Imfeld Withdraws from Race after Sheriff Questions Hatch Act violation

It is a sad state of affairs when the current elected sheriff has to seek legal counsel to find a loop hole from 1939 to try to eliminate the man who was going to be the next Sheriff in Walton County.

Please identify the loop hole. The Hatch Act is an actual Federal law, at least I have been led to believe it is.

I am not sure why you could and I couldn't since I don't work for government either, but MORE IMPORTANTLY I can tell you one thing for sure I WOULDN'T. So, don't worry about explaining it to me ;-). Unless you were going to be my running mate of course.

I never said that I would, either. Wait, I believe that I am mistaken. I actually once said that I would run right after Kurt decided to run. :funn:

The reason why I could run and you couldn't is because you don't live in Walton County as your primary residence, do you? Maybe you do, but ... just thought otherwise.

Please identify the loop hole. The Hatch Act is an actual Federal law, at least I have been led to believe it is.

I agree, and will point out that Bill would not be legally able to run even if the Sheriff didn't point out the Hatch Act. Can you imagine Bill getting elected, then having the office ripped out from under him when it comes up later? Better to step out now and not face charges later. The Sheriff didn't make the law, but it seems to me that one aspect of the Sheriff's job is to stop the laws from being broken. I know this has much dirt behind it, but perhaps it could be said that the Sheriff was just doing his job.

I agree, and will point out that Bill would not be legally able to run even if the Sheriff didn't point out the Hatch Act. Can you imagine Bill getting elected, then having the office ripped out from under him when it comes up later? Better to step out now and not face charges later. The Sheriff didn't make the law, but it seems to me that one aspect of the Sheriff's job is to stop the laws from being broken. I know this has much dirt behind it, but perhaps it could be said that the Sheriff was just doing his job.

In this case, while certainly not palatable to the public, it is a valid statement. But for those that want change there are still a half dozen persons exploring the option of running. The pay and power appears to be very alluring. I guess we will have to see just how they stack up in qualifications against the current administration.

I like the sound of the pay, but this boy wants no part of the Sheriffin' business.

I never said that I would, either. Wait, I believe that I am mistaken. I actually once said that I would run right after Kurt decided to run. :funn:

The reason why I could run and you couldn't is because you don't live in Walton County as your primary residence, do you? Maybe you do, but ... just thought otherwise.

Sorry I was confused. Yes you did say that you would run after kurt

The federal monies (referenced in the complaint) that pass through the County Finance Directors Office are non discretionary funds. Bill Imfeld has no jurisdiction, authority or any other control of these funds. The letter with the check simply passes through his office, nothing more. Based on this, apparently this Hatch Act applies. Based on, what I refer to as a loop hole, we, the Walton County tax payers, citizens and voters are faced with not being able to support the best candidate for the job. Further, it sets up a potential scenario where Walton County will continue to be run by incompetent law enforcement, something none of us can afford in this day and age.

As for other candidates thinking about running, do your research if and when they announce. With the number one guy out of the race, for now, many vultures will be lurking. Ask yourself, are they qualified (use Imfeld?s bio and experience as a measuring post), what are their motivations (best interest of the county or of themselves), what have their ties with Ralph Johnson been? (at least one who is rumored to run was RJ?s #1 guy for almost 6 or 7 years? do you want change or the same?), will the candidate you support bring the county together and provide equal attention to all citizens or will we have another ?good ole boy? who does not care about South Walton. Something?s to think about.

As for Bill Imfeld having known about the Hatch Act, if you research the facts, anyone of average intelligence can see that the application of this act towards funds that simply move through an office, can see that old RJ is scared to death about Imfeld?s candidacy and the support he has mustered and will continue to have. This complaint is an attempt to eliminate the best person for the job and not allow the voice of the public to be heard. As for the comment about him having resigned his current employment, are you coming forward to support Mr. Imfeld financially, pay his bills, etc.? Put your self in that position and what would you do.

Ben Franklin said; ?you get the government you deserve, not the government you want.? I?d like to prove old Ben F wrong and allow Walton County to have the sheriff it wants, Bill Imfeld.

Ben Franklin said; ?you get the government you deserve, not the government you want.? I?d like to prove old Ben F wrong and allow Walton County to have the sheriff it wants, Bill Imfeld.

Now this is an awfully presumptious statement seeing that Bill has not been an elected. I think it would be truer for you to say that we should allow Walton County to have the sheriff that you want.

Don't get me wrong. I think the world of Imfeld, and he certainly is a qualified candidate. But he has not shown that the is what Walton County wants, yet.

As for Bill Imfeld having known about the Hatch Act, if you research the facts, anyone of average intelligence can see that the application of this act towards funds that simply move through an office

The letter provided from the Fed to Imfeld seems to rely more heavily on the fact that he supervises employees in departments that have substantial interaction with federal dollars. I am sure, based on your comments, that you have seen this documentation, so I find it puzzling that you are alluding to it being no more than an ancillary interaction of his job duties and not one of his main duties. But at this point it really does not matter. Imfeld will not be on the ticket. Since you feel so strongly about this, you should diligently work to find a candidate that you can get behind and can get on the ticket for the August 26th election.

Where is Chris Beard when you need him??? He is the one that should run for Sheriff!!!

The Watcher, you say you want a change and quote Ben Franklin (which is a good quote), but I am curious as to how many of your Senators and Congressman you have written, asking them to reconsider this particular part of the Hatch Act. You cannot just put Mr Imfeld on the ticket because you want to, nor can the people of Walton County. In order for him to be on the ticket, you need to convince the law makers to change the law. So, going back to your Ben Franklin quote, if you want a change, talk to the people who have the authority to change the laws.

In closing, I will add that I know nothing about Sheriff's Johnson's "number 1 man," who is running AGAINST Sheriff Johnson, but just because someone is employed under someone else, that doesn't mean they have the same processes of thought. I can point out many employees who don't agree with their boss, and would love to sit in the Boss's chair and call the shots. I'm not saying that change will take place, but it is incorrect to say that a change will not take place. Maybe the "number 1 man" wants a change and that is why he is running.

Going back to the Hatch Act for a moment, as I understand it, the Act does not prohibit the people specified in the act from being a candidate in a non-partisan election, only a partisan election. As others have mentioned, the Sheriff is supposed to enforce ALL laws, not just the ones which he or she wants to enforce, so why the heck is the Sheriff's Office a partisan election? It seems to me that it might be easier to change the election to a non-partisan election than it would be to amend the Hatch Act.

Do not speak too soon about Imfeld not being on the ticket... As for a candidate, many will crawl out of the woodwork, not many will be qualified. Waiting...

Chris is making the best Pizza Around.

The prior #1 man has not yet announced his candidacy. Nor have several others rumored to be considering. I would remind you that the fruit does not fall far from the tree so do your homework, you may be right in your assessment, you may be wrong.

The one candidate who has announced in James Macon. He is a fine officer and has a very strong moral character. He does a great deal for the children up in the north end of the county. Although James is a person of tremendous character, he does not have the qualifications or experience to bring our department into the 21st Century of Law Enforcement. As for writing the Senate and Congress, that is a fantastic idea. Also, great point on the partisan election piece.

You've got something to say. Now log in under your other name, and spill the beans.

Who, me? No. I can't say what I want to say anyway. I promised.