Just what we don't need !
Ro's idea of protecting the pristine white beaches of South Walton.
Interested Girl
Interested GirlBeach Fanatic465 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
4,630 views
Replies
24Matt J
Matt JSWGB24,862 postsJoined View profileMessageSWGB
Are those pigs in the sky? Is Satan building a snowman?
Is that something you created IG or did it surface from a prior election? Either way it's good political satire.
Is that something you created IG or did it surface from a prior election? Either way it's good political satire.
seagrovegirl
seagrovegirlBeach FanaticHistoric Old Point Washington3,828 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Oh boy, here we go.
Abby Prentiss
Abby PrentissBeach Fanatic577 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Say no to good ole boy politics. Say no to ignorance. Say no to Ro.
http://www.sowal.com/bb/local-government/9166-cuchens-ethics-questioned-if-found.html
http://www.sowal.com/bb/local-government/9166-cuchens-ethics-questioned-if-found.html
idlewindidlewindBeach FanaticWalton/Okaloosa County and a little south alabama 2,687 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
SARA COMMANDER'S IDEA OF PROTECTING PUBLIC RECORDS

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...a=X&ei=s45YTInoE5WK8gS7lr3sBw&ved=0CCMQ9QEwAg
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...a=X&ei=s45YTInoE5WK8gS7lr3sBw&ved=0CCMQ9QEwAg

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...a=X&ei=s45YTInoE5WK8gS7lr3sBw&ved=0CCMQ9QEwAg
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...a=X&ei=s45YTInoE5WK8gS7lr3sBw&ved=0CCMQ9QEwAg
coppertone10
coppertone10Beach Comber18 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Comber
Just The Facts
Not only do you not have all the facts, your post seems to reveal that you actually don't have any of the facts.:idontno:
Sara Comander - in fact, the county commission is not in charge of the records, and never has been. Only the Clerk of Court is authorized to keep the public records !
Sorry, no ice cream for you!
Not only do you not have all the facts, your post seems to reveal that you actually don't have any of the facts.:idontno:
Sara Comander - in fact, the county commission is not in charge of the records, and never has been. Only the Clerk of Court is authorized to keep the public records !
Sorry, no ice cream for you!
SARA COMMANDER'S IDEA OF PROTECTING PUBLIC RECORDS
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...a=X&ei=s45YTInoE5WK8gS7lr3sBw&ved=0CCMQ9QEwAg
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...a=X&ei=s45YTInoE5WK8gS7lr3sBw&ved=0CCMQ9QEwAg
Abby Prentiss
Abby PrentissBeach Fanatic577 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
idlewindidlewindBeach FanaticWalton/Okaloosa County and a little south alabama 2,687 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Start your own negative campaign thread.
I did not realize threads were property. I just figured if we were going to start airing dirty laundry we should be fair and balanced.
idlewindidlewindBeach FanaticWalton/Okaloosa County and a little south alabama 2,687 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Not only do you not have all the facts, your post seems to reveal that you actually don't have any of the facts.:idontno:
Sara Comander - in fact, the county commission is not in charge of the records, and never has been. Only the Clerk of Court is authorized to keep the public records !
Sorry, no ice cream for you!
No I am afraid you don't have the facts. The Board must certify compliance witht the public records law each year and Ms Commander as Chairman signed that certification knowing the county was not in compliance. The Clerk is the caretaker of the records but the records belong to the Board.
coppertone10
coppertone10Beach Comber18 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Comber
Again, you simply prove my statement that you don't have all the facts, so here they are...
Sara Comander signed the certification statement at the beginning of her term, the same as every other commission chairman has done, before and since, including Pridgen, Brannon and L. Jones. The certificate was, as always, given to her by the Clerk of Court's office. The deputy clerk assured her that, yes, the county was keeping records correctly, just as they had been kept the year before that and the year before that, so Comander signed it. No changes had been made regarding record keeping in the years before Comander served as chairman and none of the audits ever suggested a problem, so there was no reason to question the Clerk's office.
Comander accepted the response from the deputy clerk and, in fact, the records were being kept accurately and completely under the law.
The problem came when a person requested thousands of documents and the Clerk's office was faced with the task of having to dedicate a staff member to do nothing but examine and prepare each record for release - a costly and time-consuming affair.
