Who is Bob Hudson ?
(Please forgive this short introduction - I will be back often during the upcoming campaign. But wrobert mentioned to me that I should make an introduction quickly)
Pat and I retired here 7 years ago from Dallas, Texas. This was the last stop on a career of over 30 years with the largest male youth serving organization in America. In my last 5 years with that organization I seved as the Director of Fiscal Management with a large staff that was responsible for the accounting functions in 343 locations in the US and 7 foreign countries.
We chose Walton County and specifically Santa Rosa Beach as our last residence. Like many of you we vacationed here for over 30 years renting units along the 30-A corridor and our family grew to love this area.
I spent my first 2 years of retirement fishing almost daily. I caught enough fish to last a lifetime and found a new interest in the Walton County Taxpayers Association. I have served on that Board for almost five years. I have attended over 80 percent of the Board of County Commissioner's meeting's ,Walton County School Board meetings, South Walton Fire District and even the South Walton Mosquito Control Board meetings. I have served the WCTA as Treasurer and as it's webmaster. My primary focus with them has been in the financial analysis area. I consider that organization to be the premier "taxpayers advocate" organization in Florida. It has existed for over 28 years and has served Walton County taxpayer interests well. That is where I initally met wrobert as he was a member of that organization when I was asked to serve.
I have been interested in politics all of my life. I truly enjoy the American process of government. I once served as a School Board member for 5 years. I have worked with Cindy on many issues.
Although I was asked by many to run for the District 5 Commissioner position, I made a decision to support Cindy in her re-election. I met with her personally over a year ago and told her that I would not run against her. I was in a meeting with her less that 2 weeks ago and restated my intention to support her.
Tuesday of this past week everything changed. I received a call informing me that Cindy had made a decision not to seek a second term. Like many of you, I was shocked by her decision. I was more shocked by who was left in the pre-qualified pool.
I decided that I would pre-qualify.
I am currently securing the necessary 343 candidate petition's required. This is a tremendous task in a 9 day period.
I will continue to check this site daily, but I must spend the time to actually have my name added to the ballot. After that is done I will answer any and all questions that are posted on this site.
My cell number is 543-2378. Have a question ? Call me.
I am attaching a .pdf candidate petition - if you are interested in helping please call me and I will pick it up or mail it to my address:
View attachment 8802
Thank you !
Bob Hudson
121 Fairway Drive
Santa Rosa Beach, Fl
hudsonSRB@gmail.com
Replies
50
Beach Fanatic
Bob! Good luck!
Beach Fanatic
Bob, my printer is down for the count, but if you have some petitions handy I could drop by to pick up a couple and see if I can get some sigs for you 
Admin
2 on the way.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Call me on my cell number and I will gladly deliver.
Thanks
Bob
Thanks
Bob
Beach Fanatic
Is this the same Bob Hudson that was so vocal about the SeaBreeze Jazz Festival? If so, then no thank you!
Beach FanaticAuthor
Yes , I am the individual that spoke before the County Commission after the organizer of the SeaBreeze Jazz festival had already signed a contract to move the venue to Bay County. I was asked by the County Administrator to discuss the issue of enforcement of the parking regulations and sound ordinance brought up within our neighborhood association. I spoke on their behalf when we were informed by the Code Enforcement Department that the venue operator had not applied for the necessary permit to exclude the event from enforcement of the sound level provision of the sound ordinance and had no plan for parking that had been approved and that they were leary of enforcing the provisions without the Commissions input. All 5 voted to ask the Planning Department to work with the operator of the event to resolve those issues.
I clearly explained the neighborhood's concern over the advertisement that appeared in the paper stating that people should park on the bike path on 393. (The prior year people were forced to literally park on grave sites in Gulf Place Cemetary)
As the event has grown each year the lack of parking sufficient to accomodate the increasing crowd and the increasing sound levels has become an issue with neighboring citizens. ( Sound levels 1/2 mile away were recorded at 94 decibels last year)
I have enjoyed the festival in person for many years. The real issue here is the lack of an adequate venue for events such as this. Tourists and local people enjoy and expect events such as the Jazz Festival. Regretfully we have not had a vision to provide an adequate site for these events.
