Last night we held a party for those on the 2008 Most Influential and Powerful list. I presented Fred Levin, last year’s #1, and Collier Merrill, this year’s #1, with trophies made by glass blower extraordinaire Joe Hobbs. The party was held at Jackson’s.
I led off with this quote from Abraham Lincoln: “If you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”
We are all tested every day with how we use our power and influential. Will it be for our own personal gain or will it be to serve our entire community?
We are eight years into the 21st Century and we still battling tremendous issues of poverty, education, health, lack of jobs, etc. People are truly hurting.
I challenged those in the crowd to use their influence and power to make a real difference. We are on the precipice where we can either move towards greatness or disaster.
I told them that while we might note always agree and maybe even be on the opposite sides of some issues, we need to keep what is best for Pensacola as a primary goal. If we do then our differences can help us forge better ideas and better plans.
Those attending the party included: Collier Merrill, Jim Reeves, Fred Levin, Susan Story, Mort O’Sullivan, Lacey Collier, Mike Papantonio, Jim Cronley, Bob Kerrigan, Eric Nickelsen, Ken Ford, Kevin Doyle, DeeDee Ritchie, Evon Emerson, Ellis Bullock III, Nancy Fetterman, John Griffing
Charles Carlan, Steve Sorrell, Lawrence Schill, Brian Spencer, John Peacock, Lois Benson
Ernie Lee Magaha, Don Salter, Marie Young, Grover Robinson IV, Dave Murzin, John Jerralds
Clay Ford