DeSantis might not pick anyone to fill empty Escambia D4 seat, but not for lack of options
Escambia County’s District 4 commission seat has been vacant since January, when former commissioner Robert Bender was appointed by the governor as the Escambia County Supervisor of Elections. Longtime Supervisor of Elections David Stafford stepped down to take a federal elections security job.
Since then, 10 people have applied to be the interim District 4 commissioner, until the general election in November when voters have a chance to decide who will represent them. However, Gov. Ron DeSantis has not appointed anyone, and his office has not responded to questions of if or when anyone will be assigned to the seat before the election.
If the seat isn't filled until the election, that means constituents of Escambia County’s District 4 will have gone without representation for almost a year. The district covers southeastern Escambia County and includes much of the city of Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.
Pensacola City Councilman Jared Moore represents much of the same area for the city and he also put his name in the hat of applicants for DeSantis to consider.
He said it’s not in the public’s best interest to leave the seat open for so long. The vacancy leaves Escambia County District 4 residents without an advocate, including putting forward appropriation requests for the discretionary funding allotted to the district.
“Why do we elect anybody? Why is anyone in that seat?” Moore asked. “If that seat could sit unoccupied for one year and there be no negative impact, then we've got to go to the drawing board and rethink the way we have our government structured. I don't understand how the role is either not important or there's going to be some neglect of work that needs to be done by not having someone in that seat for a year. Representation is important, and we can't allow ourselves to compromise on that principle.”
The governor’s office did respond to a public record’s request for copies of the applications of candidates who wanted to be considered for appointment to District 4. Here’s a look at who they are, who they listed as their references, and why they wanted to be considered for the position. They are listed in the order the information was provided.
Boyce White
Boyce White is the director of business development for a medical company. White wrote in his application that he believes he is qualified for the county seat as a former candidate for the position and as a longtime “ambassador” for the city of Pensacola.
“I could make sure the city of Pensacola, Escambia County, and Pensacola Beach would be a continued place to raise a family and proudly call it home,” White wrote.
He listed as references State Representative Alex Andre, who is described as a lawyer with Moore Hill Westmoreland, as well as Hugh Hamilton, preacher for Trinity Presbyterian, and individual practice attorney, Scott Covell.
Stan McDaniels
Stan McDaniels said he currently works at The Master’s Butler, an at-home services vendor. He wrote that his extensive work experience in a variety of fields including construction and telecommunications work, as well as previously running as a candidate for the seat in 2022, qualifies him for the position.
“I am a servant and serving my community is my passion. As we navigate through these tumultuous times, we need patriots willing to serve. I am a patriot and willing to step up,” said McDaniels.
The references he listed are Tanner McKenzie of BB&E, Inc., Mark Spitznagel of Landmark Engineering, and Larry Downs Jr. of Larry Downs Jr Plumbing.
Mei Ling Davis
Mei Ling Davis listed her work experience as being a mom and federal officer with the Department of Homeland Security, who is now retired.
She stated she feels qualified for the appointment due to her past service on boards including Habitat for Humanity, as well as her perspective as a minority woman with mixed cultural heritage.
“I have no intention of running for office,” Davis said. “I'm half Chinese and half white. I was born and raised in Escambia County. I probably have a better understanding of the Land Development Code than anyone else applying.”
Davis listed as her references Collier Merrill of Merrill Land, David Peaden with Florida Power & Light, and Steven Barry, Escambia County commissioner.
Brian Wyer
Brian Wyer, president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce, applied for the appointment. He said as an experienced corporate businessman and manager who was born and raised in Escambia County, he is ready to serve in the position.
“I would like to serve as a county commissioner appointee to help represent my community and make decisions to improve it,” said Wyer. “I am a regular attendee at city and county meetings and provide public input when needed to address issues.”
Wyer listed as references his neighbor, Dr. Robert Sackheim, Robin Reshard with Pensacola Network, and Jennifer Grove with Baptist Healthcare.
