Fond adieu to Commissioner Ruthie

We can’t let Ruthie leave without saying goodbye.

Commissioner Ruthie Davis Schlabach’s final board meeting is Thursday. Janet Barek takes office in two weeks.
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Every commissioner’s term stands on its own. A lot goes into a commissioner’s success, but much of it is timing. Coming into office at a time of change, when that’s exactly what the public demands, is a good thing.

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Ruthie had good timing. The political gods, however, did her no favors.

She first ran for office in 2018 and lost. She ran again in 2020 and easily defeated five Primary opponents.

Holly Davis would also win big that same year by defeating an incumbent. With Commissioner Jeff Kinnard being re-elected unopposed, it seemed Ruthie was joining the board at the precipice of progress.

Well, someone didn’t share that progress game plan with two dinosaur commissioners who made it their life’s work to block each and every initiative Ruthie and Holly tossed out there.

It was difficult for them both, but especially Ruthie. For one, she had little experience with such boorish behavior that was common with these two men. She felt slighted. We had numerous conversations about it. I encouraged her to keep her eyes on the prize — us citizens.

Despite that obstruction, Ruthie quietly got stuff done. 

She struck up a great friendship with Wilton Simpson; before taking office, Ruthie had secured a multi-million-dollar sewer grant for Homosassa. That friendship spawned others that continue to pay dividends for Citrus County.

A new animal shelter’s been kicked around here for 30 years, but not until Ruthie got involved did it take on life. And who can forget Ruthie sending hand-written thank-you notes to folks who donated their own money to the shelter project?

Ruthie has had other wins. The Inverness Airport Business Park is coming along. Beverly Hills is (finally!) getting pickleball courts. We now have baby boxes at fire stations, thanks to Ruthie.

During a Cattle Dog chat Wednesday morning, Ruthie specifically mentioned one remote memory: Convincing commissioners to give the Citrus County Education Foundation $50,000 to help students meet technology needs at home during the COVID-19 shutdown.

Halfway through her term it seemed Ruthie would be getting her due. The two oldsters were out of office, and Ruthie started 2023 as board chairman.

In June that year, a shocking announcement. Ruthie told us she had breast cancer and would be undergoing “brutal” treatment.

Ruthie missed some meetings and took the necessary time away. You know what she didn’t do? Complain about the county workload. Once back on the job, she was on the job. We’d see her out at official functions and wonder how she’s able to do that. Ruthie showed such incredible strength and courage (she still does).

But there’s no doubt the cancer put a significant dent in her politicking. Ruthie knew that. She often lamented about getting cancer at the exact time she’s in office and running for re-election. Ruthie, a woman of deep Christian faith, saw God’s hand in it all.

That’s how this biz works. You’re hired for four years and then need to reapply. Experience is no guarantee of continued employment.

I’ll end with this. Our friend Josh Wooten, chamber CEO and a former commissioner himself, once said:

“Everyone knows when Ruthie walks into the room.”

She has that way, that presence. I told Ruthie she was mayor of the County Commission, portraying Citrus County in a positive light where she went.

Ruthie faces some serious medical challenges in the coming weeks, so please keep her in your prayers.

She is our friend, our neighbor, and shortly, former commissioner. We’ll cherish all three.

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