We are so close to the primary in the Sheriffs election. I have my choice as many of you on here may have read. I personally feel k that maybe those running should look at their numbers(money,votes etc) , sit back and think. Do I really stand a chance at winning this, or am I just going to sway the votes again and possibly put somone in who doesnt belong? There are alot of people in the County counting on a change. We may not all agree on who we want in the office, but we can all agree that not everyone is going to bring in the votes like the others. Just look at last years election. There are leaders in this race, and there are others that need to step aside, and back those leaders, so we can push forward this county into a positive direction. I wish you all nothing but the best. I wish that those running would just take a moment and think about their chances, those lives effected. Think about how the few votes you may get could sway that vote in August. Good luck to you all.
Replies
55Beach Comber
How do you feel about the implementation of a physical fitness program for ALL WCSO Sworn Officers? I'm not refering to lifting pens and pencils...
Ouch!:rofl:
Beach Comber
Watcher;
A fitness program would be beneficial to all deputies. I will encourage all of them to attend a program. Some do at this time. I believe due to the 10 hour shifts they are tired and just want to go home after their tour of duty. I have toyed with the idea of including a one hour physical program in their tour of duty. This hour could be at the end of the shift and there are many shift plans that support physical fitness programs. I believe if I could show the insurance companies we have a fitness plan in effect we may be able to get a better rate. It would be worth a try.
Thanks,
Rick
A fitness program would be beneficial to all deputies. I will encourage all of them to attend a program. Some do at this time. I believe due to the 10 hour shifts they are tired and just want to go home after their tour of duty. I have toyed with the idea of including a one hour physical program in their tour of duty. This hour could be at the end of the shift and there are many shift plans that support physical fitness programs. I believe if I could show the insurance companies we have a fitness plan in effect we may be able to get a better rate. It would be worth a try.
Thanks,
Rick
Beach Fanatic
Watcher;Mr. Brown:
A fitness program would be beneficial to all deputies. I will encourage all of them to attend a program. Some do at this time. I believe due to the 10 hour shifts they are tired and just want to go home after their tour of duty. I have toyed with the idea of including a one hour physical program in their tour of duty. This hour could be at the end of the shift and there are many shift plans that support physical fitness programs. I believe if I could show the insurance companies we have a fitness plan in effect we may be able to get a better rate. It would be worth a try.
Thanks,
Rick
I must admit that you have been towards the bottom of my candidate rankings, but this reply is the type of thoughtful, detailed responses that the voters need to make a decision. Thanks and keep up this type of campaigning.
Beach Crab
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Quotes
Thanks for the response, but you forgot to include the quotes as your last point was one already made by T. Cooper at the first Candidates Forum.
Watcher;
A fitness program would be beneficial to all deputies. I will encourage all of them to attend a program. Some do at this time. I believe due to the 10 hour shifts they are tired and just want to go home after their tour of duty. I have toyed with the idea of including a one hour physical program in their tour of duty. This hour could be at the end of the shift and there are many shift plans that support physical fitness programs. I believe if I could show the insurance companies we have a fitness plan in effect we may be able to get a better rate. It would be worth a try.
Thanks,
Rick
Thanks for the response, but you forgot to include the quotes as your last point was one already made by T. Cooper at the first Candidates Forum.
Beach Fanatic
Informed
The idea of lowering insurance is an idea originally sparked by another Candidate. Nothing like taking others ideas to the bank. The reason this question was even asked is that I am aware of a situation where a "candidate" was asked about a physical fitness program, the answer they gave at that time was quite different than now...
Mr. Brown:
I must admit that you have been towards the bottom of my candidate rankings, but this reply is the type of thoughtful, detailed responses that the voters need to make a decision. Thanks and keep up this type of campaigning.
The idea of lowering insurance is an idea originally sparked by another Candidate. Nothing like taking others ideas to the bank. The reason this question was even asked is that I am aware of a situation where a "candidate" was asked about a physical fitness program, the answer they gave at that time was quite different than now...
