We have a "first" in the D5 Comission Race!

Living in SW and new to area, I hear and read about many concerns and political perspectives of SW residents. I am curious what are the issues and concerns of N-Walton county residents and how do they differ from SW? As the entire county votes for BCC seats, I am trying to get an objective understanding.

I have known Bill Fletcher since he first moved here. I have found him to be honest, reliable to his word and a credit to everything he does in Walton County. In a word, he has my vote and my support.

Until the flier issue I was inclined to agree Andy.

Living in SW and new to area, I hear and read about many concerns and political perspectives of SW residents. I am curious what are the issues and concerns of N-Walton county residents and how do they differ from SW? As the entire county votes for BCC seats, I am trying to get an objective understanding.

I don't think the core issues (roads, infrastructure, jobs) are different....I think its how we get there that has created the great divide and unfortunately the harm has already been done. You have only to look at traffic to see that. The "build it and they will come" mentality was poorly executed from the get go because the roads and infrastructure were not in place from the get go.

Many SoWal residents feel that because they pay the lions share of the taxes generated in this County they should also have the lions share of control over the decision making process. That doesn't sit well with NoWal residents who were born, raised lived and worked here all their lives or with certain BCC members (some of them life long politicians) who have their own personal agendas. Customary use is a hot topic with many "native" SoWal & NoWal residents because most of us who have lived here for any length of time, are actual natives to the area or have owned homes and businesses since long before it was taken over by builders and developers (mostly at the hands of greedy politicians) want to continue to use our beaches free of encumbrances like ropes, signs, chains, fences and out of control vendors that have literally overtaken and destroyed miles of our pristine coastline with their greed to take up the best spots, charging (extorting tourists) with exorbitant prices for set-ups and just generally destroying the beach experience for the majority of people who have long enjoyed going to the beach, plopping down in the sand and just having fun with their families.

I think we are all in agreement that our native wildlife and its inhabitants (sea turtles, the beach mouse etc) and our dunes need to be protected but again, its how we get there! Most of us agree that the aforementioned encumbrances absolutely inhibit that process as does lax enforcement by "county" code enforcement (its NOT the Sheriff's job to enforce) and that something needed to be done. The problems have and continue to occur because our illustrious BCC is extremely adept at "kicking the can down the road" by addressing only a portion of the problem (signs, ropes, chains and fencing) while excluding vendors. That issue will be addressed sometime after the August elections. I believe the hope is that Cecilia Jones will then have bought herself an election and will be able to protect her sons beach vending business (the hidden agenda) because she will have the needed votes.

The BCC has also long allowed developers/builders to sell people the idea (particularly along 30A) that they own beach front property (down to the water line) and have allowed quit claim deeds to be issued to owners who want exclusive rights to privatize our beaches without ever having to prove that the beaches are indeed privately owned. There are NO privately owned beaches in Walton County. To an extent I agree with property owners.They have the absolute right to enjoy and protect their actual owned property from individuals who want to act a fool but I feel they should have to prove they own the sand if they want police intervention to keep people off the beach. Most of us (SoWal and NoWal) agree that respectful and customary use of our beaches is preferred over a militaristic approach.

I think the vast majority of us all agree things need to change but yet again, approach is everything! We beg, plead yell and scream for change but we keep electing or re-electing the same people (I call it re-cycling) who got us here in the first place. The old adage that "we can't learn from our past mistakes if we keep repeating the pattern that got us here in the first place" is true. We have no right to expect change because we got just exactly what we voted for.

Misty, Bob Wells and others,

While I don’t know who is behind the group that developed the posted ads advocating for Mr. Fletcher and Mrs. Nipper, I think it’s likely safe to say that the individuals involved are not Mr. Blue or Commissioner Jones. That probability in and of itself should be a third reason for you to favorably view Bill Fletcher, not to mention Melanie Nipper.

