How Much Does It Take to Buy A Sheriff's Race?

[Joyce Johnson]

If I read the candidates financial reports correctly, it appears that once again Charlie Hilton is trying to buy a candidate. This time it's in Walton County. Now let me think about this. Are there promises being made? By whom-To whom?
Buying candidates has got to stop. If the voters do not pay attention to who is contributing to who, we will once again have "Big Interest" money controlling our Politicians and their actions.
Walton County wake up! Hilton was defeated in Bay County, let's do the same here.

[WCcitizens]

Pretty good for your 1st post. Sign up......and go to bashing.

Who cares who donates to who? If I'm not mistaken Hilton owns quite a bit of property in Walton Co also.

[Johnny Post]

I assume she is referring to the donations to Mr. Adkinson. From my reading of the reports, it looks like a lot more people than just Mr. Hilton were willing to open their checkbooks for him.

Almost $50,000 raised at this point. Thats pretty strong.

[Smiling JOe]

Joyce Johnson, are you suggesting we shouldn't vote for someone who could perhaps be the best candidate, solely because Charlie Hilton donated to his campaign?

Would you be related to Sheriff Johnson?

[Joyce Johnson]

Who's bashing? I do feel that as citizens of Walton County we need to make informed decisions when we vote. Don't you ask questions about who you vote for?

[scooterbug44]

After the WAVE fiascos, I would like to be alerted anytime someone makes a large or potentially suspicious donation.

[Smiling JOe]

Who's bashing? I do feel that as citizens of Walton County we need to make informed decisions when we vote. Don't you ask questions about who you vote for?

I think asking questions is needed, always, hence my question as to your relationship with Sheriff Johnson. Also, you need to address my question. Does one person's support for a candidate mean that he or she is not the best candidate, and that we should vote for someone else? Looks to me like many respectable people have donated as much to Mike Adkinson's campaign as Charlie Hilton.

Here is the link to search for campaign contributions.

[SWGB]

Doesn't Mr. Adkinson live in Bay County currently? Did it ever occur to someone that Mr. Hilton is supporting him so that he'll leave the county.

[Alicia Leonard]

Doesn't Mr. Adkinson live in Bay County currently? Did it ever occur to someone that Mr. Hilton is supporting him so that he'll leave the county.

I think that's Cornman.

[Smiling JOe]

Doesn't Mr. Adkinson live in Bay County currently? Did it ever occur to someone that Mr. Hilton is supporting him so that he'll leave the county.

Tony Cornman (looks like Comman on the ballot), is the only candidate in the Sheriff's race reported as currently residing in Bay County. Adkinson is the Chief of Police in Defuniak, if I'm not mistaken, so he wouldn't be leaving the area.

[Zebraspots]

Does one person's support for a candidate mean that he or she is not the best candidate, and that we should vote for someone else?

No, but you can get a sense as to what someone's REAL politics/beliefs are based on who supports them. For example, a pro-smart growth candidate w/ the backing of many developers who throw up as many units of ugly as the law will allow (and always ask for exemptions) would make me wonder.

[Smiling JOe]

zebra, I understand your reasoning, but not when it comes to the Sheriff's race. If we were talking about a County Commissioner Seat, you would be making a valid point.

By the way, a smart big-growth developer would contribute to every candidate running for Commissioner, who had a decent chance of winning, so that they could theoretically have more pull when it comes to asking favors.

[Zebraspots]

I know several developers who do that!

Wonder if there will be a significantly lower amount raised this year with the developer/real estate money crunch!

[Smiling JOe]

I know several developers who do that!

Wonder if there will be a significantly lower amount raised this year with the developer/real estate money crunch!

The only elected officers who really have the potential to directly help developers are the seats of the County Commissioners. Larry Jones is current Chairman of the BCC, and looking at his only competition in this race, I think he will win 10:1. The race for BCC in Dist 5, will likely be a close one between Osborne and Hudson, and I don't think either would base their development approval decision on someone donating $500 towards their campaign, or any amount of money, for that matter.

With develpment being so slow right now, and probably for the next couple of years, many developers who are in trouble financially, won't likely be contributing to anyone's campaign. Compare this year's contributions to the BCC candidates to back when Scott Brannon was running, and had many, many developers contributing. Quick money is easy to throw around.

