As resident question asker of District 5 County Commissioner candidates, I am wondering if anyone has the ability to track down Mr. Osborne and ask him to stop in to Sowal and answer some questions. I will re-post the ones I have posted for Mr. Hudson and Mr. Braunstein for reasons of fairness. I am only changing some of my personal editorial comments. Considering what I have read on other threads, it appears that Mr. Osborne has the support of the previous County Commissioner in this district so hopefully, he will find it in his best interest to participate in this exercise. We will see.
Have you ever held government office before?
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?
How do you feel about using property taxes to buy up lands for use as public venues? 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?
This issue with "things left on the beach" what do you think? Should the government have the right to play beach removal czars and take the stuff on those privately-owned beaches or not?
There has been some talk about beach renourishment along more beaches in Walton County. Since you are trying to get the seat of Meadows and District 5 where it has been done before, are you for or against it for the rest of sowal?
What do you think about the recent issues with the Sheriff regarding the the 300k spent on communications. Was it "bid" legally? If he comes in to the County Commission meeting "hat in hand" would you approve his request or not.
Finally, I see in newspapers that local groups have concerns regarding buying that beach at Eastern Lake. It looks like the County Commission decided not to vote for it. Would you have voted for it or not?
Replies
66
Beach Fanatic
Roadrunner, you are not the only one interested in what Alan Osborne has to say. I contacted Mr. Osborne and he stated as he was the last candidate to enter the race, he has been playing "catch up", so to speak as well as canvassing the North part of the county. He has a website that will give you his backround and qualifications for the Commissioner's seat. It is: www.osborneforcommissioner.com. You can also find his biography on the Walton County website under the Supervisor of Elections page. I am not going to attempt to answer any of the questions you posed for Mr. Osborne as he as said he will attempt to respond to SoWal when he can find the time. Suffice it for me to say he is who I will be voting for in this election as I know he will be fair minded and has only the interest of Walton County at heart and is devoid of any personal interests in regard service to the citizens of Walton County. It is my feeling he will make an excellent Commissioner as he has no business interests, personnel actions or any other special situations that might hinder his functions as Commissioner. He will definitely call them as he sees them based on all the information provided him. That is exactly the kind of Commissioner I want.
SoWal Expert
Mr Osborne is probably preparing for tomorrow's 2pm early meeting with the BCC regarding Driftwood.
Beach Fanatic
Mr Osborne is probably preparing for tomorrow's 2pm early meeting with the BCC regarding Driftwood.I am sure that is one of the things he presently has on his plate. He already represents 170 homeowners in SoWal, and quite well it would appear.
Beach Crab
did the county really vote not to purchase the beach at eastern lake??
SoWal Expert
lack of funds. I don't believe that is a buildable lot which is being presented to the County for purchase, from a quick glance. I could be wrong, though.
Beach Fanatic
This is exactly what is needed in Walton County. From his website where he quoted an editorial:
"Alan has been the throbbing thorn in the BCC's side for several years now. In his effort to make right what he believes is wrong, he has spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars researching the actions of the BCC. No one, including the Planning Commission, knows certain parts of the Land Development Code and the Comprehensive Plan as well as Osborne. If elected, Osborne would certainly enliven the procedures as it is his belief government should be held accountable for its actions. Right is right and everything else is just wrong and Osborne ain't afraid to call anyone out when he thinks they're wrong."
I think I could learn to really like this guy. Perhaps this is why Cindy Meadows is endorsing him.
One thing is for sure, his credentials are wonderful!!!...
He's not a developer or a real estate agent or appears to be affiliated - that's two MAJOR pluses in my book when running for BCC. Also it is obvious he will NOT be intimidated by the Fab 3.
Good luck, Alan.
"Alan has been the throbbing thorn in the BCC's side for several years now. In his effort to make right what he believes is wrong, he has spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars researching the actions of the BCC. No one, including the Planning Commission, knows certain parts of the Land Development Code and the Comprehensive Plan as well as Osborne. If elected, Osborne would certainly enliven the procedures as it is his belief government should be held accountable for its actions. Right is right and everything else is just wrong and Osborne ain't afraid to call anyone out when he thinks they're wrong."
I think I could learn to really like this guy. Perhaps this is why Cindy Meadows is endorsing him.
One thing is for sure, his credentials are wonderful!!!...
He's not a developer or a real estate agent or appears to be affiliated - that's two MAJOR pluses in my book when running for BCC. Also it is obvious he will NOT be intimidated by the Fab 3.
Good luck, Alan.
Beach Fanatic
BMBV, once again we agree. This is becoming a habit.
Beach Lover
Further, if you go to the website and read it -- click on contact and it has a statement:
"Please complete the fields below and we will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours"
You can send an email and see if his words match actions. This is accountability.
