District 1 commissioner Ron Williams is seeking re-election, and faced two challengers in the August election. As no candidate got more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers, Williams and Kevin Parnell, advance to the general election. This is a non-partisan race that will be on the ballots of all voters in District 1, which covers the northern part of the county.
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 sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
| CANDIDATES |
Kevin Parnell
Occupation: Production Supervisor at Nutrien Ag Solutions
Age: 39
Family: Single
Education: BS Degree: Health Care Administration from Florida A & M University
Political experience: ‘I have a good understanding of Politics and how politics function.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Here in Columbia County, we must continue to build a strong Infrastructure, continue to support Public Safety, and our Public Works department so that in the case of a catastrophic event we can get Columbia County back up and running quickly and safely. Planning to partner with fellow county commissioners to achieve this goal.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Growing up here in Columbia County I understand what our constituents need to have here in our community.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Creating a better Columbia County for not only District 1 but Columbia County as a whole for everyone.
Campaign website: parnell4district1.com
Campaign social media: Facebook
Ron Williams
Occupation: 1. County Commissioner, District
2. Retired General Contractor
Age: 80
Family: Ronald and wife Gwendolyn
Children: Quinetta, Ronald 11, and Corey
Grandchildren: Alvin, Danielle, Ronald 111, Bryan, Jevon, Caileb, Kouri, and Winstyn
Great Grand: Ava and Emanni
Education: High School Diploma
Political experience: I have over 30 years of experience as a County Commissioner representing the citizens of Columbia County, District 1. I, along with four other commissioners, establish polices and appoint a County Manager to implement them and manage the county’s operation. I assist in adopting the millage rate and annually approve the budget, which determines the expenditures and revenue necessary to operate all County departments.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
1. Utilities for Economic development to provide jobs.
2. Develop a water recharge program accepted and approved by the Suwannee River Water Management District.
3. Continue to provide quality service to our residents without increasing the millage rates, which can be accomplish by using the growth in the tax roll.
The board has three prime area designated for industrial development. These three area are Bell Street project located North of Lake City, the inner Mobile Park located east on US Hwy 90, and Ellisville, I-75 interchange located in the South end of the County. All of these areas would allow the County to keep up with the growth and provide jobs.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
My years as a public servant have equipped me with the experience, knowledge, and dedication that has given me the ability to perform at a high level for the best interest of Columbia County.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I would like to be remembered as a hardworking, dedicated County Commissioner who prioritized the need of the citizens and helped build a financially strong county.
Campaign website: I do not have a Campaign website I only have social media sites because in our community the citizens use Facebook therefore I do not like to confuse them with several source for information .
Campaign social media: Facebook