[The Watcher]

I assume she is referring to the donations to Mr. Adkinson. From my reading of the reports, it looks like a lot more people than just Mr. Hilton were willing to open their checkbooks for him.

Almost $50,000 raised at this point. Thats pretty strong.

Yes, it is strong, but am I the only one who questions the fact that a sole individual with gobs of $$$ can donate numerous times based on his/her business and then personal identity. I realize this is the rule, not disputing that. It does look like someone/somepeople are trying to "buy" the election. There are some very "interesting" names on M. Adkinson's contribution list as well.

Do we want a new Sheriff elected on BIG BUSINESS donations or one who will work for the people, while stimulating and supporting healthy growth as well?

w

[Johnny Post]

"Big" business? I had to laugh at this. While I get the point, I traditionally think of "big" business in politics as large corporations, think Enron, shoveling dollar after dollar to a candidate, his/her party, PACs, and every other group to get a person elected. Not really sure what we have here is the same thing.

And while I may not agree with the campaign finance rules allowing a person to contribute multiple times under their individual name and their business, it certainly shows support for a candidate.

No matter who you are, the willingness to spend money on a political race shows a person's committment. Now we can always argue why that person is committed, but the fact that certain candidates seem to pull in large contributions does lend itself to the notion that the candidate has done something "right" to earn that support.

[The Watcher]

"Big" business? I had to laugh at this. While I get the point, I traditionally think of "big" business in politics as large corporations, think Enron, shoveling dollar after dollar to a candidate, his/her party, PACs, and every other group to get a person elected. Not really sure what we have here is the same thing.

And while I may not agree with the campaign finance rules allowing a person to contribute multiple times under their individual name and their business, it certainly shows support for a candidate.

No matter who you are, the willingness to spend money on a political race shows a person's committment. Now we can always argue why that person is committed, but the fact that certain candidates seem to pull in large contributions does lend itself to the notion that the candidate has done something "right" to earn that support.

Big Business in Walton is subject to interpretation. I look at it as an individual that owns several businesses (each contributing $500) then contributing $500 for themselves, their family members, etc. You end up with a great deal of money from basically one source. That one source may not even be registered to vote in Walton County. Now Infulence may attract votes, but the one's you influence are not standing next to you in the booth, are they?... Give money to make friends, vote for who is best? Perhaps that may happen.

I was always taught to "follow the money". Looking at certain candidates "money" the trail is something to follow.

w

[Seeker1]

Do we want a new Sheriff elected on BIG BUSINESS donations or one who will work for the people, while stimulating and supporting healthy growth as well?

w[/quote]

[/QUOTE]

Actually I prefer to have a sheriff that will just do his freakin' job and let others do theirs.
As for hilton being a contributor, didnt he build something in town? HMM. Didnt he also give huge to quinn? Hmm.
Anyone can contribute to anyone, thats the beauty of it. But ya cant help but wonder in some cases..........why.
I prefer grass roots contributing, see who the PEOPLE support. Not business. Theres a big difference there.
Mike already went back on his word to the city when he told them he had no intentions of running for sheriff. Some call it mis-speaking, some call it misleading.
Whatever it is makes a weak foundation to build upon.

[DuneLaker]

Maybe Hilton wants to make sure that he doesn't get a citation for ignoring any turtle lighting ordinance that finally gets passed in Walton County. I don't fault the candidate for taking money and reporting it. At least the public and voters have adequate notice before the election. The problem is with illegal or candidates or reprimanded groups that hide contributions until after elections are over. Not aware of any questionable 527s now, but you probably won't know about them until after the election, anyway.

[rapunzel]

I think it's important to consider contributors backing a candidate.

