"Raising The Dead" Fundraiser for A Better South Walton at Bud & Alleys Oct 30

SoWal Guide

Oct 21, '15 · 5:53 PM6,9591

“Raising the dead” fundraiser for A Better South Walton
Bud & Alleys Restaurant in Seaside, FL
5-8pm | $20 donation

“Sometimes raising funds can be harder than raising the dead but when it comes to SouthWalton’s future, it’s worth the effort,” said Dave Rauschkolb, speaking on behalf of A Better South Walton (ABSW). “Join us because there is no denying, Walton County is getting a little spooky these days.”

Raising the Dead fundraiser is planned Friday, October 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bud and Alley’s in Seaside, 2236 East County Road 30-A. A $20 donation is requested at the door. Light hors d-oeuvres, beer/wine, music and a raffle including a Bote stand up paddle board and a beautiful necklace from La Vie Est Belle Fine Pearls + Leather Jewelry by Wendy Mignot will be on offer. Wear your costume if you dare!

ABSW is exploring solutions to pressing issues in SouthWalton County that include proper allocation of tax dollars, governance and local representation. Coalescing around the issue of building a Hampton Inn in the Seagrove neighborhood, community members quickly realized that without a greater degree of input into a vision for the future, issues like the chain hotels will continue to threaten our SouthWalton neighborhoods.

Incorporating SouthWalton is just one potential solution the group is exploring. That option was discussed in a series of three community meetings held in May of this year where residents, business owners and property owners were encouraged to voice their vision for the future of our area. ABSW commissioned a feasibility study that will answer many of the questions raised at the community meetings regarding our tax base, demographics and the viability of a municipality south of Choctawhatchee Bay.

“We are actively seeking donations to fund the feasibility study through our website www.abettersouthwalton.com,” said Rauschkolb. “The data collected in the study will benefit all of Walton County regardless of whether incorporation goes forward or not,” according to Rauschkolb. ABSW has partnered with SouthWalton Community Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to accept tax-deductible donations for this cause.

The second draft of the feasibility study has been completed and continues to be reviewed. “We want to be sure that the study meets all the needs of our community and moves our efforts for local solutions forward,” said Rauschkolb.

ABSW invites a robust discussion of the results of the study. A series of meetings will be advertised and posted on our website with dates, times and locations soon. Please see www.abettersouthwalton.com for more information regarding the study, our mission and our core group as well as an opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation. A BetterSouthWaltoncan be contacted at info@abettersouthwalton.com for more information.

Edited Oct 21, '15 · 6:15 PM

Replies

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 9:45 AM#27

The tone of some comments concerns me far more than the content. There is far too much "my way or the highway" and " if I don't get my way I'll take my ball and go home" type statements made on every side of every issue. Walton County is diverse, and the truth is it is getting more so every day. The goals and needs of the South are never going to be the same as the North and Freeport is different from both. Not to mention that Miramar is different from 30A and DFS is different from unincorporated North. But we are all in the same county and will continue to be. And if we actually listen to one another we might find we have more in common than we think. So a little compromise and understanding on every side would go a long way. A good start would be to accept that everyone who does not agree with you is not necessarily "corrupt" or a "good old boy." I personally did not like some of the Grand Jury investigative focus and do not like how money gets sent to the wrong place for 30 years. But lets let the process play out and see how things shake out before we start accusing people.
Just to clue some of you in, if you want to incorporate South Walton, hold the referendum in the North; it will pass by a landslide.

A charter effort might be a different story, the devil is in the details.

SoWal GuideAuthor

Oct 28, '15 · 9:57 AM#28

I appreciate your contribution to the discussion Danny. The tone of A Better South Walton group and effort has been very positive as it looks forward to a bright future. Community members are volunteering a lot of time and energy into work, ideas, and possibilities. I've never seen a better "tone" in this Community at any other time. Sometimes it's time to be responsible for your own future, and I think that is what many in this town are thinking, saying and doing. I couldn't be more proud of this place for standing up.

