New signs are funny

Bring on the aerial spraying. I hate mosquitos.

You do realize that SWMCB doesn't cover Ebro?

Sorry to take time to respond to the questions presented here..

Attached is the 9/30/2014 balance sheet

Total Reserves are over $700,000. The three month recommended would be only $360,000.

Why did the millage rate go up ?

In April like many residents and other businesses our 50 year old building was flooded. There was two feet of water in the building and the building had to be totally gutted. All office furniture computers, air conditioning systems, phone systems were destroyed as water either shorted those items out or they were damaged beyond repair.

We collected $100,000 flood insurance (policy limit due to flood plane zone the building is in) and $37,000 insurance on the depreciated value of contents. The "Cleanup Cost" by the water damage company was approx.$56,000. That left $81,000 in total insurance claim proceeds to repair the building and replace the contents. At this time the estimated cost to repair the building and replace the contents is over $240,000. Last week we discovered that the building was wired with aluminum wiring and must be replace to bring the building up to current building codes which will add to the estimated cost.

All of those cost were shifted into the 2014-2015 budget as we did not complete the repairs and replacement within our 2013-2014 budget year which ended September 30, 2014.

We had a decision to make - do we borrow the money necessary and incur interest expense or do we increase the millage rate and pay from the increase in property taxes. We chose to raise the millage rate for 1 year and save taxpayers the interest that would be incurred over a lengthy time period.

The Ad everyone is referring to was produced by another candidate. I would assume that the individual does not understand a balance sheet, or they were mislead by someone that gathered the data for them. In my 6 years as a Commissioner that candidate has never attended a single Board meeting.

I will address the other inaccuracies within that ad concerning "Benefits" tomorrow night.

You do realize that SWMCB doesn't cover Ebro?

Actually without knowing his physical address I cannot speak to his statement as our coverage area does cover part of HWY 20 and the Bunker area.

Bob Hudson:

Nice try, but how does rain in April, 2014 explain the fact that you raised taxes last year? Over the past two budget votes, you have raised Mosquito Control taxes over 26%!

I am at a loss to understand how you explain your 10% tax increase last year by blaming an event that had not yet occurred.

When the fellow citizens we elect to represent us turn into double-speaking politicians, it's time for them to be shown the door. What is it about some people that a little bit of power changes them?

John G: Are there not more than one commissioner? Singling out one is painting with a broad stroke, no?

But only one is on the ballot this election. Are you blaming 26% tax increases on the other two Board Members? Are you saying Bob Hudson voted against double-digit tax increases in each of the past two years?

Sorry, John G., but he voted for both tax increases. When you are an incumbent, you run on your record. Whether you like it or not.

Usually you are so sensible with your posts but this time not so much. Have you noticed the cost of everythingg in the past two years? It has increased. Not only that, but a 26% increase in millage for mosquito control is probably infintesimal when put into something everyone can understand. How much did it increase our taxes in a dollar amount? I just love it when some have a personal issue and go after incumbents without any real facts or reason. Bob Hudson does a great job at everything he attempts. We should keep those we know perform well instead of replacing them with unknown rookies.

Would you prefer he just promise to drastically, and magically, cut taxes? Perhaps even do it until we're all sucked dry by mosquitoes?

You do realize that SWMCB doesn't cover Ebro?

I actually don't live in Ebro. I just like to say I do. I live somewhere in Walton County.

Andy A. -- In real numbers, the budget increased from approximately $1.6 million in 2013 to over $2.0 million for the budget year that just started. I find it odd that you cite inflation as Bob Hudson has admitted on this thread that taxes were raised, but did not cite normal inflation or even increased operational costs as the reason for this dramatic increase. As far as going after incumbents: Incumbents represent the status quo and they are running on their own actions. Critique of an incumbent necessarily represents dissatisfaction with the way things are being run. It's as American as Yankee Doodle.

Local: I would prefer that Bob Hudson not pee on my leg and tell me it is raining. Bob Hudson in this thread has attempted to blame the 26% tax hike on a rain event in April, 2014, but can't explain how this past Spring's rain caused a 10% tax hike last year.

Before the dramatic tax hike, mosquito tax rates were cut and reserves were depleted. Due to this poor management, the Mosquito District was caught with their pants down, unprepared for exigent circumstances. These whipsaw financials necessarily indicate a poorly managed board. If things are being run poorly by incumbents, the ones responsible should give way to new Board Members.

Or, better yet, challengers with a excellent track record in the position they seek, who are not politicians but who are trustworthy, have proven fiscal responsibility and give straight answers to questions...need I go on?

Believe its faulk with the history...
Several DUIs, cannabis and affray.
All in Okaloosa.

Ad hominen arguments are always a sign of weak logic. In fact, attacking a man instead of his arguments is called a fallacy of logic. Stay classy, John G.

Local: I would prefer that Bob Hudson not pee on my leg and tell me it is raining. Bob Hudson in this thread has attempted to blame the 26% tax hike on a rain event in April, 2014, but can't explain how this past Spring's rain caused a 10% tax hike last year.

Before the dramatic tax hike, mosquito tax rates were cut and reserves were depleted. Due to this poor management, the Mosquito District was caught with their pants down, unprepared for exigent circumstances. These whipsaw financials necessarily indicate a poorly managed board. If things are being run poorly by incumbents, the ones responsible should give way to new Board Members.

It's raining and you prefer Mr. Hudson to pee on your leg. That's your personal business.

