Santa Rosa County wins – welcome Commissioner Piech
In an historic election in Santa Rosa County Tuesday, the candidate who wants to do something won. Not only does Dave Piech want to do something, but he has the education and background to move Navarre forward. His opponent and current commissioner, Rob Williamson, just wants to be something. His education is in Social Science which leads to a political career. He would have, in our opinion, served another term as commissioner and then tried to move on to Tallahassee. And who knows what the results of another term in District 4 would look like – or what Navarre would look like at the end of it. Perhaps an overdeveloped beach, an overfunded park, under maintained athletic fields and the list goes on. Fortunately, we now have a commissioner who will not be swayed by special interests or a need for fame and money.
Piech walked the campaign trail, knocked on doors everywhere, spoke to residents about issues the community faces, never spoke negatively about Williamson and remained a positive force for District 4. He didn’t pay thousands of dollars for a professional “movie” about his life. He didn’t send out mailer after mailer attacking his opponent. He didn’t hire a high-dollar political company to consult, advise and manage his campaign. He went to the voters. And he won.
Piech overcame extreme campaign tactics by Williamson. In one of the nastiest local campaigns in recent memory, Williamson sent out mailer after mailer packed to the edges with lies about Piech and perhaps even facilitated a fake news campaign against Navarre Press complete with illegal street signs. Williamson underestimated the intelligence of our community. They spoke out against the signs. They spoke out against the lies. Navarre Press received countless emails, phone calls and visits filled with support and telling us to keep up the great job we are doing in our community. We don’t succumb to political pressure from candidates, officials or their supporters. We do what we know is true and right.
It is an exciting time to live and work in Navarre. On the horizon we see better economic development, cautious and managed growth, infrastructure improvements and someone who will speak the truth.
We believe Piech will listen to everyone – not just the residents who voted for him. We believe he will lead with the highest of standards.
We will still be watching – that is our job. But we believe Piech will keep his communication lines with us open. That is what is best for the entire county.
On Tuesday, Piech won. Truth won. Integrity won. Good won. Honor won. Doing the right thing won. And the residents of District four and Santa Rosa County won. We all won!