John Willoughby: Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Town Council of Greenville gathered together with multiple representatives and citizens, at Charlie's Kitchen, on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The breakfast served was very nice and Town Manager Edward Dean was able to pass out packets to guide the council and citizens during the day at the State Capitol. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are: Barbara Dansey, Brandi Seabrooks and Joi Collins. Pictured in the back row, from left to right, are: Kovacherich Arnold, Calvin Malone, Edward Dean, Ronnie Moore and Brian Kauffman.
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, representatives of the Town of Greenville gathered with citizens, stake holders and grant writers at the Florida State Capitol to speak with local delegations about the story of Greenville and the future the Town hopes to hold.
The day began at 8 a.m. with a hearty breakfast at Charlie's Kitchen, just around the block from Greenville Town Hall. In attendance were Greenville Town Manager Edward Dean, Mayor Calvin Malone and council members Barbara Dansey, Joi Collins and Brandi Seabrooks, as well as others vying for a seat on the council. Also in attendance was County Commissioner Ronnie Moore and County Coordinator Brian Kauffman.
Meetings began at 10 a.m., with Darrick McGhee, Sr., Vice President of Government Relations with Johnson & Blanton, LLC, (JB) for a briefing for the 2018 Legislative Session. JB is a lobbying firm, representing a variety of corporate and non-profit clients in Florida government, local and state. At 10:30 a.m., Greenville met with Scott Dudley, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida League of Cities. Dudley oversees a team of lobbyists who handle the broad range of issues impacting Florida's municipalities.
At 11 a.m., Greenville had the opportunity to meet with David Suggs, Director of Public Policy for the Florida Association of Counties (FAC). According to their website, FAC's guiding principles seek to preserve county home rule authority, to develop and implement statewide policies that improve public service, and to protect citizens from the financial burden of unfunded mandates.
at 11:30 a.m., Greenville representatives were able to meet with Representative Halsey Beshears. Dean stated that Beshears was able to directly contact the Suwannee River Water Management District to obtain an application for a grant to help bring the Town of Greenville from septic to sewer. Dean stated that leaving money on the table is not an option, but also stated that he requests, takes grants and constructs in phases, to show that there is a steady path of progress.
Immediately after meeting with Beshears, Senator Bill Montford was able to speak with the citizens of Greenville about the importance of prioritizing their objectives for the Town. Dean said that because Montford is over a multitude of counties, it was important to prioritze what Greenville needed funding for, so when Montford and Beshears return to Madison County for their Fall Delegation session, those requests could be voiced and explained. Dean stated that he will be working closely with Montford's assistant in the coming months regarding the requests.
“I feel it's a plus,” said Ronnie Moore, in regards to going and speaking with the local delegation. Moore started Florida is looking at an $87 billion budget and many cities were looking for economic development and infrastructure, and addition to Greenville. Moore reinforced what Montford said about prioritizing.
Jeff Branch was the speaker during the luncheon at the Governor's Club in Tallahassee. Branch is a Legislative Advocate for the Florida League of Cities.
The citizens of Greenville gathered at the Governor's Club, in Tallahassee, at 12 p.m., for a lunch buffet. While eating, Jeff Branch, Legislative Advocate for the Florida League of Cities, was able to talk about transportation and infrastructure in rural communities. Chris Doolin, from the Small County Coalition of Florida, was originally slated to speak, but due to an emergency, Doolin was unable to attend.
“All the people of Greenville were happy,” said Dean. “[We] needed to show that power lies in mass people.”