Another well-run local election
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor
Congratulations to Supervisor of Elections Joe Morgan and his staff on another well-run election.
Citizens can have absolute confidence in local elections – Morgan is absolutely committed to giving people every opportunity to vote and making sure those votes are counted.
When he came into office several years ago, Morgan was determined to open a second polling place on the north side of the county for early voting. The supervisor’s office had often become overwhelmed with early voters and there were often long lines.
Morgan make arrangements to use the old Riversink Fire Station on Crawfordville Highway.
But for the past several election cycles, that facility seemed woefully under utilized. I would often pass by there during early voting and the only vehicles outside appeared to be poll workers.
Not so this year: with nearly 60% of Wakulla voters casting their ballots early, the Riversink location appeared to be very much in use.
Good job, Joe and staff – as well as canvassing board members on a smooth election.
I also wanted to add to Charter Review Committee Chair Chris Russell’s letter last week in which he praised CRC members for their hard work – and noting that the proposals put forth by the CRC all passed with approval of the voters.
The CRC wrestled with some serious issues last year: growth, springs protection, impact fees. It was a diverse group of volunteers with diverse opinions – and at times the meetings were hot with emotion.
But every one of those volunteers was committed to doing what they felt was best for the community – and that passion came through.
All three charter amendments put forth by the committee passed:
- The first, to have impact fee study in January 2025 and every five years thereafter, passed by a 60% margin.
- The second, an amendment to regulate pedestrian and vehicle interactions – to so-called panhandling amendment, passed by 73%.
The third, to require the charter be reviewed every six years instead of every eight, also passed by a 73% margin.
William Snowden is editor and publisher of The Wakulla Sun.
