Commissioner Comander Does The Right Thing

I am glad to hear that she did it, but question the timing/motivation and the fact that you got "tipped off" and immediately posted about it. :roll:

IMO integrity doesn't mean you do something for years, then stop because you know the sheet is flying through the air towards the fan.

Kudos to Commissioner Commander for giving up her family's coverage and I hope the other commissioners follow suit ............. and that we never find out that integrity wasn't her sole motivation.

I am glad to hear that she did it, but question the timing/motivation and the fact that you got "tipped off" and immediately posted about it. :roll:

IMO integrity doesn't mean you do something for years, then stop because you know the sheet is flying through the air towards the fan.

Kudos to Commissioner Commander for giving up her family's coverage and I hope the other commissioners follow suit ............. and that we never find out that integrity wasn't her sole motivation.

I hear that.

I am glad to hear that she did it, but question the timing/motivation and the fact that you got "tipped off" and immediately posted about it. :roll:

SB - We are running another series of ads concerning this issue this week. Before committing that ad we followed up on a tip that we received directly to one of our members about two weeks ago. We followed the news cycles looking for some announcement concerning that change and it never appeared, much to our amazement.

Before running the ad we decided to confirm the "tip" by making a public records request. When the PRR was returned we thought it important that we inform the public of her actions and alter our ad. ( we sent a Press release to all media outlets in the area)

We have done both of those things and have done them in an attempt to present the facts and let people make their own determination on the issue. I simply think we are "honest brokers" of the facts.

When you see the ad you should be able to immediately see the changes that took place and hopefully understand why.

Thanks

Bob Hudson

The right thing will be when someone on the BCC steps forward and makes a motion on the POLICY of the County -- the policy to have employees only receive individual health coverage period. To not accept it while others are receiving it is only a start. It still doesn't address how this change occurred outside the sunshine.

The BCC should meet and discuss this policy in the open so we have a clear record .. minutes .. on their views.

Nice job, Bob. I like government in the sunshine.

(And Aggie I would technically call it "the sunshine" because it is a matter of public record.)

Kudos to Commissioner Comander for demonstrating herself to be a thoughtful steward of Walton County.

Nice job, Bob. I like government in the sunshine.

(And Aggie I would technically call it "the sunshine" because it is a matter of public record.)

Kudos to Commissioner Comander for demonstrating herself to be a thoughtful steward of Walton County.

Allowing certain Walton County Commissioners and select staff to receive family benefits was not made in "The Sunshine", TooFarTampa. Sara not accepting the family health benefit does not stop select BCC and staff to continue to receive this family benefit.

The broader issue remains the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has allowed a change to be made regarding health insurance, with the majority of the BCC receiving the family benefit, and this was not made in public. The BCC has been silent on this health benefit topic allowing the BCC and a very select few to receive family health benefits while the vast number of employees do not. As I wrote, the BCC should meet and discuss this policy in the open so we have a clear record .. minutes .. on their views .. in The Sunshine.

Allowing certain Walton County Commissioners and select staff to receive family benefits was not made in "The Sunshine", TooFarTampa. Sara not accepting the family health benefit does not stop select BCC and staff to continue to receive this family benefit.

The broader issue remains the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has allowed a change to be made regarding health insurance, with the majority of the BCC receiving the family benefit, and this was not made in public. The BCC has been silent on this health benefit topic allowing the BCC and a very select few to receive family health benefits while the vast number of employees do not. As I wrote, the BCC should meet and discuss this policy in the open so we have a clear record .. minutes .. on their views .. in The Sunshine.

"Vast' is an understatement!

Allowing certain Walton County Commissioners and select staff to receive family benefits was not made in "The Sunshine", TooFarTampa. Sara not accepting the family health benefit does not stop select BCC and staff to continue to receive this family benefit.

The broader issue remains the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has allowed a change to be made regarding health insurance, with the majority of the BCC receiving the family benefit, and this was not made in public. The BCC has been silent on this health benefit topic allowing the BCC and a very select few to receive family health benefits while the vast number of employees do not. As I wrote, the BCC should meet and discuss this policy in the open so we have a clear record .. minutes .. on their views .. in The Sunshine.

I should read up throughly on a subject before putting a foot in my mouth.

Down here our county administrator is under a great deal of fire because she gave 7 to 17 percent raises to her top staffers for this year. Her explanation was that she had to cut staff and those getting raises were doing more work. :roll: (I guess she needs to get out more.) Woe to those who ignore the current economic conditions while making any kind of staffing or benefit decisions!

NWF Daily News just posted Okaloosa's budgets since 2005. Their proposed budget cut for 2010 is $41 million but the budget ($262,800,000) is still $49 million larger than 2005's budget.

Maybe someone can find out how many millions of dollars are in savings accounts for these panhandle counties that have had a billion $$$ revenues over the past 5 years.

and how in the world did they ever deliver services back in the old days of say 2004?

