Thomas A. Smith has served the City of LaBelle for many years. He began as the Tax-Collector Commissioner on July 15, 1969 when he was elected unopposed with 98 votes. Commissioner Smith (affectionately known as “Tommy”) was elected as Mayor in 1973 and served until 1991 or nine more two-years terms. Tommy was appointed in 2012 to fill the unexpired term of Paul Puletti, who resigned to run for Hendry County School Superintendent of Schools. He was subsequently re-elected to the seat of Clerk-Commissioner, a seat which had been vacated by David A. Lyons when he was elevated to Mayor from Vice-Mayor.

Tommy brings a great deal of history and background anecdotes to the city. He is a long-time resident of LaBelle being involved in agriculture and in his business, LaBelle Plant World, among others, prior to retiring. He was greatly involved in the community along with his deceased wife June, who was a teacher for many years. Tommy remarried several years later to Ms. Lynda Rider and together they now enjoy being active in our community with the LaBelle Heritage Museum, First Baptist Church and other civic activities.

Julie Craichy Wilkins, life-long resident of LaBelle has been a licensed real estate agent for over 30 years.  She has served as a city commissioner for the City of LaBelle, since 2015.

As commissioner, Julie has fought for transparency in government and consistency in enforcement and enactment of codes and ordinances.  She represents the City on the Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council, the Southwest Florida League of Cities, the Swamp Cabbage Festival Committee, and LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corp.

Julie is a planner, experienced in commercial, agriculture and residential real estate in Western Glades and Hendry Counties.  She and her husband, Wayne married for 23 years, have raised their four children in LaBelle.  Julie is actively involved in the community and their church, LaBelle Assembly of God.   She has said that she is both grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to serve the folks of LaBelle as a commissioner.