At last week’s Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Annual Conference, in a vote by his peers, Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell was appointed to the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors representing Alachua, Putnam, and Marion Counties. In speaking of the appointment Cornell said, “It is an honor to serve the great people of the State of Florida and to protect local government values and home rule.” Commissioner Cornell also achieved his Advanced County Commissioner certificate.
Also at the conference, three Alachua County Commissioners, Chair Lee Pinkoson, Vice Chair Charles Chestnut, and Commissioner Cornell, were selected as “2018 Presidential Advocates.” This special recognition is bestowed upon county commissioners who have shown exceptional leadership in partnering with FAC during the 2018 session.
“Every day your local Commissioner is fighting to preserve the unique aspects and magnificent qualities of your community,” said FAC President and Charlotte County Commissioner Christopher Constance speaking about the Presidential Advocates. “It is because of their dedication, resourcefulness, and perseverance that we’ve have been able to advance the counties’ legislative agenda and build a stronger Florida for all Floridians.”
Chair Pinkoson, who is the Chair of FAC’s Florida Counties Foundation, was honored as a “Torchbearer.” This status is awarded to Commissioners who continue to participate in FAC activities and educational offerings even after they have achieved their Advanced County Commissioner certificate.
For more than 85 years, the Florida Association of Counties has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that government closest to the people governs best. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
For more information, contact the Alachua County Communications office at 352-374-5204.