WCTA is doing its job

. . .Before running the ad we decided to confirm the "tip" by making a public records request. When the PRR was returned we thought it important that we inform the public of her actions and alter our ad. ( we sent a Press release to all media outlets in the area)

We have done both of those things and have done them in an attempt to present the facts and let people make their own determination on the issue. I simply think we are "honest brokers" of the facts. . .

Don't kill the messenger. WCTA is doing its job, and they do have a responsibility to check out the facts BEFORE running ads. They did that. Give Sara Comander the benefit of the doubt. What were her choices? Keep accepting the health coverage and be criticized or be the first commissioner to take herself off the coverage (and be criticized by both the public and probably by one or two of her fellow commissioners)? Being a public servant is messy.

Sara Commander and her husband ran Commander Funeral Home for many years, and I doubt seriously that she needed health insurance. They sold the business some time ago. I think that if our elected officials work for us full time, then they should be compensated. Insurance is a national problem now, costs for premiums are over the top, and many go without. Generally, health insurance is offered to full time employees of larger businesses. If the county takes away health insurance benefits to it's commissioners, then they should have the opportunity to work somewhere else full time to get it.

Sara Commander and her husband ran Commander Funeral Home for many years, and I doubt seriously that she needed health insurance. They sold the business some time ago. I think that if our elected officials work for us full time, then they should be compensated. Insurance is a national problem now, costs for premiums are over the top, and many go without. Generally, health insurance is offered to full time employees of larger businesses. If the county takes away health insurance benefits to it's commissioners, then they should have the opportunity to work somewhere else full time to get it.

Did you even read the thread, FG?

Sara Commander and her husband ran Commander Funeral Home for many years, and I doubt seriously that she needed health insurance. They sold the business some time ago. I think that if our elected officials work for us full time, then they should be compensated. Insurance is a national problem now, costs for premiums are over the top, and many go without. Generally, health insurance is offered to full time employees of larger businesses. If the county takes away health insurance benefits to it's commissioners, then they should have the opportunity to work somewhere else full time to get it.

This is a part time job for some of the Commissioners, and supposedly there are some who do hold jobs outside of BCC. I work part time for the County and I am not recieving any benefits, which at one time I used to recieve, then without notifying me they quit.

The issue is not the commissioners receiving health insurance (for a part time job BTW), but that it was decided that their FAMILIES should also receive the health insurance benefit.

That decision is not only costing taxpayers $$$, but it was done w/o any public knowledge or discussion.

Even sadder, after all of the publicity and ads, none of the commissioners has stepped up and asked that this policy be discussed or put to a vote.

P.S. Just because someone has some money doesn't mean they turn down freebies, benefits, or other income sources. :roll:

First of all, I'm not impressed with Sara Commander, I've known her too long. For years we had 2 funeral homes in DeFuniak, hers and Clary. Sadly, my experience with the funeral home began in 1975 when my father died, and continued for 3 more family members. Sad when the funeral director is on speed dial. When my mother died in 1987, her body was sent to Commander, which were not my instructions, and I had Mr. Clary go get her.
Secondly, health insurance is a big issue now, many do not have it. If the commissioners had insurance from some other job, then why do they accept the county's? Isn't the policy payment deducted from their paycheck? Group insurance through an employer matching program is considerably cheaper. Does the county pay the entire premium? If the commissioners cancelled their health insurance, would they go without? Along with their family? Is that a viable solution? I guess I just don't understand the details and don't know what would happen if they cancelled it. As far as being part time, I've understood they are supposed to be at our beck and call whenever we need them. Several have commented that it's actually a full time job. We elected these people, regardless of current opinion of them, to dedicate themselves for the betterment of our community. As they are supposed to be busy taking care of our business, shouldn't we be taking care of them?

First of all, I'm not impressed with Sara Commander, I've known her too long. For years we had 2 funeral homes in DeFuniak, hers and Clary. Sadly, my experience with the funeral home began in 1975 when my father died, and continued for 3 more family members. Sad when the funeral director is on speed dial. When my mother died in 1987, her body was sent to Commander, which were not my instructions, and I had Mr. Clary go get her.
Secondly, health insurance is a big issue now, many do not have it. If the commissioners had insurance from some other job, then why do they accept the county's? Isn't the policy payment deducted from their paycheck? Group insurance through an employer matching program is considerably cheaper. Does the county pay the entire premium? If the commissioners cancelled their health insurance, would they go without? Along with their family? Is that a viable solution? I guess I just don't understand the details and don't know what would happen if they cancelled it. As far as being part time, I've understood they are supposed to be at our beck and call whenever we need them. Several have commented that it's actually a full time job. We elected these people, regardless of current opinion of them, to dedicate themselves for the betterment of our community. As they are supposed to be busy taking care of our business, shouldn't we be taking care of them?

Maybe you should read the thread. I understand they haven't cut the budget for adult education classes. Perhaps a remedial reading comprehension class is in order?

