Firefighters? Anyone?

Punzy Positive,

I don't think you have been negative at all. I rather enjoy most of your posts. But, I will have to respectfully dissagree that what I am about to post here is "all that anyone asked for".

Anyway, thanks for being you.

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Why we endorse Sid Braunstien for Walton County Commissioner, District 5:
Mr. Braunstien was instrumental in working with former Fire Chief Les Hallman to maintain the Certificate of Need in South Walton Fire District. We believe he will continue to support the Fire District in keeping the CON in South Walton. Sid also has a history of positive community involvement. He has a sound knowledge of South Walton Fire District. He also understands how important minimum staffing issues are to a fire department as well as proper and updated equipment. Sid believes, as we do, that collective bargaining is necessary because the process demands that the parties justify what they are asking for. This prevents status quo increases in expenditures.


Why we endorse Tom Cooper for Walton County Sheriff:
The Firefighters support Mr. Cooper because of his exemplary record of serving South Walton Fire District as a fire commissioner for six years. This gave us the opportunity to get to know him well. He has not only stated his support of our issues, but has proven his support while in office. In his twenty years in law enforcement he has shown much dedication to the service of public servants as well as the citizens. All of this combined with Tom’s management performance and his experience in law enforcement make him the right man for this job.


Why we endorse Maurice Gilbert for South Walton Fire Commission, Seat 1:
Maurice Gilbert has served on the Fire Board for 12 years, currently as Chairman and has been instrumental in working with South Walton Professional Firefighters toward the common goal of improving service to our Citizens. He has a sound knowledge of South Walton Fire District. He also understands how important minimum staffing issues are to a fire department as well as proper and updated equipment. Maurice also believes that collective bargaining is necessary. He has maintained an outstanding record of care and responsibility for the Fire District as well as the community of South Walton.


Why we endorse Scott Thurston for South Walton Fire Commission, Seat 3:
Scott Thurston has invested in the community as a home and business owner of South Walton. Wanting to increase his involvement in the community, He has a sound knowledge of South Walton Fire District. He also understands how important minimum staffing issues are to a fire department as well as proper and updated equipment. Scott also believes that collective bargaining is necessary because the process demands that the parties justify what they are asking for. He too approached the firefighters in support of his goal to help improve the community of South Walton through participation as a SWFD fireboard member.


Why we endorse Jon Kazek for South Walton Fire Commission, Seat 5 :
Jon Kazek has invested in this community not only as a citizen, but a business owner. He has received an SWFD Life Saving Award, and has been a friend to our firefighters for quite some time. He has a sound knowledge of South Walton Fire District. He also understands how important minimum staffing issues are to a fire department as well as proper and updated equipment. Jon also believes that collective bargaining is necessary because the process demands that the parties justify what they are asking for. Jon approached the Firefighters because he wanted to more involvement in the community

To all posters in this thread,

No matter your viewpoint, I am glad that you all contribute. Without folks like you our community would suffer greatly. I am happy to be associated (in what ever small way) to each of you through this message board and in our community. Your passion is obvious and your determination impressive. Keep standing up for what you believe in. The courage to act upon your convictions is what separates the doers from the talkers.

Thanks for letting me be a part of this.

Mark Youngblood, President
South Walton Professional Firefighters Assoc.

I am beginning to wonder what your real interest in this is. You seem awfully intent on diminishing any support for any candidate other than your own.

Do you own property in Driftwood Estates?

Other than trying to understand why you support who you choose to support, I have little interest. Where my interest lies is with my understanding that your union may have left out at least two of the best candidates from your process, based on the incorrect criteria found on your website. That criteria contradicts your justifications on this thread. You've posted it once, and I've questioned it twice, so I'll refrain from continuing to expect an answer which backs it up with the way in which you really choose your candidates of choice. Again, I question why a group of concerned people wouldn't want to include all of the possible candidates, so that they could have better knowledge of the best candidate to suit their purpose and agenda. I haven't bothered to look at your candidates of choice, but I did see the BCC Distr 5 choice of your union while looking through the contributions of each candidates. So, whom I support has nothing to do with my questioning.

No, I don't own property in Driftwood Estates, and have never owned, nor sold as a Realtor, property in Driftwood Estates. I have no personal, nor business connection with any of the candidates in the race. I've never even shared a cup of coffee with any of them. To correct your statement about me, I have defended candidates, other than my personal choice, right here on SoWal.com/bb, so I am not trying to suppress all candidates other than my choices. I have based my choices on listening to all of the candidates who have spoken, and on their bios which they have posted, as well as their responses given, and what I've actually seen in person at public gov't meetings.

Vote for whomever you choose as the best candidates, but I would encourage anyone to hear from ALL of the candidates before deciding on whom is the best choice.

Wow! Was it that difficult to communicate your reasons for supporting your choices? I feel like I just had my wisdom teeth yanked, for no reason. If you had posted that in your first post, we would have likely moved right along. Thanks for sharing.

Sorry SJ,

I got a little caught up in the whole "you treated Mr. Osborne unfairly" thing.

I'll try to keep a better eye on the ball next time.

Do you really think you helped Osbourn, SJ?

You use the pretense of "just trying to figure it all out" while you continue to argue that Ozbourn was somehow excluded. Just like your candidate, he didn't get the endorsement, so he attacked the organization.

If you REALLY want to "figure it out," here you go:

1. Call the firefighters association. Request a questionaire
2. Fill out the questionaire. Mail to the firefighters.
3. Wait for them to call you if they would like to hear more from you
based upon your answers to the questionaire.
4. Show up to the interview. Answer their questions honestly and
forthrightly.
5. Wait to be notified about how the firefighters voted.

It is a shame that you and Osborne have treated this as sour grapes. I suppose it is a testament to the importance of the endorsement of this group of public servants.

We gave a questionnaire to every candidate who asked for our support.

To be fair and honest, why should a candidate have to ask for your support in order for you to support them? It would appear to me you should send a questionaire to ALL candidates and then decide who was best suited to receive your support. Obviously, this is not how your union operates and that is easily understandable as ALL unions operate based on support of candidates they feel will be atune to what they wish be done in their interests. I don't expect unions to be fair in who they support but can only hope they will be honest in why they support them. I really don't expect that, either.

It would seem that "fair" and certainly "honest" couldn't be further from your mind Andy

Another fine example of partisan spin.

The rules are the same for everyone. And we won't go and ask a candidate to let us support him or her. If a candidate wants our support they will be treated the same way every other candidate who asks for our support will be treated.

I have made our interests clear. If you don't see how those interests are related to public welfare then I suggest you stop letting your own agenda blind you. You are obviously one of those people who believe that the word Union is derogatory. To be honest with you I use to be like that. However, after being in the Florida Fire Service for 17 years I have come to realize that Florida Firefighter Unions differ from Any other form of Union.

1. We don't strike. (even if it were legal)
2. We don't strong arm.
3. We are involved in our communities.
4. We know and like the people in our communities and they know and like us.
5. We lobby for laws that protect the public from the dangers of fire and medical emergencies. (with our own money)
6. We help people on and off duty every chance we get.
7. We believe that collective bargaining serves the public interest by requiring sound justification of our hours, wages and terms and conditions of employment Which we are required to research present and justify. This keeps cost low and service high by preventing status quo increases.

For you to imply that we are not fair or honest proves that you do not know us.

Prejudices never show much reason.

I had not seen the endorsment post prior to my post regarding the endorsements by the firefighter's union. Thank you for posting your reasons for support of the candidates. I do note that you feel all supported candidates will vigorously support your desired positions. That would be expected. It is, however, not necessarily a reason for any, other than your union members, to vote for them. I will base my vote on many criteria including your recommendations. I also note that you did not support any candidates other than Commissioner, Sheriff and Fire Commissioner. Do you have any recommendations for the other races? It would be interesting to see what they are.

Andy,

You will note that all this years official endorsements are for candidates who will have a direct impact on the citizens of South Walton.

I think it is more correct to state the candidates that will have a direct impact on the desires and wants of the Firefighters of South Walton County. Evidently your organization does not consider the races for the school superintendent and school board to be of direct impact on the citizens of South Walton County. I do.

