Democratic nominee and Walton voters

I think he will do much better in a general election because:
1) Everyone will be voting, not just the registered Democrats
2) IMO many people didn't vote because they thought their vote wouldn't count.

Further, he was still relatively unknown around here...and I don't think people did a lot of legwork for the election because they were told it wouldn't count.

Beyond that, I think we'll have a strong organization come November and a good get out the vote effort in the area may work wonders.

I just wish there were going to be some down ballot candidates! Walton County may be red, but there's a strong blue undercurrent.

Some local politicians have switched parties

Some local politicians who were former Democrats switched parties when Walton County became predominantly Republican. Joe Roberts and Gordon Porter are two examples. We now don't have a Democratic bank of citizens interested in serving and it is a disadvantage to have so few Democrats on the local ballots.

In walton county, dem's are left out of the decision. The local election will be decided in the republican primary. By running a dem, we are prevented from voting among the republican candidates. The winner there will get 60% of the general election vote.

Some local politicians who were former Democrats switched parties when Walton County became predominantly Republican. Joe Roberts and Gordon Porter are two examples. We now don't have a Democratic bank of citizens interested in serving and it is a disadvantage to have so few Democrats on the local ballots.

Not just some. Pretty much all, with a few key exceptions. And the same goes for much of the voting public. If you grew up here, chances are pretty good that you were registered Democrat at some point. Not 100%, but certainly in the 90% range.

I am still trying to figure out why the county commissioner and sheriff races are partisan. What the heck does a political affiliation mean in these positions? Nothing! I would like to see these races become non-Partisan, so voters would actually have to learn something about the person running for office.

How have other communities changed this? I am imagining that this would be hard to change here, since most local elections are dominated by Republicans. Is this because so many people just pull the party lever?

Help!!!!!

Not just some. Pretty much all, with a few key exceptions. And the same goes for much of the voting public. If you grew up here, chances are pretty good that you were registered Democrat at some point. Not 100%, but certainly in the 90% range.

Either that or you couldn't vote. It wasn't that long ago...15 years?

Either that or you couldn't vote. It wasn't that long ago...15 years?

Yeah, about 15 or so. By 1996 the tide was turning. I want to say I switched in '98 or '99, but I don't remember. I do remember there was a purpose behind it. ;-)

Unfortunately, voters seem to just pull the lever on local candidates. In 2004, the Democrats had 3 candidates on the local ballot. Two candidates worked hard, were credible, ran ads, put out signs, attended forums. The third candidate did nothing -- actually crossed out his party affiliation from a previous election year and wrote in "Democrat." All THREE candidates pulled about 31-34% of the votes cast -- just about the number of voting Democrats. It didn't seem to matter who they were or how qualified. Of course, that was quite disappointing to the two candidates who had worked so hard.

I am still trying to figure out why the county commissioner and sheriff races are partisan. What the heck does a political affiliation mean in these positions? Nothing! I would like to see these races become non-Partisan, so voters would actually have to learn something about the person running for office.

How have other communities changed this? I am imagining that this would be hard to change here, since most local elections are dominated by Republicans. Is this because so many people just pull the party lever?

Help!!!!!

I agree, but then you'd have to get people to research a candidate first. It's probably a miracle in some cases that people know who a candidate is or what they stand for beyond what party affiliation they have.

Tipping Point

I honestly believe that the Blue Signs issue was a tipping point for South Walton.


The line I've heard is that no one is South Walton votes in the primaries, where the election is decided by default because of our straight-ticket electorate, and lack of Democratic candidates.


I hope we all learned something from the blue signs -- that if we're disengaged, our opinions will be deemed irrelevant, and when we are engaged, our numbers and our voices are strong enough to bring real, tangible change.

So, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, I hope every resident of South Walton will take an active interest in the primary elections this year -- use this forum and the Defuniak Herald to learn about the candidates, and vote about the issues that matter to South Walton -- the public/private beach issue, the event parking ordinance, the revenue shortfall from property assessments falling by a billion dollars. We need to remember this is our home, not a resort we are visiting for a protracted amount of time.

