South Walton Fire District Races

[wrobert]

Again, I know nothing about these guys accept when I ran into them while running for office myself. Sad to say, but I am not even that sure who is running in these races in November. Can someone post information on the candidates?

[seagrovegirl]

SoWalProFire can answer that question when he gets off duty. With the storm, I think all staff has been called in.

[brother bombero]

Again, I know nothing about these guys accept when I ran into them while running for office myself. Sad to say, but I am not even that sure who is running in these races in November. Can someone post information on the candidates?

I'll refer you to the link provided by Alan Osborne when discussing the firefighter's endorsement for County Commissioner: www.local3516.com

[Bob Wells]

I am paranoid, and believe they are out to get me

[Bob Wells]

Just a reminder, The South Walton Fire District has 3 seats up for election. The Firefighters are supporting 3 candidates, Gilbert, Kazek and Thurston. To find out why, go to www.local3516.com

Thank you for your Support

[Interested Girl]

Let's see if we can straighten out this misleading post aw well before the voting begins and noone finds Maurice Gilberts on the ballot. His oposition in the race withdrew. His name will not appear on the ballot and their is not conspiracy to keep his name off the ballot.

Just setting the record straight.

[Bob Wells]

Did not realize Maurice Gilberts opposition had withdrew, thanks for the info.

[crystalclear]

SoWalProFire can answer that question when he gets off duty. With the storm, I think all staff has been called in.

what storm?

[Bob Wells]

what storm?

That post when the hurricanes were cruising the gulf.

[crystalclear]

That post when the hurricanes were cruising the gulf.

[seagrovegirl]

what storm?

check the date of the post...it was during Gustav or one of the storms in the Gulf coming our way.

[seagrovegirl]

Let's see if we can straighten out this misleading post aw well before the voting begins and noone finds Maurice Gilberts on the ballot. His oposition in the race withdrew. His name will not appear on the ballot and their is not conspiracy to keep his name off the ballot.

Just setting the record straight.

Where did you find something misleading in any post???? I don't see it. And no one mentioned a conspiracy to keep Mr. Gilbert's name off the ballot.

Please let me know if I missed something.

[Interested Girl]

I am sorry if you do not find it misleading (honest mistake it seems) when you state that Maurice's name would appear on the November Ballot and it will not.

I simply set the record straight. I said that people would make a conspiracy of it if the record was not set straight. It happens all the time. Many on this sight attacked a poster that made a mistake and said that only Republicans could vote on the Commission Races because there were no Democrats on the ballot.

If you see no reason to make a definit accurate statement concerning an upcoming race then I am sorry - you don't understand the need for accurate inormation.

I am truly sorry that his name will not be on the ballot along with Abbit and White so that those who do not vote for those who vote to raise taxes during economic hard times such as these.

[seagrovegirl]

I am sorry if you do not find it misleading (honest mistake it seems) when you state that Maurice's name would appear on the November Ballot and it will not.

I simply set the record straight. I said that people would make a conspiracy of it if the record was not set straight. It happens all the time. Many on this sight attacked a poster that made a mistake and said that only Republicans could vote on the Commission Races because there were no Democrats on the ballot.

If you see no reason to make a definit accurate statement concerning an upcoming race then I am sorry - you don't understand the need for accurate inormation.

I am truly sorry that his name will not be on the ballot along with Abbit and White so that those who do not vote for those who vote to raise taxes during economic hard times such as these.

Interested Girl...I think you were at the same meeting I was at Tuesday when it was announced that Gilbert's opponant withdrew from the race...very few people knew that, not that it is a big secret.

The people of Walton Co. appreciate your watchdog group, WCTPA, but you are misinformed about the SWFD Commssion raising taxes. The commission rolled back the millage rate as requested and praised by your group. However, when the county tallied the taxable amount going to various county entities, this was the amount given to us by the county. Next year, if the property values continue to fall, so will our budget. We cannot forsee what will happen next year and the district will not play Russian Roulette with the citizens of South Walton.

Considering the commission is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of Sowal, it would be irresponsible to cut any further due to the huge added cost of fuel and labor. Not to mention the impact fees are down from a yearly rate of $500,000. to 72,338. That is a huge cut in the budget.

