And the NO VOTE has it!!

The election is over and regardless of what the voter's said, they obviously do not understand how a good school district functions. That is a sad situation but then it is one of the risks we run by being a republic. Anyone qualified to do so can vote. All votes count. Even the misinformed and uninformed ones and those supplied by some who have no inkling of what an issue is about.

NWFL Daily News

“I think a lot of people were suspicious this was a small group of people in South Walton pushing an agenda,” said Art Miller, one of the vocal opponents to the referendum. “I just don’t think they bought the whole argument kids before politics.”

The Art Millers of this campaign now need to step up and put as much time and effort in holding our school system, particularly the district office, accountable for all actions. They think things are all peachy? I challenge them to really participate in education issues and not just just mount a campaign based on inaccurate assumptions about people who actually tried to raise the bar for everyone, misinformation, and misplaced patriotism (which I'm sorry we didn't grab that one first- nothing like covering up the real issue with a flag).

So it's back to the way things have always been done in Walton County, but I predict not for long. The Art Millers of the world are like dinosaurs, and they know it, or else they wouldn't have worked so hard to defeat an educational referendum.

The election is over and regardless of what the voter's said, they obviously do not understand how a good school district functions. That is a sad situation but then it is one of the risks we run by being a republic. Anyone qualified to do so can vote. All votes count. Even the misinformed and uninformed ones and those supplied by some who have no inkling of what an issue is about.

The people have spoken and in my opinion it is attitudes like yours that rub folks the wrong way. You basically think everyone who voted against your position is wrong and that your way is the only correct way. Unfortunately the referendum didn't pass, and I hope folks were able to understand the issue within our schools whether they voted for or against the referendum. I hope because of this, folks will work to find solutions and continue to participate to make our schools better.

To Jdarg, I think you did an awesome job and I know there were folks who worked with you. I truly believe that because of your actions you have started the idea that things can be better. Thanks

Thanks Bob. Now that the election is over, it will be interesting to see who continues to advocate for teachers, students, attend meetings, volunteer at schools, etc. My prediction it will continue to be those who supported the YES referendum. I will be back at our daughter's school, ECMS, volunteering and working with the Parent Advisory Council Team, as will our many supporters at schools all over Walton County. It's what we do when we don't have to participate in silly Walton County political games.

What is unfortunate is that every candidate or issue endorsed by the educators of this county were defeated. What educators must do is continue to organize and build up the financial strength to really help our candidates like the firefighters did for Jones. Of course we want to keep our process open and aboveboard and keep the interests of the teachers and students at the forefront. As with the salary negotiations, setbacks and adversity only help you get stronger. We must find a way to coordinate our efforts throughout the county. Leddon and Glidewell won north of the bay while Roberts won south of the Bay. Had we been able to promote these candidates throughout the county maybe the results would be different. Finally, prayers for Mr. Barnhill going forward.

The next candidate will be Carlene Anderson. She told a tv station yesterday she would reconsider her decision to retire if the NO vote won. Guess she figured she would be unqualified to get appointed.

And Misty, Jdarg was stating a FACT about where the county gets its money. If the north does want our involvement, they should refuse our money.

Imagine the battle when SoWal incorporates and votes to keep all the bed tax dollars.

Imagine the battle when SoWal incorporates and votes to keep all the bed tax dollars.

I wish I had kept an accurate count of how many people mentioned incorporating South Walton in the last week alone. There are a lot of rumblings, and people looking into the process. The election results will certainly light a fire under quite a few.

The election is over and regardless of what the voter's said, they obviously do not understand how a good school district functions. That is a sad situation but then it is one of the risks we run by being a republic. Anyone qualified to do so can vote. All votes count. Even the misinformed and uninformed ones and those supplied by some who have no inkling of what an issue is about.

With a charm offensive like that, how could you possibly have lost?

The no bunch is celebrating because elected superintendents are cheaper than appointed ones. Entry level teachers are cheaper than experienced, better educated teachers too. This, I supposed is what the no people want for our children. Maybe they'd also like entry level firefighters too if their houses were to catch on fire. Sometimes you get what you pay for.

soooo happy I made in back in the country just in time for the gnashing of teeth and the pointing of fingers and the hand wringing

What is unfortunate is that every candidate or issue endorsed by the educators of this county were defeated. What educators must do is continue to organize

Union Tool, the union was once again proved impotent and useless yet you think the answer is more union? That's laughable, just take your dues money and use it just like toilet paper and it will be equally effective, don't paint educators as homogenous drones when what you mean is union sheep.