Democrat numbers will never gain on Republican numbers if candidates don't run for local office. It could be debated how strong most recent Democrat candidates have been. The Republican Party does not have the money and resources it had in the past at this time. With the right candidate, there might be a chance for victory. There are more races than just Sheriff and County Commissioner. Amazing how few people are filing for the really big paying county jobs up for election this time. Things do go in cycles.

I've heard some pretty dispiriting rumors about why people aren't running. They are rumors, second hand info, so I won't repeat them...but I'd so appreciate a post from someone who has some primary source information about why some people chose not to run for office.

Another thing I'd really appreciate is some real, public information from candidates. I've posted about issues a few times, and gotten pm's assuring me this candidate or that candidate thinks the same way I do...but no one ever says publicly where they stand.
The old line goes that all local politics are won and lost on name recognition, and you should never put out anything about specific issues, because the only important thing is for people to know your name and not have any negative association with it.

Well, I refuse to vote blindly.

I am still trying to figure out why the county commissioner and sheriff races are partisan. What the heck does a political affiliation mean in these positions? Nothing! I would like to see these races become non-Partisan, so voters would actually have to learn something about the person running for office.

How have other communities changed this? I am imagining that this would be hard to change here, since most local elections are dominated by Republicans. Is this because so many people just pull the party lever?

Help!!!!!

jdarg, you are 100% right on this issue. I understand there is a method by which counties in Florida may vote non-partisan in local races. If someone knows what the procedue is for getting this accomplished, please let us Know. I am retired and have plenty of time to pursue seeing this happen in Walton county. As the situation is now, it is rediculous. I don't care if the sheriff, for instance, is a Democrat or a Republican. I do care that he enforces our laws, ordinances and answers, in person, to the public. Local offices are no place for partisan politics.

jdarg, you are 100% right on this issue. I understand there is a method by which counties in Florida may vote non-partisan in local races. If someone knows what the procedue is for getting this accomplished, please let us Know. I am retired and have plenty of time to pursue seeing this happen in Walton county. As the situation is now, it is rediculous. I don't care if the sheriff, for instance, is a Democrat or a Republican. I do care that he enforces our laws, ordinances and answers, in person, to the public. Local offices are no place for partisan politics.

Thank you, Andy. Looking into making this change and bringing Walton County into the "modern world" is on my list of local 'to dos" that is constantly rolling through my head. How to start is what trips me up- my plate is too full and I can't make it bigger!

I was told a while back that the county charter would have to be amended. I believe it was wrobert that told me that? I think we were discussing the sheriff's race. The race being partisan has the consequence of keeping people within the department from running for the position, which is just crazy.

jdarg, you are 100% right on this issue. I understand there is a method by which counties in Florida may vote non-partisan in local races. If someone knows what the procedue is for getting this accomplished, please let us Know. I am retired and have plenty of time to pursue seeing this happen in Walton county. As the situation is now, it is rediculous. I don't care if the sheriff, for instance, is a Democrat or a Republican. I do care that he enforces our laws, ordinances and answers, in person, to the public. Local offices are no place for partisan politics.

Charter the county. Florida statute is very specific on how to get this done. A certain number of verified petitions have to be obtained. A committee is set up to study and write the charter, then it goes up for election. The BCC has to fund the committee and support services by statute.

Why do people not want to run? It is hard. Let me tell you after this thing is over with I have offered to go on tour speaking as to why people do not want to run. It is expensive. You have to be in three places at the same time. Most people already are trying to feed their families. You got to enjoy being abused. You would not believe the stuff I have been told. Lied too, lied about. The only thing I can say is I truly feel I can make a difference and I truly have a desire to help and educate people. But it is going to take some serious thought if I were to ever do this again. Been married 24 years and this is probably the single biggest issue I have ever had in that relationship.

