County Commissioner Race

**JudyJames** · 06-22-2012, 04:08 PM

So I have been reading Cecilia Jones campaign material. Of particular interest is her effort to take credit for a new park on North Eden Drive off of Chat Holley Rd. Nice enough park, I guess, but she should also disclose that it is less than 200 ft from her front door -- at the end of a dead end street with no signs giving people directions to this hidden jewel of a park. Lucky her. I bet she enjoys it. I don't want to give out her address, but you can Google map it and see for yourself. Walton County has had this sort of foolishness for too long.

Feel free to share with other county residents.

**meggiemom** · 06-24-2012, 05:07 AM

Hopefully, the voters won't re-elect any incumbents. I hope the voters will also take the time to find out something about the candidates' qualifications. Some of the candidates have lots of signs up all over, but they don't seem to have very impressive credentials.

**Jdarg** · 06-24-2012, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by meggiemom

Hopefully, the voters won't re-elect any incumbents. I hope the voters will also take the time to find out something about the candidates' qualifications. Some of the candidates have lots of signs up all over, but they don't seem to have very impressive credentials.

I agree. At least not credentials I am looking for in a county commissioner.

**seagrovegirl** · 06-24-2012, 07:59 PM

Are any candidate platforms posted anywhere on the net? I haven't seen any on here, except one, which I appreciate. Before I decide, I would like to attend a few candidate forums and make an informed decision. If I hear of any forums I will post.

**ricky bobby** · 06-26-2012, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by seagrovegirl

Are any candidate platforms posted anywhere on the net? I haven't seen any on here, except one, which I appreciate. Before I decide, I would like to attend a few candidate forums and make an informed decision. If I hear of any forums I will post.

I'd also like to see a candidates forum, not only for the commissioner's race but also the school board and superintendent. I noticed that the Democrat who qualified for superintendent published some information but the Republican challenger has nothing about herself. On Facebook, her profile is hidden from the public and the only other info I can find is that she's a member of the Tea Party FB group. I'm not interested in seeing a name on a sign, I'd like to know a little about a candidate's education, work experience and what exactly they plan to bring to the position.

**JudyJames** · 06-26-2012, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by ricky bobby

I'm not interested in seeing a name on a sign, I'd like to know a little about a candidate's education, work experience and what exactly they plan to bring to the position.

I think some of the Republicans think that all they have to do is let you know their party affiliation and that is enough. The same thing happens in largely Democratic areas, I am sure. We just have to make them all understand that we will defeat them if they are not accountable to us.

**meggiemom** · 06-26-2012, 02:19 PM

I'm not inclined to vote for anyone who doesn't put out some information about themselves. It makes me wonder if some people run as a diversion to assure the election of someone else.

**ann watson** · 06-26-2012, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by JudyJames

I think some of the Republicans think that all they have to do is let you know their party affiliation and that is enough. The same thing happens in largely Democratic areas, I am sure. We just have to make them all understand that we will defeat them if they are not accountable to us.

I haven't seen much accountability in Walton county. As far as the county commission race goes, I suspect Ms. Jones will be re-elected simply because the people voting against her will split the votes among the other candidates. She undoubtedly will receive the most funding. There are no runoffs in Florida are there? At this point I don't know who I'll vote for but it won't be for any incumbents except the ones running without opposition.

**timpauls** · 06-27-2012, 04:23 PM

I have a election web site: www.electtimpauls.com that provides alot of information about me, and what I think needs to be done. Contact info is there too. Tim Pauls (R) Candidate for Commissioner D-5

**Andy A** · 06-28-2012, 08:24 AM

Some food for thought and a question or two. There were two candidates for Dist. 5 until late May or early June. The choice was clear, either the incumbent or the challenger, Cindy Meadows. All at once, Tim Paul enters the race at the last minute. I do not understand why he did not make his intentions known much earlier. What he will do is split the vote, pure and simple. Was this his intention once Ms. Meadows announced that she would run? This is exactly what happened the last time in Dist. 5 when Alan Osborne and Bob Hudson split the vote. ann watson is correct. The only solution is for voters to realize this is happening and act accordingly.

Cindy Meadows was a Walton County Commissioner for all the people of Walton County. Observing her for all of her term, I saw no special interests given any leeway whatsoever and that was during the time of the most development in South Walton. It is my understanding that she did not run again due to extenuating personal circumstances. She deserves to finish the good work she did so well previously.

**beachbums77** · 06-28-2012, 07:07 PM

see the following posted today

https://sites.google.com/site/wzepam...instesechanges

**Annie66** · 06-28-2012, 07:21 PM

I understand that the board meeting on Wednesday night was very interesting. A friend who attended said that Chairman Wallace was particularly irritated at some comments and questions.

**Jdarg** · 06-28-2012, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A

Some food for thought and a question or two. There were two candidates for Dist. 5 until late May or early June. The choice was clear, either the incumbent or the challenger, Cindy Meadows. All at once, Tim Paul enters the race at the last minute. I do not understand why he did not make his intentions known much earlier. What he will do is split the vote, pure and simple. Was this his intention once Ms. Meadows announced that she would run? This is exactly what happened the last time in Dist. 5 when Alan Osborne and Bob Hudson split the vote. ann watson is correct. The only solution is for voters to realize this is happening and act accordingly.

Cindy Meadows was a Walton County Commissioner for all the people of Walton County. Observing her for all of her term, I saw no special interests given any leeway whatsoever and that was during the time of the most development in South Walton. It is my understanding that she did not run again due to extenuating personal circumstances. She deserves to finish the good work she did so well previously.

I totally agree. She is in touch with south Walton and how to represent us and what we need.

**joho** · 06-30-2012, 09:28 AM

Mr Pauls:

On you website did you mention how you barricaded Butler Elementary so the school buses couldn't use the right of your property to get the children to school or home?

Did you mention how you combined three residential lots with a commercial lot on 30A while you were office for your own personal gain of a sale over a million bucks?

The Voters of Walton County beware!

**j p nettles** · 07-03-2012, 07:52 PM

In the district 3 race it looks like Mr. Imfield is far and away the most qualified. I haven't met either candidate but if credentials mean anything he looks more promising.

**lazin&drinkin** · 07-04-2012, 10:37 AM

I've had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Imfeld. He is as impressive in person as he is on paper. Of the several really good candidates for the 5 spots, he has both financial acumen and experience in county government in excess of the others. He likewise has a reputation for integrity that we sorely need. He is his own man and not a front for the usual vested interests. He will get my vote.

**Andy A** · 07-04-2012, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by lazin&drinkin

I've had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Imfeld. He is as impressive in person as he is on paper. Of the several really good candidates for the 5 spots, he has both financial acumen and experience in county government in excess of the others. He likewise has a reputation for integrity that we sorely need. He is his own man and not a front for the usual vested interests. He will get my vote.

I couldn't agree more and he will get mine as well. For what its worth, and that's not much, here are my other choices as I feel those who feel strongly about elections should not be above saying for whom they will vote. Dist. 1 Bill Fletcher
Dist. 5 Cindy Meadows

**1amos1** · 07-04-2012, 03:45 PM

I have been a resident of Walton county for the past 14 years, a property owner for 30 years and a business owner here for 18 years. During that time the most responsible commissioner we have had has been Cindy Meadows. In my view most of the other commissioners have used the office to promote agendas that were in their personal interest, their business interest, or their cronies business interest. Those that were not
Furthering their own interests were too weak kneed to stand up for the interests of their constituents. Cindy was often the only vote standing against the narrow interest of a developer.
The last thing we need is to have a developer (Tim Pauls) back on the Board.

**lazin&drinkin** · 07-04-2012, 04:17 PM

Cindy will get my vote, too, and I'm inclined toward Mr. Fletcher principally on the basis of your being impressed with him, Andy. I'm reserving judgment until I meet him and hear more directly from him, but he's looking good.

**JudyJames** · 07-17-2012, 08:47 PM

Pay attention. Ms Jones email correspondence has been subpoenaed by the FBI. Not saying she is guilty of anything, just saying there is an investigation. Can she concentrate on that and serve the county?

**idlewind** · 07-17-2012, 09:02 PM

I like Cindy and Fletcher as well. But remember, no matter what, ALL INCUMBENTS MUST GO! C. Jones, Anderson, Coley, are the targets in the primary. We'll finish the job in November.

**Danny Burns** · 07-23-2012, 10:00 AM

We'll be voting for Cindy in this house. Thanks Andy A and lazin&drinkin for the advice about Mr. Imfeld and Mr. Fletcher. It's time to clean house!

**shellak** · 07-24-2012, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by Jdarg

I totally agree. She is in touch with south Walton and how to represent us and what we need.

Ditto. She was not beholden to any special interest. She is not a developer, real estate agent or builder. Even though I am not a Republican, I have no problem whatsoever voting for her. She is the best candidate. As soon as election fever started, I noticed that Cecelia Jones became much more vocal and visible. What a game she plays!