Looking back through your endorsements, I didn't notice a FireFighters' Union endorsement for County Commissioner of District 3. Did I miss that one? Who's your choice?

Phone Calls

So who exactly is crying over spilled milk because Tom got the endorsement of the firefighters? Heck, I'd be shocked and surprised if he didn't.

As I understand it, a certain candidate or maybe two, have called the Union wanting to know/complaining, why they were not endorsed. I have only heard this so maybe it did or did not happen. Thus, the spilled milk.

I think it is more correct to state the candidates that will have a direct impact on the desires and wants of the Firefighters of South Walton County. Evidently your organization does not consider the races for the school superintendent and school board to be of direct impact on the citizens of South Walton County. I do.

Man, when you don't read things that please you here, you sure are fast to put words in someones mouth in order to support your partisan spin aren't you?

You work it man, (I'm sure no one will notice but me)

Non of those folks asked for our endorsement.

SJ,

SWPFFA has not made a choice on that race.

pass the milk please...

I think it is more correct to state the candidates that will have a direct impact on the desires and wants of the Firefighters of South Walton County. Evidently your organization does not consider the races for the school superintendent and school board to be of direct impact on the citizens of South Walton County. I do.

For those of you wondering, this is what I was talking about in regards to spilled milk. It does not end.

'nuff said.

I think it is more correct to state the candidates that will have a direct impact on the desires and wants of the Firefighters of South Walton County. Evidently your organization does not consider the races for the school superintendent and school board to be of direct impact on the citizens of South Walton County. I do.

Strictly out of curiosity, (you killed any confidence i had in your objective credibility long ago) according to my posts so far, what do you see as the "wants and desires" of the Firefighters of South Walton County?

Man, when you don't read things that please you here, you sure are fast to put words in someones mouth in order to support your partisan spin aren't you?

You work it man, (I'm sure no one will notice but me)

Non of those folks asked for our endorsement.

That is exactly my point when I said earlier that everyone should be provided a questionaire. I'm not putting words in anyone's mouth nor do I impart a partisan spin to any of your endorsements. You have only "picked" the people in races that have an implied impact on your organization's interests. IMO, your endorsements are worthless as they do not apply to all races. Tell us who you support for ALL local races, not just the ones regarding the Firefighter's union. IMO, you are very remiss in endorsing only a part of the local races. Sorry if that upsets you.

That is exactly my point when I said earlier that everyone should be provided a questionaire. I'm not putting words in anyone's mouth nor do I impart a partisan spin to any of your endorsements. You have only "picked" the people in races that have an implied impact on your organization's interests. IMO, your endorsements are worthless as they do not apply to all races. Tell us who you support for ALL local races, not just the ones regarding the Firefighter's union. IMO, you are very remiss in endorsing only a part of the local races. Sorry if that upsets you.

If you think I am upset you really don't know me. :funn:I am not. I think your candor is a bit humorous.

I am not here to tell you who I pick in any race. I have already told you who SWPFFA picked and the reasons why. I believe that is what this thread is about. Right??

My personal choices for any other race are frankly, none of your business.

Every incident that a firefighter responds to is complex but, our actions are based on two very simple and easy to understand mandates, and I list them here in order of priority:

1. Save your life.
2 Save your property.

We base our decision to endorse any candidate mostly on questions which, once answered, indicate the candidates commitment to helping us fulfill those mandates, whether the questions are answered by action (sitting elected official) or in writing (candidate questionnaire).

The questions center around some key points and though not worded exactly like this I think you will get the drift:

Are you willing to commit the resources to ensure that our staffing levels and equipment will allow us to do the best job that can be done for the citizens.

Are you willing to commit the resources necessary to ensure that we are not a training ground for firefighters to come and learn how to do their jobs correctly, then go to another Florida community in order to be fairly paid .

Do you support our RIGHT to be involved in politics OFF DUTY.

Where do you think our funding should come from.

This is the premise by which we make such decisions. We are not sorry if it displeases you. But we wish for your understanding because it is you we want to protect.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to post this, Andy.

If you think I am upset you really don't know me. :funn:I am not. I think your candor is a bit humorous.

I am not here to tell you who I pick in any race. I have already told you who SWPFFA picked and the reasons why. I believe that is what this thread is about. Right??

