10/1/2007

Now that I have been in office for three years, I have had an opportunity to hear from a number of concerned citizens. I welcome your input and will continue to do so.

Whether you are new comer or a native like myself, we can work together to help shape the future of Sumter County in a positive way to make this a better place to live, work, and play.

I will continue to serve you by making sound decisions based on solid moral values and good fiscal management. For example, voting to lower our ad valorem millage below rollback each year for the past three years.

7/6/2007

Commissioner Randy Mask Completes Advanced County Commissioner Training --Graduates completed 27-hour inaugural program titled, “The Florida Forum for County Leaders”--

Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Association of Counties (FAC) presented Sumter County Commissioner Randy Mask with the Advanced County Commissioner (ACC) designation following his completion of “The Florida Forum for County Leaders”, a comprehensive study program developed by the association. Commissioner Mask received the designation along with 25 other county commissioners on June 14 during an awards ceremony held at the FAC Annual Conference in Orlando, FL.

“The comprehensive training and certification gained through FAC really supports my effectiveness to help the citizens of Sumter County,” said Commissioner Randy Mask.

ACC certification is not a requirement to serve as a county commissioner in Florida. However, county commissioners who have completed the Certified County Commissioner program may voluntarily enroll in the advanced program and complete a three-part series of courses totaling 27 hours. The coursework is designed to provide information and enhance leadership skills relevant to a commissioner’s duties and responsibilities as an elected official.

“This inaugural year of the Leadership Forum was a success,” said FAC Executive Director Chris Holley. “These commissioners are committed to advanced education and becoming the best to better serve their county and citizens.”

The ACC program coursework is covered in three intensive sessions focused on leadership with emphasis on growth and development in Florida. FAC is also pleased to announce that the 2007-2008 Florida Forum Program will be sponsored and hosted in conjunction with the University of Florida, IFAS Extension.

Following are the names of the 26 county commissioners who received their ACC designation in 2007: Alachua County Commissioners Rodney Long and Lee Pinkoson; Citrus County Commissioner Vicki Phillips; Collier County Commissioner Frank Halas; Dixie County Commissioner Buddy Lamb; DeSoto County Commissioner Ronald Neads; Duval County Commissioner Suzanne Jenkins; Flagler County Commissioner James O’Connell; Franklin County Commissioners Noah Lockley and Cheryl Sanders; Hendry County Commissioner Janet Taylor; Highlands County Commissioner Barbara Stewart; Holmes County Commissioner Raymon Thomas; Jefferson County Commissioner Jerry Sutphin; Leon County Commissioner Jane Sauls; Levy County Commissioners Nancy Bell and Lilly Rooks; Palm Beach County Commissioner Jeff Koons; Polk County Commissioner Sam Johnson; Santa Rosa County Commissioner Gordon Goodin; Sumter County Commissioner Randy Mask; Suwannee County Commissioner Randy Hatch; Volusia County Commissioners Joie Alexander, Arthur Giles, and Jack Hayman; and, Wakulla County Commissioner Ed Brimner

For more information about the Advanced County Commissioner and the Certified County Commissioner program and courses, visit the FAC web site at www.fl-counties.com.

For more information about the Advanced County Commissioner and the Certified County Commissioner program and courses, visit the FAC web site at www.fl-counties.com.