Walton County Commissioner Brannon accused of ethics violations

At least our commissioners are trying to make a living without separating me from more of my tax dollars. ( see Don Amunds in Okaloosa) I think someone should have far more proof than a list of who a commissioner does businesswith before they accuse that commissioner of being a crook. Just because Brannon owns a part of a business along with Jones does not mean Brannon is profiting from Jones' Driftwood deal. This whole thing smells like sour grapes to me from someone who cannot convince the BCC to do what they want. My gosh, by your reasoning my ownership of AIG stock makes me guilty of all this bailout mess. LOLOLOL

idlewind, I don't believe a Commissioner has to profit in order from them to recuse him or herself. If I am a Commissioner, and I have a business partner, with ABC, LLC, and that partner has full interest in CDE, LLC, and an issue affecting CDE,LLC is brought before me to vote, by law, I am to recuse myself from the matter.

Just because one case is less offensive than another, it doesn't make it right, does it?

idlewind, I don't believe a Commissioner has to profit in order from them to recuse him or herself. If I am a Commissioner, and I have a business partner, with ABC, LLC, and that partner has full interest in CDE, LLC, and an issue affecting CDE,LLC is brought before me to vote, by law, I am to recuse myself from the matter.

Just because one case is less offensive than another, it doesn't make it right, does it?

By that logic no one who is successful or has a large family should be a commissioner because in both cases they will have multiple conflicts. I may be naive, but I would hope someone could see issues for what they are. I guess it is beyond the realm of possibility that the BCC might think that they are right and the Driftwood HOA is wrong based on honest opinions? I guess if someone does not agree with me, then by definition they must be a crook.

By that logic no one who is successful or has a large family should be a commissioner because in both cases they will have multiple conflicts. I may be naive, but I would hope someone could see issues for what they are. I guess it is beyond the realm of possibility that the BCC might think that they are right and the Driftwood HOA is wrong based on honest opinions? I guess if someone does not agree with me, then by definition they must be a crook.

The appearance of a conflict of interest is just as bad as an actual conflict of interest. It is one of the reasons we have our Sunshine Laws.

The appearance of a conflict of interest is just as bad as an actual conflict of interest. It is one of the reasons we have our Sunshine Laws.

I guess the flip side is that if there is no appearance of illegalities, then we should not worry......wait, isn't that what is going on in Okaloosa County.
We elect people knowing what they bring to the table.

alan, i am SO impressed with your commitment. i hope you see justice, but in the meantime, keep making people uncomfortable.
i got shivers when i read the description of events.
i'm sorry, but it's scary how the culture of unethical behavior is so pervasive here. they're not even the slightest bit embarrassed! they're indignant in addition to being incompetent and criminal. that's ok. i'm mortified FOR them.

Assuming that you are an adult, I'm sure that you can see that this situation smells.

Assume nothing...I am not even human.

As the saying goes, correllation is not causation. I fail to see an agency. What smells is the stagnant water in Driftwood that wafts among the CWJ and the Osborne alike.

Here goes your answer

Mr. Osborne I do applaud and appreciate your effort at creating transparency at all levels of government. In the vein, would you explain your reasoning above. If CWJ Holdings, bought 70 lots from the original developer, then how is CWJ any different from you as an owner? What benefit was conferred upon CWJ that wasn't also conferred upon you? Aren't you both just owners within the same subdivision? Doesn't CWJ benefit more from having the Driftwood brought into compliance? It would seem that a non-flooded Driftwood would be more beneficial to CWJ's property values than a flooded Driftwood. Thanks in advance for the explanation.

Also, could you also explain how any benefit to CWJ would benefit Commissioner Brannon as a member of Freeport Group, LLC? Do you know what Freeport Group, LLC does? Are you saying that when CWJ sales its property in Driftwood, that Mr. Jones, its sole member, then cuts a check to Freeport Group LLC to share his profits with the other members of Freeport Group, LLC? That doesn't make much tax or business sense...? Does it?

I really appreciate any light you can further shed on your grievance stated above.

One final question...if you aren't on a witchhunt and you believe everyone is innocent until proven guilty, then why did you decide to present your claim in a public meeting and to Channel 7 News before a formal investigation could be concluded on the matter? Haven't you already convicted Commissioner Brannon in the eyes of the public prior to the conclusion of any official investigation? Or do you have evidence of a substantial connection between the business of CWJ and Freeport Group that is conclusive?

With Warmest Regards,

Sam Story

Don't know you Sam but here goes,

1. Never said CWJ Holdings did any thing wrong or Mr Jones.

2. According to the develpmental order, the area where CWJ holdings has lots, is my neighborhoods designated lakes and open area.
My plat was recorded in 1979 and CWJ's part was platted after I bought my House. That's my drainage area according to the master plan.