Comander just happened to be the chairman at the time the massive records request was made. It could just as easily been any of the other commissioners. Comander didn't knowingly sign a document that was false.
If you had done your homework and actually contacted the Clerk's office, you would already know this. Better yet, contact Comander at her office and ask her. She will actually return your call, unlike others I could name.
Maybe we should talk about her opponent who DID knowingly sign false documents and present them to the state. Or maybe I shouldn't confuse you with the facts. Whoops.
Sara Comander signed the certification statement at the beginning of her term, the same as every other commission chairman has done, before and since, including Pridgen, Brannon and L. Jones. The certificate was, as always, given to her by the Clerk of Court's office. The deputy clerk assured her that, yes, the county was keeping records correctly, just as they had been kept the year before that and the year before that, so Comander signed it. No changes had been made regarding record keeping in the years before Comander served as chairman and none of the audits ever suggested a problem, so there was no reason to question the Clerk's office.
Comander accepted the response from the deputy clerk and, in fact, the records were being kept accurately and completely under the law.
The problem came when a person requested thousands of documents and the Clerk's office was faced with the task of having to dedicate a staff member to do nothing but examine and prepare each record for release - a costly and time-consuming affair.
Comander just happened to be the chairman at the time the massive records request was made. It could just as easily been any of the other commissioners. Comander didn't knowingly sign a document that was false.
If you had done your homework and actually contacted the Clerk's office, you would already know this. Better yet, contact Comander at her office and ask her. She will actually return your call, unlike others I could name.
Maybe we should talk about her opponent who DID knowingly sign false documents and present them to the state. Or maybe I shouldn't confuse you with the facts. Whoops.
No I am afraid you don't have the facts. The Board must certify compliance witht the public records law each year and Ms Commander as Chairman signed that certification knowing the county was not in compliance. The Clerk is the caretaker of the records but the records belong to the Board.
Andy A
Andy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Idlewind, I have always been pleased with your positions and posts, but on this issue I am really disappointed with you, though I am sure it doesn't matter.
idlewindidlewindBeach FanaticWalton/Okaloosa County and a little south alabama 2,687 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Idlewind, I have always been pleased with your positions and posts, but on this issue I am really disappointed with you, though I am sure it doesn't matter.
It always matters what people think. Especially those whom you respect. I wouldn't say I am disappointed in you because you stand up for what you believe, but I don't like mud slinging and the 1st post in this thread qualifies. So I gave some back.
I keep asking why so many county employees are so against her and still get no real response. I like the tax vote but I suspect Cuchens would have voted the same way so that is a wash. Same with the economic development issues. And the whole beach armoring thing really does not bother me, if that was my house I would do whatever I could to save/fix it and really would not care what anyone thought. I firmly believe in the right to do with my property what I want as long as it does not infringe on the property rights of my neighbors. I suspect Mr. Cuchens is closer to my beliefs than Ms. Commander is.
The bottom line is I have no personal stake in who wins or loses except as a taxpayer and one who wants the best for Walton County. I really don't trust any incumbents and lean towards voting them all out. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. I for one do not like the direction any of our governments are going in. I want candidates who will tell me what they are for and how it helps my goals. I will vote for the candidates that best answer my questions. I will continue to ask questions, read and listen until I go to vote.
It always matters what people think. Especially those whom you respect. I wouldn't say I am disappointed in you because you stand up for what you believe, but I don't like mud slinging and the 1st post in this thread qualifies. So I gave some back.
I keep asking why so many county employees are so against her and still get no real response. I like the tax vote but I suspect Cuchens would have voted the same way so that is a wash. Same with the economic development issues. And the whole beach armoring thing really does not bother me, if that was my house I would do whatever I could to save/fix it and really would not care what anyone thought. I firmly believe in the right to do with my property what I want as long as it does not infringe on the property rights of my neighbors. I suspect Mr. Cuchens is closer to my beliefs than Ms. Commander is.
The bottom line is I have no personal stake in who wins or loses except as a taxpayer and one who wants the best for Walton County. I really don't trust any incumbents and lean towards voting them all out. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. I for one do not like the direction any of our governments are going in. I want candidates who will tell me what they are for and how it helps my goals. I will vote for the candidates that best answer my questions. I will continue to ask questions, read and listen until I go to vote.
