Sheriff candidate Cooper used fianc?e?s position to get interview questions in advance
By Nate Kelly
August 21, 2008 - 10:24AM
Walton County Sheriff's candidate, Tom Cooper, wanted to be prepared for an interview for the job of deputy director of the Walton County jail. He had his then fianc?e, Christine Bell Cooper, emergency operations planner, get a copy of the interview questions beforehand, according to Gary Mattison, human resource director for Walton County.
The questions were public information. However, on May 2, 2007, Bell Cooper was given a Level 1 reprimand for misuse of a public position, a violation of Florida Statute 112.313.
"If anyone did anything wrong it was me, for not marching to the HR office and getting the questions myself," Tom said.
According to Bell Cooper, she does not believe she did anything wrong by providing a public record. "I'm a servant of the county and I did what I'm employed to do," she said.
Seeing the questions in advance did not give him an upper hand, according to Cooper. "Most of them were common sense questions, especially for anybody with law enforcement experience," said Cooper.
Mattison learned of the situation, shortly after the request and discussed it with Cooper before holding the interview on Feb. 28, 2007.
However, Cooper's prior knowledge of the questions did not affect his prospects of getting the job, since the county was looking for someone with jail experience and a more qualified candidate applied, according to Mattison.
"Our questions are open ended," Mattison said. "They are intended to find out the person's experience and background."
Discipline levels for the county start with a formal counseling, then proceeds to a Level 1 and Level 2 reprimand, followed by a suspension and finally dismissal, according to Chris Mitchell, public information officer for Walton County.
Replies
60
Beach Fanatic
Get out and vote TODAY....weather is going to be nasty Tuesday, I think........and I am worried about voter turnout. Please, please....vote today!
Beach Lover
Unfortunately Mr Post your therory can be discounted. I too remember the post, and the Sun may have seen it, but a source tells me a letter was recieved anonymously on Cooper and Cornmans questionable ethical activities. Thats very very strange to me being both a very strong candidates. Could it be?....No please tell me it isnt so. Certainly the Adkinson camp would not participate in something such as this activity. Just politics.....
Let me start by saying that while I think Adkinson would do a good job as sheriff, my position has always been to get a new sheriff elected. Whomever that is is something we will all have to deal with, but it will be easier than having to deal with four more years of what we have.
I am not questioning your source, and certainly don't have one of my own. Unless there is proof that Adkinson, Johnson, or anyone else is doing this, we shouldn't make those accusations. They are just as frivolous as the letters your source says questioned Cooper and Cornman.
By the way, for all the people who think Adkinson is attacking the other candidates, all I have seen are things directed at Johnson. Doesn't appear he is too worried with the rest of the field. Cooper and Cornman - now those two seem to go at each other pretty good sometimes.
Beach Fanatic
Seagrovegirl, I too am concerned about the effect the storm may have on turn-out. If whoever is elected sheriff is going to get things done, we don't need the others complaining about "what woulda happened" if a storm didn't come through.
Whoever wins needs a mandate to get the necessary changes made.
Whoever wins needs a mandate to get the necessary changes made.
Beach Fanatic
Does anyone else become nausious reading Ralph Johnson's campaign ad's???? He is finally answering some questions that I wanted to hear.....but I think it is way too late!!!
Beach Comber
Open ended questions?
TO 5TH GEN LOCAL The only open ended question in my mind is, How are you and the 6th Gen Candidate related ? As a "4th Gen Local" myself, I know for a mathamatical certainty that you and the 6th Gen Candidate are bound to be related. If you're not related, that means that one of your Grandmothers was "Shawana the Bearded Jungle Woman" at the 1962 Walton County Fair, and I'm sure you remember how ugly she was. Now that we have that question answered, did Uncle Clayton have access to the questions when "6th Gen" was interviewed for City Marshal. Since he was City Attorney at the time, I'm pretty sure all he had to do to gain access to these public documents was reach in his briefcase. I remember one time two of my uncles were cleaning out my Grandmother's septic tank. They had raised the lid up and were dipping it out with a bucket and rope and making a mess. My Grandmother came out of the house and saw what a mess they were making and gave these wise words of advise....."If ya'll keep your mouth's wide open, you won't get none on your face". Good advise to mud slingers also.
