DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — What a difference eight monhs.
After finishing third in the running for the Walton County administrator’s job, former Commissioner Larry Jones of Mossy Head was the overwhelming choice Tuesday to step into the post abandoned by Robert Halfhill in April.
After the commission voted unanimously to accept Jones’ nomination and pay him $128,000, County Commission Chairman Ken Pridgen, a close friend of Jones, asked him if he could start “this afternoon or tomorrow morning.”
Jones said he could.
“That’s the right answer,” chimed in Commissioner Bill Chapman.
Jones, who served 12 years as a commissioner and was hired as the county’s special projects coordinator in April. He was the first choice from among four administrator candidates on the ballots of four of the five commissioners. The fifth commissioner, Sara Comander, ranked Jones second.
“Congratulations boss,” a smiling interim Administrator Gerry Demers said as he shook Jones’ hand after the selection was made.
Jones, whose candidacy for the administrator’s job in January was eyed skeptically, even suspiciously, by residents of South Walton, appeared a popular choice this time around. He was surrounded by well-wishers, and Suzanne Harris — who filed an ethics complaint against Jones in 2011 that was later dismissed — warmly embraced him.
Jones said he couldn’t quite put his finger on why, but definitely recognized the mood change on his behalf.
“There’s been a change in the political climate. Some of the commissioners are a little more seasoned,” he said. “I hope what we’ve done these last couple of months is indicative of what we will do: Move initiatives forward. That’s important.”
As special projects coordinator, Jones was key in landing a trucking operation as the first tenant at the long dormant Mossy Head Industrial Park. On Tuesday, his effort to provide commissioners with alternatives needed to solve a garbage collection fee issue important to condominium owners was roundly applauded.
Harris said Jones’ recent work had made an impression on South Walton residents.
“I think Larry has made an effort to come south and look at problems like double fire rates and garbage,” she said. “He is legitimately trying very hard to look at how to work together to solve our problems.”
A rift between the residents and politics of rural north Walton and more affluent coastal South Walton has existed for years. It was listed as a detriment to economic development in a recent study done by senior professionals associated with Northwest Florida State College.
Jones said he tried as a commissioner and will continue to try as county administrator to work with everyone. He said he believes the present board of commissioners is ready to try to smooth over differences between north and south.
“I certainly think a key ingredient to a successful staff is to have an unimpeded line of communication with the commissioners,” he said.
Jones, 54, said his role will be to provide commissioners with “significant information and data to make an informed decision.”
He is the fourth man to hold the administrator’s job since Ronnie Bell retired in July 2009. He said he hopes to make a career of the position.
“I hope I can hold it. I hope it’s the last job I ever have,” he said.
Halfhill, the last administrator, left after just a month on the job, citing personal issues. Findings of an investigation launched following his sudden departure into complaints filed by four female employees has yet to be released to the public.
County spokesman Louis Svehla said recently that County Attorney Mark Davis had completed interviews with the complainants and was preparing a report.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Tom McLaughlin at 850-315-4435 or tmclaughlin@nwfdailynews.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomMnwfdn.