This award honors a current or former government official or civic leader for improving government through leadership and vision
The award is typically presented at a regular Board meeting in April.
About the 2025 recipient
Louis G. Betz, Jr.
A native of Hillsborough County, Mr. Betz led the charge for the Florida Legislature to pass the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, which allows cities and counties to implement and utilize red light camera safety programs. In 2011, he partnered with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and various other organizations to help convince the Legislature to pass landmark sexual assault legislation, the Walk in Their Shoes Act. In 2014, he established the annual Hillsborough Day in Tallahassee, which showcases the region during the state's legislative session. He was appointed to serve on the Florida State Fair Authority Board, and he founded More Transplant More Life in 2020. In 2023, on behalf of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and while working with Hillsborough County and Sheriff Chad Chronister, Mr. Betz helped facilitate the opening of the second certified rape crisis center in Hillsborough County, located in Ruskin, to serve the growing population in South County. Sadly, Louis G. Betz, Jr. passed away on Jan. 20, 2025, at the age of 61.
About Ellsworth G. Simmons
A respected government civic leader, Mr. Simmons was a School Board member who went on to serve 21 years on the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners - 18 of those as chair. Through his leadership and guidance, new institutions - University of South Florida - and new communities - Sun City Center - were created in Hillsborough County. He was a central figure in the construction of Tampa International Airport, the founding of University Community Hospital, and the expansion of the Hillsborough County Health Department.
Selection process
Each winter, a Good Government Award Committee examines the significant events, leadership opportunities and outstanding achievements of nominees and selects an individual or group. The committee submits its recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners for approval.
The Good Government Award Committee consists of nine members, two members representing the Simmons family and one member chosen by each commissioner.
Award recipients
- 2025 - Louis G. Betz, Jr.
- 2024 - Doretha Wynn Edgecomb
- 2023 - Clara Reynolds
- 2022 - Julianne M. Holt
- 2021 - Lesley "Les" Miller, Jr.
- 2020 - Arthenia Joyner
- 2019 - Betty Castor
- 2018 - David Gee
- 2017 - Rubin E. Padgett
- 2016 - Jan Kaminis Platt
- 2015 - Former Governor Bob Martinez
- 2014 - Doug Belden
- 2013 - Former Mayor Pam Iorio
- 2012 - Dr. Judy Genshaft
- 2011 - Dottie Berger MacKinnon
- 2010 - Pat Frank
- 2009 - Dr. Earl J. Lennard
- 2008 - Judge E.J. Salcines
- 2007 - Cal Henderson
- 2006 - Louis E. Miller
- 2005 - H. Lee Moffitt
- 2004 - H. L. Culbreath
- 2003 - Former Mayor Dick Greco
- 2002 - Save Our Bays, Air & Canals
- 2001 - Former State Sen. Malcom E. Beard
- 2000 - State Sen. Tom Lee
- 1999 - James L. Redman
- 1998 - Nettie Mae Draughon
- 1997 - Sam M. Gibbons