Commissioner Since: 1992
Working People’s Grade: B-
Party: Republican
Friend of The Working People (Sometimes)
Former Occupation: Funeral Home Director
Business Experience: NONE
Email: wcadwell@lakecountyfl.gov
Comments: The “Boss Man” of the commission. Even though Cadwell is no longer chairman, he commands the deference and respect of his other board members. Whether you like him or not, since November Cadwell has been very pro-business in Lake County, but he still is a big spender who gags on cutting government cost. His position on Lake-Sumter EMS showed too much concern for the agency and not enough for the tax payers of Lake County.
Since Welton is the longest tenured commissioner i’m astonished he is still in office and hasn’t bared more of the responsibility for some of the awful decisions made in the past. Some not inept is going to rise up and run against him without fear.
I think your avearage grade of C for Welton Cadwell is high. He seems to always be asleep at Board meetings, doesn’t want them to continue past 11am, and many times has approved agendas that do not provide for public input. It is really clear he doesn’t want to do any work, but still collect more than $70k in wages. As the Board Chairman for five years, he hasn’t initiated any leadership actions for solving County economy, foreclosure or jobs problems. He clearly is bored with the job and needs to resign now so someone with some energy and leadership skills can take over.