Statement On Commissioner Susan Baird

Edition:  January 30th, 2014
 
 
  
Today, Commissioner Susan Baird announced that she would not be seeking a second term on the Alachua County Commission.

 

Sue is proof that an average citizen can rise up, challenge the status quo and make a difference.  She blazed a trail and gave a voice to those that had long since been ignored by the establishment on the Alachua County Commission.  We thank Sue for her wonderful service, and we know that she will continue to make a difference in Alachua County.
 
Sue, from all of us in the Alachua County Republican Party, thank you for your dedication and your leadership.
  
Commissioner Baird's complete statement is below:

After careful consideration, I have decided to not seek re-election to the Alachua County Commission.  As a single mom with a daughter entering her formative years of high school and a demanding schedule in my work life, I need to step away from elective office. I'm very grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve the people of Alachua County and I look forward to staying involved in new ways to make our community an even better place to live.

Four years ago, I saw a county commission that did not listen to the needs of ordinary citizens struggling to get by in a tough economy, a commission that followed a narrow political agenda and did not represent the diverse views that make up our community.  It was a challenge to take on - much less beat - the political establishment but with the help of many concerned and dedicated volunteers from across the political spectrum, we did!

In my four years as a commissioner, I'm proud of the efforts made to keep spending in line, bring renewed attention to roadway infrastructure, and focus on economic development.  I'm especially proud of my effort to bring some sunshine to the informal meeting process that had previously crystalized too many votes on critical issues before they were publicly vetted.  And most recently, I am proud to have been a voice to the 30 percent of GRU customers who are not represented by the Gainesville City Commission.

 

Although all of my goals were not accomplished, I've fought hard, listened to the people, and provided a voice for those left behind by the so-called progressive agenda. 

 

I will continue to lend my support to candidates that put the best interest of the community ahead of agenda-driven politics.  Specifically, I will work to support and promote candidates who value fiscal responsibility, citizen participation and are willing to break with the narrow ideological faction that has dominated local politics for too long.

The past four years have been a remarkable journey for me, and I am satisfied with where I am and what I've accomplished.  Until next time ...

 

Susan Baird,

Alachua County Commissioner

 


Paid for by The Alachua County Republican Executive Committee, PO Box 358536, Gainesville, Fl  32635.