The truth is simple - the Seabreeze Jazz festival outgrew the venue and the sponsor was forced to seek a location that would allow for the event to continue to grow. Poor planning on someone's part in my opinion to not locate and build a venue in Walton County.
I clearly explained the neighborhood's concern over the advertisement that appeared in the paper stating that people should park on the bike path on 393. (The prior year people were forced to literally park on grave sites in Gulf Place Cemetary)
As the event has grown each year the lack of parking sufficient to accomodate the increasing crowd and the increasing sound levels has become an issue with neighboring citizens. ( Sound levels 1/2 mile away were recorded at 94 decibels last year)
I have enjoyed the festival in person for many years. The real issue here is the lack of an adequate venue for events such as this. Tourists and local people enjoy and expect events such as the Jazz Festival. Regretfully we have not had a vision to provide an adequate site for these events.
The truth is simple - the Seabreeze Jazz festival outgrew the venue and the sponsor was forced to seek a location that would allow for the event to continue to grow. Poor planning on someone's part in my opinion to not locate and build a venue in Walton County.
Edited
SoWal Expert
I went to the Jazz Fest last year and didn't have a problem w/ it being too loud. It was actually a problem that we couldn't hear the music over a neighboring vendor's generator.
IMO moving the festival (and similar events) out of the neighborhood because of parking (no parking signs and enforcement could solve that since there were already shuttles to lots at Grand Boulevard etc.) & noise is a bit of an overreaction. High quality musicians performing once a year on a weekend and on a date know well in advance is not noise pollution.
One of my pet peeves is that a few people ruin it for others - which is why I can no longer enjoy music or extended hours at the Red Bar, Bud & Alley's, or Cerulean's and am waiting for the season's first arrest of a toddler on a "private" beach.
I can definitely see why there might be complaints about the parking as the number of people/visitors with no manners grows each year, but I also noted that people didn't park in the few areas where there were temporary "no parking" signs.
IMO moving the festival (and similar events) out of the neighborhood because of parking (no parking signs and enforcement could solve that since there were already shuttles to lots at Grand Boulevard etc.) & noise is a bit of an overreaction. High quality musicians performing once a year on a weekend and on a date know well in advance is not noise pollution.
One of my pet peeves is that a few people ruin it for others - which is why I can no longer enjoy music or extended hours at the Red Bar, Bud & Alley's, or Cerulean's and am waiting for the season's first arrest of a toddler on a "private" beach.
I can definitely see why there might be complaints about the parking as the number of people/visitors with no manners grows each year, but I also noted that people didn't park in the few areas where there were temporary "no parking" signs.
Admin
The truth is simple - the Seabreeze Jazz festival outgrew the venue and the sponsor was forced to seek a location that would allow for the event to continue to grow. Poor planning on someone's part in my opinion to not locate and build a venue in Walton County.
I heard this just today from an insider's perspective.
Here's a bit more about the move - [ame="http://www.sowal.com/bb/showthread.php?t=22174"]Seabreeze Jazz Fest - SoWal Beaches Forum[/ame]
Beach Fanatic
Yes , I am the individual that spoke before the County Commission after the organizer of the SeaBreeze Jazz festival had already signed a contract to move the venue to Bay County. I was asked by the County Administrator to discuss the issue of enforcement of the parking regulations and sound ordinance brought up within our neighborhood association. I spoke on their behalf when we were informed by the Code Enforcement Department that the venue operator had not applied for the necessary permit to exclude the event from enforcement of the sound level provision of the sound ordinance and had no plan for parking that had been approved and that they were leary of enforcing the provisions without the Commissions input. All 5 voted to ask the Planning Department to work with the operator of the event to resolve those issues.
I clearly explained the neighborhood's concern over the advertisement that appeared in the paper stating that people should park on the bike path on 393. (The prior year people were forced to literally park on grave sites in Gulf Place Cemetary)
As the event has grown each year the lack of parking sufficient to accomodate the increasing crowd and the increasing sound levels has become an issue with neighboring citizens. ( Sound levels 1/2 mile away were recorded at 94 decibels last year)
I have enjoyed the festival in person for many years. The real issue here is the lack of an adequate venue for events such as this. Tourists and local people enjoy and expect events such as the Jazz Festival. Regretfully we have not had a vision to provide an adequate site for these events.
