Holley Navarre Water System Candidate Q&A
David Crumbley
EDITOR’S NOTE: Navarre Press has reached out to each HNWS candidate and asked each the same series of questions. As the responses are received, they will be added here on our website.
Name: David L. Crumbley
Street address: Tidewater Dr., Navarre
Occupation: Owner/Operator of The Vine Wine Bar, Bistro & Shoppe, 8211 Navarre Parkway
How long have you lived in Navarre? Moved to this wonderful town on July 1st, 2011.
How many HNWS meetings have you attended in the past year? The 1st meeting I attended was after the previous CEO was terminated. I spoke at that meeting about having a forensic audit and seemed to get strong pushback from some of the Board Members which I thought was concerning. I’ve attended 3 meetings since and each one is getting more confusing and contentious.
Is there anything that could be perceived as a conflict of interest if you are elected to the board? I strongly believe the Board Members should stick to the strictest code of ethics at all times. I own a business in Navarre but don’t see any conflicts of interests at this time. If I did see any potential conflicts I would recuse myself immediately.
Have you participated in creating a budget for a business before? For 13 years I was Regional Manager for a Planet Fitness franchise and was involved in the budget process for each of the more than 20 gyms we opened. I managed the P&L yearly as well. Before that I served as Operations Manager for a Circuit City with $18mil annual revenue.
Should HNWS sell or keep the golf course? The relationship between HNWS and the course seems very mirky at this point. I believe the golf course improves the quality of life for the whole community…to any community, so I think they should keep it but the two businesses should be completely separated…management, equipment, budgets, etc. The golf course should be allowed to make a profit and hopefully get a restaurant going again.
Should HNWS create and adhere to a nepotism policy? Absolutely, 100%
What steps should be taken for HNWS to be more transparent to the members? I understand adhering to the Sunshine Laws can slow processes down, but the history of this Board is such that it’s no longer a consideration, it’s a necessity.
Why are you seeking election to the board? To help make HNWS stronger as a company, always keeping the members in mind when making financial decisions, making sure the employees are taken care of, and to help make the Board transparent in all they do.
What specifically do you hope to accomplish as a director? Make sure the finances are in order. Make sure the deal with Eglin goes through as quickly as possible. And help change the reputation of the board and make it something we can all be proud to be a part of.
Did anyone encourage you to run for the board? Who? Why? Just the opposite. I sought council with a few people who I trust and admire, which includes my wife, and they all told me I was nuts to do it, but knew I would do a great job.