Rick Brown for Sheriff

[Yahoodie]

anyone can go to Rick Brown's web site and email him directly or call him.
the web site is www.members.cox.net/vote4rickbrown/ On it you can find his email address of vote4rickbrown@cox.net
His days off are Tues/Wed/Thurs and he can be reached by cell after 5PM every day and all day on his days off.
Cell is (850)974-0638

[sunsetbaby]

anyone can go to Rick Brown's web site and email him directly or call him.
the web site is www.members.cox.net/vote4rickbrown/ On it you can find his email address of vote4rickbrown@cox.net
His days off are Tues/Wed/Thurs and he can be reached by cell after 5PM every day and all day on his days off.
Cell is (850)974-0638

I can vouche that Rick Brown has been an active part of the community for some time on the north side of the Bay! Great Man! I truly believe that if given the opportunity to represent us at a higher level he will enforce the needed changes!

Politics is something that generally doesn't light my fire, so to speak, but this one does!

Get to know all the candidates...The web gives you the avenue needed to do so...It matters this time...could mean sink or swim for Walton County as a whole! The Sheriff's Dept in this county is all we have to work between the people and the court system in upholding ALL LAWS...not just the ones the choose!

[wrobert]

upholding ALL LAWS...not just the ones the choose!

So if a candidate were violating the law while running, you would not vote for them? What if the candidate did not know of the violation? Do you think that it speaks of a candidate for them to do something such as running for office, and not learn of all the laws involved in how to do it?

[sunsetbaby]

So if a candidate were violating the law while running, you would not vote for them? What if the candidate did not know of the violation? Do you think that it speaks of a candidate for them to do something such as running for office, and not learn of all the laws involved in how to do it?

Wow...You certainly took that and ran with it...just the wrong direction.

Let me see..I was speaking in terms of once they took office, maybe that makes it clearer...and particularly I was talking about upholding and enforcing the laws that we the people must all strive to live within...

Of course...the law doesn't support ignorance...ask those who try to pull that one in court!

[wrobert]

Of course...the law doesn't support ignorance...ask those who try to pull that one in court!

So ignorance of the law would be a negative for someone running for Sheriff? I am just trying to understand what makes people pick one candidate over another in this most important office.

[Rick Brown]

I have been following the postings in SOWAL and want to respond to your requests for information.
Let me introduce myself, please just call me Rick.
Please go to my website, www.members.cox.net/vote4rickbrown/ for biographical information and qualifications. I did not post all my qualifications because I don’t want you to think I’m in love with myself. I do not place myself on a pedestal above you .I will sit next to you and look you in the eye as an equal human being. I’m not a “Politician” either. If you ask a “Politician” a question, he/she will tell you what he/she thinks you want to hear. If you ask me a question, you will get a reality check and a straight answer. If I cannot give you an answer, we will find it together. It takes more than one person to manage and run any department. This is why I would like the community to get involved in the problem solving process.
For twenty eight years I worked the streets and offices of the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. I know what the public wants and I know what the officers/deputies want and what they need to do their job efficiently.
One of the most important things I want to do is revamp the financial department. I am not a financial wizard but I do know people who are. A wise person surrounds himself with wiser persons.
I plan on building a close working relationship with other agencies where we can all communicate and work together as a whole.
I want all deputies to know I am behind them 100% and respect their ability to do the job. We will work together to accomplish the same goal; protecting and serving the citizens of Walton County. If I am elected, more specialized courses will be available for them to improve their skills if they so desire. If elected I will implement other units within the department such as street crimes, modernized narcotics division, more training for canine units, and use the expertise of individual deputies in areas most needed. I want to raise the department morale to a level that every deputy can be proud of where he/she works and every deputy can be secure that he/she will be treated equally and fairly. All promotions will be based on testing or interviews conducted in a professional manner. I have to gain the officers trust and confidence that I will work hard for their rights and needs. Law enforcement officers have to be a part of the planning and growth process. They are the back bone to any law enforcement department. If elected I will gain that trust and confidence. There are deputies currently working for the department who know of my integrity and morals. I will be the same man as Sheriff as I am today. Nor is there anyone who can persuade me to be different.
I would like to implement several plans to bring the Sheriff’s Department and the citizens of Walton county together. Some of these are:
A Citizen’s Police Academy,
A Teen Explorer Program,
A Civilian Ride-Along Program,
An annual Childrens’ Cook-Out with law enforcement and families to show them we are not Bad Guys who can put them in jail because they don’t eat their vegetables.
A “Come On In” program to invite the public to my office every week or every two weeks in the north and the south end offices. This day I will dedicate to being available to the public, I will not schedule meetings on that day. I will be available by phone or in person. Of course all other days I will be available as well but (REALITY CHECK) I must ask that appointments be made. I will answer all phone calls and all emails in a timely manner.
I cannot stress enough that this is the time we all need to pull together and create a county that is the best place to live or visit.
It would be wonderful if we could make Walton county crime free, but (REALITY CHECK) folks we cannot do this.By working together we can sure make it difficult for thieves, crooks, thugs, and gang members to gain a criminal momentum with in our county.
In the upcoming election you have a very difficult decision to make. Do you want to place your trust in someone that truly wants to take the bull by the horns and get the job done?
Or, do you want to elect someone who beats his chest like Tarzan and says “look at me I’m the top law dog.!”?
If I am elected, together we can bring the Walton County Sheriff’s Office into the 21st century and know we have all participated in making one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the state of Florida.
Constructive criticism is welcome, ideas are welcome, and if you would like to meet with me in person, let’s get together for a meeting and a cup of coffee on one of my days off; Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays.
Thank you for taking the time and reading this thread. I hope it has given you an idea of the kind of person I am and what I believe in.
Rick

