The previous high was the Scott Brannon run in 2004 when he raised 73k.
The previous high was the Scott Brannon run in 2004 when he raised 73k.
Replies
73
Beach Fanatic
I have long been dismayed by the direction of national and state politics due to the obscene amounts of money needed to run for office and the lack of choices among candidates. Those problems are now exhibited in local politics and we are not made better by these developments. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, new resident or “good old boy,” rich or poor, or any other demographic category, this is a threat to you and a threat to good government.
Today it was announced that a candidate for a Walton County Commission seat had raised $100,000 in reported money with 2 months to go. That is an insane amount of money to fund a local county commission race. In 2014 I ran for county commissioner in District 2 and finished 2nd among four candidates. One of those was the incumbent and the other was a former commissioner. I spent about 1/10 th of $100,000 and ran a good race with many signs, newspaper ads, TV ads and other literature. My opponents raised and spent much more but nowhere near $100,000. You do not need to raise or spend that much money to get your message out. But now that one has done it, everyone will be trying to compete and raise similar amounts or prospective candidates will just not run. The “pundits” will tell anyone and everyone that a candidate is not “viable” if they do not raise these huge sums as well.
We have already witnessed this phenomenon in our local government. 2 of the 3 “big 3” constitutional officers went unopposed this cycle and the other drew 3 candidates in a race without an incumbent. 2016 is the first time in 189 years that the Walton County Sheriff’s race was not contested. I have heard many good, qualified people say they would like to run but could not raise enough money to compete. The huge amounts of money combined with political tricks like last minute write-in candidates and the resulting disenfranchisement of around 1/3 of our county electorate causes a chilling effect on local government.
The long-term consequences of this reduction of choice brings complacency to elected officials who only must keep their donors happy to remain in office and grants an inordinate amount of influence and power to those with the ability to donate these huge amounts of money. It undermines the confidence of the ordinary citizen in their government and causes a sense of hopelessness that anyone can effect real change in the direction we are heading.
Folks, the only way to fix things is look at who is raising these huge amounts of money and “just say no.” Vote for candidates who are not owned by those who seek to gain advantage through the government and who will represent you instead of those with deep pockets.
Today it was announced that a candidate for a Walton County Commission seat had raised $100,000 in reported money with 2 months to go. That is an insane amount of money to fund a local county commission race. In 2014 I ran for county commissioner in District 2 and finished 2nd among four candidates. One of those was the incumbent and the other was a former commissioner. I spent about 1/10 th of $100,000 and ran a good race with many signs, newspaper ads, TV ads and other literature. My opponents raised and spent much more but nowhere near $100,000. You do not need to raise or spend that much money to get your message out. But now that one has done it, everyone will be trying to compete and raise similar amounts or prospective candidates will just not run. The “pundits” will tell anyone and everyone that a candidate is not “viable” if they do not raise these huge sums as well.
We have already witnessed this phenomenon in our local government. 2 of the 3 “big 3” constitutional officers went unopposed this cycle and the other drew 3 candidates in a race without an incumbent. 2016 is the first time in 189 years that the Walton County Sheriff’s race was not contested. I have heard many good, qualified people say they would like to run but could not raise enough money to compete. The huge amounts of money combined with political tricks like last minute write-in candidates and the resulting disenfranchisement of around 1/3 of our county electorate causes a chilling effect on local government.
The long-term consequences of this reduction of choice brings complacency to elected officials who only must keep their donors happy to remain in office and grants an inordinate amount of influence and power to those with the ability to donate these huge amounts of money. It undermines the confidence of the ordinary citizen in their government and causes a sense of hopelessness that anyone can effect real change in the direction we are heading.
Folks, the only way to fix things is look at who is raising these huge amounts of money and “just say no.” Vote for candidates who are not owned by those who seek to gain advantage through the government and who will represent you instead of those with deep pockets.
Banned
Is it safe to assume that the name Blue in campaign contributions is none other than the infamous Lloyd Blue?
Beach Fanatic
Guess that small business group in no joke.
Beach Fanatic
But the question is "Why?"
Beach Lover
How much does that position pay again?
Raising more to run for a position than it pays is a huge red flag!
Raising more to run for a position than it pays is a huge red flag!