I had planned to compile a list of the top donors to each campaign, a top ten list for most, but a list of all donors of $500 (or more) for those who had more than ten. Here is the list for Adkinson (starred and highlighted contributions are combined for multiple entities):

Name / Amount / Occupation / Location

Lauren Adkinson $500.00 ARNP Defuniak Springs, FL
Clay B Adkinson $500.00 Attorney Defuniak Springs, FL
Rhonda R. Adkinson $500.00 Doctor Defuniak Springs, FL
Cornelia C Trent $500.00 Retired Defuniak Springs, FL
Dean Mitchell $500.00 Offshore Construction Westville, FL
Jessica F. Adkinson $500.00 HomemakerDefuniak Springs, FL
Shadler L. Adkinson $500.00 Consultant Defuniak Springs, FL
Samuel Franklin $500.00 Sears Employee Laurel Hill, FL
Laurie Palmer $500.00 Okaloosa County School Crestview, FL
Clayton JM Adkinson $500.00 Attorney Defuniak Springs, FL
Marcia Whigham $500.00 Retired Milton, FL
Ronnie Brannon $500.00 General Contractor Defuniak Springs, FL
Jefferson Webb $500.00 Retired Defuniak Springs, FL
J. Kevin Adams $500.00 Developer Memphis, TN
William Benton $500.00 Developer Memphis, TN
Sandra Anderson $500.00 Retired Defuniak Springs, FL
Michael R. Howell $500.00 DOT Officer Defuniak Springs, FL
Sommer Adams $500.00 Retail Business Owner Defuniak Springs, FL
Michael Adkinson, Sr. $500.00 Offshore Constr. Defuniak Springs, FL
Patsy Adkinson $500.00 Homemaker Defuniak Springs, FL
Jason Comer $500.00 Developer Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Law Offices of Matthews and Hawk (aka Destin Land and Title) $1,000.00 Law Destin, FL
Cary Shahid $500.00 Restauranteur Destin, FL
New Orchid Group, LLC $500.00 Developer Rosemary Beach, FL
Adkinson Land Title LLC $500.00 Title Company Freeport, FL
Adkinson Law Firm $500.00 Law Firm Defuniak Springs, FL
Stanley Hobbs $500.00 Retired Hartford, AL
R. J. Ryals $500.00 Municipal Employee Defuniak Springs, FL
Roger and Judith Murray* $500.00 Retired Destin, FL
Recade Investments $500.00 Investment Co. Defuniak Springs, FL
Pelican Properties* (aka Signature, South Walton Properties) $2,500.00 Developer Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Axiom Development/Indian Lake $500.00 Developer Destin, FL
Capelin Investments $500.00 Investment Co. Miramar Beach, FL
C W Seman $500.00 Retired Freeport, FL
Cade Investments $500.00 Investment Co. Defuniak Springs, FL
Bay Hauling and Tank Corp. $500.00 Hauling Co. Valparaiso, FL
Whipple Van Ness Jones, Jr. $500.00 Retired Miramar Beach, FL
Cassandra Hollingsworth $500.00 Paralegal Defuniak Springs, FL
Debby Adkinson $500.00 Retired Freeport, FL
Dewey C. Wilson, Jr. $500.00 Executive Freeport, FL
Teasie Fountain $500.00 Bookkeeper Defuniak Springs, FL
Edgewater Beach Owners Assoc, $500.00 HOA Miramar Beach, FL
Katie Inez Adkinson $500.00 Retired Defuniak Springs, FL
Rodney L. Adkinson $500.00 Retired Freeport, FL
Michelle Ragan $500.00 Property Manager Defuniak Springs, FL
Van Ness R. Butler, Jr. $500.00 Retired Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Charlie Hilton* (Hilton Inc., Hilton Timber Co., Holiday Golf & Racquet Club, Hilton Self Insurance Fund $2,500.00 Developer Panama City Beach, FL
Commercial Developers, Inc. $500.00 Developer Sandestin, FL
William Chapman $500.00 Law Enforcement Defuniak Springs, FL
Cheryl Sallee $500.00 Teacher Defuniak Springs, FL
Marla Carter Photo $500.00 Photographer Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Michael A. Adkinson $5,000.00 Candidate Defuniak Springs, FL
W. H. & P. A. Cosson* $1,000.00 Retired Pensacola, FL
Thamas R. & Joy W. Coleman* $1,000.00 Homemaker Germantown, TN
Cheryl Rice $500.00 Student Freeport, FL
Hollis Risley $500.00 Retired Miramar Beach, FL
Katie & Johnny Himes* $800.00 Business Owner Destin, FL
Nicholas Vlahos* $500.00 VP - Redfish Village Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Jennifer Brannon $500.00 Occ Therapist Defuniak Springs, FL
Hilltop Investmest of Walton $500.00 Developer Defuniak Springs, FL
Franklin W. Hawley $500.00 Law Enforcement Officer Freeport, FL
Marcus N. Adams $500.00 Millwright Defuniak Springs, FL
Susan & Kevin Logan* $500.00 Developer Santa Rosa Beach, FL

[SWGB]

I think that's Cornman.

