Writer supports Keating-Joseph for commissioner
To the Editor:
Krista Keating-Joseph has been my friend for several years. We both at one time lived in Citrus County, Florida, and together along with a couple of additional Citrus County Hospital Board Trustees ensured that our local hospital Citrus Memorial would remain as an acute-care hospital. The hospital was reportedly “near bankruptcy.” Our board made it our mission to salvage the institution. Through perseverance and strong conservative-valued mission, we were able to secure a long-term lease with Hospital Corporation of America.
We spent many, many hours in meetings and discussions. Our board faced an uphill climb within the community “system” since many involved in the prior hospital management were all linked within the community and did not want much needed change.
Conservative values, honesty, and integrity prevailed. During this time, up until the lease in2014, Krista demonstrated her strength in a focused mindset and did not succumb to outside pressures.
Krista, during this ordeal and shortly thereafter, not only demonstrated conservative strength but also the strength of motherhood. She lost one of her sons, Charlie, in the national conflicts of war. Charlie, as is his brother, was a Navy SEAL. His death added to her resume, that of a Gold Star mother. Fortunately, not many have this title, but she like many of them has remained devoted to America and American values. Krista is guided by her faith and general caring for her family, community and country.
Krista will serve St. John County with integrity, compassion and insistence on actions that will benefit the majority of the community — unlike others who seem to act on behalf of a few. She has, to me and others, demonstrated she can be polite but firm.
Debbie Ressler
EDITOR’S NOTE: Krista Keating-Joseph is a candidate for St. Johns County Commissioner.
Community praised for generosity at MS silent auction
To the Editor:
When it comes to supporting charities and the Beaches community, local retailers, business owners, service providers and residents score an A+. This year's 10th annual National Multiple Sclerosis Society Awareness Silent Auction is a perfect example.
Nearly 300 items valued at more than $39,000 were donated for this year's event. A record $27,000 was raised to help provide programs and services for those impacted by MS in Northeast Florida.
Many of the local businesses have suffered the past 18 to 24 months with inventory, staffing issues and drop offs in customers. Some were even forced to close temporarily. You wouldn't have known it by their generosity.
Special kudos to Will Rodgers and his team at Mr. Chubby's Wings, host of the silent auction. And many thanks to the 150-plus area residents who turned out to bid.
Since 2013, the event has raised more than $190,000, a portion of the $1.4 million fundraised in total by the sponsoring 25-person Big Banana cycling team.
Bruce Reid, Linda Bushong-Reid and Elaine Wright
10th annual MS Awareness Silent Auction tri-chairs
