Randy Merritt has served Wakulla County well
By WILLIAM SNOWDEN Editor
Randy Merritt’s last meeting as a county commissioner was Monday night, and he was honored by fellow commissioners and county staff for his service. (And to note, Merritt has also served as county public works director and county engineer before he was elected.)
For 12 years, Merritt has been a county commissioner – well-informed, making decisions based on facts, and perhaps most importantly he has been a voice for moderation and compromise. Which is not to take anything away from the collegial attitude of the current board – they don’t always agree, in fact they often disagree, but they can do it without being disagreeable. Merritt also has a sense of humor and doesn’t take himself too seriously. He told me a few months ago that he’s worn the same shirt to county commission meetings for the past 12 years – with a couple of exceptions.
County administration knew he had the same jacket he’s worn at every meeting for the past couple of years and made a point of having it framed and presenting it to him. He said he would add his shirt to the display.
County Administrator David Edwards presented Merritt with a plaque and called him one of the smartest people he’s ever known.
Commissioner Quincee Messersmith praised Merritt for never straddling the fence; Ralph Thomas called him “a tremendous asset”; Chuck Hess praised some of Merritt’s ideas; and Mike Kemp thanked him for his leadership.
Wakulla County owes his thanks for serving the people of the county well.
William Snowden is editor and publisher of The Wakulla Sun.