by Mary-Kate Roan
Staff Writer
The room is filled with smiles that reflect the accomplishment of having worked in the same place for an extended amount of time. Collectively, the group represents over four centuries of work, and some have even climbed the corporate ladder within the City.
“When I first started, I was hired as temporary help,” said Cynthia Nicholas as she sat alongside her mother.
After 25 years of service in the Tax Collector’s Office, Nicholas has not only worked through the terms of five mayors, but also watched her two children grow up. Her son and daughter are both attending Florida A&M University and working towards their professional careers.
As Nicholas’s fellow 25-year-pin recipient Kurt Kraft stepped into the mayor’s office, he was immediately hit with the question that anyone involved in property taxes hears.
“What do you tell customers about the property tax?” asked Mayor John Peyton.
“I tell them that it’s part of the economy,” said Kraft.
Kraft takes his job seriously, which is a good thing considering he’s the City’s senior field appraiser.
Up next is Etheridge Campbell, a 30-year employee with the City. And he has a special gift for Peyton. Turns out his mother worked for Gate Petroleum, which is owned by Peyton’s father Herb Peyton.
“I used to see her every day,” said Peyton at the revelation. “Her office was right beside our break room.”
Several other City employees were also recognized for their years of public service.
Those given 25-year pins were: Peggy Malone (Clerk of Courts), Kraft, Dan Skinner (Public Works), Jeannie Baldwin (Recreation and Community Services) and Nicholas. Those who received a 30-year pin were: Rodney Smith (Central Operations), Campbell, Betty Mays (Clerk of the Courts) and Cheryl Devoux (Clerk of the Courts). The 35-year pins went to: Priscilla “Elaine” Febles (Environmental and Compliance), Beverly Smith (Central Operations), Robert Riley (Planning and Development), Johnnie Walker (Public Works) and Alvera Clark (Public Works).
356-2466