I invite you to visit the website below and tell me who is throwing mud.
When a candidate spends the full 3 minutes allowed to introduce themselves at a political forum attacking their opponent rather than expressing their vision for the county - you know who the mudslinger is.
The OP simply draws a direct comparison between what a candidate says and what their past actions demonstrate.
From Cuchens website "As a lifelong resident, I?m concerned for our beaches, economy and quality of life."
He just tried to trash the beaches in Blue Mountain Beach for a few dollars savings for brown sand over "sugar white".
Rosier "Ro" Cuchens for County Commissioner
SGB
SGBBeach FanaticSouth Walton1,034 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
And the whole beach armoring thing really does not bother me, if that was my house I would do whatever I could to save/fix it and really would not care what anyone thought. I firmly believe in the right to do with my property what I want as long as it does not infringe on the property rights of my neighbors.
I really don't want to get in the middle of this argument and don't fully agree with either side here, but I have to add a few bits of information so that others have the information as it has been reported. Ro Cuchens did not armor his own house. His seawall company was hired to install the seawall for the owners, and then installed the wall without getting the proper permits. After the fact, Cuchens wrote letters to the DEP that seemed like letters of approval from the county, when in fact, they were not "official" letters from the county. At the time it happened I never understood why Cuchins didn't suffer any ramifications, but figured at least that is why he didn't run again, and I was relieved. Now he's taking another shot at it. He won't be getting my vote.
The following thread has the newspaper article that was written at the time. http://www.sowal.com/bb/local-government/9166-cuchens-ethics-questioned-if-found.html
Andy A
Andy ABeach FanaticBlue Mountain Beach4,389 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
It always matters what people think. Especially those whom you respect. I wouldn't say I am disappointed in you because you stand up for what you believe, but I don't like mud slinging and the 1st post in this thread qualifies. So I gave some back.Perhaps I was a bit overboard but I have almost always agreed with your positions and was distressed because I have watched Ro through one term and Sara through one term and there is no comparison as far as I'm concerned. I, also, am of the "throw the incumbents out" group and I have gotten to know Sara through calling her office and talking to her at Commission meetings. She has always given me her position, though sometimes I didn't agree with it, the reason for having it and what she thought ought to be done. She's one of the most through and dedicated political people I have ever met and known and I have known quite a few. It is your business to decide who to vote for in the upcoming election. If you look at the facts, what each candidate has done during their term and where we need to go in Walton County, I hope you'll chose Sara Comander. I am sorry I said I was disappointed in you. It was a spur of the moment thing and wrong. Call Sara and ask her your questions. She will answer them frankly.
I keep asking why so many county employees are so against her and still get no real response. I like the tax vote but I suspect Cuchens would have voted the same way so that is a wash. Same with the economic development issues. And the whole beach armoring thing really does not bother me, if that was my house I would do whatever I could to save/fix it and really would not care what anyone thought. I firmly believe in the right to do with my property what I want as long as it does not infringe on the property rights of my neighbors. I suspect Mr. Cuchens is closer to my beliefs than Ms. Commander is.
The bottom line is I have no personal stake in who wins or loses except as a taxpayer and one who wants the best for Walton County. I really don't trust any incumbents and lean towards voting them all out. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. I for one do not like the direction any of our governments are going in. I want candidates who will tell me what they are for and how it helps my goals. I will vote for the candidates that best answer my questions. I will continue to ask questions, read and listen until I go to vote.
idlewindidlewindBeach FanaticWalton/Okaloosa County and a little south alabama 2,687 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
Perhaps I was a bit overboard but I have almost always agreed with your positions and was distressed because I have watched Ro through one term and Sara through one term and there is no comparison as far as I'm concerned. I, also, am of the "throw the incumbents out" group and I have gotten to know Sara through calling her office and talking to her at Commission meetings. She has always given me her position, though sometimes I didn't agree with it, the reason for having it and what she thought ought to be done. She's one of the most through and dedicated political people I have ever met and known and I have known quite a few. It is your business to decide who to vote for in the upcoming election. If you look at the facts, what each candidate has done during their term and where we need to go in Walton County, I hope you'll chose Sara Comander. I am sorry I said I was disappointed in you. It was a spur of the moment thing and wrong. Call Sara and ask her your questions. She will answer them frankly.
