And the NO VOTE has it!!

Have you ever been thrown in jail in this county because of your "constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech without fear of governmental retribution"? I have! !

don't confuse your right to 'free speech' with a non-existent right to force people to listen
Misty, what was the exact charge? not just another irrelevant another opinion

Local ... If you are referring to me as being part of some group you are very wrong. I only know a few people here , mostly retired neighbors who have recently moved here . We do not discuss politics.

I think more stories about the failures of the current system in Walton County would have been nice. I think it would have been good to have a website describing what makes a good school board and a competent superindendent. Just something with basic info for the uninitiated complete with a FAQ. Also, any time you talk about the topic online, assume that at least one person reading it doesn't have a clue, so don't be afraid to repeat something that may seem simple and basic. That's how you educate people. I used to read the WSJ, and every article on finance, no matter how advanced, always takes the time to explain the basics.

Thanks for an honest and good response. We did attempt to point out the district's shortcomings as far as actual outcomes go (to contrast No's constant attempt to elevate the district based on the bogus 'A district' award). But realize, we went to great lengths to not make the referendum about Carlene or the teachers per se, but about the process. Again, we could have gotten into the mud and attacked Carlene's well publicized shortcomings but didn't want to go there, nor did we want to look like we were bashing all the hard working teachers and school staff.

Point well taken about the basics. You are correct. I personally flipped no to yes with several people by simply educating them regarding the fact that Florida is the only state where more districts elect than appoint, and outcomes data shows higher achievement in appointed districts.

Have you ever been thrown in jail in this county because of your "constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech without fear of governmental retribution"? I have! Have your children ever been pulled over in this county by law enforcement and been told they were speeding when you know in fact they weren't? Mine were!

When you have fought the system legally and personally witnessed vulgar displays of retribution you do tend to be a little gun-shy. I know what county government is capable of and I know what county government gets away with doing to an electorate that has been dumbed down for decades!

Well, Misty, that if very frightening. But the only thing that can stop a bully is for someone to stand up and say no. And I can assure there were times we felt like everything we said was twisted or taken out of context. My guess is that was probably why people may have been afraid to communicate with without knowing who you were. Please understand there were times we were frightened by some of the tactics. But I promise you, there was no intent to be disrespectful. We certainly weren't perfect messengers sometimes. But we were just trying to float an idea that we thought would make county government work a little more efficiently for all the county's kids. End of story.

don't confuse your right to 'free speech' with a non-existent right to force people to listen
Misty, what was the exact charge? not just another irrelevant another opinion

Which time? The first time for "creating" an affray which I wasn't even present for. (First officer on scene testified to the fact I wasn't present when it occurred.) Uttering a non-existent threat the 2nd time. (The email in question was never sent to the recipient by me although it was altered to make it appear it had been.) Is that even a chargeable offense?

Jim Tucker:

Considering that I am the only local candidate that posted information here, and how I did in South Walton, I don't think this is where the majority come to look for information. Sure did not seem to help me any. But I would love to know where they do get their information.

I voted for you based on your performance at the Republican Club event. I liked your no nonsense demeanor and the fact that you made it a point to emphasize your 'no preferential treatment and open access to all' stance. I hope you will consider another run, I bet you would do a great job.

P.S. I was never formally charged with anything. The bogus charges were dismissed

I think more stories about the failures of the current system in Walton County would have been nice. I think it would have been good to have a website describing what makes a good school board and a competent superindendent. Just something with basic info for the uninitiated complete with a FAQ. Also, any time you talk about the topic online, assume that at least one person reading it doesn't have a clue, so don't be afraid to repeat something that may seem simple and basic. That's how you educate people. I used to read the WSJ, and every article on finance, no matter how advanced, always takes the time to explain the basics.

Excellent points, well taken. We really could have used your insight.