BUT I hear you. There are many problems. I think the group is trying to be positive but those problems are part of the discussion. I too have heard or read some uncalled for comments from supporters of ABSW or Visioning Facebook group. It's inevitable, but I hope it can continue in a constructive way. That's the only way to success. And I believe most understand this and are in it together.

BTW, the tone and comments sometimes seen on Visioning only represent a small segment in SoWal. It's a private group and has its purpose.

The tone you see here in the forum is all over the place as all opinions and ideas are encouraged. This is a place for everyone to participate.

We all have frustration with Walton County. And we probably always will regardless of whether we incorporate or not. Becoming a city gives us leadership and a way to be responsible for our future. No one else is going to do it. Either the people of South Walton take responsibility or no one does. Besides developers and long distance oversight by the BCC.

Edited Oct 28, '15 · 10:34 AM

SoWal GuideAuthor

Oct 28, '15 · 10:07 AM#29

I see all of South Walton having a lot of commonality for forming an excellent incorporation. Each community has its unique qualities but cities are always like this. It's what makes a city so interesting. Leadership is key. We have never, ever truly had it. What a difference that may make in our future. And it is OUR future to care about and shape.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 11:42 AM#30

I see all of South Walton having a lot of commonality for forming an excellent incorporation. Each community has its unique qualities but cities are always like this. It's what makes a city so interesting. Leadership is key. We have never, ever truly had it. What a difference that may make in our future. And it is OUR future to care about and shape.

Teresa, this is what I see as being our main problem. Your idea of community ends at the Clyde Wells Bridge. Everything North is the enemy.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 12:05 PM#31

Teresa, this is what I see as being our main problem. Your idea of community ends at the Clyde Wells Bridge. Everything North is the enemy.

Danny - look at "Charter County"

It's inclusive and fully transparent in its operation. All the players are know to everyone and the County budget pays rather than "unknown donors".

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 12:58 PM#32

Read about Charter Counties.

20 of 67 counties have know adopted this as a solution for their needs & desires.

Want Non Partisan Races - Possible
Want term limits for elected officials - Possible
Want an appointed Supt of Ed - Possible
The sky's the limit.

Although I understand the charter system, it does not stop what I perceive is the biggest issue here. Corruption seems to be the issue. I did search and quit after 5 and found that those with charter governments are accused of the same stuff as our little old county is.

SoWal GuideAuthor

Oct 28, '15 · 1:43 PM#33

Teresa, this is what I see as being our main problem. Your idea of community ends at the Clyde Wells Bridge. Everything North is the enemy.

Why should caring about South Walton and its future incorporation translate into the north being the enemy? That makes NO sense to me whatsoever. I don't get that line of thinking. Walton County will alwys be Walton County. South Walton will always be part of that county. A fast growing community, such as South Walton, deserves to work to build its own municipality for so many reasons.

I don't care about all the County level political issues, problems, lawsuits, etc ( I care but I am used to it). That will always be here with us. These are not reasons to incorporate. Division between North v. South attitude isn't productive or even real, except in the minds of some people. But, the needs of South Walton are very real.

I understand that many in Walton County to always remain the same forever and ever amen. And that may just happen. Sometimes we get what we ask for (when we vote).

Edited Oct 28, '15 · 2:08 PM

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 1:52 PM#34

D

Danny - look at "Charter County"

It's inclusive and fully transparent in its operation. All the players are know to everyone and the County budget pays rather than "unknown donors".

I understand the charter process. But, as Bob Wells points out, it is not a panacea for all the ills that befall us and there is a mistrust that the charter process will be used to "backdoor" things like appointed Superintendents that the voters have rejected. It is interesting but as I said, the devil is in the details.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 1:52 PM#35

Although I understand the charter system, it does not stop what I perceive is the biggest issue here. Corruption seems to be the issue. I did search and quit after 5 and found that those with charter governments are accused of the same stuff as our little old county is.

Bob

Florida is a whole is "top ranked" in corruption.

One of the major benefits is under a Charter County you can have a recall provision for citizen voted ouster from office and have term limits.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 2:14 PM#36

Why should caring about South Walton and its future incorporation translate into the north being the enemy? That makes NO sense to me whatsoever. Did the City of Freeport have to become enemies with the county seat to become incorporated? I don't get that line of thinking. Please don't make it into a north v. south issue. That might have been true with the confederate flag issue, but North Walton has nothing whatsoever to do with this community of people working together to build something good.

