TDC term limits tabled

Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners postponed setting term limits for Tourist Development Council board members once again after hearing opposition from longtime TDC members.

Commissioners first tabled the topic last month when it was suggested by Commissioner Jim Melvin. It was brought up again during Monday’s commission committee meeting, and the commission seemed to have no opposition.

Suggested limits would be four years on and four years off. Municipal appointees would be exempt from the limits. However, during today’s meeting Commission Chairman Lane Lynchard said he received a letter from TDC Chairman Vernon Compton, who has served on the board since 2005, requesting that the commission refer the issue to the TDC board for discussion and feedback before making a decision.

TDC board member Ira Mae Bruce, who has served on the board since 1992, was present and said she also would like commissioners to take more time to study the issue before establishing term limits. She said she would hate to lose Compton and other longtime members like Jack Sanborn because they had done so much for the north end of the county.

“I know there are people, at least one person, who has applied and would really like to be on the TDC, and I think really that’s what’s brought this to a head,” she said. “I’m the only one who has a term ending in 2012. If the commission feels like it’s important enough to have someone else, I’ll resign and let that person or whoever else you decide to be on the board (serve).”

Melvin said he had several complaints from people who lost interest in participating on the committees because they were never allowed to be on the voting end of discussions. He added that having fresh ideas on the board would be a good thing.

Commissioners agreed to postpone a decision.

For the complete story, see the Oct. 20 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.