Beach Lover
I cannot engage in a discussion regarding the sheriff race, but I can give you an answer about "dilution." It happened in 2004, despite some questionable actions during RJ's first term that were loudly talked about in the media, just as much as anything since has been. Indeed, many, MANY more votes were cast against RJ than were cast for him, but the total for each candidate was less than the total an incumbent gets by name recognition alone. That is how RJ got a second term.
However, if you were here then, you already know that.[/quote
ShallowsNole,
Yes, I was here; however, all due respect, you did not educate me any at all about this whole dilution thing. You mentioned, "Many, many more votes were cast against RJ than were cast for him..." So are you saying all, or most, of those people that voted for Mr. McMillian, Chapman and Baker were merley doing so by being directly "against" Sheriff Johnson? Sound like you are, not to mention the other candidates in the election you are referring to. Uh, those other candidates did not really have support, they were just dumps for those votes "against" Sheriff Johnson. I don't think so.
ShallowsNole, try helping me understand again, if you will. So far, I still say most support equals most votes, or visa versa. Besides, if so, so "many" people were against Sheriff Johnson, how is that he still received the most votes? How come McMillian or Chapman did not receive the most votes, or Mr. Baker? What happened with the November election with Mr. McKee? Where were all those people who were "against" Sheriff Johnson then? I really need some help understanding all this dillution mess.
I'm waiting. Anyone else?
SoWal Expert
How do you feel about the implementation of a physical fitness program for ALL WCSO Sworn Officers? I'm not refering to lifting pens and pencils...
Watcher;
A fitness program would be beneficial to all deputies. I will encourage all of them to attend a program. Some do at this time. I believe due to the 10 hour shifts they are tired and just want to go home after their tour of duty. I have toyed with the idea of including a one hour physical program in their tour of duty. This hour could be at the end of the shift and there are many shift plans that support physical fitness programs. I believe if I could show the insurance companies we have a fitness plan in effect we may be able to get a better rate. It would be worth a try.
Thanks,
Rick
I have postponed reading this thread until today. I attended last night's Meet the Candidates Forum in Freeport. The first thought that went through my mind when I saw the candidates was, "Is there a requirement for every candidate for Sheriff to be overweight and without a smile?" I know the Sheriff's job doesn't place him on the street, running down criminals, but many, including Rick Brown, stated that they would lead by example. I wonder if examples of good, or bad, health also go through the ranks of officers? (I'm not without extra pounds myself, but I'm not leading a bunch of men and women who should be in decent/good physical condition.)
After listening closely, last night, I heard one voice who sounded like he knew what he was talking about -- Mike Atkinson. Mike definitely won't be chasing down criminals on foot, but I'd hate to be one he tackled. He is a big man. :shock: Whether he is all talk, I don't know, but the others didn't seem to walk the walk, and as the leader of the Sheriff's Dpt, one needs to talk and act like a leader. I didn't see this characteristic in any of the other candidates.
Beach Fanatic
I cannot engage in a discussion regarding the sheriff race, but I can give you an answer about "dilution." It happened in 2004, despite some questionable actions during RJ's first term that were loudly talked about in the media, just as much as anything since has been. Indeed, many, MANY more votes were cast against RJ than were cast for him, but the total for each candidate was less than the total an incumbent gets by name recognition alone. That is how RJ got a second term.
However, if you were here then, you already know that.[/quote
ShallowsNole,
Yes, I was here; however, all due respect, you did not educate me any at all about this whole dilution thing. You mentioned, "Many, many more votes were cast against RJ than were cast for him..." So are you saying all, or most, of those people that voted for Mr. McMillian, Chapman and Baker were merley doing so by being directly "against" Sheriff Johnson? Sound like you are, not to mention the other candidates in the election you are referring to. Uh, those other candidates did not really have support, they were just dumps for those votes "against" Sheriff Johnson. I don't think so.
