Pattern In Sheriff Candidates

Tony Cornman started his law enforcement career in Walton County. He left Walton County to work for Alcohol Beverage and Tobacco a state agency. He could have never have gotten the extensive law enforcement training he has received by staying here and working in Walton County. Am I the only one who is concerned about the amount of money Adkinson has been able to raise?

How much has he raised ?

Cornman counts tax stamps on cigarettes and liquor bottles. He is not qualified to head a department of 180.

I say again he lives in Bay County and he Counts tax stamps !

Ken Pridgen raised over $100,000 for his last Commissioner's campaign. He didn't have to run against Ralph and his gang of 7.

Actually I hope he has raised a ton of money.

Am I the only one who is concerned about the amount of money Adkinson has been able to raise?

My interest is peaked. Since no reports have been submitted no one really knows how much money Adkinson, or any of them have raised. All we have, at this time, is what we are hearing on the street. Personally, I think a Sheriff's race is going to run a $100K to win. I base this on what I have seen raised in the past few cycles by candidates. And if someone can raise $100K I think that shows that they have strong public support as a candidate. Raising money ain't easy. Especially with the economy like it is in the south end of this county.

How much has he raised ?

Cornman counts tax stamps on cigarettes and liquor bottles. He is not qualified to head a department of 180.

I say again he lives in Bay County and he Counts tax stamps !

Ken Pridgen raised over $100,000 for his last Commissioner's campaign. He didn't have to run against Ralph and his gang of 7.

Actually I hope he has raised a ton of money.

I think the last race Pridgen came in at around $85K.

I'm not very good with numbers I guess.
But I'm better than Ralphie. I'm was off by 15k, but he was wrong by 3/4 million, and the audit isn't done I hear.

Are you a candidaye for any office?

I'm not very good with numbers I guess.
But I'm better than Ralphie. I'm was off by 15k, but he was wrong by 3/4 million, and the audit isn't done I hear.

Are you a candidaye for any office?

Yes. I am running for School Board District 1. Although this Sheriff's race is starting to intrigue me. I know quite a few people in the north end, so I am still running the numbers to see if I could garner the required 12% +1.

Your running against Mrs. Wilkerson then.

My on my that will be interesting.

I am surprised she is running for re-election. Her comments concerning recent issues as reported in the paper are amazing.

Good Luck. You need to spend some time down south.

It has been brought to my attention there is a nasty rumor starting to develop. The rumor is, I am one of the Sheriff’s “good old boys”, and entered the race to give him a better shot at the position again.

Let me get everyone straight.

I have NO ties to Sheriff Johnson and did not enter this race to bust up votes.

I believe Walton County is ready for a Sheriff they can believe in and count on.

A Sheriff that will take care of the citizens equally and without prejudice.

A Sheriff that will lead by example, and will protect his employees.

A Sheriff that will start a healing process of trust that has been broken for many years.

A Sheriff that talks to you instead of at you.

Most of all I believe the people of Walton County want a Sheriff who is honorable, has morals and values that exceed their expectations.

For these reasons I will stay in this race until the very end, because I believe I am the best choice for this position.

I have the grit and determination to make things happen.

I am still employed with the Sheriff’s office and will remain there until I give a two week resignation in June.

I am an ordinary person; I have monthly bills.

There is a ruling that basically states the Sheriff cannot terminate anyone without just cause.

This is why I am still employed.

I keep reading about candidates and campaign money.

All I can say is; it doesn’t take money to place a mark on the ballot for the right person.

Money cannot buy trust, dignity or honor.

It would be an honor for the other candidates to join me in my candidacy and endeavors to bring trust, dignity and honor back to the Sheriff's Office for the people of Walton County.

Candidates are welcome to contact me via email; (vote4rickbrown@cox.net), or telephone (974-0638).

Thanks to all for taking the time to read this posting,
Rick

There is a ruling that basically states the Sheriff cannot terminate anyone without just cause.

I would be very interested in what it is that you are referring too here. Florida is a 'work at will of the employer State'. Since there is no union contract government employees are subject to the same standards as private employees. As a private employer, I am always very interested in any rulings or laws that might affect my rights as it pertains to who works for me. I also have seen government employers terminate employees for no apparent cause. Any help in running this detail down would be appreciated.

