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Columbia County News

Major Shake-up at the County 5: New Chairman Changes the Deck Chairs - Williams Deep Sixed

Posted January 07, 2015  12:01 am


The Columbia County 5 from left to right: Commissioners Ronald Williams;
Rusty DePratter; Bucky Nash; Evertt Phillips; Scarlet Frisina

COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – The new Chairman of the County 5, District 2 Commissioner, Rusty DePratter, has changed who is sitting on the deck chairs of the Columbia County ship of state. After the Bloodless Coup which featured the cover-up of the non- vote which led to the installation of Mr. DePratter as chairman and District 3 Commissioner, Bucky Nash as Vice-Chair, there is movement at The 5.

Long time veteran County Commissioner and probably the most recognizable face in Columbia County, Ronald Williams, has been removed from two of the County's most important Committees, the TDC and the Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB): the two committees that in great measure determine the economic development of the County and outside revenue for the County and Lake City.

The EDAB is also the Industrial Development Authority.

Mr. DePratter also removed Commissioner Williams from the beleaguered Suwannee Valley TA, where he has been in charge for "as long as anyone can remember."

Commissioner Nash remains on the Suwannee Valley TA, to be joined by newly elected Commissioner Everett Phillips.

Mr. DePratter played musical chairs with Vice-Chair Nash, removing Commissioner Nash from the 911 Combined Communications Center Executive Committee and appointing himself. This is another big money committee as The 5 will consider how much and on what to spend on a new or reformulated emergency communications system.

On the Tourist Development Council, Mr. DePratter appointed himself and Everett Phillips to replace Commissioner Williams and Commissioner Scarlet Frisina.

Mr. DePratter has covered his bases on the other side of the diamond by appointing Commissioners Nash and Phillips to the Sports Advisory Council, a group that has recommended spending millions at the Southside Recreation Center.

It will be interesting to see if these two can come up the money and a plan to finally build Harvey Campbell's Field of Dreams, so those not as able-bodied as The 5 will have a field on which to compete.

Commissioner Scarlet Frisina has been relegated to what at first glance might be considered the bilge of secondary committees; however, wherever she goes she is well spoken and puts a good face on Columbia County's ship of state.

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