I thought he was fairly clear about why the taxes went up. Perhaps you should read the part about avoiding interest expenses or are you a proponent of kicking the can down the road?

Sorry, Local, it's a Southern saying that means someone is not telling the truth. Perhaps I should have said "I would prefer he not spit in my face and tell me it's raining."

Sorry, Local, it's a Southern saying that means someone is not telling the truth. Perhaps I should have said "I would prefer he not spit in my face and tell me it's raining."

Thanks, born and raised southerner here, I'm familiar with the expression.

Believe its faulk with the history...
Several DUIs, cannabis and affray.
All in Okaloosa.

Oh these:



There's a third mugshot, but it shows as unavailable.

How does one get 3 DUI's in 8 years and still have a drivers license?

So it looks like the race is between Hudson and Crawford.

Have you heard the one about the criminal investigation of Bob Hudson hiding behind his wife's skirt by using her email address to impersonate a county official. And this was not a youthful indiscretion 10 years ago by a veteran returning from combat in the Persian Gulf, either.

Lemme get that report and post it for ya. Glass houses, Bob.

A campaign flier was saying the reason for the increase was that the commissioners had included themselves in the retirement fund. It also claimed that their salary was $4,800 which makes me wonder why so much money i sbeing spent to win the office.

Any truth to either claim?

Have you heard the one about the criminal investigation of Bob Hudson hiding behind his wife's skirt by using her email address to impersonate a county official. And this was not a youthful indiscretion 10 years ago by a veteran returning from combat in the Persian Gulf, either. Lemme get that report and post it for ya. Glass houses, Bob.

Post it ! It was in every newspaper that serves this area. We all do things we would not repeat more than once, but that was investigated by both the Walton County Sheriffs office and the States Attorneys office - both found no law was broken. It was not the smartest thing I've ever done but please make sure to post the whole report for all to see. I don't hide from things I've done nor behind anyone's skirt.

This should clear this rumor up !

From: Louis Svehla <svelouis@co.walton.fl.us>
Date: October 27, 2014 at 3:58:26 PM CDT
Subject: Press Release: Walton County Code Enforcement Removes Political Signs in Error, Replaces Immediately

Walton County Code Enforcement Removes Political Signs in Error, Replaces Immediately

Over the weekend, the Walton County Code Enforcement Department erroneously removed a number of political signs that were placed throughout the south end of the County. The signs involved were in regard to South Walton Mosquito Board candidate Jim Crawford.


Due to a miscommunication within the Code Enforcement Department, the signs were removed late in the afternoon on Saturday, October 25th. Once the error was recognized, the Code Enforcement Department replaced the signs early Monday morning, October 27th.


The error that occurred within the Code Enforcement Department was not the product of any complaint or function of any other candidate.


We apologize for the error and will continue to work diligently to provide the best code enforcement functions to the benefit of the County and its residents.

Mr. Hudson:

I'm glad we can agree that all of us have made mistakes in our past. Can we further agree that Mr. Faulk's indiscretions occurred years ago? Let's stop the fussing about signs and youthful indiscretions and return to discussing policy.

I won't post the report unless the thread continues in this personal vein. Let's elevate ourselves above this pettiness. Isn't that what poll after poll of Americans say they want.

With that said, I was waiting last night for your promised response about the benefits provided for Mosquito Control Board Members. Let's engage in a policy debate about them.

I wouldn't let a guy with 3 DUIs clean my shoes. That isn't a youthful indiscretion. That's an habitual offender. In many states, he'd go to prison.

Sorry I spent last night trying to get to the bottom of "Sign-Gate" and dispel unfounded rumors.

Let's have a three way debate - get Mr. Faulk and Mr Crawford to post here - under their real names and I will gladly respond to all questions you or any other person posts.

Let's talk issues not rumors.

I did not post anything in regards to Mr. Faulks past. I do not know who John G is but his post was his. Was I aware of those incidents ? Yes I was made aware of those charges in 2000 and 2008 and have no knowledge about a third. I have been aware of this since 2004.

I have an issue with statements made without background data to verify. Numbers are a love of mine, i am good at them and anyone that provides data that is factually wrong is of concern to me.

I was asked a question about the increase in the budget and felt my response clarified what the major item was that caused me to vote to raise in the authorized budget was not necessary to include all of those items that contributed.

We also budget about 60,900 to replace two vehicles that have in excess of 160,000 mile and repair costs are escalating. Another contributing item was the damage done to culverts and ditches as a result of what you call a "rain event".

I guess that is one way of looking at it but it rained a LOT flooded many homes and washed out streets, bridges and even a house. All of those affected people would not describe that as a "rain event".

Let's agree to call it what it was "A flood".

I'm the candidate asking people to vote for me and I truly try to respond with accurate factual verifiable data.

I am working on some additional data to share, some I must retrieve from the SWCMCD office tomorrow morning.

Stay tuned.

Do you agree that we did not deplete the reserves below the three month recommended level ?

If so let's strike that one from your list. If not I will provide the info in another way.

Have you heard the one about the criminal investigation of Bob Hudson hiding behind his wife's skirt by using her email address to impersonate a county official. And this was not a youthful indiscretion 10 years ago by a veteran returning from combat in the Persian Gulf, either.

Lemme get that report and post it for ya. Glass houses, Bob.

In some cases, being the subject of an investigation in Walton county might be viewed as a badge of honor, especially when the complaint is filed by idiots who are your political enemies. (Example, the Harris case).