Thanks for an honest and good response. We did attempt to point out the district's shortcomings as far as actual outcomes go (to contrast No's constant attempt to elevate the district based on the bogus 'A district' award). But realize, we went to great lengths to not make the referendum about Carlene or the teachers per se, but about the process. Again, we could have gotten into the mud and attacked Carlene's well publicized shortcomings but didn't want to go there, nor did we want to look like we were bashing all the hard working teachers and school staff.

Point well taken about the basics. You are correct. I personally flipped no to yes with several people by simply educating them regarding the fact that Florida is the only state where more districts elect than appoint, and outcomes data shows higher achievement in appointed districts.

I think sooner or later you'll have to get specific and start naming names. Also, isn't Florida one of the few states in the country where there are no qualification standards for superintendent? Isn't that just as big a problem?

Well, Misty, that if very frightening. But the only thing that can stop a bully is for someone to stand up and say no. And I can assure there were times we felt like everything we said was twisted or taken out of context. My guess is that was probably why people may have been afraid to communicate with without knowing who you were. Please understand there were times we were frightened by some of the tactics. But I promise you, there was no intent to be disrespectful. We certainly weren't perfect messengers sometimes. But we were just trying to float an idea that we thought would make county government work a little more efficiently for all the county's kids. End of story.

I despise the "good ole boys" in this County more so than most and speak out about them probably more than I should. I assuredly didn't vote no because I was afraid of them, I voted NO mostly because I couldn't glean useful information out of those supporting it and to this day don't understand how a hired Super will save the county money.

I had no ulterior motives.

Don't worry we all know who serious media is. This is their most popular youtube vid...

Never claimed to be "serious" which is clear when taking the p*!s out of Sarah Palin back in 08. You could also post some of our WCSO "serious" videos advising how to watch for fraud.

And "Fancy Hands" never contacted me nor did any employee of 30a Television. I was listed as a non respondent .

Hi Bob. We definitely had you on the list and apologize you never got the email.

Which time? The first time for "creating" an affray which I wasn't even present for. (First officer on scene testified to the fact I wasn't present when it occurred.)

Uttering a non-existent threat the 2nd time. (The email in question was never sent to the recipient by me although it was altered to make it appear it had been.) Is that even a chargeable offense?

no, neither of them are on their own, so you either have one of the best civil rights cases I've heard of or you're a delusional bull**** artist with victimhood tendencies. I'm pretty sure which I believe.

You kinda seem perfect for this place. Good Luck

Cuff wrote:

You haven't lived her long enough to know that most of the smut posted on this board about the candidates (for the most part) is pretty much factual information. You also have to realize who the players that support the smut are. Jay Odom = Cecelia Jones (BCC, elected again). Odom did 6 months in prison for campaign contribution violations. Ms. Jones and her husband are notorious for their campaign ethics or SUBSTANTIAL lack thereof, not to mention the Camacho scandal, veiled threats to voters and other nefarious acts. Her and her husband both have been players on the political scene around here since Moses was a kid and not much has changed about their tactics.

Catalano (WCSB elected) also = Cecelia Jones.

Eddins (WCSB elected) = the State Attorney's son who has had his own run-ins with the law, a history of bad check charges, traffic violations, and court records indicate he was somehow involved in paying someone to have someone beaten to a bloody pulp. He is also best known for his associates including Jay Odom and Ray Sansom. You can google Ray Sansom, his political reputation is legendary and anything but stellar.

I guess all you really need to know about most of the candidates is that Walton County doesn't kick the garbage to the curb and leave it there for pick and disposal, we re-cycle it!!

Yes, s#!+ is recycled around here.

More than once...

You are also accurate on your assessment of info provideed.

It is factual!

I despise the "good ole boys" in this County more so than most and speak out about them probably more than I should. I assuredly didn't vote no because I was afraid of them, I voted NO mostly because I couldn't glean useful information out of those supporting it and to this day don't understand how a hired Super will save the county money.

I had no ulterior motives.

