I agree, but then you'd have to get people to research a candidate first. It's probably a miracle in some cases that people know who a candidate is or what they stand for beyond what party affiliation they have.
Democratic nominee and Walton voters
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I agree, but then you'd have to get people to research a candidate first. It's probably a miracle in some cases that people know who a candidate is or what they stand for beyond what party affiliation they have.
Tipping Point
I honestly believe that the Blue Signs issue was a tipping point for South Walton.
The line I've heard is that no one is South Walton votes in the primaries, where the election is decided by default because of our straight-ticket electorate, and lack of Democratic candidates.
I hope we all learned something from the blue signs -- that if we're disengaged, our opinions will be deemed irrelevant, and when we are engaged, our numbers and our voices are strong enough to bring real, tangible change.
So, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, I hope every resident of South Walton will take an active interest in the primary elections this year -- use this forum and the Defuniak Herald to learn about the candidates, and vote about the issues that matter to South Walton -- the public/private beach issue, the event parking ordinance, the revenue shortfall from property assessments falling by a billion dollars. We need to remember this is our home, not a resort we are visiting for a protracted amount of time.
I honestly believe that the Blue Signs issue was a tipping point for South Walton.
The line I've heard is that no one is South Walton votes in the primaries, where the election is decided by default because of our straight-ticket electorate, and lack of Democratic candidates.
I hope we all learned something from the blue signs -- that if we're disengaged, our opinions will be deemed irrelevant, and when we are engaged, our numbers and our voices are strong enough to bring real, tangible change.
So, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican, I hope every resident of South Walton will take an active interest in the primary elections this year -- use this forum and the Defuniak Herald to learn about the candidates, and vote about the issues that matter to South Walton -- the public/private beach issue, the event parking ordinance, the revenue shortfall from property assessments falling by a billion dollars. We need to remember this is our home, not a resort we are visiting for a protracted amount of time.
Democrat numbers will never gain on Republican numbers if candidates don't run for local office. It could be debated how strong most recent Democrat candidates have been. The Republican Party does not have the money and resources it had in the past at this time. With the right candidate, there might be a chance for victory. There are more races than just Sheriff and County Commissioner. Amazing how few people are filing for the really big paying county jobs up for election this time. Things do go in cycles.
I've heard some pretty dispiriting rumors about why people aren't running. They are rumors, second hand info, so I won't repeat them...but I'd so appreciate a post from someone who has some primary source information about why some people chose not to run for office.
Another thing I'd really appreciate is some real, public information from candidates. I've posted about issues a few times, and gotten pm's assuring me this candidate or that candidate thinks the same way I do...but no one ever says publicly where they stand.
The old line goes that all local politics are won and lost on name recognition, and you should never put out anything about specific issues, because the only important thing is for people to know your name and not have any negative association with it.
Well, I refuse to vote blindly.
Another thing I'd really appreciate is some real, public information from candidates. I've posted about issues a few times, and gotten pm's assuring me this candidate or that candidate thinks the same way I do...but no one ever says publicly where they stand.
The old line goes that all local politics are won and lost on name recognition, and you should never put out anything about specific issues, because the only important thing is for people to know your name and not have any negative association with it.
Well, I refuse to vote blindly.
jdarg, you are 100% right on this issue. I understand there is a method by which counties in Florida may vote non-partisan in local races. If someone knows what the procedue is for getting this accomplished, please let us Know. I am retired and have plenty of time to pursue seeing this happen in Walton county. As the situation is now, it is rediculous. I don't care if the sheriff, for instance, is a Democrat or a Republican. I do care that he enforces our laws, ordinances and answers, in person, to the public. Local offices are no place for partisan politics.
Thank you, Andy. Looking into making this change and bringing Walton County into the "modern world" is on my list of local 'to dos" that is constantly rolling through my head. How to start is what trips me up- my plate is too full and I can't make it bigger!
I was told a while back that the county charter would have to be amended. I believe it was wrobert that told me that? I think we were discussing the sheriff's race. The race being partisan has the consequence of keeping people within the department from running for the position, which is just crazy.
Charter the county. Florida statute is very specific on how to get this done. A certain number of verified petitions have to be obtained. A committee is set up to study and write the charter, then it goes up for election. The BCC has to fund the committee and support services by statute.
Why do people not want to run? It is hard. Let me tell you after this thing is over with I have offered to go on tour speaking as to why people do not want to run. It is expensive. You have to be in three places at the same time. Most people already are trying to feed their families. You got to enjoy being abused. You would not believe the stuff I have been told. Lied too, lied about. The only thing I can say is I truly feel I can make a difference and I truly have a desire to help and educate people. But it is going to take some serious thought if I were to ever do this again. Been married 24 years and this is probably the single biggest issue I have ever had in that relationship.
But the good side is I have met some of the most funn and interesting people by forcing myself to get out there and interact. I have learned a lot. Actually moderated my views on some things, but feel now more than ever I am right on others.
If sowal is going to make a difference, and you guys can, cause we have all seen it, I even see it when I go east or west on hwy 90 at the county line cause we now have some really tall blue signs letting us know we are in Walton County, Home of the Beaches of South Walton, now. You, as a group, need to demand participation from the people who are running on this forum. You need to force candidates to answer questions so you will know where they stand, and you can then compare those answers to others they will give in public forums. I have heard candidates state that they are avoided this medium so that they will not be on the record for their views. Things like this are why you are getting the type of politicians you get. Agree with me or not, you have to at least give me points for showing up and trying to stand for something, as have a few other candidates. Now you need to get the rest of them, and if they refuse, you should refuse to vote for them, in mass.
And they should also be required to have a minimum of 1600 posts to qualify for your support.
I have heard candidates state that they are avoided this medium so that they will not be on the record for their views. Things like this are why you are getting the type of politicians you get. Agree with me or not, you have to at least give me points for showing up and trying to stand for something, as have a few other candidates. Now you need to get the rest of them, and if they refuse, you should refuse to vote for them, in mass.
And they should also be required to have a minimum of 1600 posts to qualify for your support.
This is one of the most disappointing things I have read in a while, but based on my experiences, I unfortunately believe you 100%.
Now do the 1600 have to actually be good posts, or just posts. ;-)