Tony Cornman Introduction

[tony4sheriff]

Good Afternoon

First I would like to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share this time with you and to tell you a little about myself and my plans for the sheriff’s office.

I would like to start by saying I am a Walton County native. I was born and raised in Walton County. I spent my first 28 years living, going to school and working right here in Walton County. My wife of 24 years, Joni was also born and raised in Walton County. We have one son who is set to graduate from GCCC this summer and plans on attending FSU in the fall majoring in business. And of course I can’t forget our family pet of 15 years a miniature schnauzer named NAKU.

I have over 25 years of work experience in law enforcement. That experience includes corrections, patrol, investigations and management. My law enforcement service began in 1982 as a Deputy Sheriff right here in Walton County. I worked with the Sheriff’s Office for many years and later accepted a job with the State of Florida’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, an accredited State law enforcement agency. One of the toughest decisions I had to make involved leaving the Sheriff’s Office. It is never easy to leave home and everything familiar to you, but I wanted to broaden my law enforcement education and experience. The State of Florida gave me that opportunity. I have gained valuable experience working as part of that team all over the state of Florida. I have experience working with a multitude of agencies to achieve a goal. And that goal should be the same of every law enforcement officer– Make this county and State a safer place to live, work and visit. In 1994 I was among the first formally recognized Field Training Officers for my current agency. That aspect of my job took me around the State training and evaluating other law enforcement personnel. Being a FTO gave me supervisory experience and played an important part in my career. I have been promoted twice, and now serve as Law Enforcement Lieutenant. As Lieutenant, I manage, direct and lead employees and operations on a daily basis. I am responsible for personnel, office budget oversight, enforcement operations, administrative operations and licensing functions for seven counties including Walton.


During my law enforcement career I have attended thousands of hours of advanced training in Management and Supervision, Organized Crime, Undercover Operations, Drug ID and Investigations, Law Enforcement Instructor Certification, Law Enforcement Ethics and Incident Command System for Managers of Major Incidents just to name a few.

I have also received numerous awards and commendations during my law enforcement career including:

Ÿ Two time recipient of the State of Florida’s Distinguished Service Award
Ÿ Eight time recipient of the State of Florida Certificate of Recognition for providing diligent investigative effort and exhibiting extraordinary devotion to duty.
Ÿ Five time recipient of the State of Florida Certificate of Appreciation for dedication, professionalism, and service in protecting the lives and properties of the citizens of Florida.
Ÿ Recipient of the MADD award for progressive investigations to stop sales of alcoholic beverages to underage persons.
Ÿ Recently received a leadership award and was inducted into the Who’s Who Among Prevention Leaders, by the State of Florida, Office of Drug Control.
Ÿ Under my supervision, the Panama City Beach Office received outstanding service awards for productivity and efficiency which included being named the most efficiently operated office in the Northern Region.

I have served as the Incident Commander for many large scale operations. Planning, directing and controlling law enforcement operations involving over 50 law enforcement personnel have given me great insight into working with other agencies and staying within budget limitations.

I have also been assigned to the division’s Policy Review Committee, whose function involves writing and reviewing policies and procedures. This is an important component of Law Enforcement Accreditation – A process I want to bring to the Sheriff’s Office. The employees and citizens deserve a fully accredited Sheriff’s office.

During my career I have had the fortunate opportunity to work with many law enforcement agencies throughout The Great State of Florida. I have learned that agencies adapting the “Community Policing Model” are more successful. By that I mean those agencies that get their communities involved, keep them informed and encourage and accept their input and suggestions are successful. Support of the community is not a luxury. It is a necessity. I want everyone to understand a Sheriff is a representative of the people. No successful Sheriff stands alone.

Under my administration I promise that the citizens of Walton County will be “Partners” with the Sheriff’s Office. You will be treated with a “HOW CAN WE HELP YOU” attitude, and that attitude will extend from top to bottom. I will use my exceptional work ethic, dedication to my profession and experience to implement meaningful change in your Sheriff’s Office and set priorities and goals for my administration.

Some of those are:

WALTON COUNTY SHERIFF"S OFFICE AND THE SHERIFF WILL BE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL THE CITIZENS.

Ÿ I PROMISE to have an open door policy and be accessible to all of our citizens and ensure your Sheriff’s Office is responsive.

Ÿ I PROMISE to have quarterly town hall meetings in different communities throughout WaltonCounty so that I can meet with members of the communities and discuss their needs and concerns.

Ÿ I PROMISE to have office days each week in different areas of the county to increase accessibility and service.

Ÿ I PROMISE to make the operation of the Sheriff’s Office transparent and understandable. The public will be kept informed and updated on matters affecting the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens we serve.