ShallowsNole, try helping me understand again, if you will. So far, I still say most support equals most votes, or visa versa. Besides, if so, so "many" people were against Sheriff Johnson, how is that he still received the most votes? How come McMillian or Chapman did not receive the most votes, or Mr. Baker? What happened with the November election with Mr. McKee? Where were all those people who were "against" Sheriff Johnson then? I really need some help understanding all this dillution mess.
I'm waiting. Anyone else?
I do not equate support with someone walking up to a touch-screen and thinking to him or herself "gee, he sounds familiar, I'll vote for him" or "he's the Republican candidate, I'm Republican, guess he is who I should vote for." Support is when you care about a candidate - good or bad - enough to talk to everyone you know and a bunch of people you don't know in hopes of persuading them to believe the same way you do. So, no, to me, votes do not necessarily equal support.
But, I do believe in dilution. I didn't, before the Republican primary in 2004. It is no secret what my beliefs were then, given my family's circumstances. But that primary made a believer out of me. :roll:
Beach Lover
I do not equate support with someone walking up to a touch-screen and thinking to him or herself "gee, he sounds familiar, I'll vote for him" or "he's the Republican candidate, I'm Republican, guess he is who I should vote for." Support is when you care about a candidate - good or bad - enough to talk to everyone you know and a bunch of people you don't know in hopes of persuading them to believe the same way you do. So, no, to me, votes do not necessarily equal support.
But, I do believe in dilution. I didn't, before the Republican primary in 2004. It is no secret what my beliefs were then, given my family's circumstances. But that primary made a believer out of me. :roll:
ShallowsNole,
So if votes do not necessarily equal support, then how about your comment about those ?many MANY more votes were cast against RJ than were cast for him?? Were they really against him (RJ), or were they votes because the voter thought, ?gee he (McMillian, Chapman, Baker, etc) sounds familiar, I?ll vote for him.? See, you may have been on to something but heck, everyone knows McMillian and Chapman do sound familiar to Walton County, especially back in 2004. Clarify, you seem to be stomping all over your own words.
Beach Fanatic
ShallowsNole,
So if votes do not necessarily equal support, then how about your comment about those ?many MANY more votes were cast against RJ than were cast for him?? Were they really against him (RJ), or were they votes because the voter thought, ?gee he (McMillian, Chapman, Baker, etc) sounds familiar, I?ll vote for him.? See, you may have been on to something but heck, everyone knows McMillian and Chapman do sound familiar to Walton County, especially back in 2004. Clarify, you seem to be stomping all over your own words.
That's funny, it's clear as glass to me. (Gee, where have I heard that phrase before? ;-))
So, using your theory of votes = support, who is going to win the Republican primary? Can RJ do it again? Stranger things have happened, y'know...
Beach Lover
That's funny, it's clear as glass to me. (Gee, where have I heard that phrase before? ;-))
So, using your theory of votes = support, who is going to win the Republican primary? Can RJ do it again? Stranger things have happened, y'know...
ShallowNoles,
Can he (RJ) do it again? Of course he can. And, easier than some may think too. But I also believe Adkinson has already collected lots of support just the same as RJ did eight years ago. Enough to win? The key is to hang onto that support, grow it and finally equalize it into votes on primary day. Hey, I bet this statement will please Adkinson a little. It sorta sounds like I'm saying RJ has no further competition than Adkinson, or visa versa. As for RJ? he's not going to loose any sleep, win, loose or draw.
Beach Fanatic
Only thing is, it is not just between RJ and Mike. Mike probably has DFS wrapped up, but Tom Cooper has a LOT of support down here, and Tony Cornman has more than you might suspect. And, don't forget RJ is from Glendale...
Peace?
Peace?
Beach Comber
Tom Cooper is getting stronger all over the county. People like his ideas and positive campaign and are turned off by Adkinson's mudslinging and Johnson's constant fighting. Cornman is a good christian man but not living in the county hurts him. The rest don't even count.