Another point worthy of mentioning is th fact that SWFD's millage rate is lower than either county surrounding us. Also, when compared to other special districts with similar demographics and 3 to 5 fire stations, SWFD is substancially lower in millage rate. The people of Sowal are getting a good service for the cost and I will say, excellent management as well.

I am all for lowering taxes, but one has to be responsible about it.

[Interested Girl]

I have no idea who you are and it doesn't matter to me. I do not get out much due to age and health issues. Haven't been to any meetings in the last two weeks.

I got my information from Bobby Beasley.
I called him to find out the names of those running against Gilbert, Abbit and Wright.

Obviously you have no idea who I am and have me confused with someone else.

I will not vote for anyone that raises taxes - period.

[Bob Wells]

Just a reminder, The South Walton Fire District has 3 seats up for election. The Firefighters are supporting 3 candidates, Gilbert, Kazek and Thurston. To find out why, go to www.local3516.com

Thank you for your Support

Interested Girl, here is the post I placed, no mention of who was on a ballot or what, just who firefighters are supporting. I was unaware that Maurice Gilberts opposition had withdrawn and had I known I would have stated that because it would have been of interest. Again thank you for your useful post.

[seagrovegirl]

I have no idea who you are and it doesn't matter to me. I do not get out much due to age and health issues. Haven't been to any meetings in the last two weeks.

I got my information from Bobby Beasley.
I called him to find out the names of those running against Gilbert, Abbit and Wright.

Obviously you have no idea who I am and have me confused with someone else.

I will not vote for anyone that raises taxes - period.

Okay fine...whoever you are......but I will say ONE more time....SWFD Commission did not vote to raise taxes. In fact we lowered the millage. Since you have age related issues and don't get out much, I am sure it is a comfort to have a professional, well equipped emergency response team in case you may need it.

[Interested Girl]

Well you can say that if you choose but it is not correct. I called the Property Appraisors office when I got my tax notice. He shared with me that you tax rate last yeara was .7 mills and according to the lady I called at the Fire office she said that the Fire District had set the tax rate at .76 mills - parse it how you will but you raised my taxes by .06 mills. Is .76 mills greater than .70 ? I may be older but I remember how to add and subtract quite well.

[wrobert]

Considering the commission is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of Sowal, it would be irresponsible to cut any further due to the huge added cost of fuel and labor. Not to mention the impact fees are down from a yearly rate of $500,000. to 72,338. That is a huge cut in the budget.

I do not have a place in south Walton but your comment on impact fees is interesting to me. Impact fees are for the purpose of offsetting additional costs incurred by growth. If there is no growth then there are no additional costs to offset. You are indicating that this is a budget cut, but you should have had an expense cut to go along with it. The impact fees were to build more stations, more trucks, things of that nature, if no more development is occurring why do you need those things?

Also did the budget of SWFD this year cut or increase the amount that you are holding in reserves? Just curious.

[wrobert]

Well you can say that if you choose but it is not correct. I called the Property Appraisors office when I got my tax notice. He shared with me that you tax rate last yeara was .7 mills and according to the lady I called at the Fire office she said that the Fire District had set the tax rate at .76 mills - parse it how you will but you raised my taxes by .06 mills. Is .76 mills greater than .70 ? I may be older but I remember how to add and subtract quite well.

Don't feel bad. About now is when the elected official starts telling me either I do not understand or I am practicing voodoo math.

I have argued with the BCC for years about raising taxes, even when they cut the millage. If you bring in 50 million tax dollars one year, and 52 million tax dollars the next year, that to me is a tax increase. And until elected most people agree, but after getting elected, they get edumacated in a new type of math.

[seagrovegirl]

Don't feel bad. About now is when the elected official starts telling me either I do not understand or I am practicing voodoo math.

I have argued with the BCC for years about raising taxes, even when they cut the millage. If you bring in 50 million tax dollars one year, and 52 million tax dollars the next year, that to me is a tax increase. And until elected most people agree, but after getting elected, they get edumacated in a new type of math.

The SWFD budget is open to the public to review and I encourage it. If you can find a way to responsibly make cuts, I am willing to listen. I have reveiwed the budget and do not see where anything could be cut without jeopardizing public safety.