"Please complete the fields below and we will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours"
You can send an email and see if his words match actions. This is accountability.
SoWal Expert
I'm sure that since Alan represents 170 concerned homeowners in Driftwood Estates, he has been busy putting effort towards today's special BCC Mtg regarding Driftwood. The guy knows the Code better than WalCo Planning Dept and the County Commissioners. He has been studying the Codes for the last 4 years since this crap at Driftwood began. I believe he once told me that his father is/was a District Judge, and when Alan speaks, he seems to speak with passion, yet brings nothing but evidence to the table. I think he stuns the BCC at every meeting with new information.
As I understand it, today's special BCC mtg did not end the situation there, but maybe the 45 days which the BCC gave the developer at Driftwood to comply before the County would file a lawsuit, will give Alan enough breathing room for him to share some of his thoughts. I guarantee you this, Alan has at least 170 votes from the residents in Driftwood.
As I understand it, today's special BCC mtg did not end the situation there, but maybe the 45 days which the BCC gave the developer at Driftwood to comply before the County would file a lawsuit, will give Alan enough breathing room for him to share some of his thoughts. I guarantee you this, Alan has at least 170 votes from the residents in Driftwood.
Beach Fanatic
SJ, make that a 171. His preparation is awsome!
SoWal Expert
I'm not a full endorser, "YET," but I'm leaning his way.
Beach LoverAuthor
I just wanted to chime back in here to say that I know what you all mean as to his schedule regarding the BCC meeting and that is understandable, just like I didn't jump on Mr. Braunstein when he was working. I just hope Mr. Osborne realizes that this message board is an opportunity to reach a number of undecided voters (including me) in an election with a diverse field (as far as I can tell). That being said, does anyone have any feedback on his or others performance today at the Chamber luncheon? Maybe that should be a new thread so let's not bog this one down. I'll go start it.
Mr. AndyA, thank you for posting his website address, it is impressive. Now, let's see where he is on the specifics for Walton County, South Walton, and most important to me District 5. From what I can see on this message board, once we can get him on the record for this first round of questions it may be time to add a few more questions for everyone so please everyone join in as I did not do this thinking I am Tim Russert (or Bill O'Reilley, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, etc.). If you don't feel good putting them on here yourself, send them to me and I will cut and paste them into any other questions I have. Anonymity will be respected as long as the management isn't peeking. ;-)
Mr. AndyA, thank you for posting his website address, it is impressive. Now, let's see where he is on the specifics for Walton County, South Walton, and most important to me District 5. From what I can see on this message board, once we can get him on the record for this first round of questions it may be time to add a few more questions for everyone so please everyone join in as I did not do this thinking I am Tim Russert (or Bill O'Reilley, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, etc.). If you don't feel good putting them on here yourself, send them to me and I will cut and paste them into any other questions I have. Anonymity will be respected as long as the management isn't peeking. ;-)
Beach Fanatic
Mr. Osborn had a bad experience on Sowal....I haven't researched the old threads...I mentioned Sowal to him at the SOE office when I met him and he said something to the effect of "been there, done that." I wish he would reconsider. I will say that I liked him , but I would like to see him get more exposure, even if it is a little scary.
Admin
Mr. Osborn had a bad experience on Sowal....I haven't researched the old threads...I mentioned Sowal to him at the SOE office when I met him and he said something to the effect of "been there, done that." I wish he would reconsider. I will say that I liked him , but I would like to see him get more exposure, even if it is a little scary.
It is only scary if you are not keen on directly facing the public and answering questions. He should be aware that there are unanswered questions for him which his competition has answered.
What does "been there done that" mean? Why do you say he had a bad experience? We welcome all candidates and try our best to treat them fairly. I will be getting almost all of my info on whom to vote for on this forum, and I doubt I'm alone.
Beach Fanatic
It is only scary if you are not keen on directly facing the public and answering questions. He should be aware that there are unanswered questions for him which his competition has answered.
What does "been there done that" mean? Why do you say he had a bad experience? We welcome all candidates and try our best to treat them fairly. I will be getting almost all of my info on whom to vote for on this forum, and I doubt I'm alone.
This forum's nice but I would suggest you meet the guy. I think you would find that a little more informative as I did last night. The jury's still out as to whether I will vote for him but if we have to have someone representing us in a 4 vs. 1 fight against the knuckleheads(nicest word I can think of) that are in office now, I do not see him ever being intimidated in any way.
Admin
This forum's nice but I would suggest you meet the guy. I think you would find that a little more informative as I did last night. The jury's still out as to whether I will vote for him but if we have to have someone representing us in a 4 vs. 1 fight against the knuckleheads(nicest word I can think of) that are in office now, I do not see him ever being intimidated in any way.
