The Demise of Journalistic Intergity

[Interested Girl]

I read the Opinion Page of this weeks Walton Sun and was shocked by the headline which asks the question " What is up with these non-paid political boards"

This headline states that the two boards are non paying positions and that is either aann attempt to mislead the public or is another example of the demise of journalistic integrity by the author.

Fact: The Board members of the South Walton Mosquito Board receive compenstion in the folling manner:
300.00 per month plus benefits including medical insurance and partipation in the state retirement system. The total value of the compensation is around 12,000 per board member.

Fact: Each of the South Waltion Fire District board members receive 500.00 per month for their service. Total cost to the taxpayers is budgeted at 45,000 for the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

Highly compensated individuals ? No, but they do receive some compensation.

A lack of "truth" on this single issue is just another example of the total lack of journalistic integrity.

Why should anyone place any faith in what is printed in this newspaper. Time and time again they just get the facts wrong and show that their opinion counts for nothing.

Many other parts (the boards ability t limit a persons right to serve based on family associations)of this article show a total lack of understanding of democracy in America.

Just a weekly souce of fish wrapping paper.

How disappointing.

[sunspotbaby]

Don't read it...or take it up with the writer... or use it as a fish wrapper.
This is really getting old.

[elgordoboy]

Don't read it...or take it up with the writer... or use it as a fish wrapper.
This is really getting old.

Perhaps I am missing some under currents here. Is what the op stated true, a misrepresentation, an outright lie, or something else?

[kurt]

I read the Opinion Page

The piece you mention aside, I don't think ethics, integrity, or journalistic knowledge are prerequisites for opinion pieces. The real point of them are to get you thinking, talking, reading, annoyed, etc. - mission accomplished.

[Interested Girl]

Kurt:
I appreciate your thoughts on the role of "Opinion Pieces" in the journalistic world.

Yes they allow the reader to gauge the opinion of the writer against their own and can cause the reader to form viewpoints in agreement or a totally different perspective.

I also believe that many accept the opinion to be based on "fact" as the write sees the issue. When the opinion is based on factual misrepresentations ( they are non-paid) then they are worthy of comment to set the record straight.

Just my opinion.

[grumpyfish]

Don't read it...or take it up with the writer... or use it as a fish wrapper.
This is really getting old.

How would you know if I didn't take it up with the editor. Remember, this is a free paper, so they can say whatever they want. And nobody would know if a rebuttal was submitted because they don't print them anyway. I think it's pretty irresponsible to get less than half the facts, and insult the citizens intelligence by attempting to spoon feed this pony loaf and pass this crap off as accurate & fair news. And if you don't like to read this FORUM, don't read it.

[sunspotbaby]

How would you know if I didn't take it up with the editor. Remember, this is a free paper, so they can say whatever they want. And nobody would know if a rebuttal was submitted because they don't print them anyway. I think it's pretty irresponsible to get less than half the facts, and insult the citizens intelligence by attempting to spoon feed this pony loaf and pass this crap off as accurate & fair news. And if you don't like to read this FORUM, don't read it.

Sounds like there's a bone in you fish.

[Interested Girl]

I did a little research on other Boards and there members "family ties". The position taken in the Sun Opinion piece expouses a position that the SWFD should adopt a position that restricts a persons ability to honorably serve based upon a litmus test of "close family".

It appears that Ken Pridgen should not be allowed to serve as a County Commissioner (his daughter works for the county).

Larry Jones - should be barred as well - his son-in-law works for the County.

Mark Davis should not be allowed to serve - his brother is a principal in the Walton County School system.

Darrell Barnhill can't serve either - his wife is a teacher.

Robert Nelson can't serve u his wife is a non-instructional employee.

Why stop with the SWFD board?

Just my opinion.

[Interested Girl]

I did a little research on other Boards and their members "family ties". The position taken in the Sun Opinion piece expouses a position that the SWFD should adopt a position that restricts a persons ability to honorably serve based upon a litmus test of "close family".

It appears that Ken Pridgen should not be allowed to serve as a County Commissioner (his daughter works for the county).

Larry Jones - should be barred as well - his son-in-law works for the County.

Mark Davis should not be allowed to serve - his brother is a principal in the Walton County School system.