**DuneDweller** · 07-25-2012, 11:01 PM

Don't pass up a chance to meet and chat with Rick Roberts, he makes good sense about govt. And could be a good choice

**soappedaler** · 07-27-2012, 08:58 AM

I guess I'm the only person that remembers Cindy Meadows wanting 150 acres of Point Washington State Forest for a public swimming pool. One reason I recall this is that after a meeting she pointed her car keys in my face and said "Not to call anyone in Tallahassee until I'd cleared it through her" She obviously forgot about the first Amendment to the United States Constitution.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?ni...pg=683,1796602

**Andy A** · 07-27-2012, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by soappedaler

I guess I'm the only person that remembers Cindy Meadows wanting 150 acres of Point Washington State Forest for a public swimming pool. One reason I recall this is that after a meeting she pointed her car keys in my face and said "Not to call anyone in Tallahassee until I'd cleared it through her" She obviously forgot about the first Amendment to the United States Constitution.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?ni...pg=683,1796602

Must be. It certainly is not on my radar as a reason not to vote for her.

**Jdarg** · 07-27-2012, 10:21 AM

I think this community has become way more vocal in the last 4 or 5 years, and hopefully the local 2012 elected officials won't be so quick to make decisions or even statements without a little research and feedback from the community. There is a lot of negative in the community right now, but the game is changing- and more people in the community, from all segments, are watching.

**JudyJames** · 08-01-2012, 11:36 PM

Anybody else read about Commissioner Jones being sued by the son of her deceased friend? Seemed to be a question regarding how Jones may have handled her friend's finances. Article did not give great details. Can anyone share information?

**kurt** · 08-02-2012, 05:30 AM

https://sites.google.com/site/wzepam...stceciliajones

With a few weeks left before an election, a complaint has been filed against Walton Commissioner Cecilia Jones, but not against her position as a commissioner. The complaint was filed by the son of Jones’ long time friend Laverne Camacho. Michael Renee Camacho claims Jones and her husband received money that his mother intended to be given to him. Lavern Camacho has since passed away.

In November of last year, Michael Camacho says his mother executed a will that established a trust for her son. Attorney Clayton Adkinson was listed as her personal representative and as trustee of the trust. At the same time he says Camacho named her friend, Cecilia Jones as pre-need guardian.

The complaint states Jones knew Michael Camacho was dependent on his mother for mental and physical well being. He says the money was to be used to take care of him after his mother passed.

About a year prior to her death, Lavern Camacho added Cecilia Jones to a pay on demand account without Michael being listed as the beneficiary. This means Camacho had given Jones complete control of the funds with no stipulations preventing her from withdrawing them. He claims a deal was made between his mother and Jones to have the money held by Jones and to be given to Michael. The complaint includes a letter where Michael Camacho and his attorney Clayton Adkinson say they demanded the money be paid to him or the trust managed by Adkinson.

Several people have told WZEP First News Lavern Camacho relayed her wishes that she wanted her lifelong work to go good causes, not for drug abuse.

WZEP First News talked to Cecilia Jones. She said she has know Lavern Camacho for about 30 years and took care of her and her husband before they died. Jones also says Michael Camacho has been in trouble with the law numerous times. A report provided shows Michael Camacho has about 40 legal cases against him since 1994. Jones says she has worked with Michael Camacho, taking him to church and twice to an adult Teen Challenge.

Jones says elections are notorious for last ditch, desperate and dishonest efforts to discredit candidates. She says that if opposition can not win honestly, they will try fabricating the truth even at the expense of filing a frivolous lawsuit. She says the fact that the media received copies of the lawsuit before she did speaks to the motive and the ethics of those behind it. Jones says the timing is not a coincidence and those who have threatened to use this against her politically will be exposed and she trusts justice will prevail.

WZEP has also learned these are not the only funds available for Michael Camacho. Camacho’s estate, managed by Attorney Adkinson, had real property at the time of her death. Documents in the complaint show where Michael Camacho has use of her home and a vehicle as well as an allowance.

**kurt** · 08-02-2012, 05:31 AM

http://defuniakherald.com/?p=5375

A five-count lawsuit was filed July 10 in Circuit Court for the First Judicial Circuit naming Cecilia A. Jones and her husband Jerry P. Jones as defendants. The lawsuit does not sue Cecilia Jones in her capacity as a Walton County Commissioner, and makes no allegations of official misconduct. The complaint, filed by plaintiff Michael R. Camacho, alleges “conversion, undue influence, unjust enrichment, constructive trust and resulting trust,” and seeks equitable and/or monetary damages.