As a community grows, and ours has very quickly, the SWFD has to keep up with the growth. SWFD has grown, responsibly. There are plans for futue fire houses to make response time faster is some areas and a building fund for that. We also have reserves that will be at hand in case of a catastrophic emergency, such as a major hurricane or God forbid a terrorist attack. We have to plan for the future as well as run the day to day business in the budget. Next year, it is likely that property values will be lower, therefore less money in the budget. We have to prepare for that. And I will say again, we have the lowest millage rate of anyone with a similar district as well as a lower millage rate than any of our neighboring counties.

You may want to look at your trim notice from the county and see just what you are paying for the SWFD......it is a bargain!

[Interested Girl]

OK - then you agree that SWFD did not lower the millage. My taxes went up something you seem to have no problem with even in this economic crisis period.

It seems you believe that you could not find a way to reduce the budget without public safety. I accept the challenge. I will obtain a copy of your budget and pass it along to my CPA.

This may take afew days but I will get back to you.

[seagrovegirl]

OK - then you agree that SWFD did not lower the millage. My taxes went up something you seem to have no problem with even in this economic crisis period.

It seems you believe that you could not find a way to reduce the budget without public safety. I accept the challenge. I will obtain a copy of your budget and pass it along to my CPA.

This may take afew days but I will get back to you.

We did lower the millage...however, when the state/county tallies, it is what they give us based on the revenue received from property values.

Out of curiosity, what do you pay for SWFD this year verses last year?

[seagrovegirl]

OK - then you agree that SWFD did not lower the millage. My taxes went up something you seem to have no problem with even in this economic crisis period.

It seems you believe that you could not find a way to reduce the budget without public safety. I accept the challenge. I will obtain a copy of your budget and pass it along to my CPA.

This may take afew days but I will get back to you.

Great! I look forward to hearing from you.

[Bob Wells]

"I do not have a place in south Walton but your comment on impact fees is interesting to me. Impact fees are for the purpose of offsetting additional costs incurred by growth. If there is no growth then there are no additional costs to offset. You are indicating that this is a budget cut, but you should have had an expense cut to go along with it. The impact fees were to build more stations, more trucks, things of that nature, if no more development is occurring why do you need those things?"

"Also did the budget of SWFD this year cut or increase the amount that you are holding in reserves? Just curious."

Robert
Based on the above quote and some other post, I would like to reply.
Although impact fees do assist with offsetting growth related issues, when that growth is no longer there it is still incumbent upon the government entity to provide for the service. As the cost of doing business rises, fuel cost, maintenance, cost of personel, normal equipment replacement it is with the tax base that this is done with. SWFD has not opened another station and just recently purchased an Fire Truck and within the last year added another ambulance to its service to its citizens.

You also admited that you can not understand how a millage decrease with 2 million dollar increase could be considered a tax cut, well I tend to look at my tax bill. Many times a millage decrease and increased revenue occur by growth. If my tax bill is reduced and the county recieves more money overall then did I recieve a cut or not? Next, Interested Girl advised a tax increased by SWFD. This is how it appears. The question is was her assessment reduced on her home so as to reduce or at least maintain what she was paying over last year even with the increase in her millage? I am not attempting to be patronizing, just trying to understand, I do realize that that my taxes are going to increase, I just want it to be used responsibly and to recognize the current economy.

[seagrovegirl]

"I do not have a place in south Walton but your comment on impact fees is interesting to me. Impact fees are for the purpose of offsetting additional costs incurred by growth. If there is no growth then there are no additional costs to offset. You are indicating that this is a budget cut, but you should have had an expense cut to go along with it. The impact fees were to build more stations, more trucks, things of that nature, if no more development is occurring why do you need those things?"

"Also did the budget of SWFD this year cut or increase the amount that you are holding in reserves? Just curious."

Robert
Based on the above quote and some other post, I would like to reply.
Although impact fees do assist with offsetting growth related issues, when that growth is no longer there it is still incumbent upon the government entity to provide for the service. As the cost of doing business rises, fuel cost, maintenance, cost of personel, normal equipment replacement it is with the tax base that this is done with. SWFD has not opened another station and just recently purchased an Fire Truck and within the last year added another ambulance to its service to its citizens.

