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

[John G]

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.

 

[Danny Glidewell]

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.

 

[Andy A]

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.

 

[John G]

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...

 

[Teresa]

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.

 

[Matt J]

How much did they raise or does that need polishing too?