High Springs Election Guide
I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve come to me frustrated with the lack of information available on the candidates for High Springs City Commission this November, and rightfully so — there’s virtually nothing out there.
So complain no more, weary residents, I have decided to create this simple, two point voter guide for you:
- If you like the direction High Springs has taken in the last year, vote Pat Rush.
- If you want to restore sanity to High Springs, vote Byran Williams.
Here’s my reasoning:
Pat Rush is the husband of Robyn Rush, who is regarded as the “chief advisor” of sorts to Commissioners Bob Barnas, Dean Davis, and Linda Gestrin — together the current majority on the city commission.
Rush has the support of the current majority, as evidenced by Commissioner Davis volunteering for the Rush campaign by placing signs around town, among other indicators. Davis, who is currently serving the final weeks of his term on the commission, has elected not to seek reelection.
This isn’t Rush’s first dabble in High Springs politics. Rush qualified to run back in 2009 but resigned during the race due to a lack of support for his campaign.
Byran Williams is the pastor of Mount Carmel United Methodist Church in High Springs and previously served seven years on the commission, prior to losing reelection in 2011 to Barnas and Gestrin.
Williams has subscribed to the “professional manager” philosophy, which says the city should hire a qualified city manager to handle city operations, a stance which agrees with that taken by the recently formed grassroots organization, Citizens for a Better High Springs.
This stance is in stark contrast to the path taken by the current commission — one where most all decisions are made by the commission and the city manager acts more as an “errand boy” simply gathering information for the commissioners.
Tagged with: bob barnas • byran williams • candidates • commission • dean davis • high springs • high springs city commission • high springs election • linda gestrin • november 6 • pat rush • patrick rush
Eric May
Former elected official Eric May provides readers a view on government they rarely get: one from the inside. Eric currently works for a political consulting firm handling all forms of political media and communications. He is married to his beautiful wife Jenna, who both enjoy serving actively in their church and community.
10 Responses to High Springs Election Guide
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If you're looking for an awesome local church, I highly recommend you check out Impact Family Church. They're located between High Springs and Alachua, and just twenty minutes from Gainesville. They preach an uncompromising Gospel that is relevant to the entire family. Check 'em out!Tags
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And some of the signs he is placing “around town” are on private property WITHOUT permission of the owner. I REMOVED one yesterday.
Thanks Eric for so succinctly elucidating the demographical and political mindset and differences between Dean Davis II & Byran Williams. With Byran we know that we will get reasoned and reasonable actions, with Rush we will get more of the falderal coming from Commissioner Davis.
My view.
Jim Bryant, President High Springs Tea Party
The one thing that I know Mr. Rush has NOT done is give special concessions to relatives while seated as a commissioner. Perhaps that should also be looked into by Mr. May. As I see it, we would at least get someone that is knowledgeable in construction, rules of the game, a qualified mathemetician in his wife, Robyn, and perhaps legal guidance and assistance in his mother in law – a former teacher of law…wow…3 in for one price…now that’s a bargain!
Sylvia,
So sad to know you’re on board with the current majority’s destruction of High Springs. I really thought you’d be more independent enough to see what they’re doing to our town.
Sylvia,
If Mr. Rush is so competent in math, why is it you sued him for $4,000 back in 2010? Are you now claiming someone you were forced to sue is now qualified to run for office because of his outstanding record?
That is funny! I never realized you were such a comedian.
That was directed to you, Sylvia.
That has to be the dumbest comment posted yet. What the heck is a qualified mathematician? Legal guidance from someone’s mother in law? UNREAL!!!! The reason Rush has not given such concessions while seated as a commissioner is because he hasn’t been seated as a commissioner. You should stay away from important decisions like this…. it is over your head.
I mentioned here Water system troubles they won’t tell you about and, did not while pushing for dispatch. The citizens need to inform themselves outside of the Rush campaign as how vunerable this amendment they are pushing will leave us. The ill advised and, hastily moved from County dispatch and, the enormous cost to the city, while infrastructure is left dangerious for all those who rely on city water for drinking and safety is the result of the Davis, Barnas and, Gestrin rule which ignors the rules. Robyn Rush promoted the dispatch because of the importance of the adresses she favors on main.Bryan Williams will raise city morale. I noticed yesterday that there was significant garden work up against the Mayors commercial building by city staff. One could make the argument that as a special consession even though it may very well be city owned and, abutting. Other things not so petty at stake however. Voting for Bryan Williams is a vote for sanity restored and, the end of petty ugly and, crippling low morale Davis, Barnas and, Gestrin has gifted us with.Voting for Bryan Williams will refocus the Commission on what is priority over spending much more than what we were spending just to have a non 911 dispatch answered here. That move alone along with the risk premium the current have cost us is reason enough to NOT vote for more of the same. Vote NO on their proposed amendment because, it will cripple the city and, with looming decay of the water system they ignored to spend on the non critcle dispatch citizens are now more at risk.Vote for Bryan Williams and, the army of knowledge and, good intention that backs him. Vote for Bryan Williams because he will bring back our good nature.
Sylvia, can you elaborate on your accusation? I always hate it when people post things like this that no one else has a clue what they are talking about. If you have something concrete to share I would love to hear about it.
Also, I’m not a mathematician… But in the case of the Rush campaign I believe you can make a strong argument that three negatives don’t add up to a positive.