Tony Cornman (looks like Comman on the ballot), is the only candidate in the Sheriff's race reported as currently residing in Bay County. Adkinson is the Chief of Police in Defuniak, if I'm not mistaken, so he wouldn't be leaving the area.

Thank you for the clarification. Now I do have to ask and say raise the red flags as to why Charlie Hilton is contributing. I doubt it has anything to do with turtle lights as that's a federal issue, but more towards the fact that a good friend of his happens to own a car dealership that law enforcement is known to purchase vehicles from.

[Smiling JOe]

So as long as the Sheriff is receiving bids on vehicles purchased, and the vehicles are needed, what would be the big deal?

Does anyone here think that Alys Beach will be treated differently by the Sheriff's Dept by their developer, Jason Comer, contributing the maximum amount to Adkinson's campaign? Again, we are talking about the Sheriff, not a County Commissioner.

[SWGB]

So as long as the Sheriff is receiving bids on vehicles purchased, and the vehicles are needed, what would be the big deal?

Does anyone here think that Alys Beach will be treated differently by the Sheriff's Dept by their developer, Jason Comer, contributing the maximum amount to Adkinson's campaign? Again, we are talking about the Sheriff, not a County Commissioner.

Bids? Once the sheriff determines what make and model of vehicle that he wants that makes bids pointless. If he's going to go with Crown Vics then the Toyota dealership doesn't have much to bid on do they?

As far as Alys beach they might get more traffic details, but that's about it.

[GoodWitch58]

Do you suppose the Edgewater HOA is looking for more security patrols from the sheriff?

Interesting.

[BeachSiO2]

Bids? Once the sheriff determines what make and model of vehicle that he wants that makes bids pointless. If he's going to go with Crown Vics then the Toyota dealership doesn't have much to bid on do they?

We live in the US of A, do you think Toyota ever had a chance?

[Smiling JOe]

I wonder if Joyce Johnson's (the thread-starter) lack of response to my question if she is related to current Sheriff, means that she IS related.

[Alicia Leonard]

I wonder if Joyce Johnson's (the thread-starter) lack of response to my question if she is related to current Sheriff, means that she IS related.

SJ, I usually agree with most of your post, but I don't understand the relevance of questioning relations of the thread starter. I am sure we have relatives of all candidates posting here anonymously, so, I can't fault someone who posted here under a real name. I don't know the poster, so, this is a blanket statement.

I say this because like everyone else, I have seen some really strong assertions made on this board anonymously.

In fact, I would think a person who post under a real name, that their assertion would hold more weight, since they can be traced back to a real person.

[rapunzel]

Charlie Hilton is a red flag for me, because he has a history of using political contributions to gain influence. His hold on the property appraisers office in Bay County is the most stark example.

Is there something he wants from the Sheriff? Who knows. The Sheriff sets a lot of policy regarding private beach issues, someone who has a self insured trust has a lot of financial exposure, the Sheriff will have a huge role in the foreclosure backlog. A Sheriff has a great deal of influence.

My point is this -- we hear about contributions being returned or refused in national politics all the time. Given Mr. Hilton's history, if I were running for office I would not accept his money. Particularly not if my campaign were this well financed, and I was receiving $500 contributions from students and bookkeepers.

[Smiling JOe]

SJ, I usually agree with most of your post, but I don't understand the relevance of questioning relations of the thread starter. I am sure we have relatives of all candidates posting here anonymously, so, I can't fault someone who posted here under a real name. I don't know the poster, so, this is a blanket statement.

