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Dear Neighbors, 

I have lived in Nassau Bay since the early 1960s, before it was an incorporated city, and have seen our city’s history unfold from the beginning. I care deeply for our community and want it to remain the “Incomparable” Nassau Bay. The upcoming Mayoral election will determine the course of our City as the candidates have very different visions for our community. 

Over the years, I have served on the Nassau Bay City Council from 1994-2002 and again from 2003-2011. I also served on the Nassau Bay Volunteer Fire Department for over 20 years as a fireman and as a medic for the ambulance. Having worked on City Council with both candidates for Mayor, I am confident that Phil Johnson is the best person to lead and move our city forward.

Many of you may remember that Phil served on City Council and as Mayor between 1997-2004. Phil’s leadership style is collaborative, fair, and seeks input from all interested individuals to find solutions that benefit our community. In 2020, Phil returned to public service as he saw our community facing challenges regarding the ability to fund needed infrastructure improvements. Since his return, Phil led a massive restructuring of costs with our city budget. 

This allowed us to invest in:

• The largest infrastructure investment in our city’s history without raising taxes

• A new fire boat and boathouse

• Improvements to our dilapidated playgrounds and parks with an influx of new families 

Mark Denman served on the City Council from 2002-2011, and then he served as Mayor from 2013-2020, for a total of 16 years. Under Mark Denman’s term as Mayor we saw: 

• Increased City spending (60% over inflation)

• Unfunded pension liability at City Hall

• A $400K “art” statue by the Hilton (disliked by residents and already in need of repair) 

• A complete disaster with a failed solar street light project

• A push for urbanization, more apartments, and future re-zoning of churches as “commercial”/“mixed use”

• Lack of funding for necessary flood mitigation and water, sewer and street improvements

This election will determine whether we move forward as a City or revert to prior leadership which resulted in big government and increased costs at City Hall. 

With three (3) Council seats up for election, it is also important to note that Mark Denman/Bob Wilkinson/John Mahon are running as a “voting block” in an effort to take control of city hall matters. I believe our city government functions at its best when leaders offer unique talents/skills, different perspectives, and new visions to work together to find innovative solutions for our community. 

As such, I encourage residents to break the block voting at City Hall so more voices and perspectives are heard. Phil Johnson has the experience, skills, and vision to successfully lead and prepare Nassau Bay for the next generation. 

Please vote in this important election and feel free to call me with any questions at (832) 651-1688. 

Sincerely,

John Haugen

An Unsolicited Political Opinion Paid for by John Haugen