Dick Williams is a long-time St. Johns County resident who recently announced his candidacy for the St. Johns County Commission District 4 seat.
Can you please tell us about your professional and civic background?
My business career spanned over 30 years of executive management of commercial radio stations throughout the U.S. In 2006, I retired following six years as vice president and general manager of five Northeast Florida radio stations, including conservative news talk radio station WOKV 690.
In 2008, I came out of retirement and accepted the challenge of turning around a financially stressed local nonprofit and successfully guiding it through the “Great Recession.” It was through my nonprofit experiences that I learned first-hand the difficulties small business owners face meeting a payroll and making every dollar count.
I have been active in community activities, serving as a member of the United Way of St. Johns County Campaign Cabinet, as a board member of the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach and as a member of the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach. Recently, I was honored to be appointed by the St Johns County School Board to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee to assist in selecting a new superintendent.
What has inspired you to run for county commission?
I have been a homeowner and resident of Ponte Vedra Beach for the past 17 years. It is important to me that we give back to our community. As a recent retiree, I can allocate all my time to serving the people of St Johns County. This county has been very good to me over the years, and I want to show my appreciation by serving. This isn’t a stepping stone position for some other political office. For me, I can’t think of a better way to serve than being on our county commission.
What are your thoughts on the impacts of Hurricane Irma?
First, let me say my thoughts and prayers go out to all of those in our communities and throughout Florida who have been impacted by Hurricane Irma.
I would like to praise our governor, our local county leadership and staff for being so diligent in ensuring that the latest information regarding these storms gets out to our county residents. Knowing we have strong leadership helps me and I know others in the county as we prepare and then respond after the storms pass.
What brought you to the First Coast?
Like most families relocating for business with school age children, my wife, Linda, and I chose to live in St Johns County for its “A” rated public schools, low crime rate and the special quality of life unique to our communities.
What do you enjoy most about living in Ponte Vedra Beach?
Again, the overall quality of life here in Ponte Vedra and throughout all of St Johns County makes this part of Florida so special. I want to work to protect that but do it in a balanced way. The beaches, the schools, our parks and the low crime rates are all very important but more importantly, it is the sense of community that is here that makes it a special place to call home.
