BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Ten individuals applied to become members of Starke’s first charter review committee, and commissioners approved all of them to serve.
Committee members will meet at least monthly with city officials to and legal representatives to review and modernize the charter, something that hasn’t taken place since its original adoption.
The committee members are as follows:
Samantha Jones-Caldarelli worked at UPS for more than 20 years as an award-winning enterprise account executive. She said she has lived in the city for 25 years and has time and interest in improving Starke.
Michael Heeder works with Bradford County Emergency Management with 40-plus years of experience in public safety. He said the 100-plus-year-old charter needs clarity.
Brenda Donaldson is retired as an educator and school administrator after 37 years of service. She said the committee will offer the unique opportunity impact the fundamental rules governing the community.
Alvin Hunter is a veteran who works with the local American Legion post and has been an outspoken member of the community at city commission meetings.
Jeff Johnson served as Starke police chief for 17 years. He said he would love to “get this charter fixed,” adding this review has been a long time coming.
Glenda Ruise is a retired school administrator who said it is both important and a civil responsibility to help bring Starke into the 21st Century by updating its charter. She said she would work to ensure the city’s constitutional framework aligns with modern needs and values.
Harry Hatcher III is a pastor and retired school administrator and businessman. He said his desire is for the community to be the best we can make it.
Brad Smith is chief deputy for the Bradford County Sheriff’s office with more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. He said the charter committee will have a long-term impact on the city and he has both a historical understanding of the city and a vision for its future.
Jennifer Weller works for The Arc of Bradford County with experience teaching, team building and caregiving. Starke is her hometown and where she chose to raise her daughter, and she sees potential for Starke’s very bright future. A rewritten charter will be a positive step for growth and development, she said.
Courtney Williamson, a Rainbow Center teacher, said it’s important that the charter committee have members from all walks of life. It will dictate what happens in the city for generations to come, she said, including her children. She said she loves the city and wants it to grow and be successful.
The committee will meet prior to commission meetings with the first meeting set for Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m.
