Wakulla County Leaders Must Set Aside Differences to Move Forward

{sidebar id=1}I find dirty personal politics repugnant, unimaginative, and almost always juvenile.  However, the reality is that politics is a rough-and-tumble game, and there are often pitched battles for control of governmental policies.  The stakes are often high, and the competition is usually fierce.  This is happening as we speak in Wakulla County.

It is time to move forward with leading our county into the future.  Wakulla County is on the cusp of greatness.  Unfortunately, we are also on the edge of a chasm of mediocrity.  It is only by working as a team, it is only by celebrating our differences, and it is only by recognizing no ONE of us has all the answers that our very diverse Board of County Commissioners will be able to ensure that a high quality of life is obtainable by all who choose to reside here.

Wakulla County will grow — it must be smart growth.  Wakulla County has a wonderful, pristine environment.  We can — no; we must protect this environment as we grow.  Wakulla County is building new housing.  We must raise our building standards so our most vulnerable neighbors will enjoy affordable living while protecting our climate and environment.  Transportation is a burgeoning problem.  We must plan our way out of this challenge — including possible mass transit in the future.  We must demand safe, efficient neighborhoods.  Our children and grandchildren must have and deserve clean air and water and the highest quality of life.  Our small businesses need to know our government supports them and appreciates their contributions.  We must not make the mistake of punishing our businesses with oppressive fees and taxes because of past government mistakes.  Sticking our heads in the sand and ignoring issues will not cause them to disappear.  It won’t be easy, but if we work together we can solve problems.

A little over two years ago, I volunteered to serve Wakulla County.  I wanted to be a part of moving my home forward into the future.  When I look back on what YOUR board has accomplished in two short years, I’m amazed.  Neighborhoods are better — and continue to improve.  We enjoy added protections for our environment with wetlands protection and septic tank upgrades.  Billboard proliferation was stopped.  Turn lanes are standard despite not being “required.”  We have a commercial landscape ordinance.  Our sewer system is upgrading to advance treatment standards and our billing problems are being corrected.  We fought the City of Tallahassee to a standstill to protect Wakulla Springs.  Our tax rates were lowered every year and we still managed to hire a professional fire department.  Our lowest paid deputies got meaningful pay raises.  There are many other accomplishments and improvements; however, I know we still have a long way to go.  I’m excited and anxious to continue working for progressive changes.

I intend to continue to focus on our future.  I encourage all Wakulla County leaders (elected, business, church, etc.) to do the same.  There are real opportunities waiting and we have real problems to solve.  Let’s quit bickering and work together to find real solutions for the benefit of all the citizens of Wakulla County.

Sincerely,

Ed Brimner
Wakulla County Commissioner, District III

(850) 251-8709  (Cell)
(850) 926-0919  (Office)
(850) 926-0940  (FAX)

This letter originally published on July 28, 2007.

Written by :

mkwestmark

 

Comments (1)

Campaigning already?, You've made your bed, now lay in i

July 29, 2007     

You've made your bed, now lay in it. I voted for you once, my mistake, but never again. One more thing, since you "volunteered" two years ago, does that mean you'll be giving your salary back to the county?
greg mitchell | 71.52.212.217 report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

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