You also admited that you can not understand how a millage decrease with 2 million dollar increase could be considered a tax cut, well I tend to look at my tax bill. Many times a millage decrease and increased revenue occur by growth. If my tax bill is reduced and the county recieves more money overall then did I recieve a cut or not? Next, Interested Girl advised a tax increased by SWFD. This is how it appears. The question is was her assessment reduced on her home so as to reduce or at least maintain what she was paying over last year even with the increase in her millage? I am not attempting to be patronizing, just trying to understand, I do realize that that my taxes are going to increase, I just want it to be used responsibly and to recognize the current economy.

The impact fee does offset growth but it does not cover all the expenses such as buildings and fire equipment. Our new fire truck was over $600,000 and the cost of building a fire station would be in the 100's of thousands as well.
The new fire truck replaces and older fire truck and the expense was in the long range budget. Older and out of commission vehicles were sold or donated to reduce the fleet.

[wrobert]

The SWFD budget is open to the public to review and I encourage it. If you can find a way to responsibly make cuts, I am willing to listen. I have reveiwed the budget and do not see where anything could be cut without jeopardizing public safety.

As a community grows, and ours has very quickly, the SWFD has to keep up with the growth. SWFD has grown, responsibly. There are plans for futue fire houses to make response time faster is some areas and a building fund for that. We also have reserves that will be at hand in case of a catastrophic emergency, such as a major hurricane or God forbid a terrorist attack. We have to plan for the future as well as run the day to day business in the budget. Next year, it is likely that property values will be lower, therefore less money in the budget. We have to prepare for that. And I will say again, we have the lowest millage rate of anyone with a similar district as well as a lower millage rate than any of our neighboring counties.

You may want to look at your trim notice from the county and see just what you are paying for the SWFD......it is a bargain!

Elected officials try to make the argument for tax cuts on a case by case basis. But that just does not fly. Valuations go up and down. And I am not saying that tax cuts or increases or a bad thing. I just feel that people need to admit it for what it is.

My trim notice does not have anything to do with SWFD, I do not own land in that area. Millage rates are one way to compare things, but not always the best. Walton County has the third lowest millage rate last time I heard a commissioner speak. Yet we use to have the second highest tax rate per capita of any place in Florida.

[Interested Girl]

Well it seems that you are either unwilling to admit you raised the millage rate from .70 mills to .76 mills or you really have a math problem. How you can try to keep spinning this mumbo jumbo and expect a citizen to have any confidence in the SWFD board is amazing.

Once again I challenge you to explain how you figure .76 is less than .70. I am beginning to believe that one of us is math challenged and according to my trusty calcultor it is not me.

PS - I have a homestead on my unit and my the value is unchanged from last year.
What I pay is my business and it is higher than last year. I do not consider it a bargain - I consider it for what it is Higher than it could be or should be.

I will prove my point after I obtain a copy of your budget and have it reviewed.

[Interested Girl]

Blonde ?

[grumpyfish]

Well it seems that you are either unwilling to admit you raised the millage rate from .70 mills to .76 mills or you really have a math problem. How you can try to keep spinning this mumbo jumbo and expect a citizen to have any confidence in the SWFD board is amazing.

Once again I challenge you to explain how you figure .76 is less than .70. I am beginning to believe that one of us is math challenged and according to my trusty calcultor it is not me.

PS - I have a homestead on my unit and my the value is unchanged from last year.
What I pay is my business and it is higher than last year. I do not consider it a bargain - I consider it for what it is Higher than it could be or should be.

I will prove my point after I obtain a copy of your budget and have it reviewed.

You may find this interesting. I've already met Jack Abbit and Ed Wright. However, I spoke with Scott Thurston and Jon Kazek (Abbit & Wright's opponents) and they have quite a bit in info on "cutting the fat," even "more" than the two in office have. I guess they have done their homework. Both have seemingly great ideas to maintain financial responsibility on the Fire Commission. Thurston said he had a plan to establish accountiblity on the board with regards to attendance. I don't know if that was "political rethoric" or not, but what would they to gain by "bs-ing" anyone? It's not like Fire Commissioners get paid a ton of money. From what I hear, it's almost a volunteer job. They seemed pretty sharp though.

[brother bombero]

Again, I know nothing about these guys accept when I ran into them while running for office myself. Sad to say, but I am not even that sure who is running in these races in November. Can someone post information on the candidates?

