Edie Yates

COMMISSIONER YATES ANNOUNCES HER DECISION

TO SEEK RE-ELECTION TO SE DISTRICT CITY COMMISSION SEAT

LAKELAND, FL (March 27, 2009) - - City of Lakeland Commissioner Edie Yates is officially announcing her campaign to seek re-election as a City Commissioner from the SE District for the City of Lakeland. Edie is completing her first term as a City Commissioner.

Edie is enthusiastic about the future of the City and she is confident that the City will meet the challenges of the today’s economic times to maintain the quality of life in our community. “ The future of our City is bright, but we have to face the current economic climate with a renewed reality that things are changing and that our solutions will require tough decisions based on careful study and thoughtful decisions. “ said Yates. As Yates said recently “Experience Counts”.

Edie brings to the Commission years of community service and experience, along with a deep understanding of business and financial matters. As a senior partner in a local Certified Public Accounting firm, Edie knows the language of finance and understands how budget constraints impact services and operations. Edie has provided steady leadership on the Commission and helps provide thoughtful insight into many of the financial aspects of the City’s operations and activities.

Edie was raised in the City of Lakeland and attended Lakeland High School. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Florida Southern College and currently holds a license as a Certified Public Accountant in Florida. She also maintains the designation as a Certified Financial Planner.

Edie and her husband Steve have been married for over 32 years. Their son Todd was born and raised in Lakeland and currently runs two successful technology companies in the City. Edie’s father was Customer Service Manager with Lakeland Electric for more than 20 years and her mother taught in the Polk County school system.