Darrell Barnhill can't serve either - his wife is a teacher.

Robert Nelson can't serve u his wife is a non-instructional employee.

All of these have or would serve honorably and without ethical problems.

Why is this all of a sudden problem with the SWFD board? Only the writer of the opinion piece can answer, but I have my own opinion.

[Bob Wells]

Amazing, just read the opinion page and find it amazing that they would even print that dribble. Gwen, you and your group should be ashamed and should also maybe ask some questions about what the Firefighter Union has attempted to do in the past and what the Fire Boards attorney advised them. It suprises me that Jack Abbit and Ed Wright did not tell you about the advice or did you just guess how this was run, or did Jack and Ed write this opinion page for you, because it sure sounds this way.

[Lois Lane1]

I read the Sun yesterday and was shocked at what I read. Was that a paid political advertisement for candidate Jack Abbit? They darken out his opposition Dr. Scott Thurston so you can't even see his face. Then, they coincidently place two editorials slamming Thurston and praising Abbit. The Sun, Gwen Break and Nate Kelly obviously DO NOT understand the meaning of journalistic integrity.

It is time for honest local politics. Vote THURSTON & KAZEK

[brother bombero]

The truth vs. The Walton Sun

The truth regarding Jack Abbit, candidate for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat 3, and his concerted effort with the Walton Sun has spun/or hidden the facts from you the South Walton voter. If you are not interested in these facts regarding Jack Abbit, The Walton Sun, and this Fire Commissioner race, then do not read any further. However, if truthful facts and stimulating questions are what you seek, please read further.

“The spin stops here…”

WARNING: This will be long, but thorough. However this is not a “mud-slinging” tactic, what you will read are interesting comments given/questions asked, factual information, and correlations that has been kept from public knowledge.
I’m sure some of what you read may be unsavory, but then when has the truth always been easy to hear?


During the Primary Election Campaign, the Walton Sun printed candidate bios on the fire commissioner candidates. In addition to that, they printed a half page political advertisement on Jack Abbit. Now since this was not shown as an expenditure or contribution in-kind on Jack Abbit’s campaign finance report, one would assume the Sun was providing all candidates with this opportunity. But you would be wrong to assume so. Scott Thurston, Jack Abbit’s opponent, asked Gwen Break, Walton Sun Editor, if he could take advantage of that same opportunity. She told him that the offer was no longer available and the opportunity was not advertised to the candidates, but that the candidate just had to know to ask. That means the half page ad should be considered either a candidate expenditure or an in-kind contribution. I challenge you to find either on Jack Abbit’s campaign reports regarding the Walton Sun.

• How interesting is it that the only candidate who “had the presence of mind” to ask for such a contribution with the economy the way it is, was Jack Abbit? Since then Jack Abbit has been in almost every edition of the Walton Sun.

• In the October 18th edition of the Sun, “Meet your candidates” notice how Jack Abbit’s opponent, Scott Thurston is the only picture that is so dark you can’t even see it. Do you mean to tell me the Walton Sun can’t afford picture editing software? They seemed to get it right for the rest of the candidates. No. This is just another example of the Walton Sun’s tactics. The sad thing is that the Sun hides behind the façade of a credible news source. Note: I’m sure if questioned about the picture, the Sun would have plausible deniability.

In the October 18th edition of the Walton Sun, there was printed an “opinion” letter claiming the lack of qualification regarding Scott Thurston. I have one word for the author of this letter, Nancy James…RESEARCH. As I read Nancy James’ letter I just couldn’t help but wonder how she became so informed. Maybe it is because her previous friendship and loyalty to Jack Abbit has put a bias spin on what she wrote. Obviously, if she had done an ounce of research, she wouldn’t have been writing from a truthfully compromised position.