3. CWJ's lots must become a lake or open area for full compliance. Plat must be abandoned for that to happen.

4. There will never be a non flooded driftwood without this area being returned to its original intent and about 5 million dollars worth of drainage improvements.(Which the county doesn't have)
My part of the neighborhood paid for a multi-million dollar MSBU drainage fix, that part of the neighborhood ruined. (No CWJ or Mr. Jones didn't do it, but I want the developer held responsible.)

Part 2

1. Mr Jones is a partner with Mr. Brannon in the Freeport Group LLC and another LLC. I never said checks were being cut or would be cut to anybody.
But the statute is clear in our opinion on relationships.

Florida Statute
112.3143 Voting conflicts.--
(4) No appointed public officer shall participate in any matter which would inure to the officer's special private gain or loss; which the officer knows would inure to the special private gain or loss of any principal by whom he or she is retained or to the parent organization or subsidiary of a corporate principal by which he or she is retained; or which he or she knows would inure to the special private gain or loss of a relative or business associate of the public officer, without first disclosing the nature of his or her interest in the matter.


Commissioner Brannon did participate in votes that affected the property owned by CWJ holdings. (see the BCC minutes) Is Mr. Jones a business associate of Mr. Brannon? According to the LLC's annual report on Sun Biz, the answer is yes. The benefit is, it will save the interior lot owners a lengthy battle against the developer at our neighborhoods expense. Money does not have anything to do with it. Was it disclosed in the meetings or after the vote in writing?
No, as far as I can tell. What part of shall participate in any Matter is confusing?

Sam, I have spoken to Mr. Brannon and will give him time to answer after talking with his council. If you came to the meeting, I think you'll see I made much more serious allegations aganst a State official and have some more for some county staff. I have offered and been available to talk to any of the commissioners any time outside of the public meeting's but have been basically stonewalled for years about any real answers, so our Board did it the only place left available. The BCC meeting. By the way, I recieved a unamious vote from the 170+ owners who feel Driftwood has been handled improperly by the developer, the County and the State. It's not just me, we're tired of it.

Even if Brannon made a mistake, it's a misdemeanor punishable by a 500 dollar fine as long as he doesn't deny it. It seems the press is worse than the punishment. I have appeared 25+ times before the BCC, they had a fair shot at other solutions. They chose poorly IMO.

Sam, you muddied the waters with things I didn't say at the meeting. Too bad they cut my freedom of speech off with Mr. Brannon as the last subject, it left him in the spotlight when there was so much more written evidence I had regarding other staff that is far worse. I only get about ten minutes per meeting so I'll feed them this pie one 10 minute slice at the time.

Alan

Out of curiosity, did I correctly hear that Commissioner Larry Jones was once employed by a major builder in Driftwood Estates, Adams Homes?

Larry has properly recused himself IMO.

I find Sunbiz.org to be extremely enlightening and very reliable. I have personally seen people deny business relationships even when a 3-minute records search makes it clear that they are not telling the truth.

Whatever the outcome in this case, I admire anyone willing to pay attention enough to research these issues and, when it appears necessary, file the appropriate complaints.

Assume nothing...I am not even human.

As the saying goes, correllation is not causation. I fail to see an agency. What smells is the stagnant water in Driftwood that wafts among the CWJ and the Osborne alike.

and yet more creepiness.

Assume nothing...I am not even human.

As the saying goes, correllation is not causation. I fail to see an agency. What smells is the stagnant water in Driftwood that wafts among the CWJ and the Osborne alike.

You've outdone me. I can't argue with that logic.

Why are people attacking Alan?

There is no secret agenda or vendetta here - he has even taken exception to Brannon being singled out. His goal is for our local government to be honest and for our government's promises to its citizens be honored.

Commissioner Brannon failed to recuse himself from hearings in which he had a clear conflict of interest. Another commissioner who had a potential conflict (or appearance of one) recused himself.

Who thinks that someone who is legally partnered with someone in 2 or more businesses shouldn't recuse themselves when an issue dealing with that person is bought before them?

