The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - October 10, 2012
Levy County businessman Jamie Griffin is running
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
From Dawn's Front Porch
for District 1 Levy County Commission
Levy County District 1 Candidate Jamie Griffin will use business skills as County
Commentary By Newscaster Contributor Dawn Clary
Commissioner.
Had It – In 1995 a man ran for president of the student body at the University of Florida. A
Griffin, 51, who was born and raised in Bronson, has invested
campus group, in opposition to the candidate, posted fliers on campus falsely accusing the
heavily in Levy County because he believes in the county and respects its
man of being a child molester. The man sued. He won. The group, Florida Blue Key, was
people, its traditions, its God-centered way of life and its economy that is
found guilty of smearing the man and awarded $250,000 in damages. Blue Key ironically is
rooted in agriculture, timber production and aquaculture.
a honorary society at the university and its alumni include many political big names such as
He strongly believes his business background will be an asset
Senators Connie Mack, Marco Rubio and Bob Graham. The case was a small, very unflat-
to Levy County government, and that the budget of the county should be
tering portrait of what our political process has become. It’s less than 30 days to the election
managed in ways that are financially sound and fiscally conservative. He
and from the stuff that is coming across my computer, it makes me wonder sometimes if
will be guided by business principles and common sense.
there is anyone out there in internet land who is trying to convince anyone to vote their way
Griffin owns and operates Bett’s Big T Restaurant in Chiefland, the Seabreeze Res-
because of the issues. Apparently no one must think they have any good ideas or arguments
taurant on the waterfront in Cedar Key, the Bronson Restaurant in Bronson and the Fireside
for their beliefs because it seems epidemic to just send out accusations, and sometimes flat
Grill in Cross City. He is responsible for employing many and would like to bring more jobs
out lies. The propaganda is stunning. One email claimed that the Republican candidate
to Levy County, especially for the young people who want to build a life and raise a family
for president had said that he was “too important to go to Vietnam”. While the Republican
on Levy County soil. They need jobs and the income to put food on the table, a roof over
candidate was of age during the Vietnam conflict, he did not serve but received four draft
their head and to prosper. They shouldn’t have to commute to other counties to get jobs.
deferments. However, he did not make the statement that he was “too important”, per
Griffin also believes construction of the Tri-County Hospital in Chiefland is critical
Snopes.com the false statement was picked up from a web site that had printed it as political
for growth and to meet the medical needs of the tri-county area, and he also wants to work
satire and was a spoof. On the other side, a nutty claim about the Democratic presidential
with Williston to grow its hospital services. “Healthcare is so important to people. It is im-
candidate entailed a call to a radio talk show from a supposed brain surgeon that claimed he
portant to me too”, he said.
had been to meeting in Washington and made the claim that the Obama Health Care Plan
He welcomes the opportunity to serve the people of Levy County and respectfully
disallows advanced neurosurgery for patients over 70. The American Association of Neuro-
asks for their vote on Nov. 6 in the general election.
logical Surgeons (AANS) released a statement debunking the call. They said that the caller
“I would like to express my sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to my fam-
was not in fact a neurosurgeon and they are unaware of any such policy. No such meeting
ily, friends, and Levy County citizens for giving me a second chance to seek and serve you
took place. A representative of the Department of Health and Human Services said the
in the position of Levy County Commissioner in my hometown district of Bronson. It is an
false claims were simply made up. The list of false claims about candidates is long and does
honor and a privilege and I am truly humbled by your support and encouragement. It has
not reflect well on our country. The problem is that some people will believe such false-
also been a joy to be back in business in Levy County and being able to become reacquaint-
hoods. Research out the issues. It has been said that the Electoral College exists because
ed with everyone from the past and to meet new friends. You will never know how blessed
our founding fathers did not trust the public totally and wanted to put in a safety measure
I feel to be welcomed back as I have been,” Griffin said.
incase the voters made a crazy choice. I used to think that was not good. Now I’m not so
Griffin enjoys living and working in Levy County. He was raised in Bronson,
sure. Good Night and Good Luck
which has been home for him for his entire life. He is active as the pianist and organist at the
Bronson United Methodist Church, which is also the church where his Mother and Father
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were members until their passing in 1991. His Mother, Elizabeth Griffin, was raised in Ro-
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“I love my church family and my hometown. I graduated from Bronson High
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School and attended Santa Fe Community College in Gainesville. I have been in business
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constantly in Levy County since 1981. I am a Christian and a fiscal conservative,” Griffin
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Griffin is the former Mayor of Bronson and has not forgotten the huge mistake that
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changed his life, but he has moved on and learned lessons that will stay with him forever.
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The experience has made him a better person.
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“I took responsibility for the mistake, I paid my debt back and I took my punish-
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ment without grumbling,” he said. “I have asked for forgiveness from God, my Church, my
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Family, my Friends, and from my Community. Most have forgiven, some have not, but the
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ball is in their court. I did wrong but I have done everything I know possible to make it right
and now it is time to move on in a positive direction. Thank you for your support during the
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darkest days of my life.”
Griffin believes he could serve the people of Levy County in ways that will make
their lives better. He believes it is important for him to become part of the team of Levy
County Commissioners, working together to build strong working relationships in order to
accomplish goals. One of his goals is to make Levy County government debt free. “Elimi-
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nating debt will free funds that can be spent to make the community stronger.” He wants to
work with current county employees to create an atmosphere of service to the community
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I view County government as a business. It needs to be operated with business principles.”
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