Gary Howell seeks Anastasia Mosquito Control board seat

Gary Howell, a former Anastasia Mosquito Control District commissioner, is running for Seat 4 on the board in the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election.

Asked why he is seeking the seat, 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."

Three other nonpartisan candidates are also running for Seat 4: George Tom Anagnos, Jason Smith and Merrill Paul Roland, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

Age: 78

Family: "Wife, Cheryl," Howell wrote in the questionnaire.

Education: Howell listed his education in the questionnaire as "St. Augustine High School, class of 1965," "St. Augustine Police Academy," "Attended Vincennes University" and "Completed several courses through the Florida Mosquito Association."

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

Occupation and work history: "Retired from US Army, 33 years at St. Johns County Sheriff's Office/ St. johns County School Board District," Howell said in our questionnaire. He added that he is "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 wrote in the questionnaire. BallotReady lists him as a commissioner in 1996 and 2004.

Howell said in the questionnaire that among his accomplishments, he served as "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 retired from the Army National Guard after 26 years of service and has served as a reserve deputy sheriff in St. Johns County for about 32 years. He has also served as first vice chair of the Greater St. Augustine Republican Club and as a Republican executive committeeman and board member of the Republican Party of St. Johns County, according to Historic City News.

Howell is 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: "As a former commissioner, I feel I have the experience and knowledge to be successful. I know areas where we need to be vigilant. As our county is forever changing, so must mosquito control. My areas of concern are transparency, annexation, aerial programs, and proper use of chemicals," Howell said in our questionnaire.

Mosquito control methods and public engagement: Howell told News 4 Jax his areas of focus include financial responsibility and transparency, reducing the mosquito population and ensuring the district uses the best and safest technology and research. He said he plans to be active in the community by visiting churches, associations, clubs and events, and will ensure residents can email him their concerns through the AMCD website.

Fiscal accountability: "We've got to run Mosquito Control just like you'd run a business. Our money's not being spent appropriately. … The Mosquito Control District belongs to us, to St Johns County. We need to be aware of what's going on and how we're spending our money," Howell said, according to Historic City News.

Best advice: "My father taught me to be honest, love my country, and serve my Creator," Howell said in the questionnaire.