Sorry, idlewind

At least our commissioners are trying to make a living without separating me from more of my tax dollars. ( see Don Amunds in Okaloosa) I think someone should have far more proof than a list of who a commissioner does businesswith before they accuse that commissioner of being a crook. Just because Brannon owns a part of a business along with Jones does not mean Brannon is profiting from Jones' Driftwood deal. This whole thing smells like sour grapes to me from someone who cannot convince the BCC to do what they want. My gosh, by your reasoning my ownership of AIG stock makes me guilty of all this bailout mess. LOLOLOL

I know you have supported some of my views, but I accused no one of being a crook. I posted my reply to Sam Story. The connection is clear and I presented the proof. I'm sorry I offended you.
Alan

I believe there are new flood zone maps coming out soon. I wonder if the map makers take into account the problems in specific neighborhoods? Will flood insurance from the FEMA be available to residents in DW when the new maps are used or will they have to go to the more expensive pool?
How many more homes will flood in a worst case scenario Cat 4, 3, 2 direct hit on the county? How many law suits will there be from homeowners after a worst case scenario? Fix it now or pay me later?
What about property values? Seems to be more foreclosures in DW than surrounding neighborhoods.

good questions Busta Hustle. You could start an entirely new thread regarding FEMA map updates and how the changes may affect owners in all areas.

This is the first that I've heard mention of the new maps. Do you know when the maps are to be updated, and will you keep us posted on that?

New thread for flood map info - http://www.sowal.com/bb/local-government/34843-fema-flood-maps.html

Give it away

Why are people attacking Alan?

There is no secret agenda or vendetta here - he has even taken exception to Brannon being singled out. His goal is for our local government to be honest and for our government's promises to its citizens be honored.

Commissioner Brannon failed to recuse himself from hearings in which he had a clear conflict of interest. Another commissioner who had a potential conflict (or appearance of one) recused himself.

Who thinks that someone who is legally partnered with someone in 2 or more businesses shouldn't recuse themselves when an issue dealing with that person is bought before them?

SoWal screwed ourselves in the past election. Where was the voter turn out? I was there in the trenches and I'll tell you, turn out sucked.

I only wish Alan O was put into office. SoWal needs representation from SoWal. I also wish both Alan and Bob could have worked together to put one or the other in office. Their fighting hurt both of them and now we are stuck with this...

The issues in Okaloosa are only the tip of the Iceburg, we have our own "issues" here. People like Alan are to be commended for taking a stand and fighting for their beliefs, regardless if you agree with them or not. GET OFF the Fence, strap on a set of nuts and stand up for something! Anything!

We need to unite for the next election and ensure SoWal has EQUAL Representation. We are slowing getting screwed, it will continue until we stand up and say NO.

I have respect for anyone who takes a stand on an issue, even if I do not agree. As long as the issue has been researched and based on FACT, you have my respect.

be seeing u,

w

good questions Busta Hustle. You could start an entirely new thread regarding FEMA map updates and how the changes may affect owners in all areas.

This is the first that I've heard mention of the new maps. Do you know when the maps are to be updated, and will you keep us posted on that?

The new preliminary flood maps have already been issued by FEMA and the 3 month period to object to them has already passed and they are now in the review phase; the whole process takes about a year before the maps become effective. Most, if not all of Driftwood was already in an AE Flood Zone but some of it actually appears to have been removed from the VE Flood Zone.

Commissioner Brannon failed to recuse himself from hearings in which he had a clear conflict of interest. Another commissioner who had a potential conflict (or appearance of one) recused himself.

But does that business reach the level requiring recusal? I have always thought that Larry was actually violating the rules because of his recusal. But like the county attorney told someone tonight, it is up to the individual to do what they feel rises up to the standard of the law.

It sure took him long enough to begin recusing himself. ;-)

I thought he did it at the beginning. I never understood him doing it after he left their employ.

I thought he did it at the beginning. I never understood him doing it after he left their employ.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think he had recused himself up to the time when he called for the Sheriff's Deputy to get ready to restrain Mr Osborne for speaking at the public forum in the BCC meeting a while back. Regardless, Mr Osborne says that Comm. Larry Jones is now recusing himself from voting on the issue of Driftwood.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think he had recused himself up to the time when he called for the Sheriff's Deputy to get ready to restrain Mr Osborne for speaking at the public forum in the BCC meeting a while back. Regardless, Mr Osborne says that Comm. Larry Jones is now recusing himself from voting on the issue of Driftwood.

Yes he is and to what purpose? He no longer is employed with Adams Homes. He has a legal responsibility to vote, that is his job. If he had a relationship ongoing I could understand. But now, I do not.

But does that business reach the level requiring recusal? I have always thought that Larry was actually violating the rules because of his recusal. But like the county attorney told someone tonight, it is up to the individual to do what they feel rises up to the standard of the law.

It has always been my understanding that any government official on any board can recuse him/herself for any reason and they don't necessarily have to say what it is.

wrobert, apparently you have never heard of political favors and political paypacks. People and businesses often contribute to a politicians campaign in hoping for favorable outcomes if ever needed in the future. (By no means am I suggesting that Comm L Jones is on the take. I simply note that political payback can come at great expense, and that it is well known that this is the way the gov't typically works in this Country.)

Perhaps Comm L Jones doesn't want anyone wrongly accusing him of ethical violations.