The resignation of Clovis Watson

On March 26, a large advertisement was placed in local newspapers by Alachua City Manager Clovis Watson Jr., serving notice that he will be resigning from his position with the City and outlining the terms of his departure. For those who may not have seen this in the newspaper, I’m posting links to the online High Springs Herald, where you will find the ad and an article reporting the news of Mr. Watson’s announcement. I will post my comments on this development at a later time. –M.C.

[This advertisement, which cost the City over $2,100 to publish, is no longer available online at the Herald.  The text of the message will be made available here.  Stay tuned... MC]

Watson will retire from Alachua’s top job next year, may tackle politics
By Ronald Dupont Jr., Editor
High Springs Herald | March 26, 2009

My Resignation Letter to the People of Alachua

By Clovis Watson Jr.
(a paid advertisement in the High Springs Herald – 3.26.09)

HSH ad 3.26.09

The Alachua Charter Amendments – YES or NO?

On April 14th Alachua voters will be voting on eight amendments to the City Charter. A Sample Ballot and the proposed Charter Amendments can be found on the City of Alachua website (click HERE).

I will comment on the merits of the Charter Amendments, but first let’s take a look at the charter review process from which these amendments originated.

The City Charter was adopted in 1905 and amended in 1989. A Charter Review process has been long overdue, but unfortunately the Charter Amendments appearing on the April 14th ballot did not result from a serious and diligent effort to review the Charter and recommend needed amendments.