TO 5TH GEN LOCAL The only open ended question in my mind is, How are you and the 6th Gen Candidate related ? As a "4th Gen Local" myself, I know for a mathamatical certainty that you and the 6th Gen Candidate are bound to be related. If you're not related, that means that one of your Grandmothers was "Shawana the Bearded Jungle Woman" at the 1962 Walton County Fair, and I'm sure you remember how ugly she was. Now that we have that question answered, did Uncle Clayton have access to the questions when "6th Gen" was interviewed for City Marshal. Since he was City Attorney at the time, I'm pretty sure all he had to do to gain access to these public documents was reach in his briefcase. I remember one time two of my uncles were cleaning out my Grandmother's septic tank. They had raised the lid up and were dipping it out with a bucket and rope and making a mess. My Grandmother came out of the house and saw what a mess they were making and gave these wise words of advise....."If ya'll keep your mouth's wide open, you won't get none on your face". Good advise to mud slingers also.
SoWal Insider
The only advance notice I see here is the WALTON SUN "knew in advance"
that if they had run this petty, non-issue article last week, they would not
have been able to collect the advertising income that this candidate is
likely to be spending this weekend. Since the truckstop and the chicken plant
are closed, I think all the whores and chickens moved to the SUN.
Did it occur to you that the reporter hasn't been there very long? I know he didn't work there when I left in January. Maybe he's just recently heard the rumor and decided to ask the questions.
I can assure you that the Sun reporters have nothing to gain or lose by running a story to keep or prevent advertising. Advertising doesn't know what stories are going in the paper and Editorial doesn't know what ads are going in.
Everyone that lives/works here is not FROM here and therefore don't know the "history" of politricks in Walton county.
If you want more current, up to date reporting, maybe you should supply some stories... I hear they are short staffed.
Beach Fanatic
Some stories that have not made it into the Sun that have been posted in SoWal. Fire Truck responds with no water, counseling administered, no story. Stories about political signs disappearing, no story. Some stories that have yet to appear, a few weeks ago people standing on 98 and Scenic Gulf soliciting money, The Sun did a story about this causing enforcment of violators, No story. I can think of stories they have been made aware of they did not cover, whether that is right or wrong I can't say, and maybe the Cooper story was not politically motivated, but this paper has been sliding in my eyes. It should stick to the fluff and try to avoid the hard hitting news because its obviously selective as to what they believe is NEWS.
I voted for Cooper and Bruanstein.
I voted for Cooper and Bruanstein.
Beach Comber
Did it occur to you that the reporter hasn't been there very long? I know he didn't work there when I left in January. Maybe he's just recently heard the rumor and decided to ask the questions.
Advertising doesn't know what stories are going in the paper and Editorial doesn't know what ads are going in.
Everyone that lives/works here is not FROM here and therefore don't know the "history" of politricks in Walton county.
If you want more current, up to date reporting, maybe you should supply some stories... I hear they are short staffed.
ha...short staffed is an understatement
best of lucky to debbie and nate....
Banned
Utilizing 'contacts' to acquire a 'leg-up' is human nature,....but unfortunately it has difficulty passing the "smell test", especially when the "prize" is the position of SHERIFF whom we all expect to be idealistic, aboveboard, ethical and trustworthy; 'shortcuts' can be indeed damaging if merely rationalized and not convincingly explained...........
Beach Fanatic
Utilizing 'contacts' to acquire a 'leg-up' is human nature,....but unfortunately it has difficulty passing the "smell test", especially when the "prize" is the position of SHERIFF whom we all expect to be idealistic, aboveboard, ethical and trustworthy; 'shortcuts' can be indeed damaging if merely rationalized and not convincingly explained...........
If you really think that anyone in this race "whom we all expect to be idealistic, aboveboard, ethical and trustworthy" fits all these criteria, then I have a house in the bayou to sell you.