As usual, SWGB is over the top, but I think there are probably many things that could be cut to trim the budget other than health insurance for 5 individuals and their families. For the labourer is worthy of his hire. Another thread is talking about building a sports complex. Take care of our people first, and then if there is anything left over... prioritize.

As usual, SWGB is over the top, but I think there are probably many things that could be cut to trim the budget other than health insurance for 5 individuals and their families. For the labourer is worthy of his hire. Another thread is talking about building a sports complex. Take care of our people first, and then if there is anything left over... prioritize.

Better than under the table.

As usual, SWGB is over the top, but I think there are probably many things that could be cut to trim the budget other than health insurance for 5 individuals and their families. For the labourer is worthy of his hire. Another thread is talking about building a sports complex. Take care of our people first, and then if there is anything left over... prioritize.

I think most are having issue with the fairness of the situation and the lack of the public hearing to address the issue before implementation. I am just curious what your attitude would be if all employees were able to negotiate their pay and benefits, whether colectively or individually and use current employee info to get the best deal possible?

As usual, SWGB is over the top, but I think there are probably many things that could be cut to trim the budget other than health insurance for 5 individuals and their families. For the labourer is worthy of his hire. Another thread is talking about building a sports complex. Take care of our people first, and then if there is anything left over... prioritize.

OK, I'll say it plainly.

This is about free health benefits for the families of the commissioners and selected high level employees. No one has suggested that the commissioners not receive their own free health insurance, which every county employee gets. It is about the free family benefit, which the rest of the employees must pay for themselves.

I think they should have access to the employer matching program, including their families. Their salaries should be in comparison with other matching counties. Yes, county wages need desperately to be reevaluated, particularly on the lower end of the ladder. Someone on this panel may have access to the complete county wage, and may be able to post it. I am disappointed in the extravagance of the top wage earners, and suppose they get it because they can. Perhaps the rest of the county employees should take a lesson and push for more equality and fairness.
As far as providing free health insurance, perhaps each commissioner should provide a detailed journal of their actual work time, and figure what their exact wage is. If they are getting more than what is fair, then it should be adjusted.

And here in lies the the trust issue for most folks. There is a reason the State set the salary of County commissioners. The Perks or Benefits are set locally.

OK, I'll say it plainly.

This is about free health benefits for the families of the commissioners and selected high level employees. No one has suggested that the commissioners not receive their own free health insurance, which every county employee gets. It is about the free family benefit, which the rest of the employees must pay for themselves.

I've been on vacation overseas, glad to be back. I really don't care about Sara Commander :angry: either, the only reason she droped the coverage is because of re-election coming up. Since being the chair she has the BIG HEAD syndrome.......I wonder why Ronnie Bell really wanted to retire all of a sudden, if only we could see the demanding emails sent from the CHAIR!! (IMO) Some jobs are not worth the anguish.
Good luck Mr. Bell on your well deserved retirement.....you will be missed!!

I've been on vacation overseas, glad to be back. I really don't care about Sara Commander :angry: either, the only reason she droped the coverage is because of re-election coming up. Since being the chair she has the BIG HEAD syndrome.......I wonder why Ronnie Bell really wanted to retire all of a sudden, if only we could see the demanding emails sent from the CHAIR!! (IMO) Some jobs are not worth the anguish.
Good luck Mr. Bell on your well deserved retirement.....you will be missed!!

So your saying that Sara is the reason for Mr. Bells retirement? Hmmm, 30 years in public service I think, kids growing up and still young enough to enjoy himself. On top of that his retirement check may be pretty decent.

I've been on vacation overseas, glad to be back. I really don't care about Sara Commander :angry: either, the only reason she droped the coverage is because of re-election coming up. Since being the chair she has the BIG HEAD syndrome.......I wonder why Ronnie Bell really wanted to retire all of a sudden, if only we could see the demanding emails sent from the CHAIR!! (IMO) Some jobs are not worth the anguish.
Good luck Mr. Bell on your well deserved retirement.....you will be missed!!

I, too, wish Ronnie Bell all the best in his retirement. With that, the agreement with your post ends. I don't know why you are down on Commissioner Comander and really could care less. I don't know about you but I try to attend as many meetings fostering improvement in Walton County as I can. At almost everyone, I see Sara Comander, listening, questioning and being part of the discussion. Last night's "Walton Down the Road" visions meeting is a good example. At these meetings I seldom, if ever, see Kenneth Pridgen, Scott Brannon, Larry Jones or Cecila Jones.
If running our BCC meetings efficiently and productively is an example of the "BIG HEAD" syndrome, then I'm all for it.
To intimate Ronnie Bell is leaving because of something done by any Commissioner demands some proof. Show it or shut up! If you are involved in trying to improve our county in any way, fine. If not, you and others of your ilk need to become active, even passively, and then you'll have a valid right to complain. Until then, you're just blowing smoke with no fire.