Bryant's leadership will be missed on county commission
Publication Date: 06/13/08
St. Johns County Commissioner Jim Bryant's announcement Thursday that he will not seek re-election to the commission's District 5 seat this fall is a blow to our elected leadership. Bryant, 63, has been an excellent public servant, a steady hand and clear thinker. He's been the commission's leader on public health, affordable housing and public transportation.
In nearly 12 years on the commission he has been the voice of people in need.
Some examples:
* Bryant pushed for expansion of the county's public health department. He believed enhanced public health care would reduce visits to the emergency room, considered by some residents as the "family doctor's office." His vision resulted in the county's purchase of Flagler Hospital West, the former St. Augustine General Hospital, for $5.5 million, nearly half of Flagler's asking price.
* Bryant got the commission to secure more than 360 lots in West Augustine for affordable housing through a tax sale. Builders literally bought into the plan. Some lots were inaccessible, but a new county road network will soon remedy that problem.
* St. Johns County Council on Aging worked with Bryant on his idea to have the COA operate a public bus service in addition to its paratransit buses that take patrons to and from medical appointments. COA's pursuit of state and federal funds plus a now annual county contribution launched Sunshine Bus Company in 1999. Bryant remains a key player in COA's transportation services and is proud of its recent honor -- Community Transit System of 2008, chosen by Community Transportation Association of America.
Bryant's term will end in mid-November. Commissioners and commissioner candidates would do well to shadow him so any one of them can pick up where he leaves off.
Bryant said he is leaving to spend more time with his family including a young grandson. While this is a good move for Jim Bryant, it's a sad day for St. Johns County.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/061308/opinions_061308_043.shtml
© The St. Augustine Record
No comments:
Post a Comment