Farley, Gudis eager to get started in Crystal River

It’s been more than a month since Crystal River voters chose Jim Farley as mayor and Mike Gudis to the city council.
Now both are ready to assume those roles during a formal ceremony Monday night at City Hall.

Chronicle

Jim Farley

Chronicle

Mike Gudis

County Judge Mark Yerman will issue the oath of office to Farley, Gudis and former mayor Ron Kitchen, who will serve the final two years of Farley’s previous council term.
Their first meeting together is Monday, Dec. 13.
Both Farley and Gudis say they are eager to get started.
“I got some vibes from the other council members. They’re as anxious as I am to get right back doing what we were doing,” Farley said. “I think it’s going to be a good team.”
Farley said the new makeup of the council — Gudis replacing Phil Price — will work well.
“Although we may have different viewpoints, we’re respectful of each other,” Farley said. “Mike’s a good natured guy. I don’t see a problem.”
Farley said his priorities include drawing formal recognition to the city’s historical areas, either through the addition to the National Register of Historic Places or other markers.
“I’m still pushing for making Crystal River more a historic attraction for tourists,” he said. “We have a lot of history here and we don’t showcase it, I think.”
Gudis said he is focusing on economic development and preventing pollution from entering King’s Bay.
He said he is speaking to a prospective employer about moving a high-tech business to Crystal River.
As for policy issues, though, Gudis said he comes to the council with an open mind.
“I don’t have any preconceived things I want to work on other than water and jobs,” Gudis said.
Gudis also said he is looking forward to serving with Farley.
“I think he’s going to be an excellent mayor,” he said.
Farley said he would like to see the council continue the trend of recent years where teamwork overshadowed personal agendas.
“The council for a few years at least has been doing a great job working together, getting things accomplished,” he said. “I really do believe we’ll do the same thing. I’m very positive about the future.”

WHAT: Crystal River City Council swearing-in ceremony. 
WHEN: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6. 
WHERE: City Hall, U.S. 19.