South Walton Fire District Races

[Lois Lane1]

So Wal Fire Board integrity!

I wanted to dispose of some correct information after reading the Walton Sun (the week of October 18, 2008).

Candidate for seat 3 Jack Abbit changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican a couple of weeks before running for office. A sudden change of belief's? Also, Mr. Abbit is NOT seeking re-election for the board of fire commissioners. He was appointed to his current position almost three years ago. Thus, making this the first time he is running for the fire board.

Abbit states in his meet the candidates forum "I'm very concerned with being morally and ethically responsible to the community." Webster's definition is "dealing with, or capable of distinguishing between right and wrong". I'm not sure he capable of doing this for the community.

The other candidate Dr. Scott Thurston stated "I don't practice dishonest politics". Maybe it's time to give him a chance.

 

[grumpyfish]

I have never been so disappointed and embarassed to be a part of a community that allows the local mullet wrapper to bash thier firefighters. I've spoken with a few of them and the general knowlede is that Jack Abbit(Scott Thurston's oponent) is in bed with the Walton SUN. I would suggest everyone who stands in support of our heros, please let your dissatisfaction be known with Gwen Break of the Walton SUN or Nate Kelly, her errand boy/spin doctor. He can be reached at 850-496-0111. Or if you're ok with the SUN printing steaming pony loaf and crapping on those who come running in your time of need, then simply do nothing.

 

[grumpyfish]

After further inspecting of the TP(sun), my suspicions are all but confirmed by the halftruths and purposely darkened picture of Scott Thurston. If Jack Abbit doesn't have the SUN in his back pocket, then he owes them bigtime. It also appears as if South Walton Fire District is throwing thier support behind Jack Abbit. I thought it was illegal for public governement to participate in politics. Actually I know it is a violation of The Hatch Act. You want to talk about stacking the board?! Also, if you noticed that the opinion column bashed Jack Abbit's oponent, Scott Thurston. I wonder if Jack is a member of the same community club she is?:roll:

 

[seagrovegirl]

As a member of the SWFD I know of no backing of any candidate. Can you give me some facts on where you got that info?

 

[seagrovegirl]

After further inspecting of the TP(sun), my suspicions are all but confirmed by the halftruths and purposely darkened picture of Scott Thurston. If Jack Abbit doesn't have the SUN in his back pocket, then he owes them bigtime. It also appears as if South Walton Fire District is throwing thier support behind Jack Abbit. I thought it was illegal for public governement to participate in politics. Actually I know it is a violation of The Hatch Act. You want to talk about stacking the board?! Also, if you noticed that the opinion column bashed Jack Abbit's oponent, Scott Thurston. I wonder if Jack is a member of the same community club she is?:roll:

How can you diss The Sun for half truths and then throw one out yourself???

I agree The Sun is lacking not only since the economic downturn. Unfortunately your comment about the Sun lost all credibility when you threw out a zinger of your own.

You seem to be intelligent and also seem to know a lot about what is going on, but I think you overdid yourself with this one.

 

[Lois Lane1]

If Seagrove girl you are a member of SWFD please due the public a favor. Ask why is a canidate using a SWFD apparatus in his (Jack Abbit) political advertisement? A vehicle that was purchased with tax payer money. It could appear that the SWFD is backing a certain canidate. I would hope this is not the case.

 

[seagrovegirl]

If Seagrove girl you are a member of SWFD please due the public a favor. Ask why is a canidate using a SWFD apparatus in his (Jack Abbit) political advertisement? A vehicle that was purchased with tax payer money. It could appear that the SWFD is backing a certain canidate. I would hope this is not the case.

My thought on it was he is hoping to stress the point that he is the incumbant, but I can see where you are coming from. Anyone else have thoughts on this????

 

[grumpyfish]

That point can be stressed and implied by the word "RE-ELECT." Jack Abbit is the incumbant, so he should know better! And you will have to explain to me how I'm speeking out of school. The Hatch Act was developed to prevent public taxpayers dollars from being spent on political campaigns. IT'S THE LAW! You will have to point out the half-truth I've floated out there. And don't even try to let the SUN off the hook by blaming their bias on the economy. It costs just as much to print the truth than it does to print a lie. I'm sorry if I seem a bit crass, I usually agree with you, but it seems that at every turn, the rules seem to have been waived for Jack Abbit, and have gone unchecked by the Supervisor of Elections, Bobby Beasley. It's like Kazek & Thurston vs. Wright, Abbit, the Walton SUN, and The Supervisor of Elections. What does Walton County have to do to get a fair election? But who cares, right? It's just a Fire Commissioner Race.

 

[seagrovegirl]

Please answer the question. How did SWFD back Abbit? Ok... re-elect is the wrong wording, but it has nothing to do with SWFD, we are not involved in his campaign. I agree with you on the Sun, I wasn't defending them. Show me the Hatch Act where you think Abbit violated it and maybe I can do something about it, if that is the case.

I still don't see where SWFD appears to be backing Abbit.

 

[grumpyfish]

Please answer the question. How did SWFD back Abbit? Ok... re-elect is the wrong wording, but it has nothing to do with SWFD, we are not involved in his campaign. I agree with you on the Sun, I wasn't defending them. Show me the Hatch Act where you think Abbit violated it and maybe I can do something about it, if that is the case.

I still don't see where SWFD appears to be backing Abbit.

I never said SWFD did "back" Abbit. I said it appears as if they have. Count how many times South Walton Fire District is named in his political ad. Look at his political disclaimer. South Walton Fire District should definately not be listed on his disclaimer. I'm not accusing you, I'm saying if Abbit is a commissioner, and he has embarked upon a political campaign, then he should have educated himself. There may be nothing that can be done about this now, but this should be something you as SWFD should be aware of. It could affect the credibilty of the board. I see how much flack you take for the millage rate, you don't need anything else making your lives that much more difficult just because Jack Abbit wants to use his position in the way he has. From what I understand he didn't even campaign the first time, he was appointed(Good old boy club). See how that appears? If perception is reality, then SWFD needs to reel Abbit in. He made it your business by posting that ad. Bad judgement on his part.