County Commissioner Wins Prestigious Award > Government > Stories > Hutchinson Island N

Latest Postings

Vero Beach Boat Show Nov. 21st & 22nd ( Vero Marine Center )
Saturday In The Park with Authors and Artists ( Janie Hoover )
Sign Up for October 31 Talent Show by October 19 ( Janie Hoover )
Anthea Harris in Concert October 25 ( Janie Hoover )
Car Show and Family Fun...PALTOBERFEST ! ( Janie Hoover )

share a story | more postings »

YourHub.com \\ Hutchinson Island N \\ Stories \\ News \\ Government

County Commissioner Wins Prestigious Award

e-mail to a friend | print this | link to this

NEXT › ‹ PREVIOUS

Contributed by: St. Lucie County on 1/23/2006

ST. LUCIE COUNTY COMMISSIONER DOUG COWARD WINS PRESTIGIOUS 2005 PUBLIC OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association recognizes government and planning officials who have promoted sound planning principles. Today, at the organization’s annual legislative forum breakfast, Commissioner Doug Coward was awarded the 2005 Public Official of the Year service award in recognition of his advocacy for his distinguished public service in promoting sustainable communities and excellence in planning as a St. Lucie County Commissioner and member of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council.

Michael Busha, Executive Director of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, nominated Commissioner Coward for the award and also presented him with the honor this morning in Palm Beach Gardens. Mr. Busha presented the award to Commissioner Coward in front of Treasure Coast professionals, local elected officials and state representatives including State Reps. Mary Brandenburg, Carl Domino and Susan Bucher.

“Commissioner Coward comes to the job with conviction to a system of growth management that is fair to everyone,” said Mr. Busha. “It was easy for me to nominate him, as well as present the award to him, because Commissioner Coward is committed to a great St. Lucie County and Treasure Coast.”

In 2005, Commissioner Coward, along with his fellow Commissioners, implemented several important growth management strategies and initiatives for St. Lucie County. In October, the Commission approved the transmittal to the State regarding the unique Towns, Villages and Countryside (TVC) concept of planning for northern St. Lucie County. Also, the Commission reviewed and conceptually approved the Rural Lands Stewardship Program. The program, one of the first of its kind in the state, will allow for the transfer of development rights to preserve the rural lands of the Adams Ranch forever. Additionally in 2005, after a marathon 12-hour public hearing, Commissioner Coward and the Board unanimously rejected FP&L’s proposed coal-burning power plant planned for western St. Lucie County.

“There’s no doubt that Commissioner Coward is a leader in land planning issues, whether its working with the private sector or the public,” said St. Lucie County Commissioner Joseph E. Smith. “This award is befitting to his commitment of sustainable land use models.”

“It’s been an honor to work together with Commissioner Coward on the important growth management initiatives that we, as a Commission, have been faced with over the last year,” said Commissioner Chris Craft. “I congratulate him and look forward to seeing those initiatives come to fruition, especially in north St. Lucie County.”

Commissioner Coward recently served on the Committee for a Sustainable Treasure Coast created by Senator Ken Pruitt.

“Commissioner Coward’s dedication to the Committee for a Sustainable Treasure Coast was a tribute to his vision for the Treasure Coast,” said Sen. Pruitt. “I am confident St. Lucie County is in excellent hands, not only for the building of roads and schools, but its natural communities, social system and economy as well.”

While accepting his award, Commissioner Coward was quick to point out that, although he was honored to receive such recognition from peers, he noted that he accepted this award on behalf of all the residents of St. Lucie County who have been directly involved in growth management issues and receptive to alternative ideas and strategies.

“While I have been working hard to promote ‘smart growth,’ I clearly recognize that the progress St. Lucie County has been making over the last few years is due to the support of many organizations and individuals including the residents, my fellow elected officials and groups like the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council.”

[Report this as objectionable content.]

SUBMIT COMMENT

Rate the above story