Halyburton announces retirement

After enjoying a successful career spanning 42 years in the St. Johns County Elections Office, Supervisor Penny L. Halyburton told Historic City News today that she will not seek re-election.

This morning she told her co-workers that she will retire August 31, 2011.

“The opportunity to serve and provide the citizens of St. Johns County with honest, impartial and accurate elections has been my greatest honor and privilege,” Halyburton said.

Halyburton, who is only 58 years-old, has held the Supervisor of Elections office for the last 25 years.

Governor Rick Scott and Secretary of State Kurt Browning were notified of Halyburton’s retirement plans in a letter from her earlier today.

This is already a busy time in the Supervisor’s office; even though the Presidential elections are not until next year. The resignation of Senator Tony Hill has triggered a Special Primary Election that will be held in about a month; September 20, 2011. There will be a Special General Election the following month; October 18, 2011.

The Governor is likely to appoint a replacement for Halyburton before that time. She told Governor Scott that it is extremely important that the individual he appoints as Supervisor of Elections is of unquestionable integrity, has a genuine concern for the electoral process, and possesses the ability, knowledge and experience to carry out the multitude of duties and responsibilities required of the office.

“In my opinion, the only person with these characteristics and qualifications is Vicky Oakes,” Halyburton wrote. “As my Assistant Supervisor of Elections for the past 23 years, Mrs. Oakes has been an invaluable asset to the Elections Office.”

Historic City News Editor Michael Gold spoke to Oakes this afternoon; she said that she feels honored by the long-time Supervisor’s support and gubernatorial recommendation.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News archive photograph