I don't have any problem with any area of the county deciding to incorporate in order to increase the level of services government provides or expand the scope of those services. But, as Destin found out, a city is still part of the county and the county is going to charge for services that were once provided for no charge and the county taxes will still be levied. The tenor of many of the comments supporting incorporation is that the south needs to incorporate to escape the control of the mean old people in the north who sponge off the South and try to tell it what to do. As I said, I don't have a problem with the content of many posts so much as I have a problem with the tone. Many people in the North want what is best for the South and vice versa. That is my desire.

SoWal GuideAuthor

Oct 28, '15 · 2:22 PM#37

I don't have any problem with any area of the county deciding to incorporate in order to increase the level of services government provides or expand the scope of those services. But, as Destin found out, a city is still part of the county and the county is going to charge for services that were once provided for no charge and the county taxes will still be levied. The tenor of many of the comments supporting incorporation is that the south needs to incorporate to escape the control of the mean old people in the north who sponge off the South and try to tell it what to do. As I said, I don't have a problem with the content of many posts so much as I have a problem with the tone. Many people in the North want what is best for the South and vice versa. That is my desire.

Most people I've talked to are mainly concerned with what is best for this community. The tone really isn't the issue, we all have our reasons, issues, thoughts, opinions... as well as ways of expressing them. Creating A Better South Walton is the goal. The tone is personal, I suppose, and you can judge this as you see fit.

I've watched this area grow over the last 20 years with truly the most basic leadership imaginable (which I've come to understand is what county govt is for - basic government/services - it works reasonably well up to a point). The only effective leadership we'll ever have will be from the people who live here, work here, love this place and get involved HERE in South Walton.

Everything north of the bridge is the enemy were your words. I can't imagine thinking in those terms. And I really don't know anyone who does. A huge lack of understanding or insight to say the least. The confederate flag issue is over (or at least its dead right now). A Better South Walton is filled with people from South Walton working hard to make a difference in the future of this town. Someone has to do it. It may not lead to incorporation any time soon, but hopefully it will lead to better representation and leadership of this area. Other places in Walton County and in counties surrounding us have done the work to establish their towns. It's our turn.

Edited Oct 28, '15 · 3:34 PM

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 3:28 PM#38

Bob

Florida is a whole is "top ranked" in corruption.

One of the major benefits is under a Charter County you can have a recall provision for citizen voted ouster from office and have term limits.

Yes sir I understand that, the issue I have whether it be charter government or incorporation what is to say there wearly will enjoy any change because someone will always think they are being screwed.Many folks have said the reason they wouldn't run is because of the lack of support and money... They can't compete. Many folks seem to despise Commissioner Jones but she was elected to represent district 5 at one time. Many folks say Commissioner Comander is great and a few call her a crook. At one time a story circulated that Commissioner Meadows meet with Mr Jones before he became county administrator. Guess what I am saying is folks can and have said anything they want on here. I refuse to believe we are so broken that there is no hope for the future. I am not sure that creating a Charter form of government wouldn't or couldn't be manipulated.

Edited Oct 28, '15 · 3:33 PM

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 3:55 PM#39

Most people I've talked to are mainly concerned with what is best for this community. The tone really isn't the issue, we all have our reasons, issues, thoughts, opinions... as well as ways of expressing them. Creating A Better South Walton is the goal. The tone is personal, I suppose, and you can judge this as you see fit.

I've watched this area grow over the last 20 years with truly the most basic leadership imaginable (which I've come to understand is what county govt is for - basic government/services - it works reasonably well up to a point). The only effective leadership we'll ever have will be from the people who live here, work here, love this place and get involved HERE in South Walton.

Everything north of the bridge is the enemy were your words. I can't imagine thinking in those terms. And I really don't know anyone who does. A huge lack of understanding or insight to say the least. The confederate flag issue is over (or at least its dead right now). A Better South Walton is filled with people from South Walton working hard to make a difference in the future of this town. Someone has to do it. It may not lead to incorporation any time soon, but hopefully it will lead to better representation and leadership of this area. Other places in Walton County and in counties surrounding us have done the work to establish their towns. It's our turn.

