- April 25, 2024
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Can the governments of Flagler Beach and Flagler County work together better?
Some time ago, Flagler Beach City Commission Chairman Ken Bryan was meeting with Flagler Beach City Manager William Whitson and said, “It’s unfortunate that we don’t have a good working relationship with our counterparts.” Bryan suggested that the city should meet face to face with leaders of Flagler County. Bryan noted that he had the same approach to facilitate communication between municipalities when he was serving as chairman of the St. Johns County Commission in years past.
The meeting took place June 14. County Commission Chairman Joe Mullins posted a photo from the meeting on Facebook, calling it a “great meeting … to discuss how to work together to lower the burden on tax payers and grow our amazing beach.”
Bryan spoke at the June 20 County Commission meeting to thank Mullins for meeting together in person, rather than being “adversarial.”
“If we have things to say, let’s get together and talk about it, and stay off the keyboards,” Bryan said, meaning to stop using social media to criticize each other’s actions.
Mullins acknowledged that, contrary to other criticisms he’d made about Flagler Beach’s decision to cancel July Fourth fireworks, he now understands the city’s decision.
Mullins also said he believes the county needs to serve the cities better. “We are at the service of the county,” he said, “not just the rural and unincorporated (areas).”
County Commissioners Dave Sullivan and Greg Hansen applauded the collaborative effort of face-to-face meetings. County Commissioner Andy Dance added, “Sounds like the way business was done before the internet. Let’s do it.”
Mullins concluded by saying he believes county staff can help the city find grant funding for future projects that benefit the residents.
“Talking to you,” Mullins said to Bryan, “it made me realize, the most important part of the bridge, it’s what’s on both sides.”
