Barry Evans and George Touart both held the Escambia County Administrator’s position longer than anyone else. Both served under County Commissioner Mike Whitehead. Both retired under fire. Evans’ pressure was from the county commission. primarily Whitehead. Touart’s from the public.
Evans is credited with tackling civil service, rebuilding reserves and bringing more professionalism to county government. He survived ouster attempts in 1996, 1997 and 1998 – while Whitehead was on the county commission.
Touart is Mike Whitehead’s friend. Touart and Whitehead are BFF. They have hunted together in Wisconsin and at Neal Nash’s hunting camp. We’ve heard of other trips that they’ve taken together. Touart also did a good job of buddying up to former Commissioner Bill Dickson – becoming his business partner.
How much of Touart’s long tenure is due to him making friends with his bosses? And will his friendship with Whitehead be enough to get him a big paycheck upon retirement?