[kurt]

Rick

We appreciate you guys posting and letting us know a little about yourselves.

[duncangrace]

I do not think that letting the public know what your qualifications for being the sheriff is "pounding your chest like Tarzan???"

We deserve to know what your qualifications are....where you come from, your experience and opinion on the current "administration" would be nice also...

I personally am sick of the corruption in Walton County, and care more about our (the publics opinion and morale) than some of the "corrupt" officers in this county!!!

From viewing all that Dennis has to offer this county with experience and morality, I say (repectfully) your up against a person who truly deserves the position. We in Walton County would be so lucky to have him as Sheriff.....
Good Luck..

[Rick Brown]

Thank you for your response.

[Beach House 25]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for posting and opening up to the public, Good move. I have a couple of questions for you.

1. Whats your thoughts of having a mix of civilian and law enforcement setting up a review board to look at public complaints and watch over the jail and provide a check and balance back to the community.

2. Will you have an "OPEN RIDER" program for the media to ride along and be able to report back to the community what they observed?

3. Will you seek to bring the deputies wages to a level that represents a cross the board average nationally?

4. Would you be willing to go on local radio and TV say once a month to give updates with the department?

I am sure I could come up with more but lets see where we are at with these right now. Thanks and Good Luck!

[The Watcher]

Rick:

Thank you for posting something for us to all review. As you see, it has already created discussion. I enjoyed reading your post and I will look forward to the replies on several of the questions posed by others.

How is the current administration taking to your campaign, has this caused you any problems, I would hope not. I would suggest you watch your back, you saw what the sheriff did to Bill Imfeld, that is still a pending matter...

One post touched on your opinions of the current administration and any opportunities that may exist. I understand now may not be the time or place to comment, but understand that it will need to be discussed at some point on the trail.

I will look forward to continued discussion and hopefully you will remain active on this post. Thank you and good luck.

[The Watcher]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for posting and opening up to the public, Good move. I have a couple of questions for you.

1. Whats your thoughts of having a mix of civilian and law enforcement setting up a review board to look at public complaints and watch over the jail and provide a check and balance back to the community.

2. Will you have an "OPEN RIDER" program for the media to ride along and be able to report back to the community what they observed?

3. Will you seek to bring the deputies wages to a level that represents a cross the board average nationally?

4. Would you be willing to go on local radio and TV say once a month to give updates with the department?

I am sure I could come up with more but lets see where we are at with these right now. Thanks and Good Luck!

I am not Rick, but I will voice my opinion on your #2 question. "Open Rider" or ride alongs are not the best way for media to get involved in law enforcement and the reporting of its activities. First, it opens the County up to severe liability (yes, they can sign a waiver and all that, we will still get sued if something was to happen, like a crash on 98 due to bad tires...) The relationship with the media and WCSO does not exist, not at all. Whom ever is the next sheriff, needs to start with baby steps and slowly introduce the media, if this is the route chosen.

