Editor’s Note: The Santa Rosa Press Gazette will feature Milton City Council candidates running in the Nov. 8 election. We continue this multi-part series with current councilmember R.L. Lewis, who seeks re-election to Seat 1 in Ward IV while running against Casey Powell.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a lifelong resident of Santa Rosa County, and I have lived in the city of Milton all my life. I am the son of the late R.V and Ethel Louise Lewis. I was married to the late Paulette Larkins Lewis for 52 years (until her passing in 2015). I have one daughter, Cheryl Shakur; one granddaughter, Shante Shakur; and two precious great-grandchildren, Isabella and Isaiah, all of Milton, Florida.
I graduated from T.R. Jackson High School of Milton, Florida. After graduation, I attended Pensacola Junior College prior to enlisting in the United States Army. After serving my country and receiving an honorable discharge, I transitioned into the civilian workforce. I was employed in management with the Monsanto Company in Pensacola, Florida, where I retired after 32 years as a supervisor in the Tire Yarn Department. My career also includes over 40 years of working in the funeral industry where I have trained numerous individuals, which has contributed to the local workforce. I currently work as a funeral counselor with a local funeral home in Milton.
I am honored to be able to work in an industry where I can comfort many families during the most difficult time in their lives. The components of my multi-faceted career are the ideal ingredients needed to serve my constituents of Milton, Florida in the most diverse and challenging situations.
While currently serving as the city councilman, Ward 4, Seat 2, who serves as chairman of the city Public Works Committee, I am actively involved in many civic and community organizations, and I am a dedicated member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church, where I am chairman of the Deacon Board. I am humbled to have been the first African-American to be sworn in as the mayor of Milton, Florida. I also find it an honor as an African-American to have held several positions and obtain awards within Northwest Florida. For example, first African American on the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary in Northwest Florida to retire as sergeant; the first councilman in Santa Rosa County to receive the God in Government Award 2015, and the first councilman in Northwest Florida to receive from the president of the United States the Volunteer Service Award in 2010.
I have also served on the following committees with the Florida League of Cities Inc.:
- Florida State Rural Development Council
- Inter-Government Relations Policy Committee
- Legislative Committee
- Metropolitan Planning Organization
- Florida Sickle Cell Foundation
- Santa Rosa Mental Health Rehabilitation
- City of Milton Electric Code
During your time on the Milton City Council, what have you been most proud to see accomplished?
The accomplishments in this community that I am most proud of while serving as city councilman are my hands-on contributions to the collective efforts of our local BRAC Committee, which included local citizens, county commissioners and a city council person that prevented the closure of NAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida.
BRAC, which stands for Base Realignment and Closure, is used by the Department of Defense to reorganize military bases’ structure, which can include base closure. The effective communication among our local BRAC Committee and federal personnel in Washington D.C. benefited the local economy in Milton, Florida by maintaining the operations of NAS Whiting Field, which is benefiting our local community.
In addition to the BRAC Committee project, some of the other accomplished ventures are:
- Enhanced infrastructure
- Worked with the city council to develop the master plan for the sports complex at the community center, which included the basketball court, tennis court, baseball/softball field, skateboarding ramps, etc.
- Renovation at Lucille Johnson Park, Gill-Bass Park and Carpenter Park, which included playground equipment and the R&R Fishing Pier and Foot Bridge.
If re-elected, what would you like to see accomplished in Milton?
As the city councilman, Ward 4, Seat 2, who serves as chairman of the city Public Works Committee, I am seeking re-election because of my loyalty and belief in the importance of providing a service that is to the betterment of the Milton, Florida and the community at large.
I believe, as a member of the city council, it is essential to have obtained experience in the city government process. In addition, it is vital to have the combination of educational training that is commensurate with the council office; public administration; moral principle; and strong people skills, which contribute to the enhancement of our lovely city of Milton.
Our city is growing fast and is part of the Northwest Florida Economic Development Region. With my dedication and experience, I would like to continue to utilize my expertise, as I believe that I am qualified to provide a service in working with the city manager and staff, the mayor and other council members.
Moreover, I would be humbled to continue to work for our fine citizens of Milton, Florida.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Lewis wants to continue sharing expertise for Milton