Following their victories in the recent municipal elections, Carol Gillespie and Daniel Williams were officially sworn into their respective seats on the Lake Wales City Commission.
At the recent city commission meeting on Tuesday evening, both Gillespie and Williams assumed their roles on Seat 4 and 2 respectively on the Lake Wales City Commission. Both commissioners were sworn into their roles at the start of the meeting.
Commissioner Gillespie defeated incumbent City Commissioner Danny Krueger during the race with an overwhelming 1,325 votes (more than 57 percent) to Kruegers’ 983, according to figures from the Polk County Supervisor of Elections.
Meanwhile, Williams secured his seat with 939 votes (more than 42 percent of the total vote), defeating opponents Brandon Alvarado and Crystal Higbee, according to the election figures.
As for former Commissioner Krueger, he was honored for his term with an official plaque presented by city staff.
Both Gillespie and Williams started their new term on the city commission by joining in the unanimous vote to approve an ordinance that would change the Charter and Code of Ordinances respectively to place the issue of run-off elections on next year’s ballot.
Their next vote was to appoint the roles of deputy mayor and representatives for the airport authority, housing authority, and the Ridge League Of Cities. Robin Gibson was appointed to serve as deputy mayor once more, while the other three positions were filled by Mayor Jack Hilligoss. Daniel Williams, and Carol Gillespie.
Commissioner Gibson expressed his gratitude and appreciation for continuing his role as deputy mayor, especially since that position oversees community redevelopment, an issue he takes personally to heart.
“I appreciate your sentiments,” he commented. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my fellow commissioners. We have had some bumps in the road, but I am committed to doing it.”