My trend on this has little to do with what the candidates say or do politically. I know Cuchens through business, not politics and have always found him to be honest and a man who keeps his word. I respect him for that. As far as Commander, I know a couple of county employees well and they are adament that she has to go. They tell me she acts on emotions and vindettas and is one who will hug your neck then stab you in the back. This concerns me greatly. So I guess you are basing your support on a set of factors and I am looking at another.
I do know one thing, I do not like the path the county is on or has been on for awhile. I think our county government involves itself in individuals affairs far too much. I do not like the excessive regulation and the difficulty one has to get permits and development orders. I really have not heard anyone address these issues. I don't know if I trust either Cuchens or Commander to fight vigorously against government regulation and intrusion because both have had a chance and have yet to do it although Cuchens seems to be ahead in this regard. Giving lip service to economic development is useless if you allow bureaucrats to drive people crazy with a myriad of regulations, rules and paperwork. I fear that neither will provide any real help on this front. But right this minute I think Cuchens will do more.
To each his own I suppose.
Bob Wells
Bob WellsBeach Fanatic3,380 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
As someone who has worked, until recently, with Walton County on a part time basis, and having also met and communicated with Sara, I have less issues with the direction she sees for the county than the direction Cuchens has had the opportunity to move us in. I suppose what I percieve is an out right lie, reference the seawall permitting and the way the County was run in the past makes me extremely unlikely voting for him. As for rules, regulations and paperwork, where you may find problems, others may find an organized and responsible process. I guess what I'm trying to say is if Cuchens is elected, we are one more step back to the old days, IMO. There is a great editorial in todays Beach Breeze, its worth a read. I suppose you are at least thoughtful on the process. Always remember, whoever is elected is just one vote, but if all on the board are marching to the same drummer then are we really being represented?
Kurt
KurtAdminSoWal2,471 postsJoined View profileMessageAdmin
My trend on this has little to do with what the candidates say or do politically. I know Cuchens through business, not politics and have always found him to be honest and a man who keeps his word. I respect him for that. As far as Commander, I know a couple of county employees well and they are adament that she has to go. They tell me she acts on emotions and vindettas and is one who will hug your neck then stab you in the back. This concerns me greatly. So I guess you are basing your support on a set of factors and I am looking at another.
I do know one thing, I do not like the path the county is on or has been on for awhile. I think our county government involves itself in individuals affairs far too much. I do not like the excessive regulation and the difficulty one has to get permits and development orders. I really have not heard anyone address these issues. I don't know if I trust either Cuchens or Commander to fight vigorously against government regulation and intrusion because both have had a chance and have yet to do it although Cuchens seems to be ahead in this regard. Giving lip service to economic development is useless if you allow bureaucrats to drive people crazy with a myriad of regulations, rules and paperwork. I fear that neither will provide any real help on this front. But right this minute I think Cuchens will do more.
To each his own I suppose.
I appreciate your firsthand knowledge and support of your candidate, but to denigrate the other with hearsay is unfair and unhelpful.
idlewindidlewindBeach FanaticWalton/Okaloosa County and a little south alabama 2,687 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
I appreciate your firsthand knowledge and support of your candidate, but to denigrate the other with hearsay is unfair and unhelpful.
I apologize for any offense taken. I was attempting to explain my stance after much back and forth. Providing my reasons and the basis for my quesrions was my goal, not denigration of anyone.
I am sure the ones who have called Mr. Cuchens" ignorant", a "good ole boy" and questioned his honesty in this thread and others will apologize as well.
Em
EmBeach FanaticWalton Co.1,506 postsJoined View profileMessageBeach Fanatic
The bottom line is I have no personal stake in who wins or loses except as a taxpayer and one who wants the best for Walton County. I really don't trust any incumbents and lean towards voting them all out. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.
Since Ro has already been County Commissioner, wouldn't this fall into doing the same thing again? You are correct that he isn't current County Commissioner, because he was voted out of office after pulling the DEP permit stunts on the properties he built seawalls for and allegedly allowed the County to place dark sand on the beach, which allegedly was purchased by the County from his relatives dirt pit. I don't think we ever heard any follow up on that after he was voted out of office.
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