by Michele Gillis, Staff Writer
As a new appointee to the Clay County Planning Commission, Michael Bourré wants to use his position to support the real estate and building industry.
His goal while serving on the commission is to help suggest sustainable ways for his community to continue to grow in a healthy way.
In order to do that, Bourré, the owner of Bourré Construction Group and a past president of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, said he would like to add more pro-growth members to the commission, continue to increase the aesthetics of the county and bring more jobs into our community.
"We want to continue to make sure that Clay County creates an environment that is builder and developer friendly," said Bourré. "One of the ways to do that is to be involved. I think if more builders and developers got involved in the process and not just try to fight on the back end, then it would make things much smoother for our industry."
Bourré was nominated by Wendell Davis of Watson Realty, who is on the Board of County Commissioners. The board approved the appointment and he dove right in.
Davis said he chose Bourré for the commission because he is a quality citizen and is active in the community.
"I think he will bring knowledge and professionalism to the commission," said Davis.
Bourré was initially interviewed by Davis concerning his interest in involvement in government and knowledge of planning and zoning issues.
"I think we found common ground on what the board was looking for in the new appointee to the commission," said Bourré.
Bourré said Davis was identifying skill sets and experience that they wanted on the commission. He said having a good balance and a cross-section of ideas is what makes any group of people function at their best.
Both the commission and the board have others involved in the real estate or construction industries. Doug Conkey, the Clay County Chamber of Commerce president, was a Realtor with Watson Realty and still holds an active license, and Planning Commission Vice Chairman Belinda Johnson assists her husband with his construction company.
There are five elected commissioners on the board; Davis is the vice chairman. The commission has eight members, all appointed, and one must be a school board representative.
Commission meetings are 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in the County Administration Building.
Bourré said the commission will take a position on a specific matter and then send that recommendation to the board.
Bourré said he was honored to be asked to be on the commission because it allows the community to see what is coming up as far as development and zoning changes.
The public presents changes or additions they want to make in Clay County and other members of the community give their thoughts on it.
"It is a great forum where people can share their views and have their voice be heard. I'm honored to be sitting in the group with those folks and be part of the commission," said Bourré.
In addition to his new position, Bourré is also very involved with the Florida Home Builders Association and sits on the executive board, audit committee and strategic committee. He is also on the board for Builders Care.
Conkey said Bourré's enthusiasm, dedication, professional expertise and experience will be a tremendous asset to the commission.
"I look forward to his leadership as Clay County moves forward," said Conkey. "I applaud him for his willingness to serve. Michael Bourré will be a fantastic planning commissioner and we appreciate his service."