South Walton Community Council invited all candidates for Board of County Commissioner to participate in a survey consisting of 15 policy-related questions about important Walton county issues. Four candidates submitted responses to our survey. Of the nine candidates running for office, those that returned surveys are listed below. District 1 - Boots McCormick and Dan Curry District 3 - Brad Drake District 5 - Barbara Morano Candidates who did not return the survey are listed below: District 1 - Trey Nick District 3 - Chuck Wilder District 5 - Tony Anderson, Michael Miller, Edmond Zlotea For the past several years, the SWCC has sent out questionnaires to candidates to gain a better understanding of their positions on issues important to the county. In full disclosure, this year one of our board members, Barbara Morano is a candidate for county commissioner. She and Lisa Veiga (also a SWCC board member involved in the Morano campaign) were not involved in preparing, distributing or any communications related to the 2024 survey. They had no prior knowledge of questions. We appreciate each candidate that took time to fill out the 2024 survey. [TABLE] [TR] [TD][CENTER][TABLE] [TR] [TD][LEFT][CENTER]The Responses Below are for Boots McCormick and Dan Curry, District 1[/CENTER] [/LEFT][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE] [TR] [TD][CENTER][TABLE] [TR] [TD][LEFT] [TABLE] [TR] [TD][CENTER]Question[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Response - Boots McCormick[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Response - Dan Curry[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]How would you keep personal relationships from interfering with your duties as a county commissioner?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]There are rules and regulations in place and if followed, that will keep a commissioner from crossing any lines of interference.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]I would make sure that I was looking at the best interests of the community as a whole and also for those affected by county policies and practices. I think everyone wants our county to prosper and be self-sufficient while providing a safe and nice place to live.The job of a commissioner is to balance the needs and wants of all - supporting a high quality of life for citizens while supporting business and protecting resources, managing our growth and providing adequate infrastructure. Preferential treatment for friends or family has no place at any level of government.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]How much of your campaign finances come from developers and others that support developers?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]This question is very broad in reference to the word support. Therefore, please review my campaign reports that are on file with the Walton County Supervisor of Elections.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]ZERO - I have not accepted any contributions from the developer community nor will I in the future. I believe that the developer community is seeking to curry favor with County Commissioner candidates/incumbents so that the county will continue to provide variances, approve planned unit developments and allow unfettered, uncontrolled development that serves their personal interests. The only special group I wish to serve is the citizenry of Walton County.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]What is your history of working with Walton County government to serve the interests of citizens?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]I retired from WCSO after 30-years in law enforcement with certifications in corrections, law enforcement and death/injury investigation. I volunteered as a Lt. firefighter. Serving on the City of Freeport Planning Board and elected to the Freeport City Council gave me experience in municipal governance. As Commissioner, I continued my professional development through certifications from the Institute for Elected Municipal and County Government, advanced training in county governance, financial and growth management, ethics, etc. I serve on the Defense Support Initiatives Committee, Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization, Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition and Walton County Development Alliance.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]I have testified and brought attention to some of our neglected parks and public safety issues. I have also worked as a volunteer for the school district and for the homeless/needy in our community to include the following but not limited to School Supply drives, Canned food Drives, Out Reach Grill outs, Community clean up projects (Road ways ,parks and the local Vetrans Memorial), Coaching Freeport Middle School and providing assistance to a loacal citizen (Medically unable to do it for himself) who was getting fined daily for his property condition.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]What in your opinion was the worst decision by the BCC over the past year?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Due to the rapid growth of Walton County, the citizens were not kept informed to the best of the BCC’s abilities.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]While it is hard to pinpoint one, since there are so many, I think that the many rezoning votes to allow higher density development along with the direction and decisions made on customary use all tie in together for the worst decisions the county has made. This has led to crowded beaches, negative publicity (which has led to reduced rentals and property values), traffic congestion, safety issues and in general a lower quality of life for those in South Walton. Additionally, North and Central Walton has seen less attention over the yaers when it comes to infrastucture needs but yet rezonning continues at an alarming rate.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]What are the qualifications voters should be considering when deciding who to vote for?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Experience and qualifications in government affairs which would allow the commissioner to work at their job and not the learning process of how to do the job.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Integrity and independence are by far the most important qualities. This has been sorely lacking. We need a person with the strength of character to stand up to the developers and insiders who are controlling the Commission's decisions and practices.We have seen what the past has provided and we are expierencing exactly the same right now.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]How would you ensure transparency and accountability to citizens (as opposed to special interests)?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]My office has been and will continue to be open to all citizens of Walton County. I will strive to keep citizens more informed with issues and updates of the BCC[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]The website is horrendous. Public meeting outcomes/detailed minutes should be published with who votes how. A summary with easy to understand graphs, showing where the money goes - which departments, in which areas, for which projects. Everytime a rezoning or approval of higher density development or variance to allow more development is proposed, it should be highlighted on the agenda and neighbors in the area should be notified by email on how they can comment / provide feedback. An annual citizens survey should be sent via email seeking their opinion on changes in zoning, variance and more development and infrastructure changes.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]Do you think our county handles financial resources wisely, and has the ability to get things done quickly and efficiently? What would you propose?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Yes. There are numerous financial resources the county has and each has it’s own financial allocations with guideline and procedures. Government spending has procedures to follow and it does take time.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]No. I propose independent departmental financial audits. If elected I would scrutinize spending much more than is currently done. I also think the county should more fairly distribute tax dollars spent throughout the district based on priorities not just wants. . Additionally, I propose more open workshops and a better website that very simply outlines where the tax dollars are going in terms of departments/projects/infrastructure and services. I also propose that all commissioners be required to list on the county website any financial relationships land and business or personal ownerships they have with the development community, those doing business with the county, those regulated by the county and with or near county owned facilities, etc.