Hayward Nominates Terry for RESTORE

By Jeremy Morrison
Mayor Ashton Hayward has called for a special Pensacola City Council meeting tomorrow to consider his new nominee for the city’s seat on Escambia County’s RESTORE advisory committee. He is nominating Gulf Power VP Bentina Terry.

“She’s a highly qualified person that most council members know and are familiar with,” said city spokesman Derek Cosson.

Terry is Gulf Power’s vice president for external affairs and corporate services. She is also Escambia County Commissioner Lumon May’s pick—her name submitted Jan. 9—to fill a citizen at-large seat on the RESTORE advisory committee.

“Apparently not,” Cosson said.

A call to May was not immediately returned. County staff is currently verifying the status of the commissioner’s RESTORE pick.

Hayward has apparently spoken with all but two council members—he has yet to reach Larry B. Johnson and Sherri Myers—and feels that he has adequate support for Terry. The council must ultimately approve or reject the mayor’s nominee.

“I don’t know if we want to count our chickens, but I think it was fairly positive,” Cosson said.

Tomorrow’s special meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at Pensacola City Hall. As per county guidelines, it is the final day for the city to put forth a RESTORE representative.