Editorial: New year, new leadership for Beach Commission

Editorial: New year, new leadership for Beach Commission



Publication Date: 01/08/09


St. Augustine Beach's new Mayor Frank Charles has been in the center seat before -- four times.

But he said his nomination and subsequent re-election surprised him Monday. He had intended to nominate Mayor Rich O'Brien until he himself was nominated.

Commissioners elect the mayor and vice mayor annually. A commissioner can serve up to four consecutive years before having to sit out the top posts for two years. Charles' last term as mayor was in 2006. Commissioner Ed George was mayor in 2007, and then O'Brien.

Re-elected Monday for a second term as vice mayor was Commissioner Brud Helhoski.

O'Brien and new Commissioner Andrea Samuels were seated for four-year terms they won in November. O'Brien had been serving the last two years of Commissioner Barbara Ellis, by commission appointment, after she resigned due to illness. Samuels is a longtime community advocate and former Planning and Zoning Board member.

Samuels succeeds Commissioner Don Terrill, who did not seek re-election after one term. Terrill was a strong voice for land conservation and controlling residential growth. We thank him for his service.

There is an apparent mutual admiration between Charles and O'Brien. On Tuesday morning, O'Brien e-mailed The Record and praised Charles: "He [Charles] did a great job as mayor in his previous term and has a dynamic personality, efficient style and quick wit. He was a mentor to me and I have him to thank for my position as mayor in 2008 which was a time of personal growth and achievement for me and our city. It is an honor to serve our city in any position."

We agree with O'Brien's assessment of Charles and concur with him that government service is an honor. During Charles' previous terms, he led the city's efforts to secure an official U.S. Postal Service unit and a St. Johns County public library branch on Anastasia Island. During his term, O'Brien provided strong leadership in tourism, conservation and beach renourishment efforts.

The two-square-mile beach city, with 5,000 residents and a millage rate of 1.8 mills, is in good hands.

Charles said the commission and staff already review the city's budget every three months, making adjustments as necessary.

Beach taxpayers can expect further cost savings. Charles said he wants the commission and staff to look at alternative fuels for public buildings and public vehicles. Given the tight economy, we think exploring alternative fuels is an excellent idea.


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