Live Oak —
The biggest story of this election season actually began in 2008 with the defeat of District 5 County Commissioner Randy Hatch. The man behind the upset? Former Tax Collector George Burnham, who has of late injected himself into county politics with a vengeance.
Hatch’s loss was surprising, but hardly earth-shattering.
He had been vulnerable for a while, it turned out. A number of south county folks later recounted having felt, fairly or not, that he’d lost focus on local affairs, especially with all his work as president of the Florida Association of Counties.
Then there was his opponent. Wesley Wainwright would have certainly proven formidable even without Burnham’s support. (For the record, he’s so far shown himself to be more than capable as a commissioner.)
Two years later, commissioners Doug Udell and Billy Maxwell came into Burnham’s sights.
With Maxwell’s loss on Tuesday both are now gone, and Burnham-backed candidates dominate the commission.
Burnham’s always had the golden touch for politics, but what he pulled off this time around takes the cake.
We don’t necessarily mean that as a compliment.
What makes 2010 different than 2008? The winning candidates themselves.
Phil Oxendine and Clyde Fleming may turn out to be fine commissioners.
Frankly, however, neither has to this point inspired particular confidence in his ability to run the $50 million corporation that is our county government.
All we can do now is wait and see.
With all due respect, gentlemen, we hope you prove us wrong -- for all our sakes.
Local News
OUR VIEW: Kingmaker
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Great Suwannee River Race
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Happening today! May Day Fun Day
Come out Saturday to join in celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation
What: May Day Fun Day.
Why: To celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation.
Who: Local vendors, car show, activities for the kids.
Where: Douglass Center, 617 Ontario Ave. SW.
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Rant & Rave - May 17, 2013
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Live Oak: Alcohol ordinance passes 3-2
Compromise over time gets green light
Veto may be looming once more
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On tap this weekend
Relay for Life
'Treasures of the Suwannee'
May Day Fun Day
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City to consider new form of government
Talks are afoot for manager to govern department heads
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Great Suwannee River Race is tomorrow
The Great Suwannee River gets underway this Saturday at Little River Spring with rafts, canoes and kayaks racing to Ivey Park in Branford. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Live Oak and the Rotary Club of Live Oak, the race is in its fourth year. Racing starts at 10 a.m. and awards will be given out at 1 p.m. Come join this group of fun seekers as they make their way anyway they can to the finish line.
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Democrat Morning Update for Friday, May 17, 2013
Good morning. Here are your updates for today.
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