HOLLY HILL -- John Penny won the race for mayor outright in the primary.
John Penny Aug. 27
From your new Mayor, John Penny: I would like to thank the hundreds of people and community leaders who supported my campaign and share my vision for a bright future for Holly Hill. I owe a special Thank You to my family for supporting my campaign. It is especially gratifying to have prevailed. A three-way race poses particular mathematical challenges, so I appreciate the confidence of the voters and the fact that they voted in numbers great enough to settle the contest outright. I share their passion for Holly Hill and look forward to working together with them to improve our infrastructure, pursue positive growth and compete in the economic development arena.
ENDORSEMENTS: Experienced leadership in John Penny or youthful enthusiasm in Chris via for Holly Hill mayorChris Via Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who took the time to comment. Obviously it does hurt a little bit but I am in good spirits and excited for what the future holds. It means a lot to me how many of you believe in me. It encourages me and helps me look forward to the future. You don't know how humbled I am by all of your comments. THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!
Chris Via
August 27 near Holly Hill, FL · Edited
Thank you so much to everyone who helped me out along this journey! Lots of blood, sweat, and tears along the way and I'm so grateful to all the people who believed in my ideas enough to support a guy like me. I'm EXTREMELY humbled by the support and love that has been shown to me over the last couple months. I was always the underdog but I fought hard for what I believed was right and best for the citizens of Holly Hill. I will continue to fight for what is right, no matter how hard or difficult the task. I didn't stray from my moral compass and I'm very proud to say that I stayed true to myself and my faith. When I entered this race, I made it clear this election wasn't about me or my opponents. This election was about the issues and what's best for Holly Hill. Even though I was out spent by $23,000, I only missed the run-off by about 16 votes! I think that's something to be very proud of at such a young age and I'm so glad to have experienced this.
I would be nothing if it weren't for the following people believing in me, supporting me, and helping me. If we were to somehow win this thing it wouldn't have been because of me, it would have surely been because of you guys. I'm so sorry I couldn't pull it off for y'all but I hope I made you proud by my effort! There is NO possible way I could thank everyone involved here unless I were to write a novel. I appreciate everyone who has liked my page, told a friend, held a sign, donated money, donated time, or even just said something nice. Thank you!
First, I'm so proud of the hardest working person in this campaign, Amber Rains. You were the backbone and kept me going. Without you, I would've surely lost my mind. You walked and knocked doors with me in the rain, heat, and sunshine EVERY SINGLE DAY. I can't express in words what you mean to me, thank you so much.
Next, I'm so proud of my mother, Julie Via. You have made me into the person I am today. I strive so hard to resemble your endless amount of virtues, though I could never come close. I owe so much to you and you have always encouraged any of my ideas, no matter how far fetched they may be!
To my father, Roland Via, I'm so proud to call you dad. I probably wouldn't even know what politics were if it weren't for you. I know you had to go through more than I ever did in this election and that this is probably the hardest campaign you've NEVER run. This wasn't a "shadow campaign" as some have tried to insist, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I valued your opinion greater than anyone else's around me (even though we had many differences and disagreements along the way!) I could only hope that I have made you as proud of me as I am of you.
Here are just a few of the people I wanted to thank for their undying support and work: Diane Brown Rains, Rich Tidwell, Brandi Raquel Tidwell, Alton Ogden, Kyle Albright, Ryan Medel, Jeff Martin, Cory Thompson, Robert Littleton, Mary Schulten Ryan Via, Emily Lang, Ray Sanchez, Miguel, and Phil D. Thank you guys SO much!
This is definitely not the last you've heard of me. There's a quote that I tend to reflect on when being knocked down, "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind." I'm just getting started! Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this, much love!
Eddie Colosimo
While I am truly sick over the results of this race I want to thank all the people that came out and helped and those that DID come out and vote. Crazy Eddie IS BACK!
August 30 · Edited
As I sit hear and reflect on my 15 years of service to our county and city of Holly hill.. I think my be I am bitter and maybe you are right, you walk a mile in my boots and tell me honestly how you would feel. I don't care for me. I care for you. Why? I don't know. You deserve what you get and personally I don't care any more. If you are not a Veteran, or a member of my club, lose my number, I am retired from public service! I applaud Chris Via for his efforts, Job well done Chris. You elected someone that voted to close your dog park, voted to throw 80 people out of their homes, Did NOT vote to support our U.S. military flags and yet put 3 U.S Flags on all of his campaign signs, are you kidding me. he Voted to charge our Cub Scouts rent for their meeting hall. This is what you voted for. ARE YOU KIDDY ME ? Yes Mayor Elect Penny I am NOT talking be hind your back, It's all out here for ALL to see.