The truth is simple - the Seabreeze Jazz festival outgrew the venue and the sponsor was forced to seek a location that would allow for the event to continue to grow. Poor planning on someone's part in my opinion to not locate and build a venue in Walton County.
I'm certainly not blaming you for the move of the Jazz Festival and I don't disagree with the size issue of the venue. But many people are aware of how you conducted yourself during the whole event and I for one am certainly unimpressed. As far as permitting goes, no event has ever had to have one until this years Jazz Fest and there hasn't been one issued since. Yet, there are still festivals in this area nearly every weekend that fall under the same guidlines. Why haven't you made sure that all of those events have been brought up to code? Does the upcoming Seaside Jazz Festival have all of the proper permits? Have you checked? I bet not, because it is not in your back yard and you aren't concerned. I personally don't know whether the SSJF has everything in order but again, I haven't appointed myself as a watchdog of that sort of thing nor do I have political aspirations.
All I'm saying is this, if you are going to work so hard to make sure that one group tows the line for whatever reason, then you should at least be fair about it. If you want to be a politico then let us know that you will do a good job by being evenhanded and not just serving your own needs.
Beach Fanatic
At this point, at least Bob seems to not be making money off the backs of the citizens by running, nor does he seem to be on the take.
SoWal Expert
Also he shows up at meetings even though he isn't elected yet - probably has a better attendance rate than some elected officials! ;-)
He also gets points for being able to make a cohesive argument/post and using punctuation so it is readable.
All biggies IMO!
He also gets points for being able to make a cohesive argument/post and using punctuation so it is readable.
All biggies IMO!
Beach Comber
Yes , I am the individual that spoke before the County Commission after the organizer of the SeaBreeze Jazz festival had already signed a contract to move the venue to Bay County. I was asked by the County Administrator to discuss the issue of enforcement of the parking regulations and sound ordinance brought up within our neighborhood association. I spoke on their behalf when we were informed by the Code Enforcement Department that the venue operator had not applied for the necessary permit to exclude the event from enforcement of the sound level provision of the sound ordinance and had no plan for parking that had been approved and that they were leary of enforcing the provisions without the Commissions input. All 5 voted to ask the Planning Department to work with the operator of the event to resolve those issues.
I clearly explained the neighborhood's concern over the advertisement that appeared in the paper stating that people should park on the bike path on 393. (The prior year people were forced to literally park on grave sites in Gulf Place Cemetary)
As the event has grown each year the lack of parking sufficient to accomodate the increasing crowd and the increasing sound levels has become an issue with neighboring citizens. ( Sound levels 1/2 mile away were recorded at 94 decibels last year)
I have enjoyed the festival in person for many years. The real issue here is the lack of an adequate venue for events such as this. Tourists and local people enjoy and expect events such as the Jazz Festival. Regretfully we have not had a vision to provide an adequate site for these events.
The truth is simple - the Seabreeze Jazz festival outgrew the venue and the sponsor was forced to seek a location that would allow for the event to continue to grow. Poor planning on someone's part in my opinion to not locate and build a venue in Walton County.
This is a cop out comment. I live in BMB myself, just inside the BMB line in fact. You did not want the Jazz Festival here and you helped run the Jazz Festival off. End of story.
Why don't you just call a spade a spade? By the way, I am in the district you want to be Commissioner over and you will not have my family's, business associates, friends or my support as a result. That is a lot of votes so good luck with your campaign.
PS The Carters who own the Seabreeze Radio station are in your district too, I believe. Karma is a tough thing Bob.
Beach Comber
I'm certainly not blaming you for the move of the Jazz Festival and I don't disagree with the size issue of the venue. But many people are aware of how you conducted yourself during the whole event and I for one am certainly unimpressed. As far as permitting goes, no event has ever had to have one until this years Jazz Fest and there hasn't been one issued since. Yet, there are still festivals in this area nearly every weekend that fall under the same guidlines. Why haven't you made sure that all of those events have been brought up to code? Does the upcoming Seaside Jazz Festival have all of the proper permits? Have you checked? I bet not, because it is not in your back yard and you aren't concerned. I personally don't know whether the SSJF has everything in order but again, I haven't appointed myself as a watchdog of that sort of thing nor do I have political aspirations.