Bill Fletcher is a retired CEO of a company with about 60 mil a year in revenues. He entered the race 4 years ago late in the game with little time and less money, and nearly beat Commissioner Chapman. He is a tireless volunteer worker for various organizations in this county. Board member and very active fundraiser for the Childrens’ Advocacy Center in DFS. Board Member and tireless fundraiser for the Freeport Kiwanians. Officer and Board member in local Republican Clubs, and I believe a local delegate to the Florida Republicans. Member of the Institute of Senior Professionals and perhaps the most important factor in recruitment of Love’s to Mossy Head. I believe he remains on the Board of Adjustments. Please contact Bill if you want a more complete listing, or check out his web site.

Bill is a good, solid citizen and a contributor to the good of the community for years now, and that would be true no matter where he lived. He’s that kind of guy. Smart, educated, and his own man. He and I don’t always see eye to eye, but he is a man who listens, thinks, decides, and if that decision is to disagree with me, I can depend on his having a reasoned position, not an arbitrary one, and a disagreement couched in agreeable and reasonable terms. He has the courage of his convictions and is beholden to no special interest than the public good. If you take the time to check that statement out, you will agree with me. Bill’s record is there for all to see if you do your own due diligence. Take the time to go to the WCTA candidate forum in DFS in 2 ½ weeks and talk to the man yourself. Bill is accepting his responsibilities as a citizen in the fullest terms. We would do well to try to emulate his example by at least taking the time to inform ourselves firsthand. Bob Wells was present at the first WCTA forum. All the rest of you who are obviously interested in local politics should be present at the next one.

In light of the laws governing campaign contributions and allowable activities, I find it puzzling that you and others would be critical of Bill (or anyone else, Melanie in this case) for some advocacy group to back him and then berate him for not disclosing the identity of people he does not know. There no requirement that a group advocating for or against someone in an election ask that person’s permission or otherwise advise them of their activities. It is in fact illegal for there to be coordination between non-profit advocacies and campaigns. They don’t have to ask his permission, and he has absolutely no obligation to try to discern the identities of people who have legally placed them beyond his or our view. Could it be because they fear retribution by Walton County or the forces of evil in this county? Stranger things have happened.

For all we know, this is a Machiavellian plot by the forces of evil in Walton County to discredit those two candidates who threaten to be independent voices disposed to judge proposals in light of the public good and not beholden to the forces of evil. Farfetched? Well, how farfetched was it that Tony Who? would raise $100,000 to run against public enemy number one (Cindy Meadows) of the forces of evil? Or that Cecilia would be escorting Mr. Who? around as she has, apparently provoking the ire of her husband in so doing. Stranger things can happen.

In the more likely event the ads were run by people who favor kicking out Mr. Imfeld and Mr. Chapman, that these folks should choose to remain anonymous for their own reasons is perfectly legal and should not be used against people who have neither input in nor control over such ads and decisions made far removed from their knowledge and control. Both Mr. Fletcher and Mrs. Nipper should be judged for who they are, their records, and what they stand for, not for the actions of others who answer neither to them nor to you or me.

Bill Fletcher’s positive attributes I have mentioned. Let me mention what I know of Melanie Nipper for those who have not as yet taken the time to inform themselves about her. Melanie and her husband are career military, residents of N. Walton, farm owners there, and operate a helicopter service in conjunction with their farm. Melanie remains in the Army Reserve as a helicopter pilot. She has 3 combat tours in Iraq, perhaps one of those in Afghanistan as I believe I recall. As lead pilot for her flights, she is responsible for the lives of about 100 souls aboard those combat choppers. You want a concrete reason for supporting her out of general principle? Walton County is suing her after failing to shut her business down. To have Walton County suing an individual citizen is almost a badge of honor for that citizen, and we both know it. She ain’t one of us, Boys! Git’ er! And git ‘er husband, too!

Melanie has spent her adult life defending our Constitution and absolutely believes in the rule of Constitutional law. Not a little — 100%. She is smart as you might expect such a leader to be —VERY! She is thoughtful, calm, and has spent her life making reasoned, informed decisions knowing full well that they on many occasions have been life or death ones for her and her charges. Considering the dangers of flying a chopper under any conditions, most all her decisions in that role even in routine training have been life or death ones. She promises to bring that integrity and analytical ability to bear on the problems Walton County government faces.