Beach Lover
Ok, I woke up this morning, battled the wind and rain and retrieved my SUN newspaper. I brought it in and expecting to find some earth shattering news about a candidate, I was disappointed. Same old stuff, we?ve heard about all week, without a full understanding of the event. It disappoints me when I read and see this kind of political tactic. But we are human and we all make mistakes. Did this story make news in 2007? I don?t remember hearing anything about this until now. The question I ask myself is, ?why is this coming out now? ? Why is it big news now? Is this, ?Shock and Awe??
What is it suppose to do?
Whatever it is or isn?t, there are only a few more days left before the election and a lot of very important decisions will be made on Tuesday. A good thing to do is to sit quietly somewhere and pray to God for direction. Nothing wrong with asking for some guidance from the One who knows each and every candidates, true heart. Call the candidate(s) ask the questions you want answered. Talk as a family about all you have heard and seen in the forums about what each stands for and does it fit what you?re looking for in a leader.
And do get out and VOTE. I took advantage of voting early and it feels great. It was my, Vote, and no one can take it away. VOTE VOTE VOTE Tuesday
What is it suppose to do?Whatever it is or isn?t, there are only a few more days left before the election and a lot of very important decisions will be made on Tuesday. A good thing to do is to sit quietly somewhere and pray to God for direction. Nothing wrong with asking for some guidance from the One who knows each and every candidates, true heart. Call the candidate(s) ask the questions you want answered. Talk as a family about all you have heard and seen in the forums about what each stands for and does it fit what you?re looking for in a leader.
And do get out and VOTE. I took advantage of voting early and it feels great. It was my, Vote, and no one can take it away. VOTE VOTE VOTE Tuesday
SoWal Insider
It wouldn't have been news in 2007, Cooper wasn't running for office. During an election, everything gets brought to the paper and even if it's not New, the public still has a right to know, no matter how old. There' s also a story on a former commissioner who suddenly divorced his wife of 38 years to protect assets, as he is being sued. This wouldn't be news either if he were not a former elected official. Bottom line, use your own judgement and if you don't agree with the reports that are always going to surface during elections, don't read the smacks.
:roll:
:roll:
Beach Fanatic
It wouldn't have been news in 2007, Cooper wasn't running for office. During an election, everything gets brought to the paper and even if it's not New, the public still has a right to know, no matter how old. There' s also a story on a former commissioner who suddenly divorced his wife of 38 years to protect assets, as he is being sued. This wouldn't be news either if he were not a former elected official. Bottom line, use your own judgement and if you don't agree with the reports that are always going to surface during elections, don't read the smacks.
:roll:
I know the intent of the story was to hurt Mr. Cooper's candidacy, and I think that failed.
But I think the bigger story would be why a county employee recieved discipline for releasing a public record. Does this sort of thing happen often?Beach Fanatic
I know the intent of the story was to hurt Mr. Cooper's candidacy, and I think that failed.
Come on, Walton Sun.........no go for the real story!!!!
What happened to the first class paper the Sun used to be. They have lost their substance and content. Sad....
SoWal Insider
Come on, Walton Sun.........no go for the real story!!!!
What happened to the first class paper the Sun used to be. They have lost their substance and content. Sad....
They lost a lot of key people that made it what it was. Reporters use a weekly paper to get their feet wet, and then they move on to a daily paper. The Sun has lost many a reporter to the Daily News. Hence the high turnover rate and rookie transplants reporting. Yes, it makes me sad too. I still love my Sun though.
Beach Lover
It wouldn't have been news in 2007, Cooper wasn't running for office. During an election, everything gets brought to the paper and even if it's not New, the public still has a right to know, no matter how old. There' s also a story on a former commissioner who suddenly divorced his wife of 38 years to protect assets, as he is being sued. This wouldn't be news either if he were not a former elected official. Bottom line, use your own judgement and if you don't agree with the reports that are always going to surface during elections, don't read the smacks.
:roll:
Sounds like the old subliminal messaging techinque. It doesn't make sense, just put it out there.
Beach Fanatic
Gotta fill pages with something.......................got any mullet?
Banned
If you really think that anyone in this race "whom we all expect to be idealistic, aboveboard, ethical and trustworthy" fits all these criteria, then I have a house in the bayou to sell you.
My Mama used to say "Rationalization is the key to happiness"....; See how happy "rationalization" just made you Idlewind ?
