Name: James “Jim” Faxlanger
Office you’re seeking: Emerald Coast Utilities Authority, District 1
Occupation: I retired in 2022 from Executive Management. I served in numerous leadership roles previously following my retirement, as a Command Master Chief, from US Naval Service. Currently I serve as the president of the DEHOA; a position I have held for 7 years.
Education: I have a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Troy University.
August primary ballot is set. Nearly 100 have qualified to run for local elected offices
Why are you running for this office?
I am seeking the office because I feel that change is necessary to bring fresh ideas and solutions to this organization. Many members of this board have been in office for numerous terms. Our rates and fees continue to rise at a rate that is higher than the cost of living without measurable positive returns for the rate payers. It is time for a leadership change, and I will bring that change.
What experience do you have that makes you qualified for this office?
I bring a wealth of team building experience as well as many ideas to enhance fiscal performance without affecting service. I have received many awards for fiscal performance in many entities that I have been involved in. With a master’s degree in business administration, I am well educated and experienced in the roles that a Board Member plays.
In your view, what is the role of the ECUA?
The role of the ECUA is to provide clean and safe drinking water to its customers. It is also to provide wastewater treatment services and sanitation services to all that use that service. All of these services should be provided at an economical price that is overseen by an engaged board. Leading these roles should be a customer service section that provides the highest level of service and assistance to the ratepayers.
What do you believe should be changed about the ECUA, and what specific steps you would take to implement those changes?
Areas that I believe need change are:
- Customer Service. I hear from many voters that they feel this department does not deliver the service they expect. Direct Interaction with the customers are the most impactful on quality perception. I believe this can be positively impacted by programs that incentivize managers to achieve quality metrics and hold non-performers accountable.
- Rates: fiscal control is the number one function of the board. As previously stated, rates have greatly exceeded the cost of living, especially when you include the additional fees that have been imposed by this board. Fees are a form of regressive taxation that allows higher users to pay less proportionately for their service while lower users pay more. Fees need to be eliminated and the rates adjusted so everyone pays equally for the services that they expend.
What do you believe the ECUA is doing right, and how would you improve it?
ECUA is and has provided high quality water. This could be enhanced by better surveillance of the existing systems. The systematic review of customer complaints is the cornerstone of maintenance of the quality. Just because the utility is providing high quality water when tested at high flow areas, does not mean that this is true throughout the system. I would focus on every opportunity to enhance the quality of water by acting on every complaint.