All I'm saying is this, if you are going to work so hard to make sure that one group tows the line for whatever reason, then you should at least be fair about it. If you want to be a politico then let us know that you will do a good job by being evenhanded and not just serving your own needs.
Well said. Sorry but I think Bob is way trying to sugarcoat how he handled his opposition to Jazzfest. Bob clearly did NOT want it here and now because he wants to get elected has changed his story about how his opposition was presented.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Well said. Sorry but I think Bob is way trying to sugarcoat how he handled his opposition to Jazzfest. Bob clearly did NOT want it here and now because he wants to get elected has changed his story about how his opposition was presented.
That is the first time I have ever been accused of "sugarcoating" anything. I have to chuckle just a bit at that.
Bob clearly stated in his comments to the Commission his understanding of the economic value of the event and tourism in Walton County.
SoWal Expert
Bob, get ready and put on your politicin' gloves and grow some leather. lol.
Beach Fanatic
Regretfully we have not had a vision to provide an adequate site for these events.
Poor planning on someone's part in my opinion to not locate and build a venue in Walton County.
Maybe you have not had the vision, but many people have had the vision. The problem has been funding the vision.
SoWal Expert
Brings up a good point and one I've been moaning about for a long time. Why the heck doesn't the County allow public school property to be used for such events? There is ample space for seating, ample parking, restrooms, concessions, etc. So please, tell me why we don't share. The tax payers pay for that property and it sits unused otherwise for these weekend events. IMO, the property should be open to the public for recreational use. I've seen it happen in other places, and it works very well, and saves the County money by not having to double up on recreational parks. With south Walton being in such desperate need for such facilities, it seems so blatantly obvious to me.
Beach Fanatic
Brings up a good point and one I've been moaning about for a long time. Why the heck doesn't the County allow public school property to be used for such events? There is ample space for seating, ample parking, restrooms, concessions, etc. So please, tell me why we don't share. The tax payers pay for that property and it sits unused otherwise for these weekend events. IMO, the property should be open to the public for recreational use. I've seen it happen in other places, and it works very well, and saves the County money by not having to double up on recreational parks. With south Walton being in such desperate need for such facilities, it seems so blatantly obvious to me.
I know one issue is the prohibition of alcohol on school property.
SoWal Expert
There is a prohibition of alcohol on school property. That rule was made why? To keep underage kids from drinking? Or, to keep parents from drinking at games, so they don't get rowdy and disgrace their kids? I'm not sure, but seeing as how such events are not school-affiliated, I think they could lift the prohibition temporarily during the events, without negatively influencing our youth regarding drinking alcohol.
Seeing as how that property is surrounded mostly by other County property, I doubt noise would be a big factor at that location, and it is centrally located. Something as simple as temporarily suspending an irrelevant rule, should not stand in the way.
Seeing as how that property is surrounded mostly by other County property, I doubt noise would be a big factor at that location, and it is centrally located. Something as simple as temporarily suspending an irrelevant rule, should not stand in the way.
Admin
Brings up a good point and one I've been moaning about for a long time. Why the heck doesn't the County allow public school property to be used for such events? There is ample space for seating, ample parking, restrooms, concessions, etc. So please, tell me why we don't share. The tax payers pay for that property and it sits unused otherwise for these weekend events. IMO, the property should be open to the public for recreational use. I've seen it happen in other places, and it works very well, and saves the County money by not having to double up on recreational parks. With south Walton being in such desperate need for such facilities, it seems so blatantly obvious to me.
I saw a Grit and Grace production at Freeport High.
SoWal Expert
I did, too, and thought it was the perfect place to hold many smaller concerts and productions. I never knew that the auditorium was so nice.
Bob, let's bring this back on track to your run for BCC. What are your thoughts on this idea of sharing Tax Payer sites such as the school, with special events open to the public?
