Kingsley Takes The Helm

BROOKSVILLE - As expected, Chris Kingsley on Wednesday was unanimously appointed chairman of the county commission for 2008.

Kingsley, a Democrat, succeeds Republican Jeff Stabins, whose yearlong tenure was marked by a turbulent budget year and a controversial Spring Hill Fire Rescue District meeting.

Stabins also brought to the post a sense of humor that served him well when proceedings often became intense.

With Kingsley's appointment, the chairmanship once more is turned over to the majority party on the board.

Before turning his seat over to the new chairman, Stabins had gag gifts for Kingsley to help him get adjusted to the pressures of his new job: A box of aspirin and a well-known liquid laxative.

Kingsley presented Stabins with a plaque honoring him for his "confidence, courage (and) guidance" during what turned out to be a "semi-turbulent" year.

Commissioner Diane Rowden thanked Stabins for instituting two new wrinkles to the board meetings: A pre-meeting invocation and the presence of a veteran or active military figure reciting the pledge of allegiance.

Soon after becoming chairman last year, Stabins said he intended to lead the board and the citizens in prayer before every county commission meeting, land use hearing and other business gatherings.

He said he would use nonsectarian language to avoid offending anyone.

At the time, County Attorney Garth Coller advised him not to do it because of legal repercussions and strict rules set down by the courts.

But Coller said Wednesday that Stabins did a good job of walking that fine legal line.

Stabins was criticized for occasionally allowing citizens and other speakers to exceed the three-minute speaking rule during meetings.

He also received heat after an emotional county commission meeting dealing with Spring Hill Fire Rescue District governance when he allowed character attacks and outbursts to go unchecked. Stabins said that meeting was not a highlight of his tenure and that those events never reoccurred.

Stabins said he tried to err on the side of free speech whenever possible.

Kingsley said recently he planned to continue with the invocations. But he said he would hold speakers closer to the three-minute rule.

Kingsley said he has a drier wit than Stabins, so don't expect the same kind of humor.

Commissioners on Wednesday also named Rose Rocco first vice chairwoman and David Russell second vice chair.