Gary Howell seeks Anastasia Mosquito Control District seat

Gary Howell, 78, is running for Seat 4 on the Anastasia Mosquito Control District Board in the Nov. 3 nonpartisan election. Three others are also running for the seat: George Tom Anagnos, Jason Smith and Merrill Paul Roland.

Asked why he is running, Howell said in our candidate questionnaire, "AMCD needs a pro-active commissioner. Someone that will be willing to take the time to investigate all areas of Mosquito Control."

Candidate information

Party affiliation: "Republican- seeking a non-partisan seat," Howell said in our questionnaire.

Family: "Wife, Cheryl," Howell said in our questionnaire.

Education: Howell said in our questionnaire:

St. Augustine High School, class of 1965St. Augustine Police AcademyAttended Vincennes UniversityCompleted several courses through the Florida Mosquito Association

Occupation and work history: Howell said in our questionnaire, "Retired from US Army, 33 years at St. Johns County Sheriff's Office/ St. johns County School Board District. … Currently retired and have plenty of time to serve the people of St. Johns County."

Experience and public service

Previous elected office: "Former AMCD Commissioner," Howell said in our questionnaire. According to BallotReady, Howell served as a commissioner in 1996 and 2004.

Accomplishments: Asked what past accomplishments show he can handle the job, Howell said in our questionnaire:

Chairman of the Board for 4 years, during my tenure, we moved the office from the Island to centrallly located in the heart of St. Johns County, building a state of the art facility to better serve the people. Turned the island property over to the SJC Board of County Commissioners.

According to Historic City News, Howell served as first vice chair of the Greater St. Augustine Republican Club. He also served as a Republican executive committeeman and board member of the Republican Party of St. Johns County.

Historic City News reported he was a reserve deputy sheriff at the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office for about 32 years. He retired from the Army National Guard after 26 years of service. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Grand Palmetto Lodge #25 and Elks Lodge #829, according to Historic City News.

On the issues

Critical differences from other candidates: Howell said in our questionnaire, "As a former commissioner, I feel I have the experience and knowledge to be successful. I know areas where we need to be vigilant."

He continued, "As our county is forever changing, so must mosquito control. My areas of concern are transparency, annexation, aerial programs, and proper use of chemicals."

Fiscal accountability: Howell told Historic City News, "We've got to run Mosquito Control just like you'd run a business. Our money's not being spent appropriately."

Best advice: Asked about the best advice he ever received, Howell said in our questionnaire, "My father taught me to be honest, love my country, and serve my Creator."