Bob, let's bring this back on track to your run for BCC. What are your thoughts on this idea of sharing Tax Payer sites such as the school, with special events open to the public?
Beach Lover
Mr. Hudson:
First, good luck on your campaign. I noticed you haven't had a chance to lay out much about why you are running I wanted to see what you thought about some issues discussed on this board and important to your district.
Have you ever held government office before?
You mentioned being involved with financial things in your professional life and with the taxpayers association. So, I would guess many issues that you have been involved in are black and white answers since numbers don't lie. What experience do you have in trying to bring very diverse groups to a consensus and how are you in the art of compromise?
What is your position on the Driftwood Estates drainage issue? Should the County stop the ongoing development until drainage is fixed?
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
You mentioned that the County should buy land for public venues, how do you feel about using property taxes to buy those properties? Could we open up some of the school property when it is not in use since our tax dollars already paid for those?
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
Is the beach public or are some areas private and the public shouldn't use them?
Should seawalls be allowed on the beach?
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
Are you for or against having concerts at some of the developments like Gulf Place. It looks like the jazz festival is gone, but the Criollas guy has said that their new company is wanting to have more concerts there?
What is your feeling on the current Sheriff versus County situation? Do you have any thoughts on improving communication if the current Sheriff wins?
I and others look forward to your responses.
First, good luck on your campaign. I noticed you haven't had a chance to lay out much about why you are running I wanted to see what you thought about some issues discussed on this board and important to your district.
Have you ever held government office before?
You mentioned being involved with financial things in your professional life and with the taxpayers association. So, I would guess many issues that you have been involved in are black and white answers since numbers don't lie. What experience do you have in trying to bring very diverse groups to a consensus and how are you in the art of compromise?
What is your position on the Driftwood Estates drainage issue? Should the County stop the ongoing development until drainage is fixed?
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
You mentioned that the County should buy land for public venues, how do you feel about using property taxes to buy those properties? Could we open up some of the school property when it is not in use since our tax dollars already paid for those?
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
Is the beach public or are some areas private and the public shouldn't use them?
Should seawalls be allowed on the beach?
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
Are you for or against having concerts at some of the developments like Gulf Place. It looks like the jazz festival is gone, but the Criollas guy has said that their new company is wanting to have more concerts there?
What is your feeling on the current Sheriff versus County situation? Do you have any thoughts on improving communication if the current Sheriff wins?
I and others look forward to your responses.
Beach FanaticAuthor
I have now officially qualified by petition. Big task in a short time span. I promised to come back here to answer questions as time permitted. I will take the questions in order and give you my position or thoughts.
Remember that we all have "warts" and that we will never all agree on every subject. I have always tried to find that person whose "key points" I agreed with.
SJ:
I served on a school board for 5 years almost 15 years ago. During that time span the School Board was approached by the Parks and Recreation department seeking access to the athletic facilities at our schools. We were able to enter into an inter-local agreement with them to provide access to things like ballfields, gym's, batting cages and practice fields. At that time I was charged with representing the interests of the schools and children. The initial concerns of some were the legal liabilities (quickly over come), priority of use (school activities came first) and a sharing of the operatings costs for such things as heat, light etc. They also wanted to add lighting to the two high school track facilities to allow for people to have a place to walk and jog at night. ( No Multi-use trails there at that time.)
Let me get straight to the point. Those issues were resolved and I voted to enter into the inter-local agreement. I was the Chairman when this was done.
I would be described as a fiscally conservative individual and believe that we should seek every opportunity to not duplicate services and facilities and to expand availibility of services and facilities in creative ways.
I have spoken before the BCC on this very issues asking that we seek to expand those agreements whenever possible. We currently have some agreements with the WCSD that are seldom utilized.
Bob
Remember that we all have "warts" and that we will never all agree on every subject. I have always tried to find that person whose "key points" I agreed with.