Many officers I have spoken with do not like riders with them. The space in the cars is just too small (computer posts) and it really can be a distraction. If an officer takes their job seriously, they are mentally and physically prepared each day/night for the job. To have them carry a passenger, especially one from the media, sniffing the air for a story, is a bit much.

[Rick Brown]

To BeachHouse 25,
Thanks for your response and questions and I will do my best to answer them and any more that you have.
I will answer your first question in two parts.
(Q) 1st part of question is about my thoughts of having a mix of civilian and law enforcement sitting up a board to look at public complaints
(A) Are we talking about citizens who have officer complaints? If so this is sensitive public record material and can only be investigated by the department. As with most investigations the results can be viewed by the public.
(Q) 2nd part of the question is about watching over the jail and providing checks and balances to be brought back to the community.
(A) I very much understand where you are going with this, but the jail is run by the County Commissioners. Danny Glidwell is the supervisor in charge of the jail. You may want to foreword this question to him and see if he responds. The Sheriff’s Office is not connected with the jail.

(Q) Your 2nd question deal is about a media ride-along program.

(A) Absolutely. I believe the media should be involved if it doesn’t conflict with laws pertaining to public records and sensitive investigations that may be compromised by a publication. I know several deputies do not like riders due to the fact that they feel uncomfortable with a stranger who may compromise their protection if the situation arises. They have a higher stress level and also worry about the liability issue. I believe the press is more of a friend than an enemy.

(Q) Your 3rd question is will I seek a wage level that is comparable to the national average.

(A) YES.I will seek higher wages for the deputies and will not quit until I have the wages at a comfortable level for them to not worry payday to payday. I do not see how some of Walton County deputies live on their salaries at this time. On the average a deputy clears about $2,500.00 a month after taxes. How is he supposed to pay rent/mortgage, all utilities, car payment, insurance and all other expenses if he is married with children? He has to be a genius.

(Q) Your 4th question asks if I would go on TV/radio and give a local update on the department’s activity on a regular basis.
(A) yes I would love to keep the public informed and may even start an information website for the public to read. The department has one now but is not in use or up to date that I know of.

I hope this answers your questions, Thank you so much for being concerned about the deputies. I know if they knew people like you were concerned about their welfare, they would hold their heads up higher with pride. And thank you again for your questions; I appreciate the opportunity to answer them.
Rick

[The Watcher]

Rick: I have another question for both you and Dennis Wise. Why is it that up to this point, only the two of you (the two most qualified candidates currently running) are the only ones entertaining us with your presence on SoWal? Do you think other candidate(s) are just too confident in their appeal north of the bay to spend time conversing with us on this fourm? I really wish one of you would reach out to James Macon and get him recruited to one of your sides. He has great intention running, but no one even knows who he is. He could be a valuable asset to a campaign, he already is a valuable asset to our community and to the department.

I will reserve comment on your current "boss" as I do not want to put you into a bad situation, but he does not even communicate with the media let alone us on SoWal.

Also, are you open to attending a public forum/debate with other candidates? I know this idea has been bounced around with both pros and cons. Any ideas?

[Rick Brown]

To The Watcher
Thanks for the questions.
I do not know Mr. Macon and do not know what his intentions are. However I have heard of him and would like the pleasure of meeting him. I would very much like to gain “HIS” support for my campaign.
I can’t speak for the other candidates as to why they don’t respond to “SOWAL”. All I can tell you is I will treat South Walton the same as North Walton. As you know the bridge separates North and South. The bridge is a physical barrier but not a mental barrier, and it shouldn’t be for any elected official. I wish the North end of the County had a “NOWAL”. If they did I would be steadily responding to them as well. As for now I have to do the best I can with the North.
You enquired if I would be a willing participant in a debate or forum. The answer is no. Please let me explain. I do not wish to debate with any official about their ideas, plans or concerns. All it creates is confusion between the public and the candidates and gives the public a harder decision to make at the voting polls. I think all the candidates want about the same thing.
Rick

[Pumpkin-22]

I'm quite pleased to see that some of the candidates are making themselves accessible on this message board. Also great to see so many people interested in this race.

[sunsetbaby]

Politics as I have posted in other threaddds lately...isn't usually my cup of tea, but I leef led to drink a double expresso with this issue.

Rick Brown is by far, from what I have seen, the best candidate for the race at this time. I have not had a chance to get to know all the candidates...although I am working towards that...