All votes count.

Finally you figured it out. The people spoke and they rejected the idea of allowing the union to choose and to make sure their votes still count.

Sometimes you get what you pay for.

yep, and the people saw what they were going to be paying for and rejected it despite the arrogance of you and others about it

yep, and the people saw what they were going to be paying for and rejected it despite the arrogance of you and others about it

Not arrogance, just hopeful that the improbable would happen. I predicted the outcome of the election and referendum. All I can do is vote. The candidates with the big money won and I accept it.

Imagine the battle when SoWal incorporates and votes to keep all the bed tax dollars.

South Walton has tried (or at the very least, talked the talk) to incorporate before. It's not going to happen.

The election is over and regardless of what the voter's said, they obviously do not understand how a good school district functions. That is a sad situation but then it is one of the risks we run by being a republic. Anyone qualified to do so can vote. All votes count. Even the misinformed and uninformed ones and those supplied by some who have no inkling of what an issue is about.

And you wonder why people were happy when you took your toys and went home on Brawlers. You assuredly did not help the "YES" cause.

okay

Imagine the battle when SoWal incorporates and votes to keep all the bed tax dollars.

And the North stops sending drinking water south of the bay. No matter how much you pat yourselves on the backs for being so special, no water, means no property values.

And you wonder why people were happy when you took your toys and went home on Brawlers. You assuredly did not help the "YES" cause.

He totally helped the YES cause. And actually, you helped the YES cause too, more than you know. Keep up the good work.

The next candidate will be Carlene Anderson. She told a tv station yesterday she would reconsider her decision to retire if the NO vote won. Guess she figured she would be unqualified to get appointed.

And Misty, Jdarg was stating a FACT about where the county gets its money. If the north does want our involvement, they should refuse our money.

I highly doubt Charlene Anderson is re-electable. I could be wrong...after all, we did get Cecelia Jones back.

Let's also be clear... the Government takes the taxes because South Walton is part of Walton County and is not incorporated. There was allot of discussion about incorporation on these board some time back. I don't recall exactly what the issues were that prevented incorporation...I think having your own law enforcement agency as well as other legal issues prevent it from being an option.

As for the South's involvement...I think everyone has the fundamental right to be involved in the process of changing laws, voting etc. etc. Just because a referendum gets slapped down that some agreed with and others didn't doesn't mean that you get to stop paying taxes. The South's involvement was welcomed by the BCC hence the referendum, the people however showed up and showed out and said they did not want that type of involvement in their Community.

He totally helped the YES cause. And actually, you helped the YES cause too, more than you know. Keep up the good work.

I'll take the No vote as a reference guide to "help".

yep, and the people saw what they were going to be paying for and rejected it despite the arrogance of you and others about it

I don't think Mr. Nettles was nearly as arrogant as several others here who supported the referendum. JMO. In fact he was probably the least arrogant....stating only his views and his reason for supporting a YES vote.

I highly doubt Charlene Anderson is re-electable. I could be wrong...after all, we did get Cecelia Jones back.

Let's also be clear... the Government takes the taxes because South Walton is part of Walton County and is not incorporated. There was allot of discussion about incorporation on these board some time back. I don't recall exactly what the issues were that prevented incorporation...I think having your own law enforcement agency as well as other legal issues prevent it from being an option.

As for the South's involvement...I think everyone has the fundamental right to be involved in the process of changing laws, voting etc. etc. Just because a referendum gets slapped down that some agreed with and others didn't doesn't mean that you get to stop paying taxes. The South's involvement was welcomed by the BCC hence the referendum, the people however showed up and showed out and said they did not want that type of involvement in their Community.

Nobody said anything about not paying taxes anymore.

Nobody said anything about not paying taxes anymore.

So, the BCC should just stop "taking" taxes from the South end because the referendum failed?

So, the BCC should just stop "taking" taxes from the South end because the referendum failed?

Huh? Having a discussion with you always seems to turn into an unproductive exercise in pointless.

Huh? Having a discussion with you always seems to turn into an unproductive exercise in pointless.

Then perhaps you can explain why the County shouldn't be taking money from the South end anymore??? I'm really trying to understand this concept.

Would someone please lead me to the post that says those in the South part of the county should stop paying taxes? There may be talk of the South incorporating but that is a long way from saying we should quit paying taxes because the referendum was defeated.