Ÿ I PROMISE fair, honest and equitable treatment for all.


REORGANIZE WALTON COUNTY SHERIFF"S OFFICE TO MAKE THE BEST POSSIBLE USE OF PERSONNEL AND RESOURCES.

Ÿ I PROMISE Sheriff’s Office personnel will have the training, education and experience necessary to be effective in their positions.

Ÿ I PROMISE Sheriff’s Office personnel will keep and maintain training levels and certifications necessary for their positions. New policing trends and techniques will be evaluated and embraced.

Ÿ I PROMISE to ensure that the Walton County Sheriff’s Office makes use of the many grants available for law enforcement to aid in the funding for special enforcement activities.

Ÿ I PROMISE to utilize available resources to create a warrants division that will aggressively pursue those who have managed to escape apprehension. Justice delayed is justice denied. We will work tirelessly to clear this backlog.


WALTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WILL HAVE AN UNSURPASSED WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS.

Ÿ I PROMISE to develop and advance meaningful relationships with other county and city agencies and entities. The Sheriff’s Office conducts business with many diverse groups and all will be treated with respect and compassion.


BUILD AND MAINTAIN A QUALITY PROFESSIONAL TEAM SO THAT THE SHERIFFS OFFICE WILL BE POSITIONED TO PROVIDE THE FINEST LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SERVICE AVAILABLE ANYWHERE.

Ÿ I PROMISE to create a climate that encourages employees to continue their service to the Citizens of Walton County.

· I PROMISE to create a climate that encourages and recognizes employee excellence, innovation and personal growth.

· I PROMISE to provide and encourage participation in staff development opportunities relevant to job duties and that provide knowledge of their assigned mission.

I will work to implement a quarterly training program with all emergency response agencies including Police, Fire, and Medical. This will allow us to train together so when we experience an emergency response we will know and understand the roles of each responder.

I also want to move Walton County toward an active involvement in the arena of Homeland Security. This will give us the availability of more federal funds to help make our county and surrounding area a more safe and secure area for all of our citizens and visitors.

As said before I would like to move the Walton County Sheriff’s Office toward an accreditation process. This will help in advancing the operations of the Sheriff’s Office and bringing Walton County to the forefront in providing professional law enforcement service. Walton County deserves nothing less.

I thank you for your time and please remember to get out and vote on August 26, 2008 and any vote for TONY CORNMAN for Sheriff will be greatly appreciated.

[Alicia Leonard]

and thanks for posting.

[tony4sheriff]

Sorry for the format of the posting. Don't know what happened. I created the document in word, copied it and then posted it on sowal and it came out a little different in a few spots.

[Alicia Leonard]

Sorry for the format of the posting. Don't know what happened. I created the document in word, copied it and then posted it on sowal and it came out a little different in a few spots.

There is an edit button on your post where you can change something if you want.

[ShallowsFuzz]

Tony your getting sleepy, sleepy...now remember what I say, your going to remember S-H-A-L-L-O-W-S-F-U-Z-Z

[joho]

I had the opportunity to meet Tony Cornman and discuss his history/experience in the years of his professionalism. He portrayed a sincere and eager attitude concerning changes for the good and best interest of Walton County.

Plus he promises to meet "in person" with the people!

He gets my vote..................

Good Luck

[FLSentinel]

Tony you sound a little arrogant in your resume. I hear also that you don't live in Walton County. I think that is a little arrogant also. What are you thinkin'? I don't mean to be rude, help me understand where you are coming from. How many years did you work for the Walton County Sheriff's Office?

[tony4sheriff]

FLSentinel

Sorry if you took my posting as being arrogant, it definitely was not intended that way. If you knew me personally you would know that I in no way intended for it to be taken as arrogant. I do feel it is very important for me to inform the people of my background, experience, things I’ve accomplished during my career as well as my plans for the sheriff’s office if elected. For your question about my employment with the sheriff’s office, that service began in 1982 and continued until 1988. Currently I do not live in Walton County but just over the Bay County line in Panama City Beach where I am the district supervisor for my current agency. I manage all operations of that office for seven counties including Walton. Florida election law allows for you to run for a constitutional office as long as you are a registered voter in Florida. The residency requirement begins the day you assume office. As said before I was born and raised in Walton County. I lived, worked and went to school in Walton County for the first 28 years of my life and believe that is more time spent in Walton County than most all the other candidates. My wife is also a Walton County native. We both have many family members currently living in Walton County. We have our home for sale in Panama City Beach and have been house shopping in Walton County. Win or loose the election our plans are to move back to Walton County where we both have deep family ties. I would love the opportunity to sit down with you and further discuss my candidacy, qualifications and plans. If that is something that you are open to please let me know by emailing me at tjcornman@gmail.com or contacting me at 850-527-8139. Thanks again for time and have a great weekend.

