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WCTA

Beach Lover
May 27, 2009
124
120
Walton County
www.waltontaxpayers.org
I read carefully Bruce Colliers, Editor of the DeFuniak Herald, Editorial in the April 15 edition.

I wonder after reading the article whether he is the author or whether the Walton County PIO is the true author. The article clearly states that it is based on discussion with Mr. Little and his reads from this forum and others.

His characterization of the receipt printed in the NW Florida Daily news for almost $300.00 for a business dinner for four as an acceptable use of taxpayer dollars shows a total spin of the information.

In fact the meal in question was for Mr. Mares, his wife, Brad Pickel and his wife. The point missed by whomever is the true author has spun is that Mr. Pickel is a contract employee of the TDC, (that contract is for almost $120,000 per year) and his wife has no affiliation with the travel industry. Why are we paying for a friendly dinner between old friends? Mr. Pickel handles beach re-nourishment issues for the TDC.

The dinner in question will not bring one additional visitor to Walton County.

We believe that the issue has legs as Mr. Imfeld was charged with more than reviewing invoice before payment. He was charged with reviewing the charges back to April 2007 for all credit cards held by employee's.

His work so far has produced enough questions for the County to engage the accounting firm of Carr, Riggs & Ingram to conduct a forensic audit of the TDC back to April 2007.

Whether the true author recognizes it or not this issue has the taste, feel and smell of the Credit Card issues within the Republican Party of Florida.

The author is entitled to his opinion of the real character of the study, but maybe he should listen less to "PIO spin" rather than getting out and truly exploring the depth of the seriousness of the issue.

Bruce I will be calling tomorrow. Have plenty of information that we have collected. Hopefully you will check it out.

The WCTA has been chronicling and sharing with those empowered to oversee the TDC for almost 3 years.

Bob Hudson
 

Abby Prentiss

Beach Fanatic
May 17, 2007
577
123
Maybe there is more to the story, feel free to fill us in. Isn't characterizing the dinner in question as a "dinner between old friends" also spin? I'm not judging whether it was appropriate or not but if Brad Pickel is doing business with the county, wouldn't it be a business dinner?

I thought Bruce had some good points. Maybe someone will post the full editorial here so we can see your point in context. I appreciate neighbors looking out for each other, but can't it be done with more of a helpful attitude, and less of a " we gotcha now" attitude?
 

North Lake

Beach Lover
Apr 15, 2007
147
108
Bob,

Thanks for elevating me to the status of ghost writer for The DeFuniak Herald; but I can assure you that I did not write the editorial published in yesterday’s Herald. I think the by-line says so. For the benefit of those who may not have yet received their copy of the Herald, here’s the editorial:

The Other Gulf – Editorial in The DeFuniak Herald/Beach Breeze, April 14, 2010
By BRUCE COLLIER
In the wake of Sonny Mares' departure from the Tourist Development, Council, questions are being asked about some expenses Mares incurred, among them several meals at high-end area restaurants. This newspaper received a brief statement from Walton County Citizen Services Director Ken Little responding to the stories (and a lot of unofficial commentary on and off-line) that have "raised questions over expenses in the operation of the Walton Tourist Development Council."
Apparently some loose ends are being tightened, or so it would seem. Little's release states that heretofore, TDC bills submitted were reviewed by a TDC advisory board (appointed by the Walton County Board of County Commissioners) before payment. Though this is reportedly in line with the statutes governing TDC, the county has seen fit to "expand" oversight, bringing in county Finance Director Bill Imfeld. Imfeld is apparently going to look over the bills before they are submitted to the Clerk's office for payment. Whether Imfeld will be given authority to recommend against payment of said bills, or even to comment on them, is a good question. It's actually the only question, otherwise his oversight is just another rubber stamp on the road to reimbursement.
So, now we will have another set of eyes checking out the TDC bar tabs. If lmfeld's review is to have any meaningful impact, he needs to be told exactly what he is looking for, administratively speaking. An article published in an area newspaper gave details of some of the restaurant hills, along with assorted opinions expressed as to their size. One of them listed was a near-$300 restaurant bill submitted by Mares for a business dinner for four. That's about $75 a person, at a south Walton establishment where such a bill for a business meal, assuming it includes liquor, tax and tips, would actually be on the low end.
Shocking? Sure, if you're scraping along and takeout pizza is a splurge for your family. If you were among the people lined up last week at Breaking Thru Ministries (to name just one area food source) to get staple groceries for your household. If it's a coin toss every month, eat or rent, lights or power, then that's shocking.
If you're doing tourism-related business in south Walton (which covers a lot of bases) that's not much at all. Anyone who says it isn't doesn't do business in south Walton, at least not the kind of business that made south Walton what it has become. Mares was reported as saying that no one had questioned him about his spending patterns prior to his leaving, and you know, l believe him.
South Walton County is a high-end resort area, minus the casinos. Hotel and condo rental prices are sky-high, I ate cheaper at comparable restaurants in Manhattan the last time I was there. Clothing (outlet malls excepted), jewelry, art, entertainment are all priced for the wealthy. We want them here, so much so that most public issues - from off-shore drilling to road improvement to noise ordinances - are debated from a "what will this do to the tourist business?" angle. The people who make their living advising the rest of us discovered long ago that seduction is part of tourist business development. And seduction costs money, and, to paraphrase Ronald Reagan, usually begins at the dinner table. Of course, we do not need people living in other states to serve as highly-paid consultants for us. No, we can toss a rock at random anywhere along CR-30A and hit 20 people equally qualified.
The Gulf of Mexico isn't the only gulf that laps Walton County. There's a class gulf, straight out of Charles Dickens, between the multi-home traveling rich and the nearly-homeless poor. Mares' departure and the points raised - some of them valid - just highlights it. If we want the well-heeled tourists to keep coming to the theme park we've created for them south of the bay, then it's gonna cost us. This place wasn't marketed as a cheap getaway spot. If increased financial oversight makes people feel more involved, fine, though I doubt much will come of it. But if economic times weren't so tight, a $300 business development meal, on the county's dollar or not, wouldn't raise an eyebrow. – 30 –