Honor and integrity need not be considered disqualifiers for public office, nor should the opinions and actions of outside political advocacy groups unknown to and unanswerable to those candidates. Bill and Melanie are exemplary people. While they are not the only good people in the race, they are the two I see as being unjustifiably attacks in this forum, and I happily and enthusiastically support them both, knowing full well that each has at least one opponent who seems honorable, too. We have some good alternatives in these two races. I choose to support Bill and Melanie, and I hope that after each of you examines them for who and what they are and what they stand for, you will, too. They're good people.

While I don’t know who is behind the group that developed the posted ads advocating for Mr. Fletcher and Mrs. Nipper, I think it’s likely safe to say that the individuals involved are not Mr. Blue or Commissioner Jones.

I don't think the notion that C. Jones is behind this is that far fetched. I think its entirely possible and wouldn't put it past her because I truly believe she is just that evil. I've known that woman many many years and I know what she as well as her husband are capable of. Ms. Jones has completely destroyed public trust and confidence while cavorting around the County with T. Anderson making her personal agenda abundantly clear. I do however still believe the more likely culprit is Mike Huckabee. That's just my opinion.

I am aware of everything you have written about Bill Fletcher and Ms. Nipper from having visited their websites and listened to the WCTA candidate forum.They both have several things still going for them IMO. Neither of them are born and raised in Walton County and couldn't be considered "good ole boys", they have not been re-cycled in County Government for decades and neither seem to have any apparent hidden agendas in running for public office. I have not ruled them out completely based on those fliers but in my mind those fliers raised a huge red flag and again, its not an unlikely scenario that it was done by career politicians who know they have the votes to keep things as they are if Chapman and Imfield are re-elected. I am also aware of Mr. Fletcher's many contributions and work in our Community and Ms. Nipper's military career. My angst against Ms. Nipper is that I think she lacks the experience of "community" and civic mindedness or service in the Community but has very impressive military credentials. (I hope that makes sense.) If you recall, Mr. Imfield came to Walton County with impeccable credentials with the FBI and financial management and look what that got us. (At least a million dollars of taxpayer money simply gone and not a soul held accountable.) Mr. Imfield is also very hostile and has a volatile disposition that I think is uncalled given that he was elected to serve the people he is so hostile against! Chapman was/is simply a re-cycled "good ole boy". Can't really say much negative about him because I do think he was an OK cop, a personable sort but also lacking in experience. I just think he was/has been in over his head and has been led by people who have agendas that are not necessarily in the best interest of the County as a whole.

Back to the fliers...Walton County (as backward as it still is) is NOT a 3rd world country where we have to fear retribution from our government. We don't risk being imprisoned, brutally beaten, having our fingernails or toenails removed or water boarded for our political beliefs. I understand people want change but hiding in the shadows is what people did to avoid concentration camps! Its NOT what we do as a society in America. We have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Be LOUD and be PROUD about who and what you are and what you want to see accomplished for yourselves, your Community and who you want to see elected to govern where you live, work and play. Anything less than that is SUSPECT. The fact people want to remain in the shadows calling for reform is SUSPECT and it is NOT the way to achieve OPEN, HONEST GOVERNMENT.

I also said I believe Mr. Fletcher does not know whose behind those fliers. I believe that but I also believe the way to OPEN HONEST GOVERNMENT shouldn't be to encourage hidden behavior (the fliers) with gratitude. Run on your own merits, what you have personally accomplished, what you have personally done to keep your campaign open honest and in the sunshine. Be you, be honest, be sincere and if elected continue the principals and beliefs that you stood for before you got elected.

P.S. lazin&drinkin This really isn't relevant but you alluded to it so I'll address it. I did not attend the last WCTA candidate forum and in all likelihood will not attend the next one. I have health and personal issues that prevent me from doing so but I am listening and I do want to make informed decisions. I would like to see more from the candidates on this forum about where they stand on the issues but I also believe you need some pretty think skin. If you're running for public office, no one promised you a rose garden. Its not all sugar and spice and everything nice. Politics has a way of polarizing people because it effects their lives, their families, their jobs and their political and moral beliefs.

