Scott Sticks With Trusted Advisor For Water Board

WFSU | By Jim Ash

Published August 3, 2016 at 2:54 PM EDT

Northwest Florida Water Management District governing board member Jon Costello, a lobbyist and former legislative affairs director for Gov. Rick Scott, was reappointed to another term.

Governor Rick Scott is staying the course and reappointing two members of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Jonathan Costello, a 35-year-old lobbyist, formerly served as Scott’s legislative affairs director. Costello says he will continue focusing on budget efficiency and protecting the environment.

“We’ve maintained a low operating cost. Actually, we’ve had those flat over the past four years and we’ve reduced out tax rate every year since 2012.

At the same time that we’ve done that, we’ve also invested a significant amount of money in restoration projects.”

Scott also reappointed 40-year-old Samuel “Bo” Spring, a Port St. Joe contractor. Both board members will serve another four years, if they are confirmed by the Florida Senate.

The district oversees water resource development for 1.3 million Panhandle residents in 16 counties, including Tallahassee.