WHY AM I RUNNING FOR THE ST. JOHNS COUNTY COMMISSION IN DISTRICT 4?

Last fall, in the peak of a recession, with home valuations in a 3 year dive, amidst great joblessness, your St. Johns County Commission raised property taxes - - - mine went up 5.5%. What’s more, since the county purchased the water facility, water bills have tripled. I decided it was time to look into running for County Commissioner in District 4.

I was surprised to learn that the approximately 100 thousand square foot architectural monument called the St. Johns County Administration Building was recently constructed - - - an estimated $16 million project paid for with our taxes. I urge you to see it.

Also, 89% of all real estate tax revenue comes from homeowners like you and me while just 11% comes from the business community. Over the next four years we have to get job growth in the county to balance out this percentage difference.

When we bought a home in Ponte Vedra in 1978 and moved down permanently in 2000, the last thing I had in mind was political office. Last fall it became apparent that the citizens of St. Johns County needed someone with a substantial business background. Someone who knows how to develop a budget. More importantly, someone who has the expertise to cut expenses to achieve that budget.

I went to West Virginia University on an athletic scholarship and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing. I also hold a Masters of Business Administration degree in Finance and Marketing from Case Western Reserve University.

Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, I flew combat missions in 1966-1967 in Vietnam, where I was awarded The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Bronze Star, The Air Medal with 15 Oakleaf Clusters and The Vietnamese Service Cross with Valor. I was discharged a Captain.

Joining the Armstrong Cork Company, I held management positions in sales, marketing, credit and market research. I was promoted to be Armstrong’s first National Account Executive.

At age 33, I joined the General Tire & Rubber Company to run a multi-million dollar operation in their Chemical/Plastics Division.

Two years later, I was recruited to run a small $50 million NASDAQ company. As Executive Vice President (responsible for all operations national and international) RPM International, Inc. became a multi-billion dollar corporation.

I’ve served as a Member of the Board of RPM International, Inc.

I’ve served as a Member of the Board and a Member of the Executive Committee of Fifth Third Bank of Northeast Ohio.

I’ve served as a Member of the Board and Treasurer of the Ponte Vedra United Methodist Church.

I’m committed to fiscal responsibility, getting jobs back and keeping St. Johns County on a sound financial footing. I am not a lawyer. I am not an incumbent. I am most certainly not a politician. I’m Jay Morris, and I’m asking for your vote so we can make a positive difference in the county over the next four years.