Catherine Brandhorst, a retired pest control operator from St. Augustine, seeks to return to the Anastasia Mosquito Control District Board of Commissioners. She is running for Seat 2 in the Nov. 3 nonpartisan election against Ed Slavin, Sandra Fein and Tim Burton.

Asked in our candidate questionnaire why she is running, Brandhorst said: "I served a total of 12 years on the AMCD board on commissioners. I am a retired pest control operator with extensive knowledge of pesticides and pest control protocols. I believe my background would be an asset to AMCD."

Candidate information

City of residence: St. Augustine, Florida

Party affiliation: "Republican, however the position I am running for is non-partisan," Brandhorst said in our questionnaire.

Education: "Mercer University, Philosophy with minor in religion," Brandhorst said in our questionnaire.

Family: "Widowed 6-18-2026, Mother of 2 boys the oldest of which passed away 2005 on his 20th birthday," Brandhorst said in our questionnaire.

Family in politics or government: "No," Brandhorst said in our questionnaire.

Occupation and work history: "Currently retired, Owner Comex Commercial Exterminators for 20 years. Senior VP OPERATIONS Commercial Environmental Services, a pest control business," Brandhorst said in our questionnaire.

Brandhorst has also described herself as a certified food safety manager and an expert witness on pesticide compliance, according to an earlier St. Augustine Record candidate profile.

Experience and public service

Brandhorst said in our questionnaire that she served as "2011-2024 Commissioner AMCD." She served as board chair from 2011 to 2014, according to BallotReady. She was replaced in November 2024 when T.J. Mazzotta was elected to her seat, Jacksonville Today reported.

She also served as president of Homeowners Utilities from 1998 to 2000 and president of St. Augustine Little League from 2000 to 2002, according to the earlier St. Augustine Record profile. She was president of St. Johns Youth Sports from 2002 to 2004.

On the issues

Accomplishments: Asked what past accomplishments show she can handle the job, Brandhorst said in our questionnaire: "When I first joined the AMCD BOARD in 2011 they were using a chemical, Fyfonon, a known carcinogen and nuerotoxin. I pointed this out and it was discontinued"

What sets her apart: Asked what sets her experience apart in a four-candidate race, Brandhorst said in our questionnaire: "My expertise in pesticides and pest control protocol."

Critical differences from other candidates: "I am the only candidate with experience in the pest control industry," Brandhorst said in our questionnaire.

Why return to this seat: Asked what made her want to return after more than a decade of service, Brandhorst said in our questionnaire: "The other candidates aren't qualified."

District independence: Brandhorst opposes eliminating the Mosquito Control District as a separate entity and making it a county government agency. She has argued that county-controlled programs are reactionary rather than preventive, under-financed and lack the manpower to be effective, according to the earlier St. Augustine Record candidate profile.