I would love to meet him but I'm sure I'm like a lot of other people who may not have the opportunity to meet all candidates in person.
I'm not so sure it is four against one all the time either.
Beach Fanatic
The quote "been there done that" were my words, I can't remember his exact wording and I don't want to harm his campaign in any way. I hope the voters will go to the forums to see and hear each candidate before they make a decision on who to vote for, it makes a big difference. Sowal is informative but I think there is more information and less bias in a live candidate forum.
SoWal Expert
speaking of live candidate forums, there is one coming up at the Freeport High School.
Tuesday, July 15
6:00pm
Tuesday, July 15
6:00pm
Beach Fanatic
I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Osborne speak the other night, and I was truly impressed. As he stated, he got into the race when he heard Cindy wasn't running -- not because he was doing business with Walton County or needed the insurance, but because he felt that someone on the board needed to represent the people of Walton County.
He struck me as brave, if not terribly diplomatic. IMHO, a straight talking person without an agenda is preferable to a person who speaks with tons of finesse without really saying anything.
I wrote to Mr. Osbourne, and suggested he post on this site. I asked him a few questions Monday night, and he knew they were hot topics from SoWal when he answered, and let that be known. Clearly, he's aware of the board and if he wants to be commissioner I'm sure he realizes how powerful a tool this board can be. It's up to us -- and here I'm speaking as a user, and I mean all of us -- to make sure we are a fair audience when people put themselves out there to serve.
Only five people were brave enough to step forward, and they all deserve respect for being willing to take on a very difficult job.
He struck me as brave, if not terribly diplomatic. IMHO, a straight talking person without an agenda is preferable to a person who speaks with tons of finesse without really saying anything.
I wrote to Mr. Osbourne, and suggested he post on this site. I asked him a few questions Monday night, and he knew they were hot topics from SoWal when he answered, and let that be known. Clearly, he's aware of the board and if he wants to be commissioner I'm sure he realizes how powerful a tool this board can be. It's up to us -- and here I'm speaking as a user, and I mean all of us -- to make sure we are a fair audience when people put themselves out there to serve.
Only five people were brave enough to step forward, and they all deserve respect for being willing to take on a very difficult job.
Beach Fanatic
This forum's nice but I would suggest you meet the guy. I think you would find that a little more informative as I did last night. The jury's still out as to whether I will vote for him but if we have to have someone representing us in a 4 vs. 1 fight against the knuckleheads(nicest word I can think of) that are in office now, I do not see him ever being intimidated in any way.I hope you really mean 3 vs. 2. As I've said many times, in my book, Ms. Comander is not part of the Fab 3.
Beach Fanatic
BMBV, we really must quit all this agreeing. It is bad for our images. You are right about Commissioner Comander. She votes according to her decision and it is my firm belief it has nothing to do with a particular bloc or party affiliation. That is good. I didn't agree with her vote on the Sheriff's funds for the 911 system, but I can understand where she was coming from. IMO, she is turning out to be an excellent Commissioner.
Beach Fanatic
Andy A., It is nice to find common ground with one's neighbor every now and then.
Thanks
Thanks
SoWal Expert
Here is a thought. Many issues that come before the BCC seem to be put off until future meetings, in some cases to clarify laws. Wouldn't it be helpful to have someone on the board (other than the BCC attorney) that can quickly understand sticky legal issues, or at least know the questions to ask during a meeting, instead of 3 meetings down the road?
I first heard the "buzz" about Osborne at a parent function at Bay Elementary. Many parents are impressed with his organization and preparedness for meetings, his intelligence, and his hard work.
Right now, he has jumped out of the pack on my short list (OK, my list was 2 people), and I am looking forward to hearing more about him and his plans for his BCC term.
I first heard the "buzz" about Osborne at a parent function at Bay Elementary. Many parents are impressed with his organization and preparedness for meetings, his intelligence, and his hard work.
Right now, he has jumped out of the pack on my short list (OK, my list was 2 people), and I am looking forward to hearing more about him and his plans for his BCC term.
Skunky
I so hope he adopts Crazy Train as his official campaign song
Beach Lover
Answers to paging Mr Osborne
Since somebody has already posted the link to my website, I'll start my introduction by getting right to answering the questions asked. In fairness to the other candidates, I didn't read their responses because I wanted mine to be my own. Here goes.
Have you ever held government office before?
A.
Since somebody has already posted the link to my website, I'll start my introduction by getting right to answering the questions asked. In fairness to the other candidates, I didn't read their responses because I wanted mine to be my own. Here goes.
Have you ever held government office before?
A.
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