Bob, I’m just not sensing any PIO spin, cover up, or downplay of the facts in this editorial. I did send out a press release advising of the county’s intent to have Bill Imfeld review the expenditures of the TDC. Here’s what it said:

MEDIA RELEASE
Contact:
Ken Little, Citizen Services Director
(850) 892-8530
Bill Imfeld, Finance Director
(850) 892-8470
Tracy Louthain, Acting TDC Director
(850) 267-1216
For Immediate Release
April 13, 2010

Tourist Development Council spending
Recent news articles regarding the retirement of former Executive Director Sonny Mares have raised questions over expenses in the operation of the Walton Tourist Development Council

In the absence of a permanent Executive Director, other financial controls are being implemented with the TDC. Oversight of TDC spending has been expanded to include review by the county’s Finance Director Bill Imfeld before being submitted to the Clerk’s office for payment.

Until now, TDC bills were reviewed before payment by the Tourist Development Council Advisory Board which is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. This was in complete accord with Florida Statutes governing the operation of the Tourist Development Council and expenditures from the tourist development trust fund. The Council will continue to review the expenditures as required by law.

The trust fund is dollars generated from the voter-approved tourist occupancy tax or bed tax on short term lodging of less than six months. Under Florida law that authorizes the levying of such tax, specific guidelines are in place governing allowable uses of the funds – chiefly marketing and promoting the destination collecting the tax, beach maintenance and cleaning, and beach nourishment.
###

I did talk with Mr. Collier. In fact, I called him on another matter; but the Daily News article regarding the TDC was on the front page that day, so naturally we discussed it. Mr. Collier is in the news gathering business; I’m in the public information business. I did tell him a release was forthcoming. Mr. Collier didn’t tell me he was writing an editorial on the TDC issue; but I’ve done enough PIO work to know that nothing I say to a media person is off the record; and I prefer to send information out equally to all the media outlets.

As the Public Information Officer for the county (among other responsibilities), it is my job to provide factual information through the media to the citizens of Walton County regarding the operation of their county government. I am going to do my best to put the county’s “best foot forward.” If you were to employ me in this capacity in a private business, you would expect no less.

I’ve known Mr. Collier long enough to know that he is a person of integrity, that he has a multitude of talents, and that he is a lawyer by training. He’s grown-up enough to speak his mind, particularly when he is employed as the editor of a newspaper, and puts his name on the product with an audience of 6000 plus readers. He has lived and worked in South Walton, and is perfectly capable of stating an informed perspective on events here.

Thanks and sorry for the length of this, but I felt compelled to include both the full editorial in question and my media release!

Ken

 

WCTA

Beach Lover
May 27, 2009
124
120
Walton County
www.waltontaxpayers.org
Maybe there is more to the story, feel free to fill us in. Isn't characterizing the dinner in question as a "dinner between old friends" also spin? I'm not judging whether it was appropriate or not but if Brad Pickel is doing business with the county, wouldn't it be a business dinner?

