CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council voted 4-0 on Tuesday night to appoint Sylvester Echols to the vacant Precinct 2 seat, selecting the retired Air Force veteran after interviews that focused on public safety, communication and the city’s rapid growth.
Echols was chosen over two other candidates, former council member Andrew Rencich and longtime Crestview resident Louis Rodriquez, after the council held a structured interview round in which each nominee answered the same core questions from council members.
Echols framed his pitch around what he described as long-term planning, transparency and public safety, particularly for children.
“I have a deep, deep desire and passion for the long-term growth, public safety, and budgetary health of Crestview,” Echols told the council.
During questioning, he repeatedly returned to the idea that communication was a key responsibility of the job.
“I believe that a lot of our problems is because we fail to communicate,” he said.
Asked about short- and long-term goals, Echols pointed to speeding in school zones and said he supports efforts to improve safety near campuses. He also emphasized disaster preparedness, arguing that Crestview’s location along a major north-south route makes evacuation planning critical.
Council members praised all three candidates as qualified, but several said Echols stood out for his consistent attendance at city meetings and his emphasis on safety and transparency.
Councilman Brandon Frost said Echols’ focus on children and public safety was a significant factor in his support.
“One of the biggest things that stood out to me was with Mr. Echols, he’s about the kids’ safety, public safety, and transparency and communication,” Frost said.
Councilwoman Dusty Allison said Echols has been a regular attendee at meetings and described the council as seeking a strong teammate.
“Ever since I have been on the council, Mr. Echols has, unless he has a prior appointment or is not feeling well. He is at our meetings,” Allison said.
Councilman Shannon Hayes said he was leaning toward Echols as well, describing him as engaged and prepared.
“You might not know it, but he’s been taking notes for over the past year or so,” Hayes said.
Rencich emphasized his previous service on the Crestview City Council from 2019 to 2024, saying that experience would allow him to step in immediately and provide continuity.
“That experience allows me to step into this role immediately, without a learning curve, and provide continuity and stability for the city of Crestview,” he said.
Rodriquez, who said he has lived in Crestview since 1996 and is a retired military member, told the council he wanted to “give a little bit back” to a community that supported his family.
On major issues such as a proposed sports complex, he said he would need time to study the numbers before committing to a position.
“I’d have to do my homework,” Rodriquez said. “I like to get facts.”
Mayor Pro Tem Doug Capps thanked the candidates and noted the difficulty of being questioned publicly about issues before serving in the role.
“I don’t think we can go wrong tonight with a choice,” Capps said.
Frost made the motion to appoint Echols, and Hayes seconded it. With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously in favor.
“I would like to make a motion to appoint Mr. Echols to replace Mr. Bullard for precinct two city council,” Frost said.
Mayor JB Whitten thanked the candidates for stepping forward, saying it is not easy to answer detailed questions about city government without prior experience in the seat.
“When you’re asked questions about things in city government that you haven’t done yet, there’s really no wrong answer,” he said.
Echols will serve as the appointed representative for Precinct 2 until the seat is filled through the city’s next election.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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