Democratic nominee and Walton voters

Questions for sheriff candidates

The issue of who runs the jail is also an important question. Why did Sheriff Johnson turn the jail back to the county commissioners?

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!!!!!

Most state and local democrates switched to republican in the Reagan years

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

Tax Collector had several candidates last time because Sue was retiring. Same with PA when Mr. Fountain retired. When Martha decides to retire, you can be assured that candidates will come out of the woodwork to be the Clerk of Court (and we dread that day, even now).

The issue of who runs the jail is also an important question. Why did Sheriff Johnson turn the jail back to the county commissioners?

If memory serves me correctly, he abandoned the jail over a perceived budgetary issue that I do not believe ever came about. The Sheriff is not required to run the jail, it is the BCC responsibility, and I understand from Glidewell that they are doing it cheaper than it was done before.

WRobert, You state that candidates avoid this type of medium so that they will not be on the record for their views. I think thats a bit much. Candidates have websites that explain their position and plans if they are elected. I have read several insightful exchanges between candidates and voters right here on this forum alone explaining thier views and personal beliefs. I think that the candidates are realizing the value of this type of medium. I feel they are realizing that these forums are the new grass roots way to bring the campaign to the people. It gives people a chance they never had before to have an exchange with the candidates. Even you are doing ti right now. Although youve never been afraid to voice an opinion, . Thats why my family appreciates you so much. This type of medium is a good thing and will grow in the future as it is realized for the value it brings to the people.

WRobert, You state that candidates avoid this type of medium so that they will not be on the record for their views. I think thats a bit much. Candidates have websites that explain their position and plans if they are elected.

Not all do avoid this medium. But I stand by my statement. I was at a political meeting. One candidate was talking about coming on here and decided not too and another said to stay off of sowal.

Because of that, I am suggesting that someone contact each candidate for each local race after Friday and invite them to the forum to answer questions, 'on the record.' I would have some serious concerns supporting someone who just jumped on here, posted a bio and left, without sticking around to discuss issues. But that is just me.

on that note:

Whats your opinion on addressing the teen alcohol use within the highschool grades during classes?

If what I was told is correct the school system invests a great deal of taxpayer money for a dietician to oversee the school menu. I assume this is to maintain a certain level of food quality and nutritional values to each meal served. With this in mind would you support the removal of soda machines from the schools since sodas have no real nutritional value?


Public mass transportation uses advertising to offset the operational costs. Would you support any suggestions to adapting a similar program to offset the costs of bus fuel or installation of airconditioning in the childrens busses?




Thanks in advance for your time and consideration. We know your very busy and appreciate it very much.

Walton Democratic Party website has a poll for top five issues facing County Commissioners. Please vote and/or comment about the choice of issues. www.waltondemocrats.org We'll update candidates if we get enough votes to see a trend.

Whats your opinion on addressing the teen alcohol use within the highschool grades during classes?

I would find it very disturbing to think that there is a high incidence of alcohol use during school hours among teens. For that matter, any time would not be acceptable. You have to wonder just how involved parents really are in their children's lives to not see something like this. The only incident I had heard of was in south Walton a month or so back. The drinking by teens does seem to be brought on quite a bit by boredom. Opening up school facilities to more public events, coming up with things for teens to do that does not involved drinking would be something I would like to explore.

If what I was told is correct the school system invests a great deal of taxpayer money for a dietician to oversee the school menu. I assume this is to maintain a certain level of food quality and nutritional values to each meal served. With this in mind would you support the removal of soda machines from the schools since sodas have no real nutritional value?

Yes. I have already publicly stated that many studies show that food high in nutrition leads to better test scores and fewer discipline problems. But having food that is high in nutrition but taste poorly is not going to get kids to eat it. This is something I would like to see addressed. My teenage son eats just about anything, yet complains about school lunches. I know that sounds cliche, but so is stating that hospital food is bad. Yet the food at Healthmark Regional and Sacred Heart actually taste pretty good. So good tasting food is possible while still meeting guidelines. Food cost is going to be an issue in the coming years. Maintaining current quality is going to be hard enough, but I think we should be able to do better.


Public mass transportation uses advertising to offset the operational costs. Would you support any suggestions to adapting a similar program to offset the costs of bus fuel or installation of airconditioning in the childrens busses?

As long as advertising is not targeted to the students I would entertain a discussion. Children seem way to vulnerable to these messages.


Thanks in advance for your time and consideration. We know your very busy and appreciate it very much.[/quote]