Here is some information on why the firefighters are supporting Scott Thurston & Jon Kazek for Fire Commissioner. I got this from the front page of thier website:

Why we endorse Dr. Scott Thurston for South Walton Fire Commission, Seat 3:

Dr. Thurston has invested in the community as a home and business owner of South Walton. Wanting to increase his involvement in the community, He has a sound knowledge of South Walton Fire District. His intentions for the taxpayer's money are both responsible and efficient to maintian high quality service to the citizens of South Walton. He also understands how important minimum staffing issues are to a fire department as well as proper and updated equipment. Dr. Thurston also believes that collective bargaining is necessary because the process demands that the parties justify what they are asking for. As a medical professional, he has been treating firefighter and paramedic injuries and understands the hazards associated with this line of work. Dr. Thurston approached the firefighters in support of his goal to help improve the community of South Walton through participation as a SWFD Fireboard member.



Why we endorse Jon Kazek for South Walton Fire Commission, Seat 5 :
Jon Kazek has invested in this community not only as a citizen, but a business owner. He has received an SWFD Life Saving Award, and has been a friend to our firefighters for quite some time. He has donated a house in South Walton for SWFD to use for a training burn. To see what we encountered every time we entered a burning structure, we suited up and made entry into the burning house. He has a sound knowledge of South Walton Fire District. He also understands how important minimum staffing issues are to a fire department as well as proper and updated equipment. Jon also believes that collective bargaining is necessary because the process demands that the parties justify what they are asking for. Mr. Kazek approached the firefighters because he wanted to become more involved in the community.

[Scott Thurston]

Scott Thurston: Candidate for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat #3

A few citizens of South Walton probably wonder exactly what a fire commissioner does, and why that role is important to the citizens, the Fire District, and the firefighters. One of the fire commissioner’s major responsibilities is to establish and maintain the budget set forth by the tax payers of the Fire District. If you are a tax payer in South Walton, please pay attention as you have been given the task of electing the most reliable person to take on this role.

My name is Scott Thurston and I am running for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat 3. I am the sole proprietor of 30-A Chiropractic and I know what it means to have the responsibility of maintaining a budget and working diligently to continuously improve the “status quo.” I am originally from New Jersey, and I personally witnessed the tragic events of 9/11, as well as the grim aftermath that followed for several months. Without sounding cliché, it was at that point that I realized I wanted to be involved in some capacity with the heroes that were running into those burning buildings, risking their lives in the service of their fellow man. My brother is a firefighter, my brother-in-law is police officer, and I have several other family members and close friends that serve our country in the Military. It has been my personal experience with, and my appreciation of those who risk their lives for others that has fueled my pursuit to represent and serve the citizens of South Walton, the Fire District, and the firefighters as South Walton Fire Commissioner.

In search of a better quality of life, I moved to Santa Rosa Beach about six years ago. In 2004, I opened my own practice along 30-A. Since then, my entire family has since moved down to this area. Through my business, I have had the pleasure of meeting many people in the community, some of them firefighters, who have expressed to me concern that their needs were not being met or they had no one with whom they could express these needs. They have also expressed concerns over the lack of equipment needed to perform basic job requirements to keep the community safe. I have met with many citizens who seemed concerned that their hard earned taxes were not being utilized effectively. My intention is to never raise taxes. With that being said, there is a balance that must be maintained. Since there is no price that can be assigned to the lives of citizens of South Walton and their firefighters, responsible taxing, at times, is necessary however, ONLY after “cutting the fat” and eliminating wasteful spending. I believe that the Fire Commissioner needs to be not only available to hear, but ready and willing to listen and act on behalf of the citizens and the firefighters of South Walton.
Since I’ve lived here and throughout my campaign, there have been three common concerns I have been heard from citizens. They are as follows:

• Compensation for the position of South Walton Fire Commissioner This position is not a volunteer position, it is an elected position. Compensation should be given for work in order to achieve quality measurable results. However, by the same token, as with any job, if you do not show up, you shouldn’t get paid! I have heard many complaints regarding the attendance record of some of those you have elected.