WALTONGOP
Thanks for asking so I can clarify this matter. I know it has been brought up in the past.
?Chapter 2007-319? House Bill No. 1613
In accordance with the Walton County Sheriffs? Office Career Service Employees Act; signed into law by Governor Charlie Christ, all fulltime sworn and civilian employees of the Walton County Sheriffs? Office are granted permanent employment status. Permanent status employees cannot be terminated by an elected or appointed Sheriff upon entering office. Permanent statutes employees can only be terminated ?FOR JUST CAUSE?.
There is more within the house bill if you would like to go online for a review.
Under the election laws I can stay employed with the Sheriffs? Office while I am ?pre-qualified?. In June when I officially qualify I will have to terminate my employment. The election laws state I cannot run for an office that is currently held by my superior officer.
Thanks again,
Rick

WALTONGOP
Thanks for asking so I can clarify this matter. I know it has been brought up in the past.
?Chapter 2007-319? House Bill No. 1613
In accordance with the Walton County Sheriffs? Office Career Service Employees Act; signed into law by Governor Charlie Christ, all fulltime sworn and civilian employees of the Walton County Sheriffs? Office are granted permanent employment status. Permanent status employees cannot be terminated by an elected or appointed Sheriff upon entering office. Permanent statutes employees can only be terminated ?FOR JUST CAUSE?.
There is more within the house bill if you would like to go online for a review.
Under the election laws I can stay employed with the Sheriffs? Office while I am ?pre-qualified?. In June when I officially qualify I will have to terminate my employment. The election laws state I cannot run for an office that is currently held by my superior officer.
Thanks again,
Rick

Florida laws also follow what is called legislative intent. I am very familiar with the Statute you refer, it was put forth by Sheriff Johnson to protect the jobs of the deputies as administrations changed. This was the legislative intent of the Statute. And since the WCSD has not had an administrative change, I do not see how it comes into play. I will look further when I get a chance to see if they happen to define 'just cause' in statute. Currently, unless statutorily defined otherwise, 'just cause' can be translated to 'just cause I want too.'

Just remember, I am not a lawyer. And it has been a while since I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

My interest is peaked. Since no reports have been submitted no one really knows how much money Adkinson, or any of them have raised. All we have, at this time, is what we are hearing on the street. Personally, I think a Sheriff's race is going to run a $100K to win. I base this on what I have seen raised in the past few cycles by candidates. And if someone can raise $100K I think that shows that they have strong public support as a candidate. Raising money ain't easy. Especially with the economy like it is in the south end of this county.

I usually just visit and read the gossip but after reading some of the post regarding the sheriff?s campaign and the amount of money that will be raised posted by WALTONGOP I was concerned and had to respond. You mentioned based on past elections you thought it would take 100000.00 dollars to run a campaign for sheriff. I too have looked at the past sheriff campaigns and find that 20000.00 to 30000.00 is more the norm. The only races that raise more are the campaigns for county commissioner and some of those have raised in the 70000.00 range. I would think the campaign for county commissioner would raise more as they set policy, zoning and other issues that affect every business and person in the county. And of course each business would want the commissioner to remember them during voting so they are more apt to make a contribution. The sheriff has no voting power on zoning or other policy issues like the county commissioners. The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county and all they could offer is a free get out of jail card, a turn of the head or other preferential treatment that an honest chief law enforcement officer should not do. With all this being said I think if any of our candidates for sheriff raise a lot more than the norm it would indicate that they may be bought and paid for before taking office, which is big concern of mine and others I have talked to.

