Economic Development hinges on one decision that only the Escambia County Commission can make: Should Valentino’s PEDA (Pensacola Escambia Development Authority that has the commissioners appointing themselves or personal representatives) be in charge of economic development?
All the other decisions about funding, incentives, whether to use PEDC, etc. are easy after this first decision is made. Only the BOCC can make this decision: Who should be in charge PEDA or a private non-profit?
Let’s quit the games and vote on Thursday. No more information is needed. The Chamber presented its plan in March. Commissioner Valentino has now had a two-hour and a one-hour presentations on his PEDA. What else is there to say? How many more PowerPoint presentations are needed?
Will somebody please make a motion? Let’s vote on this and the PEDC can make recommendations on funding, incentives and the other issues.
Email your commissioner and tell him/her to vote on this Thursday.
PEDA or private non-profit? That’s the question.
* District 1
Wilson Robertson
(850) 595-4910 email: district1@co.escambia.fl.us
* District 2
Gene Valentino
(850) 595-4920 email: district2@co.escambia.fl.us
* District 3
Marie Young (Chair)
(850) 595-4930 email: district3@co.escambia.fl.us
* District 4
Grover Robinson (Vice Chair)
(850) 595-4940 email: district4@co.escambia.fl.us
* District 5
Kevin White
(850) 595-4950 email: district5@co.escambia.fl.us