• My stance on the firefighter unions’ support for my campaign As far as my endorsement by the firefighter union is concerned let me set the record straight, I am not Pro-Union, period. However, I am Pro-Firefighter, Paramedic, and Police Officer. There is a difference between a Private Sector Union (UAW) who doesn’t account to the taxpayers for expenditures, and a Public Sector Union (Firefighters, Police Officers) who are always under public scrutiny. The firefighter union’s primary role is to protect the firefighter’s safety and well being to ensure a top quality service is provided to you, the citizen. The Fire District must maintain fiscal responsibility by costing and justifying the aspects of the service that are funded by taxpayer dollars, and those who maintain that transparency and accountability, the Fire Commissioners, are elected by you, the voter. My negative opinion of unions does not waiver my respect and full support of Firefighters, EMTs / Paramedics, Law Enforcement Officers, and our Military. I am supported by the firefighters, who are the very men and women who keep you safe. Help me support those who protect you and your family by electing me South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat 3.

• Fire Commissioner accessibility and the willingness to listen & act As a Fire Commissioner Candidate, I have been, and will listen to the numerous concerned citizens and firefighters that feel they are not being heard. Make no mistake your concerns have not fallen on deaf ears… I AM LISTENING! And I will not only continue to listen, but act responsibly, because that is what I would expect of any elected official.

I have conviction to represent the truth regarding my views and standards. I am aware that they may not be shared by some; however, I refuse to practice dishonest politics by telling the citizens what they want to hear, only to gain their vote. I always encourage open lines of communication, and invite anyone that wishes to discuss my platform or stance on these positions further to please contact me at
850-622-2313. I am confident in my ability to serve as Fire Commissioner, and thank you in advance for your vote this Election, November 4th, 2008.

[Bob Wells]

Scot
I appreciate your post and hope that it will be helpful to the voters.

[Jon Kazek]

Jon Kazek: Candidate for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat #5

My name is Jon Kazek and I am running for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat 5. I am the co-owner of Dixon-Kazek Construction Inc. located right here in Miramar Beach. This year will mark eleven years since my wife Anne and I moved to the beautiful beaches of South Walton. Since the day we arrived, we knew that this would be our home for a long time. With that in mind, we decided to establish roots in our community. We have worked very hard to establish our own small businesses and help in the community whenever possible. Through my business I have been extremely fortunate to have worked with many people in the county both on a social and business level. What I found is that most residents have no idea that there is a fire commission board or what they do. I asked myself why no one knows who these elected officials are or what they do. What these officials do is essential to the community not only from a safety standpoint but from a fiscal one as well. One of the biggest responsibilities of the commission is to establish and maintain a budget for the South Walton Fire District. This is important for two reasons. First, it affects the tax payers who are truly concerned with where their dollar is being spent. Second, it relates to the biggest issue of safety for not only the public but also for the men and women who ride the fire trucks and ambulances each day in response to the public’s calls. It’s easy to sit back and criticize the actions of this commission, but what is more difficult is to get involved and help make a difference that benefits society as a whole. My family and I, as small business owners in Walton County, never want to hear the dreaded words of “raise taxes.” But, as a possible elected official, I also don’t want to mislead the public either. I believe that there is a balance that needs to be maintained between an acceptable level of safety and necessary budgetary requirements. This is no easy task by any means because in the end it all revolves around saving lives.

Throughout my campaign I have met so many new people and it seems as though I keep getting asked the same questions, so I will try and answer a few of the most common questions.

1.) Were you a firefighter and what experiences can you bring to the table?
No I was never a firefighter but I did work for a police department before moving to Florida. My relationship with the South Walton Fire District goes back a great many years to when my father and I started building houses. We donated a house to the District and they conducted a training fire all day on the development and invited other stations and cities to join in. It’s at this time that I realized how essential it is to have these emergency personnel on duty. I say that because during that training fire I suited up and went into the fire in firefighting gear for the first time. That experience gave me great insight to what these folks face every day when that emergency call comes in.

Some years later I was given the lifesaving award from the chief at that time for saving a person’s life while on a golf course with a friend of mine. What seemed like three hours to me was really just minutes until I heard that great wail of a siren as South Walton Fire District rolled onto the scene and took over care of the patient. To this day Ed Britton is living a healthy life and that is an experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Finally my current position today as co-owner of Dixon-Kazek puts me in charge of many million plus dollar budgets, as well as insurance issues and ongoing banking concerns. The responsibility of people’s money and dreams are in my hands and they rely on me for answers that are correct, timely, and in their budget. These are people from all walks of life who have entrusted me and my company to deliver what they expect and it is one that I do not take lightly. I truly believe that I hold the experience needed to be a good fire commissioner.