But the good side is I have met some of the most funn and interesting people by forcing myself to get out there and interact. I have learned a lot. Actually moderated my views on some things, but feel now more than ever I am right on others.

If sowal is going to make a difference, and you guys can, cause we have all seen it, I even see it when I go east or west on hwy 90 at the county line cause we now have some really tall blue signs letting us know we are in Walton County, Home of the Beaches of South Walton, now. You, as a group, need to demand participation from the people who are running on this forum. You need to force candidates to answer questions so you will know where they stand, and you can then compare those answers to others they will give in public forums. I have heard candidates state that they are avoided this medium so that they will not be on the record for their views. Things like this are why you are getting the type of politicians you get. Agree with me or not, you have to at least give me points for showing up and trying to stand for something, as have a few other candidates. Now you need to get the rest of them, and if they refuse, you should refuse to vote for them, in mass.

And they should also be required to have a minimum of 1600 posts to qualify for your support.

I have heard candidates state that they are avoided this medium so that they will not be on the record for their views. Things like this are why you are getting the type of politicians you get. Agree with me or not, you have to at least give me points for showing up and trying to stand for something, as have a few other candidates. Now you need to get the rest of them, and if they refuse, you should refuse to vote for them, in mass.

And they should also be required to have a minimum of 1600 posts to qualify for your support.

This is one of the most disappointing things I have read in a while, but based on my experiences, I unfortunately believe you 100%.

Now do the 1600 have to actually be good posts, or just posts. ;-)

Now do the 1600 have to actually be good posts, or just posts. ;-)

Awww man, quality and quantity? Sorry but I am not Shelly.

1600? Hmmm.....Punzy for Sheriff? A sheriff uniform is sort of a costume...it might be fun!

On a serious note, I agree with w and Beachsand. We have to approach the new media directors of these campaigns and ask all the candidates to introduce themselves. Beyond that, I think a League of SoWal Voters is in order. Any ideas on how to get a top five questions for the various positions? Maybe throw out issues and then have a poll for the top five? Anyone? Anyone?

Awww man, quality and quantity? Sorry but I am not Shelly.

Just checking. I have my pet monkey ready to start typing in "nm" for another 250 messages, just ignore him.

1600? Hmmm.....Punzy for Sheriff? A sheriff uniform is sort of a costume...it might be fun!

On a serious note, I agree with w and Beachsand. We have to approach the new media directors of these campaigns and ask all the candidates to introduce themselves. Beyond that, I think a League of SoWal Voters is in order. Any ideas on how to get a top five questions for the various positions? Maybe throw out issues and then have a poll for the top five? Anyone? Anyone?

I am pretty sure that the paper and maybe the chamber used to have a candidate Q&A but I am a little fuzzy on the details. Maybe someone can chime in, was it just for the general election? The problem was that there weren't any questions from the "Sowal community," it was more about issues that affect all of Walton County. Then again, those would be community questions too. Can anybody help on this?

The Walton County Tax Payers Assoc. has a forum in sowal and have pre-prepared questions for the candidates. Maybe someone from the WCTPA can chime in on this. So far, there are 8 republican candidates for Sheriff.....this is going to be a long hot summer... Primary is in August.

There may be noise in the Sheriff's race, but in other positions the silence is deafening.

1600? Hmmm.....Punzy for Sheriff? A sheriff uniform is sort of a costume...it might be fun!

On a serious note, I agree with w and Beachsand. We have to approach the new media directors of these campaigns and ask all the candidates to introduce themselves. Beyond that, I think a League of SoWal Voters is in order. Any ideas on how to get a top five questions for the various positions? Maybe throw out issues and then have a poll for the top five? Anyone? Anyone?

I think the poll idea is a good one but because of my computer illiteracy, I am not familar with how to set one up. But I do have a first question for it. "As sheriff, what will be your policy regarding use of the beaches in South Walton and how will you enforce it?"