South Walton TDC pursuing new visitor center site

[Jdarg]

Below is the response from Gerry Demers, Interim County Administrator, received by Goodwitch. Quite a few people had emailed the commissioners and BCC staff about the intent of this meeting. Personally, I received responses from Cecilia Jones and Sara Commander.

Although it is apparently not a requirement to include a lot of details in a special meeting notice, lots of time, energy, and teeth gnashing can always be avoided with good information from the very beginning, not just when there is an uproar. I know the TDc is advertising to fill a "community relations" position. Does that position exist for the BCC?

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the meeting!

The main intent of the notice of public meeting was to let the public know the date, time, and place of the joint meeting between the BCC and the TDA Advisory Council as it relates to the recent request of the TDC council on space requirements. The BCC wanted an opportunity where they could openly discuss between boards what the need actually is and what is the best way to get there. I would see this joint meeting as only a starting place that may spur public workshops and from what I have heard from both the public and the Board, welcome public input. Although it is the BCC that will determine what action they take, I do not see Monday’s meeting as a point that final action will be taken, but rather a meeting where decisions will be made as to how to proceed. Most likely, any actions that the TDC recommends as a result of workshops and public input will have to come back to the BCC for approval. Monday’s meeting is simply a time for both boards to meet and discuss how to proceed.

I would be happy to have you call me to discuss if this does not answer your concern.

Thanks,

Gerry A Demers

Interim County Administrator

Walton County, Florida

 

[ricky bobby]

I can't help but wonder if some the commissioners' financial backers stand to make money on this white elephant?

 

[Andy A]

I can't help but wonder if some the commissioners' financial backers stand to make money on this white elephant?

Oh, get real! Quit seeing a goblin behind every action of ANY governmental office in this county. If you don't like what you're getting, run for office and change it!

 

[mputnal]

If the "action" comes with transparency then it is a true democracy. If the action comes about by any other means then we have an abuse of power. If we do not like what we are getting the solution is to vote those people out. We are not all politicians but we can be active in government by asking questions, giving our opinion from experience or preference and voting. The only way to prevent goblins is to look for goblins!

 

[Jdarg]

Oh, get real! Quit seeing a goblin behind every action of ANY governmental office in this county. If you don't like what you're getting, run for office and change it!

Just because community members do not like/agree with what our elected (and unelected) representatives are doing does not mean we all need to run for office. But we do all need to watch and contribute.

 

[Andy A]

I certainly understand that all elected official's should be watched as well as those who are unelected but in a position of authority. What I see here, and elsewhere much of the time, is griping and complaining with no apparent fact but lots of rumor. More importantly, no solution to actual existing problems, and yes, we do have them right here in Walton County. To act like every government employee, elected or unelected has his hand out under the table is ludicrious! But then what do I know. I only served as a state employee for 16 years and never knew anyone who was convicted of corruption or fraud. Maybe Florida has a different brand of people living here, and though I am not naive enough to think such things do not happen, I put more faith in my public servants than obviously many of you do.

 

[sunspotbaby]

You can bet your ass they will do whatever they want to do.

 

[Dawn]

From WZEP AM1460:
Note - this is to go out tomorrow - the meeting is Monday, not today (sunday)

Can the problems that happened with Okaloosa TDC happen in Walton? How is the new TDC Board doing and should the Walton TDC be placed under the County Administrator? With these questions and more, the Walton Commissioners and the Walton TDC are to meet at 5pm this afternoon for a joint session.


Walton Commissioners and Walton County Tourist Development Council Director Dawn Moliterno say there is a difference in the way their counterparts in Okaloosa handle their TDC. But with recent changes and a lot of concerns, the commissioners asked for a joint meeting.


Joint meetings have happened before, though not often. About 10 years ago the TDC Board and the commissioners met. The TDC Board stated a number of plans and changes they were putting into place. The commissioners informed them they do not have the authority and they are to work under the commissioners, not as a separate body. From that point on the TDC Directors have made regular visits to the commissioner meetings and have provided updates as well as recommendations.


After questions about credit card usage and possible other finance checks that might be needed, the Walton County TDC has undergone a review including a financial audit and policy changes. With these in place, TDC Director Moliterno says what happened to their neighbor to the west can’t happen here. She also says they are working with Okaloosa to help them develop similar policies and checks.


The County Administrator, County Attorney and TDC are each a position that reports directly to the commissioners. This was put into place over 10 years ago. The Commissioners hire and fire the three top positions. The TDC Board also helps with the management of the organization, but they serve as a recommendation board as far as the budget, capital improvements and strategic plan.


The two boards are to meet this evening at 5pm at the South Walton Courthouse Annex.

 

[Dawn]

Oh, get real! Quit seeing a goblin behind every action of ANY governmental office in this county. If you don't like what you're getting, run for office and change it!

I agree Andy. For ricky bobby and others who have nothing at all to contribute and do nothing but make meaningless broad swipes - thanks for nothing!

 

[seagrovegirl]

Oh, get real! Quit seeing a goblin behind every action of ANY governmental office in this county. If you don't like what you're getting, run for office and change it!

I really miss the "like" button.......