online.

“There are things happening that are bigger than us,” Krauskopf said. “But we’re going to handle the challenges as they come.”

Jeff Krauskopf

Personal: 59, of Stuart. Married, two daughters. Bachelor’s degree in geography and graduate degree from the Rinker School of Building Construction, University of Florida.

Professional: Property manager/Realtor.

Political experience: Stuart city commissioner, 1984-1990 and 1995-present. Martin County commissioner 1990-1994.

Issues: Favors establishing economic reserves within the city in case of hurricanes; supports refurbishing Memorial Park; wants to provide local businesses and building owners with incentives to keep commercial rental rates down and create more jobs within the city.

Jeffrey Callahan

Personal: 41, of Stuart. Single. Associate of arts degree from Indian River State College.

Professional: Martin County marine safety officer

Political experience: None

Issues: Favors affordable housing and the creation of jobs within the city; supports efforts for the revitalization of east Stuart; wants city officials and staff to more aggressively pursue state and federal money for local programs; supports possible changes in city zoning to allow for more industrial use.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 11:14 am and is filed under Elections, Port St. Lucie, Stuart. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.