Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/143399
Sarasota News Leader July 12, 2013 Thaxton served on the County Commission from 2000 until 2012, when he could not seek reelection because of term limits. After he left the board, Thaxton took over as the director of community investment for the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Thaxton said he applied for the open planning seat because he felt it would be a good voluntary opportunity for him to contribute to the county, based on his experience. In addition to his tenure on the County Commission, Thaxton also served on the Planning Commission from 1996 to 2000. Page 15 He was not surprised, however, by the County Commission's decision. "Not much surprises me anymore," Thaxton said. Commissioner Joe Barbetta was the first to nominate Beaumier, a general contractor with the Mills-Gilbane construction company. Commissioner Christine Robinson also nominated Beaumier, along with Bispham, the owner of Bayside Sod and Stockyard Feed Store in Sarasota. Thaxton was nearly overlooked by the commissioners, three of whom had served previously with him. Patterson then spoke into a microphone — which was not turned on — to name Thaxton as the third nominee. "It is an area I have a great deal of expertise and knowledge in, and a person likes to contribute where they think they will be most helpful," Thaxton said in an interview with The Sarasota News-Leader after Tuesday's vote. "I won't throw my hat in the ring as The vote marks the second, recent public office defeat for Thaxton, 54. He lost his primaswimming pool inspector." Sarasota County Commissioners Joe Barbetta and Christine Robinson consider an agenda matter in March. File photo