Skunky
I for one would love to see what Adrianne Walline Campbell could do with a $100k war chest. 
Beach Fanatic
But the question is "Why?"Hampton Inn?
Beach Fanatic
Someone wants to be sure they own the 3 votes needed to get whatever they want approved and passed. The real questions are why is Cecilia Jones showing up everywhere day and night to events with Tony? How could it make Jerry Jones so mad he told people he was voting for Cindy and he even tried to qualify to run in the race against Tony? Who got control of him to stop him? Who will write the Walton County scandal tell all book and make millions. Will it be Jerry Jones???????
Beach Fanatic
View attachment 60951 Tony Anderson has now raised over $100,000 with two months to go. That is an insane amount of money for a local commission race. Someone is trying to "buy" this race !
The previous high was the Scott Brannon run in 2004 when he raised 73k.
Banned
Scott Brannon is just the tip of it @Suzanne Harris. There are huge campaign contributions from Gary Shipman and Dunlap & Shipman Law firm who just happened to be the attorney for Lloyd Blue in the Chat Holley scandal which included Jay Odom, Cecilia Jones, RO Cuchens, GR Miller (now deceased), Latilda Henniger, yourself (Suzanne) and others.
T. Anderson is also supported by Beach Chairs 4 U Inc. ($400.00 contribution) which is owned by Chip Coble whose wife just happens to be Amy Wise-Coble who is running against T. Anderson! Ironically, Amy Wise-Coble reports absolutely no other contributions except her qualifying fee. Can we say "Vote splitting"? T. Anderson is also supported by Rick and Bonnie Mc Quiston, many developers/builders and vendors as well as business owners including Red Bar and Marie's Bistro.
I said last night to @Teresa that C. Jones is desperate for a 3rd vote and will do what ever she needs to do to ensure her sons vending business is protected!
T. Anderson is also supported by Beach Chairs 4 U Inc. ($400.00 contribution) which is owned by Chip Coble whose wife just happens to be Amy Wise-Coble who is running against T. Anderson! Ironically, Amy Wise-Coble reports absolutely no other contributions except her qualifying fee. Can we say "Vote splitting"? T. Anderson is also supported by Rick and Bonnie Mc Quiston, many developers/builders and vendors as well as business owners including Red Bar and Marie's Bistro.
I said last night to @Teresa that C. Jones is desperate for a 3rd vote and will do what ever she needs to do to ensure her sons vending business is protected!
SoWal Guide
I'm with Cindy Meadows. She knows the job and is experienced and represents South Walton very well. She's heads and shoulders above the rest, imo, and always has been. I don't always agree with her but I do trust her.
Beach Lover
T. Anderson is also supported by Beach Chairs 4 U Inc. ($400.00 contribution) which is owned by Chip Coble whose wife just happens to be Amy Wise-Coble who is running against T. Anderson! Ironically, Amy Wise-Coble reports absolutely no other contributions except her qualifying fee.
Very interesting......
Beach Lover
I have long been dismayed by the direction of national and state politics due to the obscene amounts of money needed to run for office and the lack of choices among candidates. Those problems are now exhibited in local politics and we are not made better by these developments. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, new resident or “good old boy,” rich or poor, or any other demographic category, this is a threat to you and a threat to good government.
Today it was announced that a candidate for a Walton County Commission seat had raised $100,000 in reported money with 2 months to go. That is an insane amount of money to fund a local county commission race. In 2014 I ran for county commissioner in District 2 and finished 2nd among four candidates. One of those was the incumbent and the other was a former commissioner. I spent about 1/10 th of $100,000 and ran a good race with many signs, newspaper ads, TV ads and other literature. My opponents raised and spent much more but nowhere near $100,000. You do not need to raise or spend that much money to get your message out. But now that one has done it, everyone will be trying to compete and raise similar amounts or prospective candidates will just not run. The “pundits” will tell anyone and everyone that a candidate is not “viable” if they do not raise these huge sums as well.
We have already witnessed this phenomenon in our local government. 2 of the 3 “big 3” constitutional officers went unopposed this cycle and the other drew 3 candidates in a race without an incumbent. 2016 is the first time in 189 years that the Walton County Sheriff’s race was not contested. I have heard many good, qualified people say they would like to run but could not raise enough money to compete. The huge amounts of money combined with political tricks like last minute write-in candidates and the resulting disenfranchisement of around 1/3 of our county electorate causes a chilling effect on local government.
