Thursday January 12, 2012 – St. Lucie Tribune
RIVETT FILES FOR COUNTY COMMISSION RACE
Former Chamber of Commerce Executive, Al Rivett, announced today he will once again seek a position on the St. Lucie County Commission. “My passion hasn’t changed from when I ran in 2010. Too many of our residents remain un-or-underemployed. I wish to use my economic development experience and my love for our community to make a difference in their lives and that of their families.”
Rivett warned that creating jobs was not enough. “We have to have a culture shift in our community. Significant unemployment and poverty are just not acceptable. We have to turn over every rock to find and create jobs, and we have to help families work their way out of poverty.” With regard to the latter, Rivett indicated that “Poverty is a major factor underlying our problems today. We have to quit applying band-aids with public funds and make the commitment to address this issue.”
Rivett cited his professional and volunteer experience make him the right person for the job. “My 18 years with the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council gave me a greater understanding of St. Lucie County than most, in additional to knowing firsthand what it takes to create jobs. My time with Habitat for Humanity and years of volunteer service put a face to the problems of poverty and the economic needs of our families.”
Rivett, a Republican, filed on Wednesday, January 11th to run for the District #5 seat on the St. Lucie County Commission. He actively supported County Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson for the District #4 race after losing to her in the 2010 Primary. Subsequently, he became active in the Republican Party and currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Republican Executive Committee of St. Lucie County.
Rivett’s recent volunteer service includes being the Chairman of St. Lucie INTACT (long-term recovery organization), Immediate Past-Chairman of the Shared Services Alliance of Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast (which oversees foster care and adoption), and a member of the Roundtable of St. Lucie County (which addresses children’s issues). He, along with his wife of 10 years, Donna Rivett, and many community leaders, is working to address poverty through a program known as “Bridges Out of Poverty”.
Rivett is 53 years of age and has three step-children and soon to be three grandchildren. His is a 26-year resident of St. Lucie County, having lived in both Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie. He is an active member of Indian River Presbyterian Church.