I usually just visit and read the gossip but after reading some of the post regarding the sheriff?s campaign and the amount of money that will be raised posted by WALTONGOP I was concerned and had to respond. You mentioned based on past elections you thought it would take 100000.00 dollars to run a campaign for sheriff. I too have looked at the past sheriff campaigns and find that 20000.00 to 30000.00 is more the norm. The only races that raise more are the campaigns for county commissioner and some of those have raised in the 70000.00 range. I would think the campaign for county commissioner would raise more as they set policy, zoning and other issues that affect every business and person in the county. And of course each business would want the commissioner to remember them during voting so they are more apt to make a contribution. The sheriff has no voting power on zoning or other policy issues like the county commissioners. The sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer of the county and all they could offer is a free get out of jail card, a turn of the head or other preferential treatment that an honest chief law enforcement officer should not do. With all this being said I think if any of our candidates for sheriff raise a lot more than the norm it would indicate that they may be bought and paid for before taking office, which is big concern of mine and others I have talked to.

I think you have to take a really good look at population figures and what sort of costs you are going to incur to get things out to the people. With all of the investigative bodies that government has created, I do not see a Sheriff having the ability to offer 'get out of jail free' cards. I do believe that you are going to see a lot of people contribute to their various candidates based upon wanting access, return phone calls, and just knowing that, in their opinion, a certain candidate can do a better job.

With races for State Reps now running $300K, BCC races running $100K, I think there have been three recent ones that were that high or close to it, I do not believe that it would be unforseen for the highest office in the county to raise $100K to make a run. Heck that is less than two bucks per citizen in the winter.

But spin it out you want. I imagine that there will be quite a few drop in comments in the next several months as people try to plant different things out within the public. Thank goodness the people that actually participate see past these sort of tactics.

I understand that another person will soon file as a candidate for Sheriff. Conspiracy theories aside this is getting to be almost comical. This position is not a boots on the ground position. Experience and years of service in law enforcement are not going to make the grade in this election. Our current "Cooking Sheriff" had those when he ran and was first elected. This individual must administer a program with a budget approaching 16 million dollars. The oversight responsibility for that budget has plagued his administration from day one. He has never stood before the public and accepted the full responsibility for those short comings - it has been "politics" or a short coming of those around him.

For that reason I seek a candidate that has the necessary backgound in criminal justice and alot more. I seek an administrator of proven leadership. Been somewhere and done it. No Captains or Lieutenants need apply.

Call it a plot conspiracy or whatever you want - when 7 people are running you must ask why ? It appears that we even had a candidate that cannot even vote in the election in Walton County. Says he only has to move or live here if he is elected. Pardon me but that just want fly.

Join in the search if you choose - but this thread is about finding that right person.

It will ultimately boil down to the "True Contenders vs The Pretenders".

This thing is getting like the TV show "1 vs 100"

Don't believe my theory ? Then answer this question "Why in heck is Ralph Nader running"? He was a spoiler before and will be one again. Many of these are just spoilers that are clouding the vision.

We need all of the spoilers, the unqualified and professional candidates to politely - "Get out of the Pool".

You are complicating the picture and the process.

If there were a runoff between the top two candidate in the primary then I would say "Everybody in the Pool".

Drive by posters drive me nuts as well.

Are there only seven running? I thought there were more.

Shoot, maybe there is room on the ballot after all

We are not alone. Jackson Co. has 13 so far and this guy is one of them..
http://www.wmbb.com/gulfcoastwest/mbb/news.apx.-content-articles-MBB-2008-03-17-0019.html

By DEBORAH BUCKHALTER

Jackson Co., FL -- A Jackson County sheriff?s candidate was arrested and charged with driving under the influence Monday following an early-morning traffic crash, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports.
Zannie Frank Williams, 47, remained in the Jackson County jail as of late Monday afternoon and was expected to make his first court appearance today.
According to the arrest affidavit, Williams was westbound on Blue Springs Road (County Road 164) when he lost control of the blue four-door Buick he was driving. The car flipped over, coming to rest upside down facing east.
According to the affidavit, trooper Genoa Williams reported that Williams ?exhibited an odor consistent with consumption of alcoholic beverage.? His eyes, she reported, were ?bloodshot and watery.?
He was arrested after he failed a field sobriety test, according to the affidavit, and subsequently also failed a breath test.
According to the report, in two separate tests he registered readings of .187 and .190.
According to Lt. Jerry Maddux of the FHP, the legal limit is .08 or below.
As of late Monday afternoon, Williams was still listed on the supervisor of elections Web site as a candidate for the office of sheriff, which has attracted 13 announced candidates so far. Official qualifying dates for the office are from noon June 16 to noon June 20.