[Jdarg]

Tony and thanks for a wonderful introductory post. You are a breath of fresh air.

[FLSentinel]

Tony- Thanks for responding, but you still didn’t help me to understand. If you live in Bay County you should run for Sheriff in Bay County. People move. Your home is where you raise your children, where you pay your taxes, and where your heart is. If your heart is not in Bay County move out and then run for office. No matter how many times I go over it in my head, there is something wrong with living in a different county and running for a county office in another county. It’s just a red flag for me. I know it’s too late for you to back out now, just be careful with the guidelines. Mr. Burke, who sat on the South Walton Mosquito Control Board, seems to have gotten himself into a tight stop by allegedly living in Bay County and holding office in Walton County. If you want to run for office in a county, you should live in that county first to understand the people, know first hand what their needs are. Walton County is constantly changing in demography. It is the best place to live. No, I wasn’t born here, but I have lived here for many years. This is my home.

[BlueMtnBeachVagrant]

Tony you sound a little arrogant in your resume. I hear also that you don't live in Walton County. I think that is a little arrogant also. What are you thinkin'? I don't mean to be rude, help me understand where you are coming from. How many years did you work for the Walton County Sheriff's Office?

FLSentinel, as a "new" member here on SoWal, I find it a bit suspicious that you just joined last month and then you proceed to blast a candidate by using the word arrogant twice in just one short, uninformative post.

I see it as jealousy on your part. But more likely, you see him as a threat to you somehow. Doesn't matter.

Mr. Cornman's resume runs circles around many of the other candidates...plus he's literate, a nice trait for a sheriff to have!!

[ShallowsFuzz]

Tony- Thanks for responding, but you still didn’t help me to understand. If you live in Bay County you should run for Sheriff in Bay County. People move. Your home is where you raise your children, where you pay your taxes, and where your heart is. If your heart is not in Bay County move out and then run for office. No matter how many times I go over it in my head, there is something wrong with living in a different county and running for a county office in another county. It’s just a red flag for me. I know it’s too late for you to back out now, just be careful with the guidelines. Mr. Burke, who sat on the South Walton Mosquito Control Board, seems to have gotten himself into a tight stop by allegedly living in Bay County and holding office in Walton County. If you want to run for office in a county, you should live in that county first to understand the people, know first hand what their needs are. Walton County is constantly changing in demography. It is the best place to live. No, I wasn’t born here, but I have lived here for many years. This is my home.

I believe it has been stated before on other threads and I don't know how clearer you can get, that Florida law allows him to run. If you don't like the law, change it, or accept it and move on.

[Badges?]

Tony- Thanks for responding, but you still didn’t help me to understand. If you live in Bay County you should run for Sheriff in Bay County. People move. Your home is where you raise your children, where you pay your taxes, and where your heart is. If your heart is not in Bay County move out and then run for office. No matter how many times I go over it in my head, there is something wrong with living in a different county and running for a county office in another county. It’s just a red flag for me. I know it’s too late for you to back out now, just be careful with the guidelines. Mr. Burke, who sat on the South Walton Mosquito Control Board, seems to have gotten himself into a tight stop by allegedly living in Bay County and holding office in Walton County. If you want to run for office in a county, you should live in that county first to understand the people, know first hand what their needs are. Walton County is constantly changing in demography. It is the best place to live. No, I wasn’t born here, but I have lived here for many years. This is my home.

Let's take a minute to analyze what is really being said here. The poster claims "arrogance" in the post, then can't understand basic principles of Election Law. I can't help but wonder what motivates the poster. It would appear FL Setinel is trying to draw attention from the real issues by focusing on a "non-issue." The bit about Mr Burke is irrelevant. To infer Cornman doesn't know what is going on in Walton County is equally absurd.

[FLSentinel]

Ya’ll are right, I should have never said anything. Posting questions (not informing, that is why I used question marks) on SoWal political forum right before an election is a bad idea. I should have waited until-?- and then ask questions of a candidate. You tell me. I have not mentioned any candidate for sheriff as you seem to be doing. If you want a sheriff that lives in another county then vote for him.

[4dogs]

Mr. Cornman does live in Bay County
BUT…… Walton County is part of his district.
He lives near his office (in Panama City) so he can be available 24/7.
His home has been for sale for sometime, as he knew once he started his campaign there would be closed minded people like yourself who just do not understand or would take the time to learn his, commitment to Walton County.

[ShallowsNole]

If home is where the heart is, then Tony is home in Walton County.