I thought Bruce had some good points. Maybe someone will post the full editorial here so we can see your point in context. I appreciate neighbors looking out for each other, but can't it be done with more of a helpful attitude, and less of a " we gotcha now" attitude?


Dear Abby

Just could not help that, please understand.

The dinner may have been business in your eyes. Were you aware that me Pickel previously worked for the TDC, left and was hired as a consultant? They are friends as well as business associates.

Our issue is not with a dinner for two, but the 2 other parties that enjoyed a fine meal on the taxpayers tab. We see no benefit there for promoting tourism.

The WCTA is not in the gotcha business as an objective, but are in the transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility business.

We call them out when our Board of 17 agrees that those objectives of how we think government should function are violated. In the sunshine, in a fiscally responsible manner and we hold them accountable.

We follow leads given to us on some issues that come through our contacts and through our hotline. Many are looked into and discarded. A few are researched at great length. That research includes discussions with various County employee's, and County Commissioner's.

Only when we believe that action is not taken on an issue that is obvious would we go public with a story. We try to layout the facts to the media, but do not write articles. Sometimes "spin and a gotcha" are injected by others.

Sometimes we run ads when we deem it necessary.

We appreciate your thoughts and opinion.
 
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WCTA

Beach Lover
May 27, 2009
124
120
Walton County
www.waltontaxpayers.org
:
###

I did talk with Mr. Collier. In fact, I called him on another matter; but the Daily News article regarding the TDC was on the front page that day, so naturally we discussed it. Mr. Collier is in the news gathering business; I’m in the public information business. I did tell him a release was forthcoming. Mr. Collier didn’t tell me he was writing an editorial on the TDC issue; but I’ve done enough PIO work to know that nothing I say to a media person is off the record; and I prefer to send information out equally to all the media outlets.

As the Public Information Officer for the county (among other responsibilities), it is my job to provide factual information through the media to the citizens of Walton County regarding the operation of their county government. I am going to do my best to put the county’s “best foot forward.” If you were to employ me in this capacity in a private business, you would expect no less.

I’ve known Mr. Collier long enough to know that he is a person of integrity, that he has a multitude of talents, and that he is a lawyer by training. He’s grown-up enough to speak his mind, particularly when he is employed as the editor of a newspaper, and puts his name on the product with an audience of 6000 plus readers. He has lived and worked in South Walton, and is perfectly capable of stating an informed perspective on events here.

Thanks and sorry for the length of this, but I felt compelled to include both the full editorial in question and my media release!

Ken


Ken

"I am going to do my best to put the county’s “best foot forward.”

In my opinion that statement is factual.

Another way of saying that is I will spin the story to my employers advantage not necessarily in the best interest of the public.

THE WCTA has been active in Walton County Government for 29 years. We volunteer our time to serve as the "Eyes and Ears for Walton County Taxpayers". We are well know to the publisher of the DeFuniak Herald, the Assistant Editor and each of their reporters. We were quoted in the NW Florida Daily news story that you mention. I must admit that I do not know the current editor but seemed to have a good relationship with the previous editor as he called us many times to discuss release we put out, items on our website and in our newsletter.

The two receipts that were in the Daily News were chosen by them from the hundreds that they received through a public records request and through items we shared when contacted. I will freely admit that I would have chosen others.

We could release all of the credit card statements back to April 2007, but have chosen to allow the Office of OMB to reach their own conclusions. They have already determined that a forensic audit is order. We agree and will allow that firm to come forward with its findings and recommendations.

The author of the editorial saw fit to base his "Opinion" on a article in another paper, a conversation with you, the Media Release you gave him and his own personal entertainment practices. An editorial is an "Opinion" piece to be sure, but most would seek a balanced understanding of the issues. We would have gladly provided him with every state statute regarding reimbursable expenses, travel policies and yes 3 years worth of statements with highlighted items to see the total picture.

We believe the editorial was not fully researched and premature. That is our Editorial Opinion.

Sometimes friends have differences of opinions and can remain friends - hopefully you will still call me a friend.
 
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Jdarg

SoWal Expert
Feb 15, 2005
18,068
1,973
I'm a little biased, I admit, but this thought-provoking editorial obviously produced thoughtful, intelligent, and respectful discussion of the issue.
 

Botes

Beach Comber
Mar 27, 2010
24
8
Ken

"I am going to do my best to put the county?s ?best foot forward.?

In my opinion that statement is factual.