Yes, I really do think ANYONE in this race for Sheriff should be idealistic, aboveboard, ethical, and trustworthy;..... So, keep your "house in the bayou",.. you may want to rent it to some less ethical Sheriff candidate loser who just might have rationalized away HIS ethics,..AND his opportunity because the rest of the citizenry also expect him to be above reproach....
Edited
Beach Comber
My Mama used to say "Rationalization is the key to happiness"....; See how happy "rationalization" just made you Idlewind ?
Yes, I really do think ANYONE in this race for Sheriff should be idealistic, aboveboard, ethical, and trustworthy;..... So, keep your "house in the bayou",.. you may want to rent it to some less ethical Sheriff candidate loser who just might have rationalized away HIS ethics,..AND his opportunity because the rest of the citizenry also expect him to be above reproach....
So Stripes(less) tell us what Mr Adkinson has done now? You did mention renting Idlewinds property out to a "less ethical sheriff candidate loser" so I am sure Idle needs a heads up before signing the contract with him. (and I think you should have used the term unethical but if I remember you do have a problem with phonics and grammar)
Banned
So Stripes(less) tell us what Mr Adkinson has done now? You did mention renting Idlewinds property out to a "less ethical sheriff candidate loser" so I am sure Idle needs a heads up before signing the contract with him. (and I think you should have used the term unethical but if I remember you do have a problem with phonics and grammar)
Thanks for your 'help' with grammer and phonics "drivingthru";
"Adkinson"?...I thought the topic was Cooper's acquisition of so-called "public records" gathered by his girlfriend....
Maybe you should just keep on 'driving through' "DrivingThru"
Beach Fanatic
Hmmmm....spittin' contest...Beach Comber
Thanks for your 'help' with grammer and phonics "drivingthru";
"Adkinson"?...I thought the topic was Cooper's acquisition of so-called "public records" gathered by his girlfriend....
Maybe you should just keep on 'driving through' "DrivingThru"
Yes child the thread is about Cooper and family, but was it not you that that deviated from the topic with a comment or two about Idlewind? Please accept my most sincere apologies for striking a nerve when mentioning a candidate that you support, that was not my intent at all. I will not charge you for the English lesson, as I try and do my part to help those less fortunate than myself.
But allow me to comment, since you asked, regarding Cooper's situation. Based on what was posted (its in the Sun today by the way) can you tell me where the news about HIM is? IF (emphasis on if) the article is correct, what has been done wrong? He said he should have gone to get them from Human Resources but he didnt (at least he made a comment on a newspaper article which has put him ahead of Sheriff Johnson's "cant be reached for comment"). I see a much more interesting story about his grilfriend because I dont believe they have answered the question I have and that is why she was disciplined. The most interesting part of the story is its timing. In other words, Cooper not a candidate, Cooper not a story. Obviously this didnt just suddenly appear out of thin air. Since it happend a year ago, I am sure a "camp" was waiting with baited breath to get to the paper and why not in the last print before the election?
So you see Stripes(less) I have returned the thread to the topic and, at your request provided you with a point of view. Honestly, I would much rather read a pot shot at a candidate that was worthy of mudslinging, something like stealing money, committing murder, SOMETHING that is exciting....
Beach Lover
PEEEEeeeee YOOOOoooo!!!!
The intent and timing of the story is overly clear and wreaks with the familiar horrid odor of political favor.
The end result was the loudest backfire in the recent history of Walton County Sheriff politics!
I know the intent of the story was to hurt Mr. Cooper's candidacy, and I think that failed.
The intent and timing of the story is overly clear and wreaks with the familiar horrid odor of political favor.
The end result was the loudest backfire in the recent history of Walton County Sheriff politics!
Beach Lover
you mean like......
you mean like someone asking a candidate if he would ever hire a person that was maybe arrested for illegal wire tapping and promote them with rank to be in the charge of a division of his department and still not getting an answer?..................................................................................]
So you see Stripes(less) I have returned the thread to the topic and, at your request provided you with a point of view. Honestly, I would much rather read a pot shot at a candidate that was worthy of mudslinging, something like stealing money, committing murder, SOMETHING that is exciting....[/quote
Edited
Beach Fanatic
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