Beach Fanatic
I'm not sure I quite agree with that analysis. In fact I am considering a flip flop in honor of Mr. Obama and declare that ralph may indeed have a slight chance to win this thing. May God have mercy on us all if that comes to pass. No, I cannot let myself think such horrible thoughts........LOL
Beach Lover
ShallowsNole, try helping me understand again, if you will. So far, I still say most support equals most votes, or visa versa. Besides, if so, so "many" people were against Sheriff Johnson, how is that he still received the most votes? How come McMillian or Chapman did not receive the most votes, or Mr. Baker? What happened with the November election with Mr. McKee? Where were all those people who were "against" Sheriff Johnson then? I really need some help understanding all this dillution mess.
I'm waiting. Anyone else?
Let me give this one a shot. Two things first -
1) Support and votes are related, but do not necessarily mean the same thing. A candidate with a lot of support may fail to collect votes because those same supporters take the race for granted. It happens very often when a primary is one in a lopsided outcome, and the winner does not garner the same support in the general election due to the belief the outcome is a foregone conclusion.
2) 2004 general election - Walton County Republicans carry a big advantage over Democrats. Unfortunately, in 2004, Mr. McKee was on the wrong side of the partisan divide. While numerous people voted against Johnson, those same people may have felt a stronger urge to vote republican than to vote against Johnson. Likewise, the other candidates may not have been successful in throwing support to Mr. McKee. And don't forget the fact that many associated McMillian, Chapman, and McKee as "good ol boys", who did not need to get back in office.
Now, after my typical long-winded intro, to address the "dilution" issue.
If this was an "Issue" election, i.e. voting on a constitutional amendment, you are spot-on with your analysis. One vote is always one vote, and the top vote-getter will win. It works that way regardless of plurality or majority elections. This election presents a different situation.
Here, we are dealing with individuals running. Now, I will agree that your points work when its a matter of electing the best person or in an open seat scenario. The election for sheriff seems to come down to a desire to unseat the sheriff. If this was a "recall" election, we can guess the outcome very easily. But when you have multiple candidates on the "remove Ralph" side of the issue, and only Ralph on the other, the vote to get Ralph out gets diluted. Eighty percent of the county could conceivably vote for someone other than Johnson, but if that 80% is split in a way that none of the remaining take more than 20%, Johnson gets re-elected.
Simple math tells you 7 candidates splitting 80% means approximately 11-12% each. Logic tells you some will do better, some will do worse. That same logic is what many, including myself, believe requires some to reevaluate where their campaign stands, and for voters to try to back a consensus candidate.
Vote Ralph Out - great idea, but hard to do when you have seven options claiming to do the same thing.
Edited
Beach Comber
Let me give this one a shot. Two things first -You nailed it!!! Mike, Tom and Tony...it is time to get in a room. Plenty of white shirts to go around and the trio would make a hell of a combination. Timing is everything and if everyone will honestly evaluate the current situation (finances, support, momentum) the best option for a win is clear. Think about the greater good!
1) Support and votes are related, but do not necessarily mean the same thing. A candidate with a lot of support may fail to collect votes because those same supporters take the race for granted. It happens very often when a primary is one in a lopsided outcome, and the winner does not garner the same support in the general election due to the belief the outcome is a foregone conclusion.
2) 2004 general election - Walton County Republicans carry a big advantage over Democrats. Unfortunately, in 2004, Mr. McKee was on the wrong side of the partisan divide. While numerous people voted against Johnson, those same people may have felt a stronger urge to vote republican than to vote against Johnson. Likewise, the other candidates may not have been successful in throwing support to Mr. McKee. And don't forget the fact that many associated McMillian, Chapman, and McKee as "good ol boys", who did not need to get back in office.
Now, after my typical long-winded intro, to address the "dilution" issue.
If this was an "Issue" election, i.e. voting on a constitutional amendment, you are spot-on with your analysis. One vote is always one vote, and the top vote-getter will win. It works that way regardless of plurality or majority elections. This election presents a different situation.
