Photo by Cathy Salustri
Gulfport voters will elect two new city council members in the March municipal election, and The Gabber Newspaper is helping you get to know the candidates.
Up until Election Day, we ask Ward I candidates Joe Guenther and Jennifer Daunch, along with Ward III candidates Jennifer Webb and Keri Nelson, a new question.
Here’s what they had to say.
This week’s question:
Some residents expressed concerns about communication before, during, and after Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
What would you do to ensure residents receive timely, accurate information before storms, during emergencies, and throughout recovery efforts?
Photo by Trei Johnson
Ward I:
Jennifer Daunch
From my FEMA training in emergency operations management, damage assessment, initial response, along with crisis intervention training from more than 20 years as a 911 dispatcher; I’m trained to explain what is happening behind the scenes and provide timely, factual updates. Clear, consistent communication builds trust, especially during emergencies. I would advocate for a full time PIO so residents have one trusted source to rely on for accurate information. Before, during, and after emergencies, there should be a reliable communication schedule for press releases so residents are not left in the dark for extended periods of time. A mass notification system, like codeRed or Konexus, to deliver time sensitive alerts directly to residents is a critical tool to contacting residents efficiently.
Joe Guenther
Clear communication during storms is essential. If elected, I would support a proactive, multi-platform approach to ensure residents receive timely and accurate information before, during, and after emergencies. That includes regular updates through the City’s website, social media, text and email alerts, and close coordination with county emergency management. Information should be clear, consistent, and updated frequently — even if conditions haven’t changed. After a storm, residents need straightforward guidance on debris removal, permits, and recovery resources. We must also improve two-way communication so residents can report concerns and receive responses quickly and reliably.
[Read more below]
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Photo courtesy of Jennifer Webb and Keri Nelson
Ward III:
Keri Nelson
Pre-storm season, we can partner with community groups to help residents prepare. Staff can share supply checklists, show how to assemble emergency kits, and offer tips for securing property. Personally, I encourage neighbors to look out for one another to ensure everyone is ready.
As a storm approaches, we can provide unified updates through a single online information hub with official City announcements, verified social media links, and county resources. After the storm, we will remain in close communication with first responders and emergency management teams, posting all recovery information in one central location to support a safe, efficient recovery.
Jennifer Webb
Two back-to-back, 100-year hurricanes strained communication systems across our region. We need clear processes so old-timers and newcomers, alike, understand how to prepare and why emergency orders are issued. State law now requires cities to maintain recovery guides and permitting plans online. I’ll make sure we don’t just meet that minimum — we set the standard.
Most importantly, we must improve post-emergency communications. The City-Gabber recovery Q&A, council meetings, and moving Justin Shea into a post-storm role were helpful, but we need additional communication channels to residents. I’ll press for weekly recovery updates through multiple channels and an interactive dashboard with real numbers — permits processed, debris cleared, dollars spent — because transparency gets people back in their homes sooner.
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