• Both Scott Thurston and Jon Kazek has attended every candidate Q/A forum he has been invited to. However, fire commissioner candidates are not invited to the forums in the primary election, because they are voted upon in the general election. As well, most of the forums are partisan, fire commissioner seats are not. Regardless, both Scott Thurston and Jon Kazek have been registered Republican since the age of 18. We can’t say the same for Jack Abbit, who changed his party affiliation to Republican just in time to seek the Walton GOP recommendation. How is that for ethical? As far as his 37 years of professional experience, he has been a fire commissioner for 2 YEARS, and he didn’t even campaign, he was APPOINTED, which means the only South Walton citizen votes he received were those who already sat on the fire commission. Also, explain to me how the letter to the editor written by Nancy James bashing the firefighters’ union so conveniently got printed at the same time as Gwen Break’s column. Wouldn’t it be more believable to see that after the “concerned citizen” had a chance to think about it and do some research, like the following week? WOW, Nancy, outstanding timing! I’ll take tomorrow’s lottery picks, please.

In the October 18th edition of the Walton Sun, a column was printed claiming that firefighters throughout the state are attempting to “stack” their perspective fire boards with firefighters or officials who are bias towards firefighters.

• Not one firefighter was contacted to confirm this so-called “fact.” As a matter of fact, both Jack Abbit and Ed Wright were both appointed, by the sitting members of the fire board. South Walton Firefighters have a vested interest in the future of South Walton Fire District. It’s their passion and their job! Neither the firefighters nor the Fire Chief want the fire board “stacked” in a bias manner. That would promote the greed and the typical labor union mentality which so often consumes an organization from the inside out. Similar to cutting off their nose to spite their face. No. The firefighters endorse candidates who will protect the future of SWFD by being financially responsible and ensuring the firefighters have what they need to do their jobs effectively and safely, therefore keeping you the citizen safe. Proof that the firefighters endorse the best candidate vs. just a firefighter is as follows:

1. Firefighters endorsed Maurice Gilbert, not Adam Hoogendorn, who happens to be a professional firefighter.
2. Firefighters endorsed Jon Kazek, not Ed Wright, who was a professional firefighter for 35 years.

South Walton Firefighters want the best person for the job and it is obvious why the firefighters have endorsed Scott Thurston & Jon Kazek.

• In regards to the subject of “stacking” the fire board, I’d like to point out that BOTH Jack Abbit and Ed Wright WERE NOT ELECTED. THEY WERE APPOINTED by friends already seated on the board. Yes they are incumbents, but by no means did they campaign and win the trust and favor of the South Walton voters, with the exception of the voters who sat on the fire commission. Which brings up the question: If a current fire board member wanted to step down from office, what’s to stop them from sitting past their term, then stepping down, effectively giving the sitting board the power over the voter democracy to appoint whom ever they want? Just a thought in regards to “stacking the board.” “More of the Good-ole-boy Network in Walton County?”

In the October 18th edition of the Walton Sun, Jack Abbit’s “Meet the Candidate” interview, Jack said, “I’m doing this because I have a passion for the community.”

• Wow! That sounds great. If only Jack “walked the walk.” Scott Thurston can walk the walk, and he did when he joined the ranks of firefighters standing at the intersections of South Walton, collecting money for Muscular Dystrophy Association(Jerry’s Kids). Jack was not there. Even the Fire Chief, Rick Talbert was there, and he even authorized the firefighters to conduct this “MDA Boot Drive” on duty. Where were you, Jack, and really, how passionate are you about our community? After speaking with numerous firefighters, I could not find one firefighter who has seen Jack Abbit at any local firefighter charity event. If you look at Jack’s candidate bio, how much of it refers to his club memberships and self-centered accolades? One would think that a candidate running for fire commissioner would highlight the accomplishments pertinent to the office for which he is running. There is little mention as to what he has done. Yes, he mentions the millage rate and that he successfully negotiated the collective bargaining agreement with the firefighter union. But, what did Jack Abbit do that the rest of the board did not? And what isn’t Jack telling you?

• A couple of years back, Les Hallman, South Walton’s former fire chief took a job with the state. It was the job of the fire board to choose and appoint a fire chief. Jack Abbit was the chair of the committee to review applications/resumes, interview candidates, make a recommendation, and inform the fire board about the candidates prior to a vote. There were many good candidates. However, one candidate who Jack certainly favored, had a history of…let’s just say it involved alcohol and driving. The other commissioners were not made aware of the candidate's past arrest record, and once it became common knowledge Jack’s vote was outnumbered. Now let me refer you to his quote regarding moral and ethic responsibility. Is honesty a trait the South Walton voter wants in a fire commissioner? If so, then it is apparent that Jack Abbit isn’t the best person for the job. Remember, don’t be fooled by Jack Abbit or Ed Wright’s facade of incumbency, THEY WERE APPOINTED. It’s not like either one of these candidates currently represent the South Walton voters’ choice.