Here, we are dealing with individuals running. Now, I will agree that your points work when its a matter of electing the best person or in an open seat scenario. The election for sheriff seems to come down to a desire to unseat the sheriff. If this was a "recall" election, we can guess the outcome very easily. But when you have multiple candidates on the "remove Ralph" side of the issue, and only Ralph on the other, the vote to get Ralph out gets diluted. Eighty percent of the county could conceivably vote for someone other than Johnson, but if that 80% is split in a way that none of the remaining take more than 20%, Johnson gets re-elected.
Simple math tells you 7 candidates splitting 80% means approximately 11-12% each. Logic tells you some will do better, some will do worse. That same logic is what many, including myself, believe requires some to reevaluate where their campaign stands, and for voters to try to back a consensus candidate.
Vote Ralph Out - great idea, but hard to do when you have seven options claiming to do the same thing.
Beach Fanatic
I like it.
I like your thinking here. Unfortunately, I wish others would have seen the light months ago. Walton County always looks foolish with all of our "candidate" running against each other. Where else do you see seven republican candidates all running for the same thing? This has become a pattern.
As it relates to the finances, we need to get a much more accurate picture of the candidates funding. The past two articles I have read are far off on the $$$ for at least two of the candidates listed.
You nailed it!!! Mike, Tom and Tony...it is time to get in a room. Plenty of white shirts to go around and the trio would make a hell of a combination. Timing is everything and if everyone will honestly evaluate the current situation (finances, support, momentum) the best option for a win is clear. Think about the greater good!
I like your thinking here. Unfortunately, I wish others would have seen the light months ago. Walton County always looks foolish with all of our "candidate" running against each other. Where else do you see seven republican candidates all running for the same thing? This has become a pattern.
As it relates to the finances, we need to get a much more accurate picture of the candidates funding. The past two articles I have read are far off on the $$$ for at least two of the candidates listed.
SoWal Expert
When the salary for an office is greater than $100,000, I'm surprised that we don't see more strange things in the races.
Beach Lover
You nailed it!!! Mike, Tom and Tony...it is time to get in a room. Plenty of white shirts to go around and the trio would make a hell of a combination. Timing is everything and if everyone will honestly evaluate the current situation (finances, support, momentum) the best option for a win is clear. Think about the greater good!
Thanks, and I agree that the candidates sitting down sounds like a good plan. Only thing I wonder about is the legality of candidates themselves sitting down. I thought Florida had pretty harsh "electioneering"/election-rigging rules that may hinder this. Anyone out there got an answer?
If that is a problem, then maybe some of those out there who are close to these candidates could help broker some solution.
Beach Fanatic
It seems the only people continuing this drumbeat for everyone else to get out are supporters of Mr. Adkinson. Why? could it be that you are unsure of whether you can win a fair election? I am getting real tired of hearing this stuff. If Mr. Adkinson is so convinced that someone should pull out to keep RJ from getting reelected, THEN PULL OUT HIMSELF! I am tired of hearing it, I encourage all the candidates to tell me why you are the best man for the job and shut up about everybody elses campaign. Further, is is illegal to promise someone a job for political gain. Also, if you think Walton County is unique, Wahington county has 6-7 candidates for sheriff, Holmes County has 5, Jacskon county has 7-8. and historically our own district 5 commission seat attracts 4-5 candidates per election.
Beach Lover
While I agree that many Adkinson supporters are calling for others to drop out, I would say that it is far from being only his supporters.
Honestly, I doubt Mr. Cornman or Mr. Cooper would mind seeing any member of the rest of the field drop out. And I have heard many of their supporters advancing this same idea.
If we want to see four more years of Johnson, go ahead, complain about this issue. If you want to elect a new sheriff get out and support a candidate with a legitimate chance, not just a snowflake's chance in hell. And let me be clear - I am not saying the only candidate with a legitimate chance is Adkinson. But there are at least 3 other candidates in this race with no chance of winning.
With all that said, I myself believe the BEST chance to unseat Johnson lies with Mr. Adkinson. So if you want to discount my opinion because I am going to vote for a person who I think will do a good job, and who I think has the best chance to win, then so be it. But people need to realize that this is a great opportunity to unseat Johnson. Whoever you support, get out and work for it. But be real about the chances to beat Johnson, its going to take a really strong candidate, and not all of this field can claim that. Mr. Adkinson can.