My personal choices for any other race are frankly, none of your business.

I want to let you know that one citizen (me) appreciates your group, what you sacrifice to protect us and the courage it takes to speak out as a group on local issues.I may not agree with your stands (then again I may) but I appreciate your viewpoint and perspective on how local races affect public employees and our fire protection. Frankly, whether you endorse a candidate in one race or every race is your business and your choice is your right. I also find that the attacks on your right to free speech distress me and cause me to more closely consider your positions than I might have because such attacks "burn me up."Thanks for all that you do to protect me and my property, I for one appreciate it.

Every incident that a firefighter responds to is complex but, our actions are based on two very simple and easy to understand mandates, and I list them here in order of priority:

1. Save your life.
2 Save your property.

We base our decision to endorse any candidate mostly on questions which, once answered, indicate the candidates commitment to helping us fulfill those mandates, whether the questions are answered by action (sitting elected official) or in writing (candidate questionnaire).

The questions center around some key points and though not worded exactly like this I think you will get the drift:

Are you willing to commit the resources to ensure that our staffing levels and equipment will allow us to do the best job that can be done for the citizens.

Are you willing to commit the resources necessary to ensure that we are not a training ground for firefighters to come and learn how to do their jobs correctly, then go to another Florida community in order to be fairly paid .

Do you support our RIGHT to be involved in politics OFF DUTY.

Where do you think our funding should come from.

This is the premise by which we make such decisions. We are not sorry if it displeases you. But we wish for your understanding because it is you we want to protect.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to post this, Andy.

Lets get one thing straight right now. I do not have a problem with your submitting a questionaire to candidaates, only with it not being submitted to all fairly and equally. Also, FYI, for 8 years, I helped put together regional EMS systems for the state of Oklahoma, so I am quite familar with the fact that you save lives and save property and I certainly commend you for it. I don't know where you got or perceived the idea I am attacking you. Nothing could be further from the truth! I am a Walton County citizen trying to understand why and how the local firefighter's endorsement for candidates of some very important elections was ascertained and whether it was applied equally to ALL candidates on just certain ones. If my requests, posts, or thoughts are out of line with your position, I'm sorry but so be it.

I don't expect unions to be fair in who they support but can only hope they will be honest in why they support them. I really don't expect that, either.

I think it is more correct to state the candidates that will have a direct impact on the desires and wants of the Firefighters of South Walton County. Evidently your organization does not consider the races for the school superintendent and school board to be of direct impact on the citizens of South Walton County. I do.

I don't know where you got or perceived the idea I am attacking you. Nothing could be further from the truth!...
If my requests, posts, or thoughts are out of line with your position, I'm sorry but so be it.

Your statements above are where I "got or perceived" that you were attacking me.

You imply that we are not fair. You imply that we are not honest. You imply that we are strictly self serving. You imply that we don't care about the citizens of our community by implying that we don't care about any races other than those in which we have backed a candidate.

If I am the only person here who feels that these remarks and implications are an attack or at the very least, inflammatory, then I apologize. However, I suspect that I am not alone and I find it in poor form for you to subsequently suggest that you were trying to be cordial.

If that is the case then I am no more guilty of "simply stating my opinion" than you.

I would say your use of the word "imply" is not necessarily correct. I am not trying to be cordial, only trying to gather facts regarding election of the candidates running for election that apply to ALL citizens of Walton County not just a chosen few. Maybe you should have just made your candidate support known to only your members since it appears to me from reading your questionaire that is to whom it applies. You, by your insinuations and demeanor, have lost any chance of a vote for any of your recommended candidates. I have always heard, "every vote counts". I hope it is so.

It's not that we don't care about the Citizens north of the bay. We do. But, we have a vested interest in the Citizens of South Walton County because these are the people who graciously allow us to serve and protect them. And again, if you don't see the public benefits in the questions we ask of our candidates, there is something else in you way. And as far as your vote counts, if you would let the opinion of someone you think as little of as you obviously think of me, change who you vote for, one has to wonder about the soundness of your selection process in the first place. My guess is that you and I would never have been engaged on this thread if all our choices matched yours. Good day to you, Sir.