Republican voters choose Leota Wilkinson over incumbent Putnam County District 2 commissioner Jeff Rawls in the August party. Wilkinson now faces LaToya Anderson Robinson for this seat on the Putnam County Commission in the November general election.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote in their own words.
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Note: Responses are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
Leota Wilkinson
Occupation: District Aide - Rep Bobby Payne, Realtor & small business owner
Age: 52
Your family: Married to Eugene Wilkinson, 33 years, 3 grown sons - Shawn, Thomas & Timothy, - 5 granddaughters
Education: 1)Bachelors of Science, Public Administration, Flagler College 2) Associate of Science, Business Management, St. Johns River State College 3) Associate of Science, Financial Management, St. Johns River State College
Political experience: 6 years experience as District Aide to State Rep Bobby Payne, candidate for Putnam County Tax Collector 2012. Also have 15 years experience as a Sr. Land Acquisition Agent with St. Johns River Water Management District.
What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?
- Support smart economic growth and build a vibrant community.
- Keep pushing for broadband services as it is a critical component of Putnam’s future.
- Support local law enforcement, firefighters and EMS. The lives of our citizens depend on public safety professionals and their ability to respond to situations quickly, effectively, and accurately.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
- I feel my 21 years’ experience working at the state level and my education in public administration, business and finance make me suitably qualified to be a productive and effective County Commissioner. Being a small business owner, and having worked in both the private and public sectors, I am experienced in governmental budgeting, accounting, business management, and personal and financial management matters. I am also a licensed Realtor. I will bring a different perspective to the county commission, one of: a mother, a realtor, a small business owner, a women’s viewpoint and experienced governmental employee. I will work to create good working relationships with fellow commissioners, administrators and staff. My experience has provided me with the opportunity to have good working relationships with a variety of staff, legislators and departments in Tallahassee.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
- I want to leave Putnam County better than when I found it. If elected, I will become the very FIRST Republican woman to ever serve on the Putnam County Board of Commissioners. I would like to be known for bringing a fresh perspective and moving Putnam County forward in a direction that will help Putnam grow and thrive for the future of our children and grandchildren.
Campaign website: leotawilkinson.com
Campaign’s social media site(s): facebook.com/LeotaWilkinsonforPutnam
LaToya Anderson Robinson
Occupation: Mental Health Counselor
Age: 45
Your family: (No response)
Education: BS & MA
Political experience: none
What do you see as the top three issues you’ll likely face while holding this office?
- Growth county wide
- Local Government/Agency Collaboration
- Restoring Resources
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
- Provide a diverse perspective in making decisions for our community.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
- That I made a difference and restored home in our community.
Campaign website: latoya4putnam.com
Campaign’s social media site(s): Facebook