I understand that another person will soon file as a candidate for Sheriff. Conspiracy theories aside this is getting to be almost comical. This position is not a boots on the ground position. Experience and years of service in law enforcement are not going to make the grade in this election. Our current "Cooking Sheriff" had those when he ran and was first elected. This individual must administer a program with a budget approaching 16 million dollars. The oversight responsibility for that budget has plagued his administration from day one. He has never stood before the public and accepted the full responsibility for those short comings - it has been "politics" or a short coming of those around him.

For that reason I seek a candidate that has the necessary backgound in criminal justice and alot more. I seek an administrator of proven leadership. Been somewhere and done it. No Captains or Lieutenants need apply.

Call it a plot conspiracy or whatever you want - when 7 people are running you must ask why ? It appears that we even had a candidate that cannot even vote in the election in Walton County. Says he only has to move or live here if he is elected. Pardon me but that just want fly.

Join in the search if you choose - but this thread is about finding that right person.

It will ultimately boil down to the "True Contenders vs The Pretenders".

This thing is getting like the TV show "1 vs 100"

Don't believe my theory ? Then answer this question "Why in heck is Ralph Nader running"? He was a spoiler before and will be one again. Many of these are just spoilers that are clouding the vision.

We need all of the spoilers, the unqualified and professional candidates to politely - "Get out of the Pool".

You are complicating the picture and the process.

If there were a runoff between the top two candidate in the primary then I would say "Everybody in the Pool".

Drive by posters drive me nuts as well.

What have you got against captains and lieutenants? These are the guys who run most operations. ;-)
I think we need to welcome new candidates until someone comes out who is qualified. Lets examine what we have to choose from right now:

1. someone with about two years of supervisor experience, all of it in a department with less than 30 employees and a budget of less than 1.5 mil. He's not even the most qualified man to be sheriff in his own department, his LIEUTENANT is,
2. someone who hasn't worked in local law enforcement in 20 years and doesn't even live in the county, although he has alot of supervisory experience over a multi-county outfit,
3. an "attendance specialist" for the school board who used to be a cop in a school,
4. a cop who took 20 years to make it to sergeant and left that to become a regular deputy,
5. a 35 year rookie who's claim to fame locally was being ralph's mouthpiece,
6. another sergeant who left that to become a balliff,
7. the cookin sheriff himself-nuff said.

After looking this less than stellar group over I think a lieutenant would be a vast improvement. After all, we will have a new sheriff come november whether there is one stiff running against ole cookin man or 1000. He is done.

They have never had to bear the ultimate responsibility. If from that same department they are just clones. Kinda like "french kissing" your sister.

Keep telling everyone he is toast and he will still be the "Sheriff".

He will get many, many votes just because he is the incumbent.

They have never had to bear the ultimate responsibility. If from that same department they are just clones. Kinda like "french kissing" your sister.

Keep telling everyone he is toast and he will still be the "Sheriff".

He will get many, many votes just because he is the incumbent.

You are obviously a partisan of one of these men, and you simply choose to ignor reality because you man's chances are greatly improved the fewer choices that the populace has. The clear fact is that "the cook" will not get 10% of the general population and even less in his own department. Women will not vote for him because of his treatment of pregnant employees, the men employees will not vote for him because he traded their payraise money for a racetrack and taxpayers won't vote for him because he wastes money at every opportunity. Last year alone his budget was inflated 700,000 and that doesn't count the 4-5 hundred thousand the jail turned back over from a budget he wrote. My count is that is over 1 mil that could have went back to the taxpayers. Since one of his "captains" is running the jail, imagine what a real "administrator" could do there. The bottom line is that ralph is finished and all the scare tactics in the world cannot put him back together again. The only votes he will get is the suckers and the ignorant.

I am only interested in a open debate on this issue. I could accuse you of being a partisan suppporter for "Ralphie",only here to dispell the notion that we have to many "questionable" candidates. Your candidate seeks more and more people to dilute the voters pool so that your 10% prediction will guarantee him a win.