...most of us who have lived here for any length of time, are actual natives to the area or have owned homes and businesses since long before it was taken over by builders and developers...

I don't understand this perspective? I believe I have seen this in other posts of yours?

How long have you lived here? Does it make you a better resident or give you a sense of special privledge or entitlement?

And what is your beef with builders & developers?

TIA

I don't understand this perspective? I believe I have seen this in other posts of yours?

And?

How long have you lived here? Does it make you a better resident or give you a sense of special privledge or entitlement?

Over 30 years. No.

And what is your beef with builders & developers?

Sustainability, lack of adequate roads, bridges and infrastructure particularly in SoWal, overgrowth

Sustainability, lack of adequate roads, bridges and infrastructure particularly in SoWal, overgrowth

Generalizing. And not the fault of builders.

As a 30 year resident you obviously know the huge amounts of forests/conservation lands in S Walton.

If builders & developers are doing business under the land development code and comprehensive plan, how is any of your concerns their fault?

Or, are you of the opinion that growth should have stopped the day after your house was built.

Generalizing. And not the fault of builders.

As a 30 year resident you obviously know the huge amounts of forests/conservation lands in S Walton.

If builders & developers are doing business under the land development code and comprehensive plan, how is any of your concerns their fault?

Or, are you of the opinion that growth should have stopped the day after your house was built.

Let me ask you a question. How long have you lived here?

Generalizing. And not the fault of builders.

Hmm ok.

As a 30 year resident you obviously know the huge amounts of forests/conservation lands in S Walton.

Again, what's your point? You can't build on conservation land or in the forrest and we have folks in Walton County who have worked tirelessly to protect those lands. Thank goodness for them!

If builders & developers are doing business under the land development code and comprehensive plan, how is any of your concerns their fault?

It's not the fault of builders who EXPLOITED a very bad LDC and Comprehensive plan? Then I guess you'll be overjoyed when they are no longer able to exploit them right? Even if it hurts them financially? I just bet you will be ecstatic!

Or, are you of the opinion that growth should have stopped the day after your house was built.

Actually, I live in NoWal, inside the City limits and I have the amenities that I need to sustain my way of life in my community...not so for many in SoWal. Since SoWal is part of Walton County it's also part of the community in which I live. As a citizen of the County I think it's its incumbent on all of us to care about our Community and do our part to protect our home. I don't think growth needs to come to a complete stop but I do believe that the current rate of growth has placed undue burdens on our roads, bridges and infrastructure in SoWal and we need to fix that, sooner than later!

I also recognize that you are being impudent and obviously think you're funny. I'm not amused and I'm quite sure that most of SoWal isn't either.

Let me ask you a question. How long have you lived here?

Not sure of the revelance in the conversation. An assumption on my part, but you appear to be a long time resident who's unhappy with the growth that has occurred.
However, I will answer your question. We are nearing 4 decades here. (Although we began residency in the Crystal Beach area of Destin)

Again, what's your point? You can't build on conservation land or in the forrest and we have folks in Walton County who have worked tirelessly to protect those lands. Thank goodness for them!

My point: there is plenty of green space in S Walton. You make it seem as if builders have mowed the place down and built on every square foot.
And yes, I'm thankful for those before me with the vision to preserve.

It's not the fault of builders who EXPLOITED a very bad LDC and Comprehensive plan? Then I guess you'll be overjoyed when they are no longer able to exploit them right? Even if it hurts them financially? I just bet you will be ecstatic!

I don't agree that builders have exploited anything. Please point out the bad portions of the LDC and Comp Plan.
Have you ever tried to obtain a Development Order? Or obtain a building permit?

Actually, I live in NoWal, inside the City limits and I have the amenities that I need to sustain my way of life in my community...not so for many in SoWal. Since SoWal is part of Walton County it's also part of the community in which I live. As a citizen of the County I think it's its incumbent on all of us to care about our Community and do our part to protect our home. I don't think growth needs to come to a complete stop but I do believe that the current rate of growth has placed undue burdens on our roads, bridges and infrastructure in SoWal and we need to fix that, sooner than later!

