Candidate: Pinki C. Jackel

I am Pinki Jackel, candidate for County Commissioner District 1.  My campaign theme is “Well done is better than well said.”  I am a full time resident of St. George Island and a native Floridian.  I grew up in nearby Wacissa and graduated from Florida State University.

My memory of the Apalachicola Bay goes back to when I was seven years old, when my father would take me mullet fishing.  Walter Armistead convinced my parents to purchase a home on the Bay in 1980 and we have had a home here for over 40 years.  I am thankful to have been able to enjoy the blessings of the Bay as a child, and share them with my son and grandson.  There is no other Bay in the world like ours.  I am committed to keeping our water as pristine as I remember it from my childhood so future generations will inherit a preserved Bay.

Since I have lived here, I have been a part of hurricanes, fires, floods, bay closures, an oil spill, and Covid 19.  All of these events through the years have strengthened our resolve not only to survive, but to be good neighbors and give a helping hand. I have been blessed and inspired by the many acts of kindness great and small to those including myself that were in need.  I count myself fortunate to live in a small community where kindness is the rule and not the exception.

As children we were raised to always serve others in some capacity.  Growing up, it was helping my father grow a garden that fed many and being one of the last to leave church with my mother.  Serving others is a calling and a duty. The calling never rests for very long, it stirs the soul from a deep place of caring.  The calling for me is to never stop trying to make things better for others and to challenge others to be their best.

We are living in unprecedented times.  We need to protect our freedoms and protect each other.  None of us believe this will be easy going forward.  Our economy in Franklin County has been devastated over night like so many others. We must preserve our jobs and our livelihoods while balancing our environment.  We can do this, but we must be leaders and we must be smart.  Local government should be proactive and not reactive.  Small businesses in Eastpoint and St. George Island will not survive the current lack of leadership. Leaders make decisions that help businesses keep their doors open.

I was honored to serve as your County Commissioner for 7 years, and honored to be asked by the Governor to serve.  My focus as Commissioner was making sure District 1 received improvements, projects, and services from tax dollars and all the resources in Franklin County. When I entered office, the problems I faced were the worst roads and boat ramps in the county, and the overall neglect of Eastpoint and St. George Island.  Now, only 5 years later, District 1 has shockingly fallen back into a state of neglect.  Don’t you want things to be better for your family and community?

I’ve watched the Eastpoint Pavilion and boat ramp we built in 2010 be destroyed and not rebuilt.  I’ve waited for the promise to dredge the Eastpoint Chanel to be fulfilled. Where did the funding go?  The Old Ferry Dock landing has continued to deteriorate. The St. George Island boat ramp and access road are not safe for boaters or boats.  Where are the State’s boating improvement dollars being spent? Who is working for District 1?

Why should you vote for Pinki?  I am the most qualified and experienced candidate in this race.  I have proven I will work for you, representing Eastpoint and St. George Island fairly.  I have a reputation for getting things accomplished.  I know how to set goals, and how to bring people together to solve problems.  I have demonstrated when you call me I’ll answer and I will listen to your concerns. I will be a full time Commissioner.

Voting for Pinki means I will never vote to raise your taxes, I will be prepared to make the tough decisions that should be made and I will never follow, but lead for District 1.

What does the future hold for District 1with me as your commissioner? The future is now, vote for Pinki, it’s time to get District 1 back to good. Remember, “Well done is better than well said.”

I humbly ask for your vote and support. I thank you and may God Bless you and your family, and our Nation.