I won't do that.

I will continue to keep the issue open and in play for I truly have no candidate in the fight - I just have one that I believe is using a broken, skewed to incumbents system.

I have already "Thrown Ralphie Out of The Pool" as being unqualified to serve.

Today I present my next candidate to be ejected from the pool.

I propose that Rick Brown be ejected next.

I invite those that believe him to be a "Contender" rather that a "Pretender" to give me reason to pause before I formally issue the "Out of the Pool" label.

Rick Brown supporters - your up !

Please, Wile. There is certainly no reason a candidate who thinks he/(she!) has the necessary law enforcement experience, people skills and knowledge of county government to lead our sheriff's office should not run. This includes the entire slate of candidates, the candidates that are planning to come out in June, and even Sheriff Johnson himself.

If you want a change, work positively for it. Pick a candidate and convince us why yours is the best, or at least stop disparaging the candidates that are brave enough to put themselves and their families through running for the most heated race in Walton County. Nobody's withdrawing; nobody's changing their minds. Or, if you are so inclined, start collecting signatures and jump in yourself.

In any event, I do thank you for caring.

FYI Shallow

I work positively for those things I believe. I am positive that some of these candidates are not qualified for the position and am inviting all to tell me why they are "the 1".

Many if all are in this because people have not been honest with them concerning their qualifications and chance to win. They are being told "Sure you are qualified" - "Sure You Can Win" and "Sure I Will Support You" by those to weak to tell them their real feelings.

They should also hear those that say:

"You Are Not Qualified"
"You Can Not Win"
"No - I Will Not Support You".

There are two sides to a candidates decision to run. What he believes and what others are telling them (him/her). They need to listen to both sides of the conversation.

I am providing everyone the opportunity to tell their side.

PS - I am not qualified for the position and no I will not waste my time and other peoples time trying to hit the lotto jackpot in an election.

I have also never told those that are running that they could win or were qualified and I have spoken with 5 of them at length (one doesn't even live in the county) - and no I currently have no "dog in the fight".

Interesting thoughts. I have always thought that I had literally hundreds if not thousands of friends in Walton County. When I first thought about running for office, Representative Brown told me that having the Supervisor of Elections count your friends would be one of the most sobering experiences of your life. As I go around and talk to various people about my candidacy, I am finding that I might not be as popular as I once thought. Oh well, a little humility never hurt anyone.

Maybe a poll on you and your opponents will help.

I will help you out.

FYI Shallow

I work positively for those things I believe. I am positive that some of these candidates are not qualified for the position and am inviting all to tell me why they are "the 1".

Many if all are in this because people have not been honest with them concerning their qualifications and chance to win. They are being told "Sure you are qualified" - "Sure You Can Win" and "Sure I Will Support You" by those to weak to tell them their real feelings.

They should also hear those that say:

"You Are Not Qualified"
"You Can Not Win"
"No - I Will Not Support You".

There are two sides to a candidates decision to run. What he believes and what others are telling them (him/her). They need to listen to both sides of the conversation.

I am providing everyone the opportunity to tell their side.

PS - I am not qualified for the position and no I will not waste my time and other peoples time trying to hit the lotto jackpot in an election.

I have also never told those that are running that they could win or were qualified and I have spoken with 5 of them at length (one doesn't even live in the county) - and no I currently have no "dog in the fight".

I respect and to a large extent agree with this post. I definitely believe that people have not been honest with some of these men, however, rumors abound that people approached at least one or two of them and tried to be honest with them and were rudely rebuffed. Frankly, I have totally not made up my mind and find flaws in all of them. I have only eliminated one of them-ralph. I simply am not afraid of the number of candidates because I cannot accept that there are enough stupid people to give him any chance of re-election.

I am also glad that wile has started focusing on other races. I think this sheriff's race has consumed so much attention that other potential races have been forgotten- races that effect my day to day life much more than who is out arresting druggies. I think Nelson is a great start for responsible government in the school board and think all three commissioners should be re-elected, as well as the clerk, the property appraisor and the tax collector. What say you?