Commissioner Carol Gillespie Joins Lake Wales City Board

A brief swearing-in ceremony at the start of Tuesday's city commission meeting saw newly-elected Commissioner Carol Gillespie join the board. Gillespie, joined by her husband Gary Robillard, stood before the audience and repeated the oath as read by City Clerk Jennifer Nanek.

Robert Connors

Commissioner Carol Gillespie took the oath of office from City Clerk Jennifer Nanek on Tuesday and the start of the city meeting. Gillespie was joined by her husband, Gary Robillard during the brief ceremony.

Gillespie won seat 4 on the five-person commission by a wide margin over incumbent Danny Krueger. The swearing-in event was met with applause from an enthusiastic group of supporters.

Speaking during personal time at the end of the meeting, Gillespie said she intended to participate in training opportunities to learn more about the nuances of the job. "I thank the citizens of Lake Wales for giving me this opportunity, and for showing their confidence in me by putting me in this role." she said.

Also taking the oath of office for a second term was Commissioner Daniel Williams, who was joined by his wife, Dezonia, as he was sworn in for the three-year term. Williams won a four-vote victory over challenger Brandon Alvarado in the April election.

Robert Connors

Commissioner Daniel Williams, joined by his wife Dezonia, stood before the audience to take the oath of office for a second term on the Lake Wales City Commission Tuesday night.

Gillespie is the only woman on the panel, which has been all-male since the retirement of former commissioner Terrye Howell a year ago. The board will face numerous challenges in coming years as the city grapples with serious "growth pains" due to an ever-growing list of developments proposed.