I asked the question because if she is related to Sheriff Johnson, and she is suggesting that candidate Mike Adkinson is on the take because Charlie Hilton contributed to his campaign, "that just ain't right." Johnson is a common name and maybe she isn't related, but it seemed too coincidental that her first post began with this thread, then she backed out and didn't address my question.

I will add that when someone stirs the pot, then leaves the room abruptly without contributing to the conversation, they are referred to as an internet "troll," by definition. Joyce needs to come back on here and answer the questions.

[Alicia Leonard]

I asked the question because if she is related to Sheriff Johnson, and she is suggesting that candidate Mike Adkinson is on the take because Charlie Hilton contributed to his campaign, "that just ain't right." Johnson is a common name and maybe she isn't related, but it seemed too coincidental that her first post began with this thread, then she backed out and didn't address my question.

I will add that when someone stirs the pot, then leaves the room abruptly without contributing to the conversation, they are referred to as an internet "troll," by definition. Joyce needs to come back on here and answer the questions.

And my point being, I think we have a lot of those who are smart enough not to post under their real names

[Lawdawg]

Given Mr. Hilton's history, if I were running for office I would not accept his money. Particularly not if my campaign were this well financed, and I was receiving $500 contributions from students and bookkeepers.

Too funny!

[SWGB]

Charlie Hilton is a red flag for me, because he has a history of using political contributions to gain influence. His hold on the property appraisers office in Bay County is the most stark example.

Is there something he wants from the Sheriff? Who knows. The Sheriff sets a lot of policy regarding private beach issues, someone who has a self insured trust has a lot of financial exposure, the Sheriff will have a huge role in the foreclosure backlog. A Sheriff has a great deal of influence.

My point is this -- we hear about contributions being returned or refused in national politics all the time. Given Mr. Hilton's history, if I were running for office I would not accept his money. Particularly not if my campaign were this well financed, and I was receiving $500 contributions from students and bookkeepers.

This is an old southern campaign scam. All you have to do is go to someone and give them $500.00 cash and then ask them to write a check to the campaign. It's been going on for years and unfortunately it's a very easy way to funnel money into a campaign and a very hard way to track campaign fraud.

Having said that I'm not saying this is the case, it just throws up red flags when people of very limited means, especially in this economy, are dropping large donations in campaign coffers.

[SWGB]

So as long as the Sheriff is receiving bids on vehicles purchased, and the vehicles are needed, what would be the big deal?

Does anyone here think that Alys Beach will be treated differently by the Sheriff's Dept by their developer, Jason Comer, contributing the maximum amount to Adkinson's campaign? Again, we are talking about the Sheriff, not a County Commissioner.

SJ, I take back that statement, it has come to my attention the negotiation is done by the state and there's very little money in getting the contract.

[idlewind]

SJ, I take back that statement, it has come to my attention the negotiation is done by the state and there's very little money in getting the contract.

No friend, I think you were right the first time. While it is true that the items local governments purchase are usually under a "state contract," the purchaser has great latitude as to whom the item is purchased from and the vendor makes a tidy profit from the sale. This applies to everything from reams of paper, to computers, ink cartridges and yes, automobiles. While the county has very precise rules as to how vendors are chosen and strict purchasing policies, lets just say the sheriff is not so "rule bound."Thus, a new sheriff can buy pencils to paddy wagons from whomever he chooses.

[idlewind]

Do you suppose the Edgewater HOA is looking for more security patrols from the sheriff?

Interesting.

Since they gave $500 to both Mr. Adkinson and ralph, it makes one wonder if their platforms are simular or exactly what is going on doesn't it?

[ShallowsNole]

Since they gave $500 to both Mr. Adkinson and ralph, it makes one wonder if their platforms are simular or exactly what is going on doesn't it?

Just covering their bases, most likely. Though if I were covering my bases, there is at least one more contribution I'd make.

[SWGB]

$500.00 for a stupid volley ball net? Seems like a waste of HOA dues to me.

[Joyce Johnson]

To answer the question as to my relationship to the sheriff Ralph Johnson, the answer is no. I may live in the county with the citizens but am not related to the current sheriff. Johnson is the 2nd most common name in the United States. namestatistics.com

My only reason for asking this question is will the sheriff work for the people of the county or for the person who donated the most to their campaign?

