Rick Davis
After a lot of praying and support of my family, I would like to officially announce my intent to seek election for County Commissioner, District 5. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent you as County Commissioner for District 5 from 2012- 2020, and again, I am asking for your support and vote. I will continue to work hard for you to support economic growth in Madison County and be a good steward of your funds as we manage the county budget, and the services provided to our citizens. Madison County has seen and will continue to see many changes and challenges in the years to come. I believe that my experience, training and education spanning 42 years of public and community service here in Madison County gives me the ability to best serve as your representative as County Commissioner for District 5.
I am married to Lisa Ward Davis, and we have three children, Demi, Nicole, and Cody. We own a small family farm in Lee where we raise cattle and hay. My family and I have seen firsthand the incredible potential of our community, and I believe that with the right leadership, we can achieve even greater things.
My work experience includes 28 plus years of law enforcement service with the City of Madison Police Department serving the citizens of Madison County, my last 13 years as Chief of Police. I currently serve as the Director of Public Safety at North Florida College in charge of the Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Cross-Over Programs, and I continue to serve as a part-time Deputy Sheriff with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
My education consists of an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from North Florida Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Columbia Southern University, and Masters Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. I am a graduate of the 207th Session of the FBI National Academy, and a graduate of the Florida Chief Executive Institute.
I have served in numerous professional, community, and fraternal clubs. District 16 Director of the Florida Police Chiefs Association, President of the Third Judicial Circuit Police Chiefs Association, Past Master and member of Madison Lodge #11 F&AM, member of the Madison Shrine Club, Past President and Treasurer of the Madison Rotary Club, a Board Member of the Madison County Development Council, the North Florida Economic Development Council, Vice Chair of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Vice Chair of the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Center Directors Association, and other local committees.
As your commissioner, I am committed to working with the other Commissioners to foster cooperation and unity. I will focus on several key areas to ensure that our county is better prepared to meet the needs of a growing county.
First and foremost, I am committed to economic development. Our county deserves a thriving local economy that provides good-paying jobs and opportunities for all residents. I will work tirelessly, along with our Board of County Commissioners, to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and create an environment where entrepreneurship can flourish. By fostering economic growth, we can improve the quality of life for everyone in Madison County.
Public safety is extremely important. I will work to ensure that our law enforcement, emergency medical and fire protection services have the tools and training they need to keep our community safe. Everyone deserves to feel secure in their homes and neighborhoods, and I will do everything in my power to make that a reality. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments made through our legislative delegates, our sheriff, fire chief and county commissioners in securing funds this past year for public safety infrastructure improvements, especially the new fire/rescue station for the Lee area.
I am committed to transparency and accountability in government. You deserve to know how your tax dollars are being spent and to have a voice in the decisions that affect your lives. I will work to ensure that our county government is open, responsive, and accountable to the people it serves.
I will prioritize infrastructure improvements. Our roads, bridges, and public facilities are the backbone of our community, and they need to be maintained and enhanced to meet the needs of our growing population. I will advocate for smart investments in infrastructure that will not only address current challenges but also prepare for future growth.
Our natural resources, environment and clean water. In 2018, we created the Middle and Lower Suwannee River and Withlacoochee River Task Force, through the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, and I had the honor of serving as the Chair. The Task Force was comprised of County Commissioners of neighboring counties affected by sewage spills from Georgia. The collaborative efforts of the Task Force resulted Georgia’s EPD to issue and expand the City of Valdosta’s Consent Orders to issue IMMEDIATE NOTIFICATION of sewage spills, a better line of communication with Valdosta’s local government, a local database for the public to view and get early notice of water contamination from Valdosta due to system failure or from heavy rain runoff. Sadly, since 2020, the Task Force has been nonexistent, and direct lines of communication with Georgia, Valdosta and other Florida regulatory agencies have stopped, leaving us at risk. You have my commitment to revitalize efforts to keep our rivers and streams clean.
I say all of this to show my commitment to represent and serve the citizens of Madison County and District 5 with honor, integrity and respect. I look forward to meeting you individually or as a group to listen to your concerns and needs. I will do everything in my power to represent you for the betterment of Madison County. I can be reached at my cell number, (850) 779-6016, or email at davisr1769@gmail.com.
Thank you again for your support and your vote!
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Rick Davis, Republican candidate, for Madison County Commissioner, District 5.