George Jacob Thomas: I Am Running For Mayor of the Town of Fort White
October 21, 2024 11:50 am | 3 min read
Columbia
County Observer graphic
By
George Jacob Thomas
FORT WHITE, FL – I’m running for Mayor of the Town of Fort White, so Fort White has a government for the people, and by the people. We all have a voice, and a community is stronger when our voices are heard, and we come together for a common purpose. I believe we’re better together and that united we stand and divided we fall.
The residents of Fort White deserve effective and professional communication from their elected representatives. For issues of particular concern to the community, updates should be given periodically, even if only through the Town website. But government should go beyond this and make it easy for people to receive information, especially in the information age that we live in. This will also encourage more community participation. If more people know what’s going on, it stands to reason that more people will become engaged and involved in some way.
The town council held their September of 2024 town council meeting and water workshop at the Community Center. The town also advertised that meeting on the town website and passed flyers out with information on the meeting. This was positive and a step in the right direction. For issues important to the residents of Fort White, this is a practice that should continue. Professionalism is the responsibility of elected representatives, and as a former Marine Corps officer, I understand the importance of communicating and conducting oneself professionally.
Fort White is proud of having its own system of government apart from Columbia County’s. The residents of Fort White want their own government, and the will of the people should prevail. My understanding is that historically, the Town of Fort White has had a mutually beneficial relationship with the county. This relationship should be maintained, and Fort White’s interests are best served through professional relationships.
Small businesses should feel confident that their local government supports them, which will attract more businesses to Fort White, providing desired goods and services. If a business is not causing harm, disturbing the community, or engaging in indecent behavior, then it’s my position that the town council should work with that business to facilitate their compliance with local ordinances.
I don’t want my words to be interpreted as an accusation that the current town council is not generally favorable to small business. Only that on certain occasions, relationships with small businesses could have been handled in a more tactful and professional way. Elected representatives are called to lead by example, which sets the tone for the values and behavior expected within the community. Their actions and conduct serve as a model, either inspiring or diminishing trust. By embodying professionalism and transparency, elected officials can foster an environment where citizens feel heard, respected, and motivated to engage in civic life. Accountability and integrity in government is the American standard.
I believe in allowing both residential and commercial growth if it benefits current residents. I moved my family to Fort White because it’s a small town. However, for small towns to survive, some growth is necessary. So long as Fort White has the infrastructure to accommodate beneficial growth, we should strongly consider it. But we must ensure that concerns regarding the impacts of that growth are properly addressed.
False information about me has been circulated on social media. I welcome questions from residents of the Town of Fort White.
I want what’s best for Fort White and I have faith that God’s plans will prevail. So, I will glorify Him no matter who wins this election.
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George Jacob Thomas (gtmayor@hotmail.com) was born in Miami, Florida, and raised in High Springs. He graduated from UF with a BA in business administration and information systems. He served four years in the Marines, was honorably discharged in 2021, and then moved to Fort White with his family. His grandparents emigrated from Cuba.