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]Do you think the county is too reliant on the tourism economy and if so how would you propose to achieve a better balance between tourists and permanent residents?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Tourism has always been a huge economic contributor to Walton County’s economy. Walton County has grown tremendously the last decade. I currently represent the Walton County BCC on the Walton County Economic Development Alliance Board. The BCC has been working and will continue to make strides in bringing other industries to Walton County.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Yes we have relied on that low hanging fruit without diversifying our economic portfolio. We need more involvement in getting industry to the Central and North end of walton. Ive worked in the logistics / Supply chain industry and there is oppurtunity out there but we cant wait on the door to be knocked on or the phone to ring, we need to be knocking on those doors and making those phone calls. Figure out what incitives would be good for all,in order to entice industry to look our way.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]Development is obviously an important factor in our economy. Do you see any problems with over-development or inappropriate development? What improvements are needed?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Walton County has a land development code in tact for rules and regulations. I do feel it is need of updating and that is the reason I voted for the funding of “Walton County 2040”.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Yes we are being over developed at this point. Infrastructure to include, roads, public safety, schools, hospitals and so on is in dire need of attention. Its time to look into a Temporary Moratorium of zoning changes when it comes to higher density and major developments in order to catch up and or manage the current growth responsibly. We need a published priority's list that is discussed monthly during the BCC meetings so the progress can be monitored by all.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]What are your feelings about traffic and what steps would you advocate to fix the problems?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]As a member of the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization, I have been advocating for FDOT funding for Walton County’s state roadways. Walton County’s growth has caused rush hour traffic in various location in Walton County. Unfortunately, most of this is on State of Florida highways 98, 331 and 20. Walton County needs to continue to stress these conditions to the leaders in Tallahassee to have these highways made a priority.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Since we our a tourist driven economy we will always have traffic issues. What we need to look into is traffic light timing, turn lanes and some of what I stated in question 9. We also need updated traffic studies in order to determine and forecast current and future traffic needs.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]What are your feelings about water quality in the bays and lakes and what steps would you advocate to improve the situation?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]I currently represent the BCC on the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition and feel very strong about persevering the water quality in our bay, rivers and springs. I am an advocate for stricter rules for our waters quality protection and will continue to strive to obtain grants for sewer expansions in Walton County and to have septic tanks eliminated near our waters.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Our water is one of our most important natural resources - we need to protect it and ensure that we keep it clean and safe. We cannot allow the developer or business community to skirt or avoid regulations for their own personal financial gain. These policies need to be strengthened and enforced to protect our water quality which is important for our safety and health and for the regions economic vitality.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]Do you think that the county has provided adequate recreational facilities for our children and what would you propose?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]We need more. Choctaw Beach redistricted from District 4 to District 1 effective 1/2022, no plat fees transferred. I requested safety repairs done and clean up. I meet with residents of Choctaw Beach and staff for preliminary conceptual drawing for the park, with residents seeing final. I requested and authorized $80,000 of District 1 plat fees for engineering design and permits. Upon receipt, BCC will seek funding to proceed. Also had Phase 3-Grady Brown Park done and the completion of Cowford landing. I propose to improve on current recreational facilities, start and complete the parks with the land on hand.[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]We have over 48 parks in walton county, we cant take care of what we have with what we got at this point. A majority of these parks have dangerous / concerning conditions. We need more ball fields for the kids but we need to Prioritize and Fix the needs at most of these parks. Funding is an issue so we need to look into leasing out the county restarunt and liquor bar in order to place that funding where its needed most. We can also look into partnering with the private sector to include developers with future sports complexs.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]Do you think the county has done enough to preserve our natural resources (particularly wetlands) and what would you do differently?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]I propose we continue to improve on the recreational facilities we have and as funds become available, start and complete the parks on the land we have purchased[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]No they have not. We need to learn how to say "NO" just as easy as we say "YES" so easily when it comes to major development and rezonning. "Preserve" is defined as maintained in its original or existing state. Personally I think site visits by the commissioners is a good way to view the wetlands in question in order to see first hand what may or may not happen by a decision he or she may make on a development. I think this on top of listening to staff would make for a better decision making process.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]Has county government done enough to protect beach access and beach activities, and what would you do differently?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]First note, when I was sworn in as District 1 Commissioner in 2020, customary use was in full legal swing. We can not go back in time. But we can move forward in a positive note. I am in favor of purchasing beach front properties. The deed to the beach can be to Walton County and if the upland is not needed for parking or access, sale it and keep the proceeds for the next gulf front purchase. Continue this process. Are we using our funds wisely in the CU lawsuits?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]The past is the past at this point with the decisions they made. What I don’t want to do is give millions more to attorneys ending up with the same result. In talking and listening to the citizens there has been one option mentioned several times. Not knowing all the legalities with this but, possiblly buying beach front with a home and then deeding the beach front portion (Dune to the MHWL)) to the county and selling the home seperately with the remainning land. A big reason I moved here was the open beaches.[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [TD][CENTER]What are your top 3 priorities if you get elected?[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]1. I will continue to work with all the Commissioners to lead Walton County to more economic diversifications 2. Find funding for infrastructure ex:80/20 (or other) grants 3. Affordable housing[/CENTER][/TD] [TD][CENTER]Ill give you more than the 3 you have asked for. Over Development / Infrastructure, Departmental Audits, Open Beaches, then Parks n Rec, Bay pollution, help seek economic diversity with industry, Hiring our own in house full time atty and we need a "Risk Manager" .[/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE][/LEFT][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE][/CENTER][/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]
