Scott Thomason of Fort White Throws His Hat into the Ring for County Commissioner, District 2
Posted July 24, 2017 06:40 am
(left to right) Scott Thomason, wife
Elizabeth, daughters: Caroline, Christy
Anne, Sarah, Savannah, and at the end of the
leash, Sophie. See Sophie and the rest of the photo.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – Scott Thomason of Fort White announced this weekend that he is throwing his hat into the ring for County Commissioner, District 2.
Besides his credentials as a professional planner, Mr. Thomason has three daughters in Fort White High School and one in the elementary school.
His wife Elizabeth was involved in the fight to regulate the chicken factory in Fort White.
Along with being the president of the Fort White area Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Thomason is a volunteer fireman, coach, member of the PTA, mentor, Gubernatorial Appointee to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, and much more.
Mr. Thomason told the Observer, "Our roots in our community are strong. We strive to be a positive influence and make a difference."
While Mr. Thomason had been thinking about running for the County Commission spot for some time, it appears last Thursday's meeting of the County 5 tipped the cart in favor of a run.
His comments regarding that meeting and his decision to run were sent to the Observer:
"You have to be an auctioneer." This was my
thought at Thursday's County Commission
meeting as our citizens attempted to be
heard in 120 seconds or less. The plain and
simple truth is one cannot adequately
express their opinions, facts, and research
in such a limited time, especially if one is
not used to speaking in a public forum. Take
away the 15 to 20 seconds to provide one's
name and information then there is 100
seconds remaining and the clock is ticking.
The fact that 120 seconds is not enough was
made evident on Thursday tonight when every
speaker went over their time limit. To the
Chairman's credit, almost all were allowed
to finish.
I have been involved in many public
meetings. I understand the desire to hold
them swiftly and efficiently, but at what
expense?
Commissioners are elected to serve and
represent the people. That cannot be done if
they do not actually hear what the people
have to say.
The County Commission meets twice each month
for a few hours at a time. Is it really too
much to ask our elected officials to take
more than two minutes and actually listen to
those they represent?
Public participation is the key to not only
a strong community, but a strong nation and
if we limit that participation we are doing
a huge disservice to both. This is just one
of the reasons I have decided to run for
Columbia County Commissioner of District 2.
If I am provided the opportunity to serve
you, I will work hard to make sure you are
heard, so that both your neighbors and I can
hear what you have to say.