Don't underestimate the latitude that a county sheriff has. Look at the history of the sheriff's in the county.

I would just hope that people don't look at the contributions and think that the most money has the most citizen's support.

I am unclear why a Bay County resident would put that much money in a Walton County race.

After all of what I read about Hilton trying to buy the Bay County TDC positions and the other political position in Panama City Beach several years ago I just put the question out there.

We have discussed this in the office and thought we would put it in the So Wal and see what others thought. No malicious intent.

[GoodWitch58]

$500.00 for a stupid volley ball net? Seems like a waste of HOA dues to me.

[Smiling JOe]

My sincere thanks for replying, Joyce. You had me wondering the reasoning for your post when you left without another post.

One need not look further than Charlie Hilton's house in Seacrest to know that we cannot understand his reasons for doing what he does. His companies may have donated $2500 to Adkinson, but Adkinson's contributions are pretty high compared to the others, even without Charlie Hilton's money. I just don't see much reason to think that the Sheriff will be working for Charlie Hilton rather than the County.

[SoWalProfire]

Why can't we get the Sheriff's officers to tell us who they would like to see as Sheriff?

^^^^^^^^^^^
loaded question

[Yahoodie]

SoWalProFire,
You asked this same question in the other thread.
See below.
These are the answers and your responses
One word answer: "fear" My sources tell me that while fire fighters are organized and have little to fear from any change of administrations, such is not the case in most police dept. and sheriff's dept. in this area.
So, if a sheriff candidate supported organized labor, and was subsequently elected, they wouldn't have to fear for their jobs if they utilized their American right to voice their opinion?

hmmmm... interesting

I would really value their opinion today. I wish the sitting sheriff would be open to letting them organize. Then we might really know who they thought would be the best man for the job. I wonder if any of the candidates are open to the idea of an organized labor force in the Sheriff's department.

Remember ??


There is the Fraternal Order of Police which is active in this area. They are about to announce who they endorse.

[SoWalProfire]

Thanks hoodie,

I did mention that is was a loaded question right?

I was aware that FOP had done their interviews. I am eagerly awaiting their endorsement.

[Yahoodie]

Yep you did !

[Life's a Beach]

I don't believe that it will make any big difference who the FOP endorses for sheriff in Walton County. .....Walton County has never been too keen on unions in this county. Besides, I heard the FOP had already made their mind up way before the interviews were conducted. I was told that they chose Rick brown, one of their own from okaloosa where their chapter is located. Let's see if true, here in the next few days....when they announce it.

[Smiling JOe]

Are you saying that people in this area don't like the idea of paying dues to a Union, only to have the Union, telling them what to do, how to think and how to act? Interesting.

[countyline4336]

Went to GOOGLE this A.M. and typed in "tom cooper for sheriff". First hit was about Sheriff Tom Cooper (a civil war veteran) who got tired of the insanity in the Sheriff's office in Mississippi and walked in the door of the current sheriff and the sheriff (a certified scallawag and carpetbagger) dove out the window. Sheriff Cooper served for 8 years until the local KKK (good ol' boys) became disenchanted with his noncompliance with their views. When they came to tar and feather him, he set up headquarters on the postmaster's front porch with a lantern and 2 pistols and swore to shoot the first one who set foot on the porch steps. Sounds to me like history may repeat itself.

[rapunzel]

And my point being, I think we have a lot of those who are smart enough not to post under their real names

We all need to be more diligent about calling a troll a troll, whether we agree with them or not.

[Alicia Leonard]

We all need to be more diligent about calling a troll a troll, whether we agree with them or not.

Amen, sista friend

[SoWalProfire]

SJ,

You could benefit from doing a little research into the difference between public service Unions (police and fire) and private industry Unions (UAW, Teamsters Etc.) There is a big difference. You seem intelligent and I think you would have some real influence with both Union and non Union working folks if you didn't blindly bash one group or the other.

It may surprise you to know that most public service Union members are card carrying conservatives. Yep that's right. Republicans

And we don't practice mind control (except on our evil nemesis, the green goblin)