SJ:
I served on a school board for 5 years almost 15 years ago. During that time span the School Board was approached by the Parks and Recreation department seeking access to the athletic facilities at our schools. We were able to enter into an inter-local agreement with them to provide access to things like ballfields, gym's, batting cages and practice fields. At that time I was charged with representing the interests of the schools and children. The initial concerns of some were the legal liabilities (quickly over come), priority of use (school activities came first) and a sharing of the operatings costs for such things as heat, light etc. They also wanted to add lighting to the two high school track facilities to allow for people to have a place to walk and jog at night. ( No Multi-use trails there at that time.)
Let me get straight to the point. Those issues were resolved and I voted to enter into the inter-local agreement. I was the Chairman when this was done.
I would be described as a fiscally conservative individual and believe that we should seek every opportunity to not duplicate services and facilities and to expand availibility of services and facilities in creative ways.
I have spoken before the BCC on this very issues asking that we seek to expand those agreements whenever possible. We currently have some agreements with the WCSD that are seldom utilized.
Bob
SoWal Expert
Thanks for taking time to reply. I like that answer and hope that something similar can be done here, linking existing facilities with special events.
Glad you were able to make the ballot by petition.
Glad you were able to make the ballot by petition.
Beach FanaticAuthor
OK Mr. Roadrunner - I have a few minutes to give you my responses to a few of your questions.
Have I ever held government office ?
Yes I served as a School Board member for 5 years about 15 years ago. I was transferrerd by my employeer if your next question would be why for 5 years. School Board positions were non-paying positions other than reimbursement for mileage to meetings. I never filed the paperwork for reimbursement other than for travel to Certified School Board Member training.
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
Both - They have for a long time only responded to citizen complaints so they would drive by signs that they knew to be out of compliance and wait until they had a complaint before reacting. The Commission , under proding from Cindy and Sara, is working on making them more proactive not just in signs but in other areas as well. Mark Martin with the Planning Department is now taking a major role in the direction of the Code Enforcement Dept. restructure. (Code Depart falls under Pat and the Planning Department).
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
I have just seen it and have only arrived at one conclusion at this point in time. It appears to be a lot of signs (IMO), but I really need to spend some more time studying the actual plan in detail vs recommendations from FDOT. Safety should be possible without spoiling the Scenic Corridor. At least they do not appear to be 18 ft tall. Allow me to address this after I study the plan further.
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
We need to be more creative in approaching the issue. We need to encourage walkable access. We have around 16 miles of "Public Beaches" - why are we not working toward providing more access to those area. Some are preservation area and I am certainly for protecting those, but what about shuttle's, dedicated cart paths.
I have picked a few that I could quickly answer. Some of these questions are complex and I will take them one at a time between the tasks necessary to ramp up a campaign.
Hope this helps.
Back later
Have I ever held government office ?
Yes I served as a School Board member for 5 years about 15 years ago. I was transferrerd by my employeer if your next question would be why for 5 years. School Board positions were non-paying positions other than reimbursement for mileage to meetings. I never filed the paperwork for reimbursement other than for travel to Certified School Board Member training.
Should Code Enforcement be proactive or reactive?
Both - They have for a long time only responded to citizen complaints so they would drive by signs that they knew to be out of compliance and wait until they had a complaint before reacting. The Commission , under proding from Cindy and Sara, is working on making them more proactive not just in signs but in other areas as well. Mark Martin with the Planning Department is now taking a major role in the direction of the Code Enforcement Dept. restructure. (Code Depart falls under Pat and the Planning Department).
What do you think about the county's sign plan for the bike path on 30A?
I have just seen it and have only arrived at one conclusion at this point in time. It appears to be a lot of signs (IMO), but I really need to spend some more time studying the actual plan in detail vs recommendations from FDOT. Safety should be possible without spoiling the Scenic Corridor. At least they do not appear to be 18 ft tall. Allow me to address this after I study the plan further.
How can the County get more parking at beach accesses?
We need to be more creative in approaching the issue. We need to encourage walkable access. We have around 16 miles of "Public Beaches" - why are we not working toward providing more access to those area. Some are preservation area and I am certainly for protecting those, but what about shuttle's, dedicated cart paths.
I have picked a few that I could quickly answer. Some of these questions are complex and I will take them one at a time between the tasks necessary to ramp up a campaign.
Hope this helps.
Back later
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