I'm happy for you in N Walton. I love N Walton and enjoy that part of the county. I spend quite a bit of time there, along with the Ponce de Leon part of Holmes Co.
Infrastructure is continually being addressed in a growing county. And if you look around, or do research, it's happening right now.

I also recognize that you are being impudent and obviously think you're funny. I'm not amused and I'm quite sure that most of SoWal isn't either.

I'm not being impudent at all. I'm a pretty humble person. And hope I've shown no ill will toward you or anyone else on this forum. I'm also a realist with realist opinions.
A little humor IMO, keeps opinions from becoming personal attacks. If we can't laugh along the journey...the destination really is bittersweet.

My point: there is plenty of green space in S Walton. You make it seem as if builders have mowed the place down and built on every square foot.

There are 26 miles of beach in Walton County with little or no undeveloped beachfront. That isn't just a mowing...it has been plowed!

I don't agree that builders have exploited anything. Please point out the bad portions of the LDC and Comp Plan.
Have you ever tried to obtain a Development Order? Or obtain a building permit?

Read the report from the Grand Jury Investigation in Sept. of 2015 and get back with me on that!

There are 26 miles of beach in Walton County with little or no undeveloped beachfront. That isn't just a mowing...it has been plowed!

You couldn't be more wrong.
Topsail Forest is 100's of acreage with several miles of beachfront. Grayton Beach Park is also hundreds of acres with large amount of beach front.
There are also many county owned beach front parcels. And many private developments that have preserved the beachfront.
The amount of preservation lands in S. Walton is staggering. Including watershed, forest, parks, coastal lakes and beach front...

Your assertion of "little or no undeveloped beachfront" is 100% incorrect.

You couldn't be more wrong.
Topsail Forest is 100's of acreage with several miles of beachfront. Grayton Beach Park is also hundreds of acres with large amount of beach front.
There are also many county owned beach front parcels. And many private developments that have preserved the beachfront.
The amount of preservation lands in S. Walton is staggering. Including watershed, forest, parks, coastal lakes and beach front...

Your assertion of "little or no undeveloped beachfront" is 100% incorrect.

Those are state lands and can't be touched. I'm talking about what CAN be developed!!

Read the report from the Grand Jury Investigation in Sept. of 2015 and get back with me on that!

Ok.
I did a search and quick read. It appears the county made mistakes in collection of fees from developers.
How is that the fault of builders & developers?

Again I ask, have you ever been through the Development Order process? Have you ever applied for a building permit? Have you ever taken hundreds of thousands (or millions) of dollars of risk in an effort to make a living, legally and within the codes developed by the County and State?

Those are state lands and can't be touched. I'm talking about what CAN be developed!!

Ok.
so what's your beef?
You don't believe ANY property on the beach should be developed?

[BTW, I noted State...County...and private preserved beachfront]

Ok.
so what's your beef?
You don't believe ANY property on the beach should be developed?

I'm sorry you're having trouble figuring out my clear responses to you. I've already answered your questions.

I'm sorry you're having trouble figuring out my clear responses to you. I've already answered your questions.

No you have not.
Have a good day.

lazin & drinkin, thank you for the run down on the candidates, especially Ms.Nipper. It was much appreciated.

Lars while we do have the LDC and comp plan developers have and continue to bastardize it by interpreting it in their own vision or ignoring it altogether. In cahoots with them is a planning director who stated that sky diving is an indoor activity.

So it's either gross incompetence by our planning department or something else.

Lars while we do have the LDC and comp plan developers have and continue to bastardize it by interpreting it in their own vision or ignoring it altogether. In cahoots with them is a planning director who stated that sky diving is an indoor activity.

So it's either gross incompetence by our planning department or something else.

Direct examples of developers "bastardizing"?

Direct examples of developers "bastardizing"?

VMU developments come to mind, especially ones on half acre lots.

VMU developments come to mind, especially ones on half acre lots.

Again. Name a direct example. Development. Or project.