Another way of saying that is I will spin the story to my employers advantage not necessarily in the best interest of the public.

THE WCTA has been active in Walton County Government for 29 years. We volunteer our time to serve as the "Eyes and Ears for Walton County Taxpayers". We are well know to the publisher of the DeFuniak Herald, the Assistant Editor and each of their reporters. We were quoted in the NW Florida Daily news story that you mention. I must admit that I do not know the current editor but seemed to have a good relationship with the previous editor as he called us many times to discuss release we put out, items on our website and in our newsletter.

The two receipts that were in the Daily News were chosen by them from the hundreds that they received through a public records request and through items we shared when contacted. I will freely admit that I would have chosen others.

We could release all of the credit card statements back to April 2007, but have chosen to allow the Office of OMB to reach their own conclusions. They have already determined that a forensic audit is order. We agree and will allow that firm to come forward with its findings and recommendations.

The author of the editorial saw fit to base his "Opinion" on a article in another paper, a conversation with you, the Media Release you gave him and his own personal entertainment practices. An editorial is an "Opinion" piece to be sure, but most would seek a balanced understanding of the issues. We would have gladly provided him with every state statute regarding reimbursable expenses, travel policies and yes 3 years worth of statements with highlighted items to see the total picture.

We believe the editorial was not fully researched and premature. That is our Editorial Opinion.

Sometimes friends have differences of opinions and can remain friends - hopefully you will still call me a friend.

you would have been ok with the editorial if he would have called you?:dunno: Like you said it is an opinion piece. He can talk to or interview anybody he wants to. You also said in an earlier post that you do not know the editor. Maybe he doesn't know you either. You might want to introduce yourself, so next time when he is going to write his opinion he can check it with you first.
 

North Lake

Beach Lover
Apr 15, 2007
147
108
Ken

"I am going to do my best to put the county?s ?best foot forward.?

In my opinion that statement is factual.

Another way of saying that is I will spin the story to my employers advantage not necessarily in the best interest of the public.

...
Sometimes friends have differences of opinions and can remain friends - hopefully you will still call me a friend.

Bob, yes, we are still friends. But as a 57-year citizen of Walton County, a property owner, taxpayer, and fairly well educated in the intricacies of government, please give me some credit for having a deep abiding concern for the best interest of the public at heart. I too am a member of the Walton County Taxpayers Association, by the way.

Generally, we?re talking about local government where ?we the people? are the stakeholders. I readily agree that the taxpayers deserve to know that their hard-earned property tax dollars are being wisely and well spent for their benefit. I would also readily agree that under our system the public has a right to be assured that their county government is being effectively and efficiently operated for their benefit, regardless of whether they pay property taxes or not ? and to know every detail of how that is being accomplished if they choose to know.

I?m not suggesting that we should withhold information, or overlook accountability and holding people responsible for actions that may be in violation of laws, policies, procedures, or common sense. But do we really want to rush to put our local laundry in the open press, which in today?s world can be held out to dry worldwide, misinterpreted, and distorted out of proportion? Who benefits from that?

There?s no spin in stating facts. The only spin is when others begin to intersperse suppositions, suspicions, and ulterior motives into the facts. Our only disagreement, if there is one, is how the truth, whatever that may be, is conveyed to the public. I think putting out the facts is in the best interest of the public ? and I?m sticking with that.
 

Andy A

Beach Fanatic
Feb 28, 2007
4,389
1,738
Blue Mountain Beach
The editorial and the response from the Walton County PIO makes good sense on first reading. Anyone who has worked with seeking government monies knows how the game must often be played in order to receive necessary funding.
Also, there are definitely times, IMO, when the WCTA looks at funds expenditures in only a black and white manner with little room for interpretation or variation. That said, it is very relevant to let the audit play out and the results supplied to Walton County citizens. Once again we find the WCTA performing a necessary function for all of us.
 

WCTA

Beach Lover
May 27, 2009
124
120
Walton County
www.waltontaxpayers.org
you would have been ok with the editorial if he would have called you?:dunno: Like you said it is an opinion piece. He can talk to or interview anybody he wants to. You also said in an earlier post that you do not know the editor. Maybe he doesn't know you either. You might want to introduce yourself, so next time when he is going to write his opinion he can check it with you first.


Never said that was a condition for approval of the article. Said that he would have best served his readers when he researched the issue. He could have made a public records request and reviewed them on his own, or he could have just shot from the hip as he did.

Yes I give him the right for his opinion, but opinions are best formed with a full understanding of all of the data.
 
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