Tim Nance
Photo by Submitted Photo
Cecil Pendergrass for Lee County Commission District 2
Larry Kiker
Cathleen Morgan
They’ve known they’ve had the job for weeks, but now it’s official.
The newest members of the Collier and Lee county commissions and the Lee County School Board officially took their jobs Tuesday. State statute requires those elected to the positions to begin two weeks after the election.
While the Lee County Commission and School Board had special swearing in ceremonies for their members, new Collier Commissioner Tim Nance only signed some paperwork.
Collier County Commission
Nance campaigned for 18 months before officially becoming the District 5 commissioner. So, it’s probably best his first day was an easy one.
Nance said he signed a few papers, including those that ensure he’s paid, and got into his office. His official swearing in will be at the commissioners’ next meeting on Dec. 11.
“It’s been all good. I am sure in the coming weeks, I will be working steadily, getting ready for the December meeting, which I am sure will be very active,” he said. “There are a lot of important things going on. We have an economy to come to grips with and make a plan for the future.”
Nance said he thinks everyone is happy the election is over and is ready to get to work.
As for his first order of business, he said he plans to announce at Wednesday night’s Golden Gate Estates Area Civic Association meeting that he will be opening a satellite office in Golden Gate Estates, which is part of his district. He said he worked with Collier County Tax Collector Larry Ray to secure space in the tax collector’s satellite office in Wilson Plaza, 50 Wilson Blvd. S.
“We’ve never had anything like this in the Estates,” Nance said. “I think it is going to be a good thing.”
Lee County Commission
Cecil Pendergrass and Larry Kiker were officially inaugurated into the Lee County Commission.
In addition to taking the oath of office, Pendergrass, who represents District 2, was crowned — literally — the commission chairman. As a running joke, the new commission chair is given a red turban-style crown.
“It’s so exciting. I’ve been campaigning for months now,” said Pendergrass. “I couldn’t sleep last night, I was so excited. But it’s not so much about the win. I’m here to do a good job, and am already thinking about what I have to do next.”
Following their official swearing in, both Pendergrass and Kiker spoke their visions for the county.
Kiker, who represents District 3, spoke about balancing the budget, increasing tourism and increasing economic development.
“That is our duty as commissioners, to understand, agree and articulate a vision. Lee County’s vision,” he said. “It can only be accomplished through respect and professionalism for each individual. I am humbled to be allowed this opportunity to serve out community.”
Lee County School Board
Newly-elected member Cathleen Morgan took her oath of office with re-elected school board member Jeannie Dozier.
Morgan, who replaces Jane Kuckel as the District 3 representative — which includes Bonita Springs — thanked voters for putting their trust in her.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to begin this journey with each of you,” she said, adding that Kuckel left “very big” shoes to fill.
She pledged to help improve education in Lee County.
“I want to graduate students ready for life and work and higher education, ready to participate in the community as good citizens,” she said.
A former vice president at JP Morgan, she said she plans to be the “voice for financial responsibility.”
2012 ELECTIONS - GENERAL ELECTION COVERAGE
Election Day Stories
- Election 2012: 4 more years: Obama declared winner
- Election 2012: Long election lines delay results in Lee County
- Election 2012: Collier voters turn out in record numbers; few problems at polls
- Election 2012: Radel, Diaz-Balart certain winners of Congressional seats
- Election 2012: Veteran legislators win reelection to state House, Senate
- Election 2012: Feder, Page win, Schmitt loses in Collier fire district results
- Election 2012: Newcomers take down incumbents in Marco Council race
- Election 2012: Chilmonik, Dozier in tight race for Lee school board
- Election 2012: Collier voters approve tax-neutral school referendum
- Election 2012: Lohan, Forbes winning Bonita vote for fire district seats
- Election 2012: Republicans win big in Lee Commission races
- Election 2012: Incumbent sheriffs win in Lee, Collier
- Election 2012: Bonita slots referendum hitting jackpot with Lee voters
- Election 2012: Fiala, Nance win Collier Commission races
- Election 2012: Collier judge race a win for McGarity over Turner
- Election 2012: Nelson declares victory, Mack concedes in Senate race
- Election 2012: Exit poll shows economy still the top concern
- Election 2012: New Congress likely to frustrate Obama or Romney
- Election 2012: Obama takes late lead in Florida
- Election 2012: Rivera out, Grayson in -- West, Murphy too close to call
- Election 2012: 3 Florida justices win retention bids
- Election 2012: 8 of 11 proposed Florida amendments defeated
- Election 2012: 3 Republican incumbents lose in Florida House
- Election 2012: GOP marches toward control of House
- Election 2012: Democrats maintain control of Senate
Photo Galleries
- Photos: Connie Mack concedes in Senate race
- Photos: Jeanne Dozier, Lee County School Board District 2 Watch Party
- Photos: Marco Island City Council Race
- Photos: Voting in Collier County
- Photos: Voting in Lee County
- Photos: Voting on Marco Island
- Photos: President Obama wins re-election
- Photos: Mitt Romney concedes in presidential race
Videos
Related Links
- Unofficial: Collier County Results
- Unofficial: Lee County Results
- 2012 Presidential Election State-by-State
- Election Photo Galleries
- Editorial Board video interviews with candidates
- Election Videos
- Share your Election photos at naplesnews.com/participate
- Database: 2012 Presidential Campaign Contributions
- Database: 2012 Presidential Contributions 2nd Quarter
- Florida Democracy: Find stories about the 2012 Florida elections at fldemocracy2012.com
- 2012 Elections Page
Map: Presidential Election State-by-State
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Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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