The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners welcomed two new members to the dais at the regular meeting on November 29, 2022.
Commissioners Jerry Campbell and Brian Hawkins were sworn in by Fifth Judicial Circuit Administrative Judge Daniel B. Merritt Jr. before taking their seats as first-day commissioners.
Campbell and Hawkins, both Republicans, won their seats during the Primary election on August 23, 2022. Campbell will serve District 4 and Hawkins, District 2.
After the new Commissioners took their oath of office, the Board chose its new officers for the 2022-23 year. Commissioner Jerry Campbell nominated John Allocco for Board Chair, which Commissioner Brian Hawkins seconded.
Commissioner Campbell nominated Commissioner Beth Narverud for Vice Chair and Commissioner Hawkins seconded this nomination.
Commissioner Narverud nominated Chairman Steve Champion for Second Vice Chair, which Commissioner Hawkins seconded.
All Officers were approved unanimously.
The new commissioners and officers adjourned briefly before returning in their new capacities to attend to the business of the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting. Upon reconvening, Chairman Allocco recognized outgoing Chairman Champion for appreciation of his outstanding leadership and unselfish dedication to the citizens of Hernando County.
Chairman Allocco commended Champion for a job well done. But, he added with a laugh, “For those of you who don’t know, it can be very challenging, especially during citizen’s comments. I’m sure we’ll find out today.”
To Champion, he said, “You got to sit here with a straight face and know that some things are not very nice that are said to you, but you did a good job. You got us through what I think was a very challenging year.”
The new Commissioners expressed their thoughts on their first day during Commissioners’ Comments, the final segment of the meeting. “Way to hit the ground running,” Commissioner Hawkins said of the conclusion of his first meeting. “I appreciate everybody with the warm thoughts. I’m humbled to be in this position, and I want to thank everyone who was a part of it.”
Commissioner Campbell congratulated Commissioner Hawkins and expressed appreciation for serving with his fellow commissioners. In addition, he thanked the county staff for assisting him with onboarding. To the citizens of Hernando County, Campbell said, “Some of the best ideas come from the people.”