2.) Will you, like other elected officials, disappear or will you be available to hear our concerns?
I am not going anywhere. I live in this community, I work in this community and my family is tied to this community. If concerns exist, whether from individuals or interest groups, I invite those persons to call me or stop by and express those concerns. I will always make myself available to those people who put me in office, that’s part of the job!!

3.) Will you if elected play an active role in the commission and show up to the meetings and truly represent the people of South Walton?
I am truly excited to be a candidate and possibly an elected official. I think that the South Walton Fire District does a great job and to be involved with that group and elected would be an honor. Part of the job is to be present at functions of the commission in order to keep up with the issues that are constantly changing. One of my greatest assets is my constant attention to detail and organization. The best way to utilize these assets is by being informed on a regular basis and always having accurate and current information in order to make good sound decisions.

In conclusion, there are only two avenues of emergency service in South Walton, the sheriffs department which handles the job of law enforcement and the South Walton Fire District which handles everything else. Both branches are equally important in order for the county to run effectively and safely, which is the ultimate goal. The job of Fire Commissioner is one that should not be taken lightly. I am confident in my ability to serve as Fire Commissioners and thank you for your support in advance. With that said I am asking for your vote on November 4, 2008.


Thank you and God bless

Jon Kazek
Candidate for South Walton Fire Commissioner Seat #5

[Bob Wells]

Thanks Jon, I hope this will assist the voters.

[Slick Rick]

IP: So what do you think about the people that the firefighters are backing? What are you going to do if all four people that are running say they may or may not up your taxes?

I like the two new guys. I have had a chance to talk to all four and go to some fire board mettings. We need to change up the board.

[grumpyfish]

I attended the Walton GOP forum the other night and came across some interesting information. In order to confirm, I contacted the Supervisor of elections office. Jack Abbit, the current fire commissioner, up until a couple of months ago, was registered Democrat. He just recently changed his registration to Republican. You decide if that had anything to do with seeking the GOP endorsement (which he did not get). Regardless, I think that's shady. Maybe the fact that some aren't happy with the increased millage rate is directly attributed to the "spending" of some of the current commissioners. I spoke to one of the fire chiefs and found out that in lieu of hose and other essential gear to fight condo fires, flat screen tvs were purchased and installed in the admin offices. I read Mr. Abbit's bio. He can't talk enough about himself, but when I spoke with him, he couldn't boast enough about the contract "he" gave the firefighters and they love him for it. I then have one question: If he supports the firefighters like he claims, and they love him for what he has given them, then why are they supporting Scott Thurston, his opponent? That just goes to show you there is two sides to every story. Mr. Abbit has shown us how honest he is, lets give Mr. Thurston a shot.

[Interested Girl]

Wow - Mr Tax and spend didn'( get the GOP endorsement. Who would have thought that. When was this forun? I saw nothing about it in the local fish wrapper (shock).

You seem to have some insight into the SWFD operations. Can you share some insight on the new position created by Mr Tax and Spend and the other Board members concerning the need in the current financial storm to add a new 98,000 per year Training Chief. Is it an expenditure that is necessary to maintain the safety of Walton County citizens ?

How about the 600,000 write off of bad receivables from EMS billing from 2001 to 2005? Why did that receivable stay on their books for 7 years.

Is someone asleep at the helm? Maybe if their meetings lasted just afew minutes longer they would be on top of the issues.

I say throw both Ed Wright and Jack Abbit out.

I am voting for Thurston and Kazek and I encourage everone to realize that this is just like Fannie and Freddie just a little smaller.

[grumpyfish]

Wow - Mr Tax and spend didn'( get the GOP endorsement. Who would have thought that. When was this forun? I saw nothing about it in the local fish wrapper (shock).

You seem to have some insight into the SWFD operations. Can you share some insight on the new position created by Mr Tax and Spend and the other Board members concerning the need in the current financial storm to add a new 98,000 per year Training Chief. Is it an expenditure that is necessary to maintain the safety of Walton County citizens ?

How about the 600,000 write off of bad receivables from EMS billing from 2001 to 2005? Why did that receivable stay on their books for 7 years.

Is someone asleep at the helm? Maybe if their meetings lasted just afew minutes longer they would be on top of the issues.

I say throw both Ed Wright and Jack Abbit out.

