Media Release

 5:35 p.m.

Forwarded from the Florida Association of Counties

LEON COUNTY - President of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and Suwannee County Commissioner Randy Hatch has announced that Alachua County Commissioner Lee Pinkoson will serve as Co-Chair with Broward County Commissioner Stacy Ritter for FAC's Growth, Environmental Planning and Agricultural committee.   FAC is committed to preserving "Home Rule" authority for our communities by restoring the partnership between counties and the state legislature.

"Pinkoson is dedicated to Alachua County and to ensuring that counties can continue to protect growth management and the environment in the best interest of the state of Florida," said President Hatch, "FAC is committed to working with the state legislature to restore a strong partnership to better serve the people of Florida."

Each year FAC represents Florida's 67 counties, focusing our legislative efforts in preserving "Home Rule".  Home Rule is the ability of local governments set or remove regulations to better serve the unique environment of their county and its citizens.  What may work for a large urban county does not necessarily work for a small rural county and each county should have the authority to make this imperative unique decision.

In speaking of the appointment Pinkoson said, "It is an honor to assist the Florida Association of Counties in their work with the State Legislature as they make policies concerning agriculture, the environment, and growth management."  He continued saying, "We must do what we can to protect our farms and the environmental jewels that make our counties so special."  

Commissioner Pinkoson's history and commitment to the environment qualify him to lead FAC in determining statewide policy that carefully balances the 'Home Rule' authority with the interests of the state, personal and professional rights.  The mission of the FAC is "to preserve and promote democratic principles by working to keep appropriate authority at the level of government closest to the people, and to increase the capacity of Florida counties to effectively serve and represent the citizens of the state through legislative action, education of public officials, and enhancement of public awareness about the role and functions of county government."

Founded in 1929, the Florida Association of Counties is a non-profit association representing the diverse interests of Florida's 67 counties.  Created in 1998, the Florida Association of Counties County Commissioners Voluntary Certification program has trained 196 county commissioners on the complexities of county government and public life. 

For more information, contact  FAC's Cragin Mosteller at 850-294-9307 or  cmosteller@fl-counties.com. 

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