FAC Awards Clay County Commissioner Doug Conkey with the Presidential Advocacy Award

The Florida Association of Counties presented Clay County Commissioner Douglas Conkey with the Presidential Advocacy Award during the 2012 FAC Annual Conference & Exposition in Orange County. The Presidential Advocacy Award is presented to those commissioners who show a commitment to protecting local control and advocating on behalf of home rule in Tallahassee.

“It is truly an honor to receive this recognition by the Florida Association of Counties,” stated Commissioner Conkey. “Over the past six years as District 2 Commissioner, I have strived to support efforts to maintain or enhance the high quality of life we enjoy in Northeast Florida. I will continue to be an advocate of protecting home rule on behalf of the citizens of Clay County for as long as I have the privilege of serving as their representative,” he continued.

Commissioner Conkey was an invaluable asset to FAC and our mission to preserve and protect home rule. Conkey is always willing to come to Tallahassee to educate legislators on FAC’s priorities such as tax reform, FRS savings and ongoing efforts to reduce preemptions and stop unfunded mandates.

“It is public servants like Commissioner Conkey that ensure our local communities have the authority to respond to the demands of their citizens,” said FAC Executive Director Chris Holley, “Commissioner Conkey fought for home rule – the idea that government closest to the people governs best – in Clay County and many other Florida communities.”

The Presidential Advocacy Award is given annually to those commissioners from around the state that take the time to advocate state legislators in Tallahassee or at home to protect the ideal that government closest to the people governs best.

For 80 years, the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) has represented the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that government closest to the people governs best. The Florida Association of Counties helps counties effectively serve and represent Floridians by strengthening and preserving county home rule through advocacy, education and collaboration.