Mike Fulford and April Johnson-Spence have individually announced their candidacies to become the Hernando County Commissioner for District 2 as county commissioner Wayne Dukes will leave this post at the end of his term (2022). Dukes was elected as county commissioner for District 2 Nov. 2, 2010; then re-elected in 2014 and 2018.
A professional civil and environmental engineer, Fulford currently serves as chairman of the Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission and is vice-chair of the Hernando County Waterways Advisory Committee.
He is a member of the Citizens Emergency Response Team, the Hernando Beach Property Owners Association, and retired as a Colonel from the Army Corps of Engineers.
If elected in 2022, Fulford says he will look out for taxpayers’ best interests.
“They hire us and elected officials work for the voters,” he said. “Second priority is to be a good steward of the public purse.”
He would also cultivate a business-friendly environment and address issues connected with the area’s rapid growth.
According to the Hernando County Supervisor of Elections website, April Marie Johnson Spence has filed to oppose him in the 2022 election. She announced her candidacy on March 31.
“As a County Commissioner I want to focus on building better connections to our government departments for residents and business owners in Hernando County. I will work with the administration to find opportunities for public/ private collaborations within the county and increase financial and volunteer capacity without raising taxes. A community is stronger when a government listens, engages, and welcomes the citizens’ input” said Johnson-Spence.
A Hernando County resident for nearly 17 years, she describes herself as a dedicated wife and a mother to 4 wonderful children. A campaign statement explains, “As an alumni from PHSC with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management/ Public Safety, she uses her education in her work as a District Community Development Coordinator at LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.” Johnson-Spence has held numerous leadership positions in local organizations.
The Board of County Commissioners is Hernando County’s chief legislative body.
Its five county commissioners are elected to four-year terms and represent the geographical districts in which they reside. The Board approves the budget, adopts local ordinances and resolutions and establishes policies related to the health, safety and welfare of those who live in the County.
