High Springs seats new commissioners

HIGH SPRINGS – A standing-room-only audience looked on as High Springs City Clerk Jenny Parham administered the oaths of office to newly-elected commissioners Jason Evans and Gloria James. Both took their seats as City Manager Ed Booth called the City Commission to order.

Both candidates offered brief remarks. James thanked the citizens of High Springs and all who had faith in her enough to give her a chance to serve her community. “While I am here, I will give you my best,” she said. “I will do whatever I can as long as it is beneficial to the citizens of High Springs.”

Evans said it was an honor to be on the commission. Although he ran unopposed, he said he was grateful to those supporters who encouraged and supported him.

“I have been told this is the first time a father and son have served on this commission. I don't know if that's true, but I hope I can be as well thought of as he is after serving.” He made a point of saying that if people didn't want to know his honest opinion on something, they shouldn't ask. He further commented that he thought there was a good group of people on the commission and although they might disagree, he felt they could do so in a respectful manner.

When the moment came to elect a mayor and vice-mayor for the coming term, former mayor Sue Weller and former vice-mayor Scott Jamison were unanimously elected to serve in those same positions for the 2015 term.

“I am excited about being mayor again and look forward to what I believe will be a very good year for our city,” said Weller later. “I appreciate the commission's confidence in my filling this position and will work hard with my fellow commissioners to move the city forward.”

Jamison was clearly surprised by his unanimous election as vice-mayor. “I'm honored they would want me to serve in this position a second time,” he said. “It was unexpected. I feel very humbled and appreciate their [commission] confidence in me.”

City Manager Ed Booth presented a plaque to commemorate outgoing Mayor Byran Williams and his extensive service to his community as mayor. In presenting the plaque Booth praised Williams for his hard work during the past year in which the two attended numerous meetings, traveled to talk with people and agencies and “worked as hard as he could to help develop a solid economic development program for the city.”

Commissioner Byran Williams said in a later interview that he had enjoyed his term of office, but he was ready to let someone else take the reins for a while. “As mayor, I have traveled a lot, attended a great many more meetings and events and been involved in more activities on behalf of my city. As grateful as I am for the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens, I am just as ready to serve in other ways now.”

After the plaque presentation, Williams thanked the citizens of High Springs and said he hoped the city would have a wonderful year.

Due to the upcoming holidays, the High Springs City Commission will meet only one more time before the end of this calendar year on Dec. 11.

#   #   #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com