The long-term consequences of this reduction of choice brings complacency to elected officials who only must keep their donors happy to remain in office and grants an inordinate amount of influence and power to those with the ability to donate these huge amounts of money. It undermines the confidence of the ordinary citizen in their government and causes a sense of hopelessness that anyone can effect real change in the direction we are heading.
Folks, the only way to fix things is look at who is raising these huge amounts of money and “just say no.” Vote for candidates who are not owned by those who seek to gain advantage through the government and who will represent you instead of those with deep pockets.
Beach Lover
Danny, very well said!
Banned
Danny, very well said!
Who paid for your mailers Mr. Fletcher?
Beach Lover
Who paid for your mailers Mr. Fletcher?The mailer I received says it was paid for by; Our Generation, 1101 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007.
Banned
The mailer I received says it was paid for by; Our Generation, 1101 30th Street NW, Washington, DC 20007.
I know what the mailers said Mr. Fletcher. What bothers me is absolutely NO ONE knows anything about this group and I think that's shady!
Banned
P.S. Mr. Fletcher, I know who helped raise the money and is paying for T. Anderson's campaign which is why I won't for him. I know nothing about you except that you are not from Walton County, can't be considered a "good ole boy" (which are actually 2 reasons to vote for you) but I am completely dismayed that not only do I not know anything about you or you positions on any of the very large issues we are facing in this campaign, I don't know anything about the people that are actually supporting your campaign and neither do you!
Beach Fanatic
Someone wants to be sure they own the 3 votes needed to get whatever they want approved and passed. The real questions are why is Cecilia Jones showing up everywhere day and night to events with Tony? How could it make Jerry Jones so mad he told people he was voting for Cindy and he even tried to qualify to run in the race against Tony? Who got control of him to stop him? Who will write the Walton County scandal tell all book and make millions. Will it be Jerry Jones???????
Even though a book would be better, I just wish someone would just write an article chronicling all this Suzanne. It is an investigative Journalists dream.
Beach Fanatic
It would not sell, nobody would believe it. Too far out in left field.
SWGB
It would not sell, nobody would believe it. Too far out in left field.
Right field based on those running.
Beach Fanatic
True Matt, although I am not convinced some of them have really ever visited right field.
Banned
I think it would make for an interesting read...only because I have lived here long enough to see for myself the revolving door of players and politicians. The problem for me (I'll use Cecilia Jones as the perfect example) is folks who take out full page campaign ads crying about how they are being persecuted by disgruntled citizens who want to see them fail. The other problem is voter apathy and or folks who are so willing to forgive and forget past transgressions that cost voters hundreds of thousands/millions of tax dollars that we continue to re-cycle 30 years later.
Being forced to vote for the lessor of 3 evils (in Bill Imfield's case) means we either re-elect a man who has helped cost this county at least a million dollars (that we know about) or we vote for one of the other 3 options we know nothing about, who have supporters they know nothing about and it's a crap shoot what you're going to get. As much as I hate this (I do NOT like Bill Imfield) at least with him I know I'm going to get screwed by voting for him so I won't be disappointed when it happens AGAIN! I'm not willing to risk my vote on a crap shoot so, either I don't vote or I bend over.
Being forced to vote for the lessor of 3 evils (in Bill Imfield's case) means we either re-elect a man who has helped cost this county at least a million dollars (that we know about) or we vote for one of the other 3 options we know nothing about, who have supporters they know nothing about and it's a crap shoot what you're going to get. As much as I hate this (I do NOT like Bill Imfield) at least with him I know I'm going to get screwed by voting for him so I won't be disappointed when it happens AGAIN! I'm not willing to risk my vote on a crap shoot so, either I don't vote or I bend over.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
Misty, you still have time before the election to learn about candidates and what they stand for. If people keep asking questions and posting what they find out all of us might get the information we need.
Beach Fanatic
I have known Bill Fletcher since he first moved here. I have found him to be honest, reliable to his word and a credit to everything he does in Walton County. In a word, he has my vote and my support.
Checking your forum account
Please wait while we verify your forum account.