Editorial, Opinion

Williamson’s $100,000 a year consolation prize

May 30, 2025 | Staff Reporters

Navarre voters overwhelmingly said “no” to Rob Williamson as District 4 County Commissioner in the August election. They used their votes to voice their displeasure with his representation, his decisions and his financial management of Navarre. Holley Navarre Water System has decided Williamson deserves a high-paying consolation prize with an offer to be their next CFO/CEO. Yes, sir – $100,000 per year for two years, platinum benefits as only the water company has and probably a company truck or SUV. In fact, they offered him the position without having a job description for the new position, qualifications or much else – probably because Williamson has zero qualifications for the job. He has no wastewater treatment experience, no water management experience, he has never directly managed a multi-million dollar budget nor the number of employees the water system has. What are they thinking. It is fairly obvious this has been their Plan B since he lost the election…or maybe before then.

Take a look at HNWS’s support of Williamson during his bid for re-election:

Will Goulet, president of the HNWS board and owner of Navarre Auto Repair, was firmly supporting Williamson in his failed re-election bid, taking to social media to defend/support him. Goulet even filmed a testimonial video for Williamson. Navarre Auto Repair contributed $250 to his campaign. The property where Navarre Auto Repair is located is owned by IUI Properties which is owned by Daryl Lynchard (HNWS board member), Will Goulet and Bryan Duncan (of TC’s Front Porch towing fame). It is also home to South Santa Rosa News, owned by Lynchard’s wife and Duncan’s wife. It is also home to Navarre Auto Sales, where Goulet’s brother works.
T.J. Goulet, Will’s brother and president of Navarre Rotary Club, CEO of the fake chamber and used-car salesman vociferously followed social media political threads to champion Williamson for re-election. Ironically, T.J. use to do the same thing in opposition of Williamson, but somewhere did a complete turn-around and now supports him. At one point, Williamson publicly called T.J. a “knucklehead.” What’s more, Navarre Press has obtained emails through a public records request which show Williamson (from his county email) emailing T.J. Goulet copies of his campaign mailers before he sent them out. In response to the “Chicago Dave” mailer, T.J. responds with “I like this one.” It shows direct involvement in the campaign.
Mark Miller, vice president of the water board and a director of the Navarre Area Board of Realtors, was photographed holding Williamson’s re-election signs and waving to people driving by on Highway 98 before the election.
The Navarre Area Board of Realtors came out very early in the campaign when Williamson was yet unopposed to endorse him. Much like HNWS, they didn’t want to interview any other candidates either. They donated $1,000 to his campaign.
Doug Larson, a director on the HNWS board was also photographed holding Williamson signs along Highway 98 in support of his re-election. He contributed $250 to the Williamson campaign.
Larson’s significant other Jennifer McLean (or Jones – depending on which social media profile she is using) congratulated Larson on being elected to the “(sic)-taster” position on the board. She, too, is running for a position on the water board, revels in being unqualified and says she is making HNWS her “b—tch.” No really, her name is on the list of candidates.

The incredible thing is – HNWS is not regulated by anyone. The usual regulatory arm – the Public Services Commission – says because they were chartered into existence by the county (under a 99-year exclusive agreement), they are a county entity and do not fall under their jurisdiction. The county says they are not a county entity and therefore do not fall under their authority. Water utilities cannot go unregulated. They have to answer to someone.

This would make for good reality TV except for the fact that this is one of our most precious resources, drinking water. We will have a failed political candidate with no experience heading up our water company. Members – this has to stop. Even if you have never spoken out before – now is the time. Email the commissioners, email the Public Services Commission, email the HNWS Board of Directors. Demand accountability.

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