In the October 18th edition of the Walton Sun, Jack Abbit’s “Meet the Candidate” interview, Jack said, “I’m very concerned with being morally and ethically responsible to the community.”

• In September, the Walton GOP hosted a closed candidate forum wherein they asked a series of questions to determine their recommendation for fire commissioner. For those of you who know Jack Abbit, this may be confusing because you may have known him to be a registered Democrat. And you would be correct, except for the couple months preceding this GOP forum. Ethic responsibility? Wrong! It is no secret that the majority of Walton County is conservative. Jack is a smart guy, and although I can’t speak to his intentions, I can point out the convenience of being a registered Republican just in time to seek the Walton Republican’s recommendation for fire commissioner. Of course, the Walton GOP wouldn’t recommend a “flip-flopper.” How’s that for ethic responsibility? And as far as the fire commissioner seat being Non-Partisan, know this: Non-Partisan refers to the seat, not to the person filling the seat, and how their decisions are be made.

In the October 18th edition of the Walton Sun, Jack Abbit’s “Meet the Candidate” interview, Jack said, “I want to continue to work…to assure effective and efficient fiscal management which I bring to the board.”

• One of the main functions of the fire board is to be fiscally responsible. If Jack Abbit wants to claim fiscal responsibility, then explain why did the board purchase flat-screen tvs for admin. offices and chose not purchase vital equipment (hose, valves, tools, etc.) for each fire engine to combat condo fires?

• Jack Abbit has attempted to further his campaign by using his position as an appointed fire commissioner and by using public property, ie. firetruck, which was paid for by the taxpayers. This would appear to be a violation of the of the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act was designed to prevent candidates from using taxpayers’ dollars for personal political gain. How is this fiscally responsible?

If you talk with Jack Abbit about his candidacy for 5 minutes, one accolade you most likely will hear is that “The firefighters support me.”

• Jack Abbit has been making attempts to discredit or smear Scott Thurston and Jon Kazek by saying “They are supported by the firefighter union,” as if that is a bad thing to have the full support of the firefighters when you’re running for FIRE COMMISSIONER! Like I said earlier, South Walton Professional Firefighters will endorse and support the best person for the job. Who better to know what is needed to protect the public than those who protect the public?! What he does not tell you is that in May, June, & July of 2008, Jack Abbit, himself, contacted the firefighters’ union, desperately seeking their endorsement. Ultimately, the firefighters endorsed, Scott Thurston, Jack Abbit’s opponent. I have a feeling the Walton Sun articles would read very differently if the firefighters had endorsed Jack Abbit. I’m sure Jack would be shouting as loudly as possible to everyone who could hear, that he was endorsed by the firefighters’ union. The question is: If Jack Abbit has done as good a job as he claims of taking care of the firefighters, then why have the firefighters endorsed his opponent, Scott Thurston for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat 3?

I apologize for the lengthy post, but the record required correction. I implore each and every one of you to make your opinions known in light of these facts and seek the entire truth.


Scott Thurston, for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat 3
(Work) 850-622-2313, (Home) 850-622-9589
30-Achiropractic@embarqmail.com

Jon Kazek, for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat 5
(Cell) 850-865-1866
jon@dixonkazekconstruction.com

Mark Youngblood, President, South Walton Professional Firefighters Association
(Cell) 850-685-8502
president@local3516.com

Rick Thomason, Publisher, The Walton Sun
rick_thomason@link.freedom.com

Gwen Break, Editor, The Walton Sun
sunnews@link.freedom.com

Nate Kelly, General Assignment, The Walton Sun
nate_kelly@link.freedom.com

Jack Abbit, Appointed Incumbent for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat 3
(Home) 850-267-1797
(Cell) 850-428-1471
srbch1@mchsi.com

Ed Wright, Appointed Incumbent for South Walton Fire Commissioner, Seat 5
(Home)850-267-5648
donned8826@hotmail.com

[Bob Wells]

While reading the Sun, I was intriqued that there was mention of the fact, although no proof was listed about how Firefighters have elected other Firefighter to Fire Boards in the State of Florida.