Teresa, I support your activities in organizing people and working to improve things. There is a huge lack of understanding and insight among all groups in our county and we need to work to overcome that. Many people in the North support improving the beach accesses and parking. Many support preserving places like the Seagrove Market. Many want to improve 30-A and the area around the dune lakes. There is more common ground among ordinary citizens than you think in every area of the county.
As to whether or not South Walton or any part thereof incorporates or not is your business. The charter concept effects the entire county and is thus everyone's business.

SoWal GuideAuthor

Oct 28, '15 · 6:16 PM#40

Just to be clear, I while I'm supportive of our local groups, I am not involved in the organizing committees at this point. So thankful for the great people who are!

Yes, agree that there is a lot of common ground about local issues, coastal dune lakes, development and other things that effect our quality of life now and in future.

The Seagrove Village Market issue was decided years ago when it became part of Veridian hotel project. There is no saving it as it is falling apart in any case. Some changes are difficult and heartbreaking but it's business.

Teresa, I support your activities in organizing people and working to improve things. There is a huge lack of understanding and insight among all groups in our county and we need to work to overcome that. Many people in the North support improving the beach accesses and parking. Many support preserving places like the Seagrove Market. Many want to improve 30-A and the area around the dune lakes. There is more common ground among ordinary citizens than you think in every area of the county.
As to whether or not South Walton or any part thereof incorporates or not is your business. The charter concept effects the entire county and is thus everyone's business.

Edited Oct 28, '15 · 7:55 PM

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 7:13 PM#41

I think one of the biggest issues with the politics is the way Commissioners are elected.

The districts are not equal to all residents.

People that live in the districts should elect THEIR representative. If I live in District 5, what business is it of someone in District 1 to vote for my Commissioner? and vice versa.

Right now (for example) a candidate can run for District 5 and not really need a majority of South Walton Votes. If they are strongly supported in the North side of town, they'll get the votes they need and be a District 5 Commisioner. The people that don't even live in a district can have a tremendous influence on a vote.

Many South Walton residents are not full-time residents and not registered voters. This number is strongly increasing and many people that did not pay attention to politics here, now do so regularly. A movement is growing.

There are a lot of very qualified people that could run for office. Some realize that by doing so, they have to go up against the "machine" of the north voters and the numerous bit donors that will prevent a good candidate from election.

Why do we even have Districts? Does it matter?

Let's make small offices in the North and South Annex and save tons of money on not renting office space and new furniture, etc.

Commissioners can decide where they spend their time each week.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 28, '15 · 9:14 PM#42

John, your scenario played out in the last election, only the South chose the North representative. 6 years ago the North picked the District 5 representative. It plays both ways and usually comes out even in the end. The common denominator in both cases was multiple candidates from the "home" district and the lack of a run-off. A charter could fix the latter problem I believe. As far as offices, we had a couple of commissioners share an office a few years ago and all you heard was how they were violating the Sunshine Law. So we are probably stuck with the scattered offices of today.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 29, '15 · 10:45 AM#43

I've said it before and I will continue say it. If you want to incorporrate Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Aly's Beach, be my guest. Incorporating from beach to bay county border to border makes no sense at this time. As for areas such as BMB, I, and many I have spoken to, say we are quite happy with thimgs as they are now.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 30, '15 · 8:24 AM#44

Good points Danny. Didn't know about the sunshine.

South Walton should be split in half, with one Commissioner for each piece.

The northern districts can stay almost the same, just minus one Commissioner and a little moving the bounds around.

How bout that?

Still working on last minute touches to my costume for tonight. It has a bit a foreshadowing and wishful thinking to it...

SoWal GuideAuthor

Oct 31, '15 · 10:39 AM#45

Great turnout and excellent party last night at Bud and Alleys thanks to Dave Rauschkolb for hosting! Lots of South Walton loving locals out on a beautiful night. Nice chatting with several people and hearing about their hopes and ideas for the future.