Rick Brown has represented the north end of the county very well while being a Deputy for the Walton County Sheriffs Dept, and I know that with his background...and an eagerness he has already displayed to learn whatever he needs to from other jurisdictions to find a way to solve every problem that he can when in office. He truly has an open-door policy, and wants to make... his home...our home...Walton County a better place to live and visit!

Please take the time to check Rick out...His web site can help you get started...and take him up on his offer and meet him for that cup of coffee...

Make you own judgement call...but please get to know every candidate!

Myself...Rick Brown is my Choice for Sheriff!

[The Watcher]

To The Watcher
Thanks for the questions.
I do not know Mr. Macon and do not know what his intentions are. However I have heard of him and would like the pleasure of meeting him. I would very much like to gain “HIS” support for my campaign.
I can’t speak for the other candidates as to why they don’t respond to “SOWAL”. All I can tell you is I will treat South Walton the same as North Walton. As you know the bridge separates North and South. The bridge is a physical barrier but not a mental barrier, and it shouldn’t be for any elected official. I wish the North end of the County had a “NOWAL”. If they did I would be steadily responding to them as well. As for now I have to do the best I can with the North.
You enquired if I would be a willing participant in a debate or forum. The answer is no. Please let me explain. I do not wish to debate with any official about their ideas, plans or concerns. All it creates is confusion between the public and the candidates and gives the public a harder decision to make at the voting polls. I think all the candidates want about the same thing.
Rick

Thank you for your reply. All I can say is that I must admit slight disappointment in your "no" response to a debate of forum. I would ask you, urge you to reconsider...

[Rick Brown]

To Sunset Baby,
Thank you for your positive posting! Your trust and support just makes me more determined to win this election. I intend to prove to you and the other citizens of Walton County that you did make the right choice.
Thanks again
Rick

[wrobert]

(Q) Your 3rd question is will I seek a wage level that is comparable to the national average.

(A) YES.I will seek higher wages for the deputies and will not quit until I have the wages at a comfortable level for them to not worry payday to payday. I do not see how some of Walton County deputies live on their salaries at this time. On the average a deputy clears about $2,500.00 a month after taxes. How is he supposed to pay rent/mortgage, all utilities, car payment, insurance and all other expenses if he is married with children? He has to be a genius.

I guess I should stay out of this but since it is here. What salary is it that you suggest is a comfortable level for the deputies? To clarify, what deputies are being included in the average that you give? Not names, ranks or positions. How does all of this relate to the 'Cody' wage study that has been used to justify raises for the deputies in the past two budget years? I have never really followed the Sheriff's budget that much, but I do know it seems to generate a lot of conversation.

[The Watcher]

I guess I should stay out of this but since it is here. What salary is it that you suggest is a comfortable level for the deputies? To clarify, what deputies are being included in the average that you give? Not names, ranks or positions. How does all of this relate to the 'Cody' wage study that has been used to justify raises for the deputies in the past two budget years? I have never really followed the Sheriff's budget that much, but I do know it seems to generate a lot of conversation.

Are we talking about the National Average of Sheriff's Office's or Law Enforcement as a whole? If you look at the national, you will find that the qualifications of many departemtents, are much higher than what exists in Walton County. In many departments, a college degree, or additional schooling, is "preferred" not required. However, many departments like to see education and proficiency beyond high school. A more seasoned officer might have the additional experience that helps make those "important" decisions, like Trespass on the Beach. The better trained candidate, the higher salary. To raise the entry level pay with out raising the bar is not the smartest idea.

[duncangrace]

To Sunset Baby,
Thank you for your positive posting! Your trust and support just makes me more determined to win this election. I intend to prove to you and the other citizens of Walton County that you did make the right choice.
Thanks again
Rick

Do you only answer to positive postings???? I and a lot of other people would like to know how you think your "experience" measures up to the other candidates?? Why do you think debates "confuse" people are we in Walton County not smart enough to figure out who we'd like running our own county??

And also how does your boss like you running against him??
That seems a bit fishy.....Considering you still have a job..Thank you and I'd appreciate a response..

[Rick Brown]

I apologize for the untimely response.
Please let me clarify the wage statement. I will look at all possible avenues to get the deputies a raise.
The budget generates a great controversy. It is all public record.
Sorry if I offended anyone by telling Sunset baby she was a positive reinforcement to my candidacy.
All the candidates say they share the same goals. It will be a difficult decision that will be vested in the people of Walton County to place the best candidate in office who they feel will serve the public in a professional manner.
The people of Walton County are some of the most educated, professional and well mannered people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.
One way to make this County one of the best in the state is to get the community to interact with the Sheriffs’ Office and to have an open link of communication.
Thanks
Rick

[The Watcher]

I have just read and posted comment to an interesting thread/post on Gang Activity, found on this site. Please review the factual postings, be aware that some of the comments are misinformed as it seem a couple of people have gone off track with immigration issues. Please comment on the gang situation here in Walton County. Thank you.