The lawsuit arises out of the estate of Laverne Camacho, who died in April 2012, and whose will apparently established a testamentary trust. Michael R. Camacho is Laverne’s son. The 58-paragraph complaint centers on “Disputed Sums” of the estate and the defendants’ alleged fiduciary obligations regarding handling of the sums. The plaintiff maintains that the disputed sums are intended for his benefit, and demands that a resulting or constructive trust be imposed that the sums may be used for his “exclusive benefit,” as well as demanding an accounting and any damages incurred.

No connection is made between this dispute and Cecilia Jones’ official acts as a member of the Walton County Board of County Commissioners.

Contacted by the Herald/Breeze about the lawsuit, Cecilia Jones said that she had not yet been served with the complaint, but offered the following written statement as comment:

“Elections are notorious for last ditch, desperate and dishonest efforts to discredit candidates. If opposition cannot win honestly, they will try fabricating the truth even at the expense of filing a frivolous lawsuit. The fact that the media received copies of this lawsuit and I have not even been served speaks to the motive and the ethics of those behind it. The timing is not a coincidence and those who have threatened to use this against me politically will be exposed and I trust that justice will prevail.”

The lawsuit, Case No. 12CA 660, was filed by Steven B. Bauman, of Anchors Smith Grimsley law firm of Fort Walton Beach. Jones said she and her husband are consulting legal counsel to respond to the lawsuit.

**justhavinfun** · 08-02-2012, 05:35 AM

Here is one article from the Defuniak Herald
http://defuniakherald.com/?p=5375

**j p nettles** · 08-02-2012, 12:49 PM

Maybe Mrs. Jones can get the same defense lawyer that Ray Sansom used. They have a connection in one of their contributors.

**JudyJames** · 08-03-2012, 04:03 PM

Thanks, Kurt for the information. As normal, there are always two sides to every story.

**beachbums77** · 08-06-2012, 05:36 PM

If it's change you are really looking for on the BCC then better rethink R. Nelson. He has a close association with Sarah Commander and Cecelia Jones. Three of a kind.

**coppertone10** · 08-08-2012, 11:05 PM

As a 30-year resident of Walton County, I know all of the incumbents and many of the new candidates. Here's who I am voting for and why.
Rick Roberts - because I know him to be an honest person with no ax to grind and no personal fortune to try to acrue, just a deep-seated desire to make life better in Walton County. He is running because he is rightfully unhappy with county government and he has solid, common-sense ideas on how to improve things. When it comes to integrity, he's the guy.
Robert Nelson - again, here's a candidate who is not trying to get rich off the job. He has served in the trenches on county boards that bring no glory, no money and no thanks, but still have to be done. He's honest and outspoken, so I never have to worry about where he stands.
Another point about these two candidates - they will provide the two votes needed to put this county back on track. Sara Comander has been the one nay vote so many times that one of the county attorney's told me her nickname is "Ol' 4 to 1." I can't think of a better recommendation. She's the only honest commissioner we have had in years. Anyone who says she's just like Cecelia Jones either doesn't know Comander or doesn't know Jones. Or maybe they just couldn't get their driveway paved.
Speaking of Cecelia Jones, I'm voting for Cindy Meadows. She has integrity and she really looked out for South Walton. She battled No Mo Ro Cuchens, which earns little gold stars by her name, in my book. I'm not fooled by Tim Pauls, who is there only to split the vote away from Cindy to help Cecelia slink back in. Cecelia's big religious facade is like a suit of clothes she puts on whenever it suits her. I am not fooled by it because I know her too well.

As for the two Wild Bills, Bill Chapman already doesn't think normal rules apply to him. When his son was arrested last year for beating up his girlfriend, Chapman bypassed normal arrest procedures and kept his son out of jail. In fact, Sheriff Adkinson demoted Chapman for it. That's not the first time, either. Several years ago, his son stole Chapman's patrol car and went joyriding in it. Though this was known inside the department, the boy mysteriously did not get arrested or even get in trouble. Do we want to elect someone who already doesn't think the rules apply to him? I thought that's what we were trying to get rid of.
Then there's Bill Imfeld. Are you unhappy with the county's financial dealings? Then look no farther. Bill has played with numbers so often to help crooked commissioners accomplish their goals, that his fingerprints can be found on every bad deal for the last decade. That's not even the worst of it. Imfeld has had at least two sexual harassment complaints filed against him since he began with the county. Check the public record. Integrity? I think not.
Finally, for superintendent, I have to support Trish Hutchins. I know her and Carlene personally and although Carlene has done a good job in some areas, it appears the power has gone to her head. She is quick to reward her friends and punish her detractors. Teachers are afraid to speak out. The latest scandal in Paxton is a perfect example. The Paxton principal, who parents and teachers disliked, was moved from Freeport Middle as principal because parents and teachers disliked her. But she ia a close friend of Carlene. Certain Paxton teachers were bullied and accused of being trouble-makers because of several anonymous letter AND that principal is still there. Hmmm. This is just one instance out of many questionable decisions.
Those are my choices. Do the research, check up on these candidates. We have a chance to turn this county around right now. Please make informed decisions.

