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County May Name Governmental Complex For Ernie Lee Magaha
October 17, 2012
The county commission may rename the county’s governmental hub in honor of Jay native and longtime Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Ernie Lee Magaha.
Magaha has served 55 years as Escambia’s clerk of court. He was defeated by challenger Pam Childers in August.
The commission will consider renaming the Escambia County Governmental Complex to the Ernie Lee Magaha Governmental Complex during their meeting at 5:30 Thursday afternoon.
Magaha was born in Jay, raised in Mosquito Flats near Century, and graduated from Century High School. He served in the Merchant Marines and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in economics in 1950.
He served as a state auditor for five years and resigned in 1956 to run for the clerk of the court of record. At that time, he and his wife, Lucile, spearheaded a grassroots campaign and literally walked the county for a successful election in November 1956 as she was expecting their first child.
He took office in January of 1957 and has held the position of clerk since that time. His office was instrumental in the smooth transition of the court system in 1972 to the two-tier system in place today. In 1995, then Governor Lawton Chiles asked him to assume the additional responsibilities of the comptroller’s office.
In order to name the governmental complex on Palafox Street in honor of Magaha, the commission will be required to waive an existing policy against naming county facilties in honor of a living person.
Comments
11 Responses to “County May Name Governmental Complex For Ernie Lee Magaha”
No one deserves it more than Mr. Magaha…..He served us for over thirty years and he served us well!! Anytime you had any dealings with him , he always done his best for you. I think the downtown boys have finally made a good decision!!
And for those of you with negative comments……so sorry for you!!
I have to agree Sandra. These people who complain never take into account the years of personal sacrifice you may have had to pay in order to recieve that pension. Time spent in unpleasant places, that you would have to drag them kicking and screaming to.
To those people I say sour grapes, you should have sought opportunity and focused your time and effort. Don’t Cry No Tears Round Me, go sulk in silence. Please!
It will be interesting to hear what people have to say in regard to MS Childers in 50+ years, something pleasant I hope.
Ernie Lee Magaha was in the position for quite sometime and while he may have done a great job I do believe Pam Childers will also do a great job. Sometimes it is good to thank the ones that have been there forever and send them on their way while welcoming a breath of fresh air and new views on things.
Thank you Mr. Magaha for your hard work and Pam Childers we look forward to seeing what you are brining to the table! I am sure you will do a wonderful job.
Quite an honor for not attending regular board meetings.
Cheryl is exhibiting what is known as “pension envy” among the huddled masses. They also complain about double dipping of government employees which when contemplated by an unbiased mind is no different than someone in the private sector working to retirement age,collecting Social Security benefits and then returning to the workforce. Isnt collecting SS benefits and being a greeter at Walmart double dipping? Or is there just a double standard set for government employees?
That sounds like a good plan.
NWE Business your eloquence is exceeded only by your politeness and insight.
Mr Magaha has served us well.
I have had dealings with Mr.Magaha for over 30 years. I have always walked away with a feeling of satifaction of dealing with a true compassionate professional. Thanks Mr. Magaha for your service and professionalism.
Cheryl I don’t think you will ever have to worry about anybody or any group wanting to honor you. I am sure your world is a slice of heaven with your attitude. Thanks again Mr. Magaha.
The public idolizes celebrities while politicians idolize themselves and each other. Wasn’t a $123,000 per year pension along with a $131,000 salary enough thanks?? Good grief….
Deserving, if anyone ever will be.
Thanks for all your years of service.
Sounds like a good idea.