[Rick Brown]

Watcher
You asked me about a possible gang problem in Walton County. I personally do not think we have an actual gang problem. I think we have a small number of juveniles who would like to think they are gang members. These “want to be” juveniles have no clue what a real gang is. This “want to be Gang” group would more than likely wet themselves if approached by a real gang member from, say Chicago or New York.
I dealt with oriental gang members of Okaloosa County in the late 70s and early 80s. It takes a constant and aggressive unit to suppress this type of activity. Amazing how they just “disappeared”.
The want to be groups around here focus their energy on spray paintings, emblems and figures they have seen pictures of and read about. Other activities are stealing and vandalizing property.
I have not seen anyone wearing “colors” to identify any type of gang.
If we are in the infant stages of seeing a possible gang problem, it should be addressed immediately, no matter who the sheriff is.
I also want to add, if any one on sowal happens to see anyone sporting some type of gang colors or emblems, please contact me immediately. Together we can “nip it in the bud”.
I know professionals who would be more than glad to educate the sheriff’s office in gang activity and what to look for and how to recognize a potential problem.
If elected, gang issues will be addressed.
Thanks for the posting
Rick

[Rick Brown]

Duncangrace
I still have my reservations about debates. I talked with another candidate about debates. He does not wish to debate either. We do not care to debate personal ideas or plans for the sheriffs’ office. I will be glad to answer anyone’s questions that they post on any forum like sowal. If I answer a question that needs clarification please call the phone number posted on my web site for a personal interview.
As far as the confusion matter.
The only one that I have seemed to confuse was you. For this I apologize.
I think you have gone a little too far on your postings by insinuating I may be chicken. If I can be of any further assistance to you, please contact me.
I am sure you would get a better understanding of what I stand for if we met sometime. I also will have a meet and greet in the future and will post the date and time.
Thanks
Rick

[buster38]

******Newsflash****
Candidate Rick Brown was spotted in the restaurant located on Hwy 98 and 393 (The service station restaurant, Saturday, February 2nd, in full unform with a marked sheriff's car parcked out front.... campaigning while on duty and handing out his candidacy cards!)

It must be nice to have all the citizens of Walton County paying for his campaign! And to pay his salary while he's doing it too! I wonder if sheriff Johnson will have any specific comments at this time about the way Brown is " Bettering himself and explaining his responsibilities," as reported in the Walton Sun as to what Johnson said about Brown's candidacy.

[kurt]

Buster, that's hardly news. I doubt there has ever been a deputy running for sheriff who hasn't politicked while on the job. If someone asks him about it while on duty I see nothing wrong with him talking about it as long as he isn't neglecting duties.

As far as taxpayers paying for campaigns, I don't like it but think about Senators Clinton, Obama, and McCain, and Governor Romney, etc . . . . you think those guys are getting any work done in their current jobs for their constituents?

I'm not sure what you are trying to say in your last sentence.

There will be no bashing of candidates on these forums.

[wrobert]

As far as taxpayers paying for campaigns, I don't like it but think about Senators Clinton, Obama, and McCain, and Governor Romney, etc . . . . you think those guys are getting any work done in their current jobs for their constituents?

I'm not sure what you are trying to say in your last sentence.

There will be no bashing of candidates on these forums.

Like you, I do not care for people jumping on, registering, and making negative posts. It is obvious what they are trying to do. But, if true, it could prove to be a problem. Two employees of the Walton County Tax Collector were charged, went through an adminstrative hearing, and fined for campaigning while on government time. Senator Gary Siplin was arrested for same. So while I am sure it does occur, there are some statutory prohibitions.

[wellington]

******Newsflash****
Candidate Rick Brown was spotted in the restaurant located on Hwy 98 and 393 (The service station restaurant, Saturday, February 2nd, in full unform with a marked sheriff's car parcked out front.... campaigning while on duty and handing out his candidacy cards!)

