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Wayne Saunders
(Articles are in reverse chronological order)
Tab 10
Orlando Sentinel - Orlando, Fla.
May 2, 1993
A TIP OF THE HAT TO GOOD PUBLIC SERVANTS
Author: Sam Fenton
Government is an easy mark. You don't have to even break a sweat to find examples of
inefficiency and ineffectiveness. In the way of this world of ours, good government often gets
overlooked. But not this time.
Several months ago in this space I suggested Mount Dora should find a more experienced city
manager to run City Hall until elected leaders and the voters decided whether they wanted to
continue with the manager style of government or go to a system in which a strong mayor runs
daily business.
I suggested interim City Manager Bernice Brinson may not be up to the task.
I was wrong. The devastating winter storm of March 13 and the weeks that followed proved I
was wrong.
Bernice Brinson did a tremendous job organizing the city's troops for a most difficult task of
restoring power and water, clearing streets and cleaning up hundreds of tons of debris.
Except for a couple of hours sleep, she worked round the clock the day the storm hit. During the
rest of the week, 17- to 18-hour workdays were the norm. And the job continues to this day.
Brinson showed calm and courage under the most intense of fire. She and Public Services
Director Rod Stroupe did the best job possible with the manpower and resources available.
So my hat is off to you, Bernice Brinson.
Speaking of good government, I would also like to commend some other public servants in Lake
County.
Clermont City Manager Wayne Saunders. You don't hear much about Clermont city
government because Saunders has it running like a finely tuned Mercedes engine.
Clermont continues to have one of the very lowest tax rates in the county, yet has been able to
improve utility services, build impressive recreational facilities and manage growth in a very
wise manner.
There's no doubt about it: For the value of services received, living in Clermont is one of the best
deals in all of Central Florida.
[Article shortened as the rest did not deal with either Mr. Saunders or Clermont.]
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