Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger
December 8, 2015 7:19 p.m.
Roy G. Smith who challenged incumbent Pat K. Gass for a seat on the Fernandina Beach City Commission won the election by a wide margin. Voter turnout decreased over the general election (20%) with 18.14% of the registered voters casting a ballot.
The hard fought race pitted a long time city resident against a retired executive who came to Fernandina Beach from Hollywood, Florida two and a half years ago. Smith will be sworn in December 15.
City Commissioner Group 4 – Updated 12/9/15
GREAT night for Fernandina!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks to all for a strong voter turnout!!!
Congratulations to Roy Smith!
Uplifting evening news after a disappointing session with Janet Adkins and Aaron Bean last night when they refused to sponsor a local bill to curtail OHPA’s unprecedented and far-reaching powers.
There will be OHPA election next year and the community will have a great opportunity to have its voice heard.
This is clear evidence that your vote is important. Smith wins by 266 votes. Such a small margin for such an important office. Thanks to Pat Gass for her service. Please support all our commissioners going forward. We need them to succeed for the benefit of all our community.
Congratulations Roy. Hard work on your part payed off. I’m looking forward to a united City Commission that will work together for all our Citizens. Managed Growth for our Community. and storm drains that work. Good Luck Roy, and Thanks
Congratulations Roy, you did it!! Now the people of this city can look forward to a city commission that will work together & be united for the good of us all. Good luck, we’re behind you…..
All hands on deck. Time to get underway.
Congratulations Roy for your strong campaign and victory. Thank you Pat for your willingness to consistently stand up for your beliefs and your long service to our community that I am sure will continue in many other ways.
And to my friend Andy Curtain (sorry Andy I just can’t resist poking you a little bit for your suggestion after the general election that Roy withdraw from the race), let’s all remember those words of the late Yogi Berra “It ain’t over until it’s over.”
Congratulations Mr. Smith! We are really looking forward to seeing your ideas come to fruition for our city!!
Dave,please spell my name correctly.I would appreciate it.
My apologies Andy. Spellcheck strikes again. Nice article of y’all in the NL BTW
Congratulations to you Roy. Now the hard work really begins. Hopefully with this
new commission, things can be agreed upon and get done.
We have a wonderful downtown and beach, and I say to myself “another day in paradise”. There’s a lot that’s great about Fernandina but we always need to be mindful and protective of this unique island.