Risinger Announces for Mexico Beach Council

Dear Residents of Mexico Beach:

On April 22nd voters will be making a choice for a council member of Group 4. I hope it will be me, Connie Risinger.

I have lived in Mexico Beach for the past sixteen years. My husband, Chuck, and I built our permanent home in 2000, on Maryland Blvd and named it ‘Magnolia Manor.' It is a wonderful home in a wonderful town, and together, we not only worked on our new home, but also were involved in all community affairs. And then, one Sunday in May, two years ago, God called Chuck home. Chuck's work was finished. Evidently mine is not, because I am still here. Don't be mistaken that I am trying to carry on Chuck's work. I am not. I am my own person with my own ideas and my own thoughts. I am not an extension of anyone. I stand on my own two feet, with the help of God.

Mexico Beach is the most precious little city in the world; the best beach, the best fishing, the best marine life and wildlife, the best weather, and the best people you could ever hope to meet.

But even though we have the best, we also have things that need attention. We need an established post office. Not one that has to continuously be moving from one storage shed to another. We need a ladder for the fire department that is tall enough to reach the upper floors of our taller buildings. We need to help the police department obtain the ‘Reverse 911 system' so you know to boil water BEFORE you find out the boil notice has expired. And the ‘Reverse 911' is used for so much more. We should have a monthly newsletter. Our communication with one another, and ‘the city,' is a problem that needs fixing. Our drainage in Mexico Beach needs attention. We build and clear lands and don't think through where the water is going to go now that the landscape has changed. The ditches we do have need regular cleaning service BEFORE we have a huge downpour. Our marine and wildlife deserve our protection. If you ever had the wonderful experience of watching a baby turtle emerge from its nest and try to find its way to the water, you would never again think that turning off and modifying lights is not important. I am very involved with the Feral Cat ‘Capture and Release' program. My neighbor and I have prevented a lot of babies being born into the wild, well over a hundred cats neutered, rabies shot, and ear clip. This was made possible through private donations and the Cast Away Cat organization. Our city needs to take some financial responsibility in the support of this program.

Our canal has had many problems throughout the years but now we seem to finally be on the right path. A reasonable sized dredge, sand bypass project, and jetty extension. This should greatly decrease the cost of maintaining the canal and the sand buildup under the pier, the pier which is being extended for greater fishing enjoyment. Fir the record, I would like to offer you to the website "641 F.2d 1169." This site will explain all about the canals in the US and the Corps of Engineers has jurisdiction over ALL CANALS CAPABLE OF NAVIGATION. The court holds that the mere capability of navigability in commercial use and/or the fact that the canal is subject to the ebb and flow of the tide is sufficient to establish the Corps' jurisdiction over private and artificial canals in the US. This came about with the first suit in 1944, the United States of America, Plaintiff-Apellee v. Savare DeFELICE, Defendant-appellant. No one can close the canal, ever. So those persons, who are trying to gather votes for my opponent, by attempting to convince the voters, especially the boaters and fishermen, that I will close the canal if elected, now know how ridiculous this rumor is.

We are facing large financial challenges. Our water lines are old and need replacing. Our sewer system has almost reach capacity. And soon we will lose a third of our water costumers when Gulf County completes its own water lines in Overstreet and takes over the service in St. Joe Beach. It is important we stay strong, be informed, and solve problems united.

Together we will decide how best to finance the coming demands of the city. I could write about lots and lots of things, but space doesn't allow me to write a book. My door is always open for you, my ears are good, and your concern. Please don't hesitate to talk to me. I will be having a Barbeque in the very near future and all are invited to come, enjoy fellowship, and let me know what your concerns are. Together we will work for the good of all. Our Future Begins Today.

Thank you for considering me to be your next Group Four Councilperson.