Monroe County Commissioners Michelle Coldiron and Holly Merrill Raschein were elected July 1 to represent the Florida Counties Association (FAC) at the FAC’s annual conference held in Orlando. Commissioner Jim Scholl also attended the conference along with County Administrator Roman Gastesi and Director of Legislative Affairs Lisa Tennyson.

Coldiron was elected by her peers to the position of second vice-president of the association‘s board of directors. Coldiron has been a member of the ACF since being elected to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners in 2018.

“The amount of knowledge and networks exchanged is immeasurable, and serving on the board will allow issues in Monroe County to see the light at the state level,” Coldiron said. “The relationships I have established through FCC will continue to benefit the well-being of our county and all Florida counties.”

Merrill Raschein was elected by her peers to the association’s board of directors.

“It’s really great to have two Monroe County commissioners representing us in this association,” Tennyson said. “Commissioner Coldiron brings her ability to build consensus and is a natural leader, and Commissioner Merrill Raschein brings her legislative experience to the board. Both are a huge asset to FCC.

The ACF Board of Directors includes one county commissioner from each of the state’s 40 Senate districts, five executive officers, six county commissioners at-large, and past presidents of the association.

The FAC represents the interests of Florida counties, particularly the importance of protecting self-reliance – the concept that the government closest to the people governs best – through advocacy, education and collaboration.