Honestly, I doubt Mr. Cornman or Mr. Cooper would mind seeing any member of the rest of the field drop out. And I have heard many of their supporters advancing this same idea.
If we want to see four more years of Johnson, go ahead, complain about this issue. If you want to elect a new sheriff get out and support a candidate with a legitimate chance, not just a snowflake's chance in hell. And let me be clear - I am not saying the only candidate with a legitimate chance is Adkinson. But there are at least 3 other candidates in this race with no chance of winning.
With all that said, I myself believe the BEST chance to unseat Johnson lies with Mr. Adkinson. So if you want to discount my opinion because I am going to vote for a person who I think will do a good job, and who I think has the best chance to win, then so be it. But people need to realize that this is a great opportunity to unseat Johnson. Whoever you support, get out and work for it. But be real about the chances to beat Johnson, its going to take a really strong candidate, and not all of this field can claim that. Mr. Adkinson can.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
While I agree that many Adkinson supporters are calling for others to drop out, I would say that it is far from being only his supporters.
Honestly, I doubt Mr. Cornman or Mr. Cooper would mind seeing any member of the rest of the field drop out. And I have heard many of their supporters advancing this same idea.
If we want to see four more years of Johnson, go ahead, complain about this issue. If you want to elect a new sheriff get out and support a candidate with a legitimate chance, not just a snowflake's chance in hell. And let me be clear - I am not saying the only candidate with a legitimate chance is Adkinson. But there are at least 3 other candidates in this race with no chance of winning.
With all that said, I myself believe the BEST chance to unseat Johnson lies with Mr. Adkinson. So if you want to discount my opinion because I am going to vote for a person who I think will do a good job, and who I think has the best chance to win, then so be it. But people need to realize that this is a great opportunity to unseat Johnson. Whoever you support, get out and work for it. But be real about the chances to beat Johnson, its going to take a really strong candidate, and not all of this field can claim that. Mr. Adkinson can.
I totally agree my friend that three candidates have no chance of winning (Mr's Brown, Macon and Wise) and that the primary objective should be to get Johnson out.
But at this time I think Mr. Cooper has at least as good a chance of being elected as Mr. Adkinson and he probably is ahead. Mr. Cornman seems to have a great deal of support as well. I continue to hear negatives about Mr. Adkinson that concern me including a little smoke I read this morning that concerns how ole RJ found out about the Hatch Act. Those types of things smack of good ole boy politics and I have no use for them. :angry: I have not heard anthing like that about either Cooper or Cornman but am willing to listen. That is just my point, I agree with Mr, Cooper in the paper this morning that the candidates are to market themselves to the voter and we are to carefully choose the best candidate. As I have previously stated, at present I have only personally decided two races Mr. Davis' and Mr, Jones'. I have almost decided (maybe 90%) on Ms. Anderson. All the rest need to get to marketing. 
Beach Lover
When the salary for an office is greater than $100,000, I'm surprised that we don't see more strange things in the races.
SmilingJoe,
Is Mark Davis a Republican?
Beach Lover
It seems the only people continuing this drumbeat for everyone else to get out are supporters of Mr. Adkinson. Why? could it be that you are unsure of whether you can win a fair election? I am getting real tired of hearing this stuff. If Mr. Adkinson is so convinced that someone should pull out to keep RJ from getting reelected, THEN PULL OUT HIMSELF! I am tired of hearing it, I encourage all the candidates to tell me why you are the best man for the job and shut up about everybody elses campaign. Further, is is illegal to promise someone a job for political gain. Also, if you think Walton County is unique, Wahington county has 6-7 candidates for sheriff, Holmes County has 5, Jacskon county has 7-8. and historically our own district 5 commission seat attracts 4-5 candidates per election.
idlewind,
I'm amazed at your bringing out about the other counties having crowded primaries like the Walton sheriff's race. I guess The Watcher would call those folks' "foolish" too uh? A fair race is a fair race.
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