**coppertone10** · 08-08-2012, 11:21 PM

I'm voting for Cindy Meadows, too! However, when Cindy left, Sara Comander took her place as the only one willing to cast the lone nay vote. According to the financial staements all candidates must post, Comander has less money now than she did before so she certainly isn't using the job to feather her nest. She is the only one who works at the job full time and the only voice citizens have. Comander takes our calls, travels all over the county to meets with citizens - not just those in her district. Her only vocal enemies are those who couldn't persuede her to do something just for them without regard to the rest of the people. But she needs help. Let's put Cindy, Rick Roberts and Robert Nelson in office. They want to serve this community. Can you even imagine how much better our county would be if we had four people working together for the same goal - to improve county government?

**Andy A** · 08-09-2012, 08:29 AM

Two choices with which I agree out of all of them is pretty dismal. We cancel out each other's vote more than we complement them.

**coppertone10** · 08-09-2012, 07:58 PM

Hello Andy, I read posts regularly and we agree so often, I’m curious that our choices differ so much here. What do you know that I don’t know?

**seabreeze314** · 08-09-2012, 11:04 PM

New,fresh and full of positive energy! This is what Walton County needs! Out with the old and in with the New Will! Will Palmer for County Commissioner District 5!!!

**seabreeze314** · 08-09-2012, 11:06 PM

Www.votewill5.com

**Andy A** · 08-10-2012, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by coppertone10

Hello Andy, I read posts regularly and we agree so often, I’m curious that our choices differ so much here. What do you know that I don’t know?

I don't think I know anything you don't. Your picks were all respectable candidates. I like and know Mr. Nelson but feel a fresh, new and business experienced face would be appropriate. So I chose Bill Fletcher. In Dist. 3, I chose Bill Imfeld because of his financial prowness. I really don't believe, from past observations, he is anybody's "yes" man. Your choices for superintendent and Dist. 5 are mine as well.

**Einstein** · 08-11-2012, 07:25 AM

I'm Voting for West RITCHIE District 1, Imfeld is good & the others undecided.

**beachbusiness** · 08-13-2012, 07:46 PM

Palmer seems like the logical choice!

**seabreeze314** · 08-13-2012, 09:21 PM

I agree, he has my vote. Check out the video attached.... Cecilia Jones, who claims to be a Republican, publicly endorsing Democratic candidate, Bill Nelson for US Senate. Really???? We need a serious change.

**beachbusiness** · 08-13-2012, 09:27 PM

That makes me sick!!! What a RINO... How can she publicly announce that she is voting for Bill "lockstep with Obama" Nelson and get away with it???? We need change now!!! I am voting for Will Palmer. Infield has my vote too!

**beachbusiness** · 08-13-2012, 09:36 PM

Misfire... I am voting for Will Palmer and Bill Imfeld.

**bigskybeachmom** · 08-13-2012, 09:45 PM

I am voting for will palmer too, not because jones chooses to support a particular candidate but because I feel he will represent our community and our families of south Walton. I do not believe in voting for the party, but for the person. I hope that each of our voters will do the same tomorrow. I think palmer can bring a great deal of representation to our south Walton community.

**Beachrebel22** · 08-13-2012, 09:49 PM

Will Palmer is absolutely the only choice. Can we really trust any of the other candidates? Mr Paul's votes for personal gain ( see his lack of response to the above accusation). Mrs jones is under FBI investigation ( I'm sure for no good reason). Do we really want another good old boy puppet? Another person who claims to live in our district? We need a fresh perspective from someone who lives and works among us. We absolutely need Will Palmer!!

**beardlady** · 08-13-2012, 10:06 PM

Whoa! She needs to get kicked out of the Republican party. Fo-shizzle! I already voted for Palmer.

**j p nettles** · 08-14-2012, 11:33 AM

Is is just me or does anyone else have a problem and questions about an extremely wealthy individual contributing to a lot of Walton County politicians, including sitting county commissioners and the superintendent of schools? And if I'm not mistaken the individual in question doesn't reside in Walton County.