He hasn't moved back yet as his home in PCB (where DBPR required him to live when he and his family returned to the panhandle) has not sold. If elected, they will be back, home sale or not.

Surely we all agree that one can stay with relatives only so long...

[wrobert]

If home is where the heart is, then Tony is home in Walton County.

He hasn't moved back yet as his home in PCB (where DBPR required him to live when he and his family returned to the panhandle) has not sold. If elected, they will be back, home sale or not.

Surely we all agree that one can stay with relatives only so long...

Has the requirement to live in Bay County recently changed or has it been the same for the last 10 or so years?

[tony4sheriff]

When I first transferred to the Bay County Office I did request to have my residency in Walton County and that request was denied. At that time Walton County was being served from another office location. Since then Walton County has been assigned to the Bay County Office. During realignment it was again discussed to move Walton County to another office location. My heart being in Walton County, having family in Walton County and caring for the people of Walton County caused me to fight that move and I won, keeping Walton County being served from the Bay County office. Recently during our accreditation process all policy and procedures were reevaluated and some changed. Currently the division has a policy in place that allows all sworn staff to live within 35 air miles of their assigned office. This would allow me to live in Walton County.

There has been much discussion about my residency as well as the perceived residency requirements to run for Sheriff. I would like to again address the issue and move forward. I hope to focus on issues that define my goals as well as my qualifications to hold the office of Sheriff.

Again I would like to say that currently I do live in Bay County, actually just a little over the county line in Panama City Beach. I am presently assigned as the district supervisor over the Panama City Beach Office of the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. That office covers seven counties, including Walton.

Before I decided to run, I fully investigated the residency requirements. Florida law does not require a candidate to reside in a county in order to seek a constitutional office in that county. A candidate would have to reside in the county upon taking office. The new Sheriff will take office in January and I plan to be a Walton County resident at that time, if not before.

My wife and I were born and raised in Walton County. I spent my first 28 years here. I started my law enforcement career with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in 1982. Moving to accept a career building position with the State of Florida was not easy, but it was the right decision. The education and experience gained by doing so could not have been duplicated in Walton County at that time. We have always considered Walton County our home. Our families are in Walton. Our future is in Walton. Our home is for sale and like many others hoping to sell and relocate; we are dealing with a slow market.

As I travel around the county speaking with the citizens, the topic of my residency occasionally surfaces. I find it reassuring that factor has not been perceived as a negative aspect of my campaign. Many feel it is time for meaningful change and a fresh face would be necessary to make that happen.

With all this being said I believe as people educate themselves about the candidates and issues, my current residency will have no real impact on my campaign.

I have asked my supporters to focus on my qualifications, experience and goals for the Sheriff’s Office. We want to stay focused on the message, that positive change is needed. The voters need information from candidates that centers on the candidates ability to serve the citizens of Walton County. I would hope that all candidates would reiterate to their supporters the importance in addressing the meaningful issues facing the Sheriff’s Office.

Again I thank you for your time and if you would like to contact me please do so at:

Website: tonycornmanforsheriff.com
Email: tony4sheriff@gmail.com
Phone: 850-527-8139

[steyou]

Tony- You and I graduated together at WSHS in 78. You can figure out who I am by my call name. Your credentials are very commendable and I am equally impressed with your willingness to step into the political arena here, especially when there is such a difference in lifestyle (for the lack of a better word) here form when we were growing up. I hope that if you are elected that you will put a heavy focus on the infiltration of drugs, especially meth. I cannot believe the amount of this stuff in this area. I would also be curious on what your stance is on illegal aliens and how you are going to handle once elected. If you answer that last question please don't be a politition and beat around the bush. Please give a direct answer.

My vote would go to you however I also live over the line in another county.

I wish you all the best.

[Seeker1]

This is what I dont understand either... It seems to me that you are keeping your job over in Bay County and your home just in case you dont win... Its safe... Run in Bay County...

Thats funny, I see it differently. I see him and ALL the other candidates ready to risk it all for a chance to serve the citizens. Hes not the only one maintaining his current employment. Is he the only one wrong? Are they all wrong? Or are they all planning well? I think the latter. Good luck all!

[HenryHawk]

Thanks for running Tony, you certainly have my vote and MANY of my friend's votes.

Your moving back to Walton County, that's good enough for me.
I think some of these posts are from your opponents...lol!

[kurt]

I've moved some of the posts in this thread here - Sheriff Election Discussion - SoWal Beaches Forum


On threads like this one where the candidates themselves are posting, please keep it civil and address the candidate directly with respect and courtesy, keep the discussion on track. We appreciate candidates coming here and telling us about themselves and where they stand on the issues. Keep the banter and debate about side issues to other threads.

Thanks!