It must be nice to have all the citizens of Walton County paying for his campaign! And to pay his salary while he's doing it too! I wonder if sheriff Johnson will have any specific comments at this time about the way Brown is " Bettering himself and explaining his responsibilities," as reported in the Walton Sun as to what Johnson said about Brown's candidacy.

Buster, that is pretty interesting information. Perhaps you should gather your facts first though. Rick Brown currently does not have any expendetures listed on his campaign finance report with the supervisor of elections for "candidacy cards" or any other form or printed material. Perhaps he was handing out one of his department issued business cards, giving someone the phone number to the Sheriff's Office, following up on a case, responding to a call for service, or doing something else related to his current position as a Deputy Sheriff? How can you make the assumption that just because you spot Deputy Brown handing someone a piece of paper that he is "campaigning" for the position of Sheriff? Mighty big assumption, isn't it.

Let me clarify that I do not speak on behalf of Rick Brown, nor do I know him personally. I am a supporter of Mr. Brown, as I beleive he is the best man for the job. Perhaps you should call Mr. Brown directly and ask him what he was doing at this gas station when you "spotted" him... just a suggestion!

[wrobert]

Buster, that is pretty interesting information. Perhaps you should gather your facts first though. Rick Brown currently does not have any expendetures listed on his campaign finance report with the supervisor of elections for "candidacy cards" or any other form or printed material. Perhaps he was handing out one of his department issued business cards, giving someone the phone number to the Sheriff's Office, following up on a case, responding to a call for service, or doing something else related to his current position as a Deputy Sheriff? How can you make the assumption that just because you spot Deputy Brown handing someone a piece of paper that he is "campaigning" for the position of Sheriff? Mighty big assumption, isn't it.

I am not taking sides, but do want to make sure that correct information is published when dealing with campaign issues. Otherwise things do tend to get a bit twisted.

We are in the 1st Quarter reporting period for this campaign period. All contributions and expenditures are not due on a report until April 10th. So there is no public way for anyone to know what someone working on a campaign has bought since Jan 1st without asking that candidate and that candidate wanting to tell you.

I really do urge anyone that sees something or has a question to stop and ask the candidate. While I have never been asked anything on my current campaign, I have worked on many in the past and each and every candidate has always been extremely transparent in their dealings. All of it is going to come out in the end on the reports, so a candidate has no reason to try to hide anything. Hold them accountable. They need to get used to it anyway because if they do get elected, they will be moving into a public fishbowl.

[Beach House 25]

Personal attacks and name calling are not allowed on SoWal.com and will get you banned. Please keep the discourse civil.

Thanks!

My gosh Kurt! Thank you for stepping up to the plate! I am proud to have Rick on here sharing his information and thoughts. Name calling and out right attacks distract from what could be good information. Thank you Kurt!

[HYDROSTAN]

Rick, Thanks for your service in law enforcement. Do you feel the Sheriffs Dept. should manage the jail?

[Rick Brown]

To all on SOWAL:
It is with deep regret I keep seeing a few people bash me with their postings. I also would like to thank the many people who post positive remarks, these are the ones who have done their home work and found out what I am about and what type of values and morals I have. I also believe that some of these postings were made by people who have actually met me instead of bashing me on a computer. I urge and plead with anyone who wants to meet me, please visit my website and call the cell number that is provided. The site is as follows: Members.cox.net/vote4rickbrown/
Let me clarify my cards. YES I do have election cards and YES I do hand them out when asked for one. This is not campaigning on duty. After my posting came out in the Defuniak Herald and the Walton Sun, I have been approached several times and asked if I was the same person running for office, I tell them yes. I shake their hand and let them know if they have a question they can contact me on my website. I have an obligation to ALL the citizens of Walton County to respond to their questions. I simply tell them I cannot campaign while on duty but if they contact me on my cell phone after duty I will be more than glad to answer any questions. If I am in a restaurant eating lunch and a person approaches me and asks me a question I will talk with him. I am not using official time, this is my lunch break and I am subject to “jump and run” at any time, so yes, I take my lunch and talk with people if they approach me. I will not be rude to anyone who approaches and asks a question. I will not say I can’t talk to you. I will talk to you. My card has all my information on it. My wife and I spend many hours on the road OFF DUTY talking with people and strengthening my campaign. We will continue to push with my campaign because I believe that the people of Walton County want a positive change and I can make that change for the better.
I hope this clears up any questions about my cards and campaign. I hope this will not be the last card seen in any public place. As of this date, no one has ever called me direct and asked me a question. Why?