It wouldn't necessarily have saved the county money. It would probably have been a break even proposition. If we let the market dictate the price for the most qualified person, then we may have ended up paying $15,000 to $20,000 more for a great professional. On the other hand, the county has to hire a separate attorney for the superintendent every time there is legal action because the superintendent can't use the school board attorney since she is not a school board employee. Since there are at least 22 ESE lawsuits pending now, I think we'd have saved more in attorney's fees than the cost of an experienced, successful superintendents salary. Plus, 9 months out of every 48 the superintendent has to run for reelection. That's a full time job. The large administrative staff that picks up the slack is way more costly than is typical in a non-elected school system.

By the way, public records request have been ignored regarding the cost to the district for the superintendent's separate attorneys' fees.

no, neither of them are on their own, so you either have one of the best civil rights cases I've heard of or you're a delusional bull**** artist with victimhood tendencies. I'm pretty sure which I believe.

You kinda seem perfect for this place. Good Luck

Frankly, don't much care what you believe and there was a civil suit filed in one of the incidents mentioned.

By the way, public records request have been ignored regarding the cost to the district for the superintendent's separate attorneys' fees.

Why am I not surprised?

The status quo which benefits a very select few is preserved.

When we continue to re-cycle the "has beens", thugs and politicians with questionable ethics and criminal associates and/or business partners we get just exactly what we deserve.

One thing that has not been mentioned here that had a large impact in the North was the recent experience of the BCC ( 5 administrators in 4 years) especially the fact that after all the committees and dog and pony shows they still picked the individual that had been rumored for years. Another factor was the experience of our neighbor to the North, Covington County. They are currently paying 3 superintendents, the current one and the last 2 they fired. So the timing for the referendum was not the best, people did not want either of these examples occurring in the school system. Another factor that I heard often was the disparity in salaries between elected and appointed. As far as the Liberty forum, there was an open invitation in the Herald for all candidates and representatives of issues to attend, speak and answer questions. Their main focus was their own referendum and frankly everything else was just to draw a crowd. But they would have given equal access to anyone because it was a public forum in a public place. Alan Osborne did speak for the YES side at Red Bay so there was representation.

Local ... If you are referring to me as being part of some group you are very wrong. I only know a few people here , mostly retired neighbors who have recently moved here . We do not discuss politics.

My apologies, that comment wasn't directed at you.

One thing that has not been mentioned here that had a large impact in the North was the recent experience of the BCC ( 5 administrators in 4 years) especially the fact that after all the committees and dog and pony shows they still picked the individual that had been rumored for years. Another factor was the experience of our neighbor to the North, Covington County. They are currently paying 3 superintendents, the current one and the last 2 they fired. So the timing for the referendum was not the best, people did not want either of these examples occurring in the school system. Another factor that I heard often was the disparity in salaries between elected and appointed. As far as the Liberty forum, there was an open invitation in the Herald for all candidates and representatives of issues to attend, speak and answer questions. Their main focus was their own referendum and frankly everything else was just to draw a crowd. But they would have given equal access to anyone because it was a public forum in a public place. Alan Osborne did speak for the YES side at Red Bay so there was representation.

Luckily we live in Florida where this issue has been addressed through legislation. To use a scare tactic from another state, even if it's a short drive, is pretty low.

I know it has been addressed in Florida and I believe that was stated at the public forums. The underlying problem was the unstable leadership and uncertainty in several Alabama counties that are near us. Many people in North Walton have friends and family in South Alabama and they talked to each other about how the system worked there.

I stand corrected. I thought you were normally a class act. Clearly I was incorrect.

Good riddance.

I know it has been addressed in Florida and I believe that was stated at the public forums. The underlying problem was the unstable leadership and uncertainty in several Alabama counties that are near us. Many people in North Walton have friends and family in South Alabama and they talked to each other about how the system worked there.

Again, I'm not sure why we are comparing ourselves to counties in Alabama?

Let me know when those counties decide to start electing their superintendents.

No one is comparing anyone, I was simply sharing some of the reasons I had heard people use to state their position. It is what it is.