First question that came to mind is, have those elected officials whether they are Firefighters or not abused the trust of those, the Voters, that placed them in office?

Two, have they violated their fudiciary responsibilites to the Voters, or been accused of theft, or raised taxes and not been held accountable to the VOTERS?

Three, is it not the Right of the Citizen to vote for and elect those in whom they feel they can TRUST and vote those who the the Voter feels has failed them OUT?

Fourth, as an individual can I as a Firefighter run and have differences with my supporter and do what is right versus what those supporter required of me? Examples, you might be suprised to know that Florida Firefighters have supported both financially and working for the campaigns local State Legislators and we have disagreements with them but have continued to support them.

Firefighters have a unique perspective on the job we do, I personally do not see anything wrong with an individual who places themselves in a position to have people question their motives to run for a political office. I can assure you that people who are running for office are scutinized by the voter especially when they are endorsed by an organization such as the one I belong to, whether we or they have not done anything to deserve the disrespect.

Mr. Abbit, prior to filing for his run for the Fire Board had sought our support, Prior to Mr. Abbit being appointed to the Fire Board, I as a Union representative had discussion with both Mr. Abbit and Mr. Hudson who were seeking to be appointed to the Fire Board. The Firefighters had discussed whether to endorse either candidate and decided at that time to not. So when people question the Firefighters motives for endorsing candidates we accept that, but maybe when a candidate or their supporter make an issue about us supporting someone they should be aware as to whether their candidate also sought our endorsement.

[Bob Wells]

Note This is an Email/ Letter to the Editor to The Walton Sun with some alterations to it that I sent today.

Ref: Red herring in the Fire Board race

While reading the Sun, I was intrigued that there was mention of the idea, although no proof was listed about how Firefighters have elected other Firefighter to Fire Boards in the State of Florida.

First question that came to mind, have those elected officials whether they are Firefighters or not abused the trust of those, the Voters that placed them in office?

Two, have they violated their fiduciary responsibilities to the taxpayer, or been accused of theft, or raised taxes and not been held accountable by the voters?

Three, is it not the Right of the Citizen to vote for and elect those in whom they feel they can TRUST and vote those who they feels has failed them OUT?

Fourth, as an individual, can I as a Firefighter run and have differences with my supporter, say as an insurance salesman or a plumber who runs for office might?

Firefighters have a unique perspective on the job we do, I personally do not see anything wrong with an individual, Firefighter or not, who places themselves in a position to run for office. I can assure you that people who are running for office are scrutinized by the voter especially when they are endorsed by an organization such as the one I belong to, whether they or we have not done anything to deserve it.

Mr. Abbit, prior to filing for his current run for the Fire Board had sought support from our organization, just thought the public should be aware. Prior to Mr. Abbit being appointed to the Fire Board, I as a Union representative had discussion with both Mr. Abbit and Mr. Hudson who were seeking to be appointed to the Fire Board. The Firefighters had discussed whether to endorse either candidate and decided at that time not to. So when people question the Firefighters motives for endorsing candidates we accept that, but maybe when a candidate or their supporter make an issue about us supporting someone they should be aware as to whether their candidate also sought our endorsement.

Prior to being considered for appointment to the Fire Board I wonder how many times either Mr. Abbit or Mr. Wright attended a Fire Board meeting? I would venture to guess it would be zero, but when you can spin it without rebuttal you can make it sound true.

Now with regards to the Op-Ed portion, has anyone on the Fire Board been accused of impropriety because they may be related to someone who works for the Fire District? Has the individual been a hard person to deal with, has he caused the work of the Board to come to a standstill, has he given his family member an unfair advantage or an unnegotiated pay raise? Are we just changing for the sake of appearance? To say it needs to changed, you might want to start in all the Political subdivisions of the County instead of selecting the 2 you did.

I’ll be supporting Kazek and Thurston

Note: The opinion expressed is mine and not necessarily those of the members of the South Walton professional Firefighters.

[brother bombero]