BUSTER 38, thanks for posting the card on SOWAL. I could not have done it without you.

HYDROSTAN
You asked about the jail...That’s a tough question. If the County commissioners want to relinquish the jail back to the responsibility of the Sheriff’s Office, I would consider all of the legalities of the change and how much the change would cost. I think if all the monetary problems could be worked out, I would take the jail back. In my personal opinion the jail and the Sheriff’s Office should be together.

Someone asked me how the Sheriff felt about me running for Sheriff. He has been cordial and polite and does not seem to have a problem with my candidacy. I do not down grade, belittle or talk ill of the Sheriff.
I will not post any further comments to anyone who bashes me. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Again please contact me via my web site or email; "vote4rickbrown@cox.net". It is obvious no matter what I post, a certain few want to belittle and demean all I say.
I would like to add one more thing to this posting. I talked with several experts in this area that deal with gangs. They do not know of any "gang cells" in Walton County. This does not mean that gang members do not go through our county, they do and some may live here. There are sexual predators who live in the county and the Sheriff’s Office keeps a close watch on all of them. Just ask a convicted sexual predator if you happen to know one. I “visit” many on a monthly basis (according to department policy) to remind them that we are watching and monitoring their activities. If we had "gang cells" in our county we would be monitoring them the same way.
Just because a building, bridge or sign is spray painted, it does not mean we have a gang problem. What we have is a bunch of “wanna be” bored juveniles.

If after this posting you still have reservations about gangs in Walton County, please contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and ask for someone in investigations division who has expertise about gangs.
Thanks,
Rick

[Beach House 25]

Rick, Thanks for your posting! You are making my choice much easier with every post. Your very respectful and seem to be honest in your communications. Just that alone puts you in front of some of these others that use negative tactics. Keep up the good work your on to something! Gods Speed!

[buster38]

WATCHER: I acquired the card form a friend that was approached at his table at the restaurant by Rick Brown. As I was not the one who spotted him, I did not say I spotted him. The person given the card did not want to post, so I did. ATRUE STORY.

[wellington]

Buster, that's funny... you're "friend" was approached by Rick Brown at a table in a restaurant just out of the blue but instead of reporting that on your "news flash" you report that Rick Brown was "spotted" at a gas station handing out a business card? Obviously you are not being truthful and are posting your comments for malicious purposes, although I believe you are wasting your time.

Watcher, you are awfully quick to question people and demand to know who their "experts" are. I am curious, since you seem to consider yourself an "expert" in the gang epidemic of the Sandestin resort community, what are YOUR qualifications and experience on this matter? Are you a law enforcement officer? Have you worked many cases of gang activity in this area? How much education and training do you have on gangs in general?

[The Watcher]

Buster, that's funny... you're "friend" was approached by Rick Brown at a table in a restaurant just out of the blue but instead of reporting that on your "news flash" you report that Rick Brown was "spotted" at a gas station handing out a business card? Obviously you are not being truthful and are posting your comments for malicious purposes, although I believe you are wasting your time.

Watcher, you are awfully quick to question people and demand to know who their "experts" are. I am curious, since you seem to consider yourself an "expert" in the gang epidemic of the Sandestin resort community, what are YOUR qualifications and experience on this matter? Are you a law enforcement officer? Have you worked many cases of gang activity in this area? How much education and training do you have on gangs in general?

As I can appreciate your inquiry into my personal life, I do not feel that I am the one who needs to explain my education, traning or experience. I am not the one running for sheriff... I can appreciate your defense of Rick Brown, no problem there, but he is the candidate, not me. So, please do not spin my legitimate question of where Mr. Brown has obtained his expert opinion of gangs, or the lack there of, back on me. When I put my name into the hat of candidates for sheriff, then you will be allowed to question me. In the mean time, the candidates need to answer the questions posed by the voters.

[Yahoodie]

"Watcher
You asked me about a possible gang problem in Walton County. I personally do not think we have an actual gang problem. I think we have a small number of juveniles who would like to think they are gang members." ...

the above is the answer Mr. Brown gave to the question of "gang problems" in Walton County on Jan 30, 2008.
In more recent postings the original question was turned and a spin put on it. Mr. Brown has not ever said he did not believe there was gang "activity" in our area.
Please re-read his Jan 30th posting for his views to see that he is not dismissing any "activities" occuring in the area.
He is the man for the job.