Charlie Keith Officially Launches Race for Bucky Nash's 'County 5' District 3 Seat
Posted June 29, 2020 09:55 am | updated June 29, 2020 04:45 pm*
Charlie Keith speaks with future voter, Dawson
Khachigan.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, FL – This Saturday Charlie Keith kicked off his campaign with hotdogs, chips and a steady flow of people who were interested in finding out more about one of the men who was looking to take 8 year incumbent Bucky Nash's District 3 seat on the County Commission (County 5).
Background
District 3 Commissioner Sylvester "Bucky" Nash was first elected in 2012 in a hotly contested race in which he ran against incumbent Jody DuPree and Mike Gordon. The primary narrowed down the field to Mr. Nash and Mr. Gordon. Mr. Nash was successful on Election Day.
While Mr. Nash never came out in favor of term limits, during his last race he said that he would only serve two terms. Mr. Nash is running for a third term.
Charlie Keith
Your reporter spoke with Charlie Keith on June 26 and again June 27 at his campaign kickoff event.
Mr. Keith was appointed to the Charter Review Commission by Commissioner Tim Murphy. It is not clear if this was before Mr. Nash decided to run for a third term.
The Observer: "The Charter mandates annual reviews of County Manager. Why does the Charter have be changed to require annual reviews when it is already in the Charter? If you get elected, will you review the job performance of the County Manager?
Mr. Keith: "Yes."
The Observer: "Then why does the Charter need to be changed when all the public needs to do is elect people that will follow the charter?
Mr. Keith: "That's a good point. That's how it should be."
The event had a steady stream of people coming
in and out, with some leaving with lawn signs.
The Observer: "Why are you running?"
Mr. Keith answered, "I love this community, but there is a shadow in it. If you tell the truth, you don’t have to lie. I can’t tell you what you want to hear all the time, but I’ll tell you what you need to hear."
Mr. Keith continued, "I have a feeling that I am going to run into some issues with the establishment. I don’t have any agenda other than what is good for the community."
The Learning Curve
Charlie Keith and wife Rene’.
Mr. Keith said, "I know I have a lot to learn, but I am going into it with my eyes open. This is going to be interesting."
The Observer: "Do you think Commissioner Nash has done a good job?"
Mr. Keith answered, "I am committed not to running a negative campaign, but the public deserves better."
The Observer: "There are people coming in and out. Do you consider that a good sign? How is your campaign going?"
Mr. Keith answered, "We’re getting a lot of positive vibes. We’re getting good responses."
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* updated June 29: added Dawson Khachigan's name; corrected CRC to read that Mr. Keith was appointed by Tim Murphy.