I am voting for Thurston and Kazek and I encourage everone to realize that this is just like Fannie and Freddie just a little smaller.

As far as SWFD operations, insight is not what I have. I know a few firemen through my day-to-day encounters, I talk to them. I also make it a priority to talk to candidates, SWFD officials, and others who can provide sound information. Simply put, I just do my homework. The GOP forum was the evening of September 29th at the headquarters. I will say that a Training Chief, if the title implies the job, is very necessary. Also, I do understand the concept that the better trained these firefighters are the safer I am as a citizen. Training is important. Everything else in South Walton is top-notch, why shouldn't the fire department? I'm with Thurston and Kazek, on that. Public Safety is no where to cut, unless it is wasteful spending. As far as ousting Abbit & Wright, I'm with you. Vote Thurston & Kazek. They seem more aligned with what we need in South Walton.

[Polish Lover]

Why do those fireman wear those stupid lookin yellow golf shirts? How about wearing some good ol fashion blue t-shirts like all the other fireman wear. It scares me when they show up cause I think I have missed my tee time at the golf course. God Bless America

[Interested Girl]

Because they cost more and the Tax and Spend Board needs to spend all they can on our 1st Responders to get re-elected to offset their plasma TV purhases.

Vote for Thurston and Kazek - they will help get it redirected to equipment they need to do their jobs.

We don't need a 98,000 Training Chief we need hoses to reach the top floors of our condos.

[thisnthat]

Why do those fireman wear those stupid lookin yellow golf shirts? How about wearing some good ol fashion blue t-shirts like all the other fireman wear. It scares me when they show up cause I think I have missed my tee time at the golf course. God Bless America

What does it matter what type of shirts they are wearing? When you call for help, it is comforting to know that there will be competent, professional responders walking in that door. I for one would welcome them even if they were wearing pink jumpsuits.

[seagrovegirl]

Because they cost more and the Tax and Spend Board needs to spend all they can on our 1st Responders to get re-elected to offset their plasma TV purhases.

Vote for Thurston and Kazek - they will help get it redirected to equipment they need to do their jobs.

We don't need a 98,000 Training Chief we need hoses to reach the top floors of our condos.

How flat screen tv's turn into plasma tv's????? And come on.......having a collar on a shirt means it's time to play golf? And the hoses have been purchased and training with these particular hoses has been completed.

[Interested Girl]

Plasma or LcD really is immaterial. would you have a clue as to exactly why they are needed ? If for FF in the Firehouse I can see - but give me a break in the Chief's Offices.

What a waste. Just another example of exactly why the whole bunch need to be thrown out.

Arrogance prevails.

[seagrovegirl]

Plasma or LcD really is immaterial. would you have a clue as to exactly why they are needed ? If for FF in the Firehouse I can see - but give me a break in the Chief's Offices.

What a waste. Just another example of exactly why the whole bunch need to be thrown out.

Arrogance prevails.

If you would call the Chief, or Deputy Chief you will get your answer. Small, flat screen TV's for the wall in certain offices to monitor the weather channel and news channels for obvious reasons. IG: why aren't you calling the SWFD when you have questions you want answers for?

[Interested Girl]

Simple answer - you are the at-large board member and you should be able to answer the questions and not simply refer everyone to the chief.

[seagrovegirl]

Questions concerning minor purchases and fire hoses should go to the Chief or the staff. That is not within my scope of responsibility, nor is the day to day business.

[Interested Girl]

At what level of financial expenditure does your fuduciary responsibility kick-in? You explanation of he "need for the TV's in the various chiefs offices simply does not hol water. We have no local news that is "real time" and could provide provide any benefit in protecting the lives of those in Walton County any better than a NOAA Weather radio.

[NotDeadYet]

I'm offering no opinion on the candidates here, but I do not agree that monitoring the weather radar on small flat screen tv's is not valuable. I do it myself, either on the tv or the computer, and weather radar gives you real time visual information you cannot obtain from a NOAA radio. It can be a lifesaver, particularly in thunderstorm season.

[Interested Girl]

I agree that it can be beneficial, it is a matter of where best to have that capability. Do we need every Administrative Office with that capability? Surely the monitoring is best done at a slightly lower pay grade and not in every chiefs office.a

They all have computers in their office and can also pull it up anytime they choose.