Gregory Hodges
Gregory Hodges is self-employed and works in the real estate development field. He said in his career he has interacted with numerous federal regulatory agencies and is aware of the “necessity to follow the rules,” which makes him a good candidate for the position.
“While Commissioner Bender did an excellent job as District 4 commissioner, many Pensacola Beach residents (of which I am one) have felt we have been at a disadvantage as a result of being ‘geographically detached’ from the mainland areas of District 4,” said Hodges.
Hodges listed as references Dr. Hen E. Roberts, pastor emeritus of First United Methodist Church of Pensacola, Rhonda Dorfman, president of Pensacola Beach Advocates, and Parker Chaudron, owner of Chaudron Financial Group.
Jared Moore
Pensacola City Councilman Jared Moore is also the owner of J&M Valve, an industrial wholesale business. Moore said the county position would be an extension of the work he has already done as an experienced public servant who has been active in various agencies from tourism to environmental development.
“The city district I currently represent is wholly inside County District 4,” wrote Moore. “Additionally, my role on other multi-jurisdictional entities (Tourist Development Council, Pensacola-Escambia Development Commission, Florida-Alabama Transportation Planning Organization and Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary Program allows for a smoother transition with familiarity of the work that will be required during the appointed term.”
Moore listed as his references Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves, Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons, and Pastor Ted Traylor with Olive Baptist Church.
Charles "Buck" Mitchell
Buck Mitchell, Pensacola native and longtime co-owner and managing partner of Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola, said his experience in the hospitality business, involvement in many leadership roles, and hardworking attitude are among the qualities that make him qualified for the position.
“With my 3 decades of business leadership experience and community involvement, I feel that I would be a great asset to the Escambia County Commission,” said Mitchell. “I will bring a fresh, new perspective to the local government conversation.”
Mitchell listed as his three references Collier Merrill with Merrill Land, Rear Admiral Donald P. Quinn (ret.), and former Pensacola Mayor and Escambia District 4 Commissioner Grover Robinson.
Walker Wilson
Walker Wilson is the executive director of the Downtown Improvement Board and has also filed to run for the Escambia County Commission District 4 seat. Wilson said his experience with the DIB, Escambia County Planning Board, and as a small business owner qualifies him for the position.
“As a commissioner I will fully support Sheriff Chip Simmons and ensure we have a safe community to raise our families, work with our state legislators to reduce home insurance cost crippling our citizens, and be an advocate for the city of Pensacola,” Wilson said.
Wilson listed as his three references Florida State Rep. Alex Andrade, Collier Merrill with Great Southern Restaurants, and Michael Carro with SVN Commercial Real Estate & former chair of the DIB.
Chase Romagnano
Chase Romagnano wrote in his application to the governor that he has been self-employed “through various means within the law since January 2011.” He said his experience as a published author on governmental policy subjects and 2022 nominee for Emerald Coast Utilities Authority District 2, among other qualities and accomplishments, makes him qualified for the position.
Romagnano did not list any references in his application.
“Due to politically motivated violations of F.S. 448. 045 which have inhibited my ability to find employment of a traditional nature in the Pensacola area, I cannot provide any who are Florida residents, and it would be inappropriate to include others from other states or those lobbied as part of right to petition by electronic means pursuant to F.S. 48. 102,” Romagnano explained in the application.
Ashlee Hofberger
Ashlee Hofberger is the owner of The Wash Room laundromat and cofounder of “the largest restoration company on the Gulf Coast.” She has also filed to run for the Escambia County Commission District 4 seat.
Hofberger said her experience with successfully launching and running different businesses will enable her to lead with the goals of being candid and transparent, keeping balanced budgets, and increasing business opportunities for citizens.
“I have a passion for serving my community,” Hofberger said. “As a business owner, I believe in creating desirable jobs in our community. I believe it’s the local government’s responsibility to encourage that and foster an environment where small businesses are welcomed, and large companies are encouraged to open locations here.”
Hofberger listed as her references Scott Tacket with Violand Business Management, Tommi Lyter with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and Joe Driver with Echo Life Church.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia County District 4 seat needs Ron DeSantis to pick interim