What the candidates are saying about eachother...no spin here

[srb 1]

HAD THE OPPORTUNTY TO SPEAK W/ EACH CANDIDATE FOR COMMISSIONER AS WELL AS THEIR SUPPORTERS AT MANY OF THE RECENT FORUMS. I FOUND IT INTERESTING TO HEAR WHAT EACH OF THEM HAS BEEN SAYING ABOUT THE OTHER. IT WOULD BE ENLIGHTENING WHAT FACTS ARE TRUE OR UNTRUE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS I HAVE LISTENED TO FROM ALL OF THEM:

SID BRAUNSTIEN: FOCUSES HIS MARKETING/ BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AS A KEY QUALIIFCATION FOR COMMISSIONER...THE GUY DOES COME ACROSS ENERGETIC AT FORUMS. MOST COMMON RESPONSE IS THAT HE HAS OVERSTATED HIS RESUME AND CURRENTLY WORKS AT THE TOM THUMB, WHICH IS NOT ON HIS RESUME.

BOB HUDSON: SEEMS TO HAVE GOOD ACCOUNTING BACKGROUND, MOST COMMON RESPONSE IS HE IS NOT IN FAVOR OF CONTINUATION OF COMMUNITY EVENTS SUCH AS SEASIDE1/2 MARATION, JAZZ FEST, WINE FESTIVALS, TRIATHALONS, ETC... WHEN ASKED ABOUT IT IN FORUMS AFTER STATING THIS POSITION EARLIER IN THE CAMPAIGN , HE NOW APPEARS TO SIDE STEP ISSUE TO AVOID ANSWERING WITH A CLEAR RESOPONSE KNOWING IT IS UNPOPULAR. OTHER COMMENTS INDICATE HE USES TAX RHETORIC WITHOUT FINITE PROGRAMS TO STREAMLINE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. IT WAS POINTED OUT BY ONE CANDIDATE THE ONLY REAL TAX SAVINGS WILL BE COUNTY EFFICIENCY GIVEN OUR CURRENT MILEAGE RATE.

CECILIA JONES: NICE LADY AND SCHOOLTEACHER, IN FORUMS SEEMS TO TALK ABOUT EXPERIENCES IN CLASSROOM VS FINITE COUNTY ISSUES. INDICATES SUPPORT FOR OSBORNE IF NOT ELECTED WHICH WAS SURPRISING. MOST NEGATIVES INDICATE SHE IS A VACATIONER IN SOUTH WALTON AND CURRENTLY RESIDES IN THE NORTH END OF THE COUNTY. BIG QUESTION: SHOULD A NORTH END RESIDENT RUN IN THE SOUTH?

OSBORNE: IMPRESSIVE, NO VAGuE ANSWERS FROM THIS GUY, SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT ALL COUNTY ISSUES AS WELL AS LAWS. MOST KNOWLEGABLE AND CONSISTANT IN FORUMS. HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF SUING COUNTY. FURTHER INFORMATION INDICATES HE WAS FORCED TO SUE FOR ENFORCEMENT, NOT MONEY. THIS WOULD BE HONORABLE SINCE HE USED HIS OWN FUNDS TO SEEK REFLIEF FROM A NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER BROUGHT ON BY POOR COUNTY MANAGEMENT OF UNSCRUPULIOUS DEVELOPERS. MOST CANDIDATES SEEMED TO RESPECT OSBORN. WHAT IS OSBORNE'S TWO PLATFORM PROGRAM ABOUT?

SMITH: DEMONSTARTES A LOT OF PASSION BUT COULD NOT ANSWER SIMPLE COUNTY QUESTIONS IN FORUMS WITH CLEAR CLARITY. IN FACT, THIS VOTER DID NOT EVEN UNDERSTAND MOST OF HIS ANSWERS AT ANY OF THE FORUMS. TRYING TO STAY OBJECTIVE IS HARD GIVEN WHAT I EXPERIENCED. OTHERS CANDIDATES QUESTION HIS UNDERSTANDING OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT, BACKROUND, AND ABILITY TO PERFORM THE JOB.


THESE COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS ARE FROM PERONAL ATTENDANCE AT FORUMS AND SUPPORTER / CANDIDIATE COMMENTS TO THIS VOTER. I ALWAYS THINK IT SHOULD BE KNOWN WHAT PEOPLE REALLY SAY WHEN NOT IN PUBLIC FORUM.

SRB 1

 

[idlewind]

interesting, as I have still not made up my mind.

 

[Bob Hudson]

I agree that this topic should not be sun by a poster or a candidate. This is my response to the question of Outdoor festivals and Events posted on May 29 in respone to the question place by a poster with the screen name of Road Runner.

"The neighborhood that I live in predates Gulf Place. I believe that open air concerts have a place along the 30-A corridor. 30-A is a series of “beach communities” that have every right to conduct such activities within the current provisions of County ordinance. Those provisions were set by the Board of County commissioners through the public hearing process. Do they need to be ammended to meet the changing density along that corridor? Yes they should. The economic benefit should not override safety issues. The current ordinance has a provision for exception to the current sound level specified and those provisions worked very well this year during the Seabreeze Festival. I must also remind everyone that Gulf Place sponsors concerts on an ongoing basis due the high tourist season. I believe that we need an area that can safely handle very large crowds."

I have never wavered from this response.

I am also on record as placing a high emphasis on locating a parcel of land large enouugh to compete with other locations for outdoor events. It should also include new ball fields and a community center.

Thanks for letting me set the record straight.

 

[princepesa]

Interesting comments. I think everyone should know that Hudson is supported by
Azland (developing the controverisal borrow pit on Rock Hill), Hilldreth (Blue Mt. Beach) and Hilton family from Bay county who make up the anti -turtle lighting, private beaches, and opponents to the Leave no Trace program. Osborne is supported by local folks who want to see government held accountable so that taxpayers don't foot the bill for sloppy work. Cecilia Jones doesn't really reside in South Walton, lives in another district, but would move if elected. Do we want someone who doesn't understand Dst. 5? Sid Braunstien is limited in his knowledge and hasn't ever attendend a full commission meeting. George Wallace Smith is against signs on 98 and never really submitted his platform that I can find. I think Osborne is the clear choice here.

 

[princepesa]

I was in attendance at the BCC meeting where Mr. Hudson appeared to speak against the Jazz Festival. No one else had ever complained. He wanted the county to clamp down on Gulf Place because he heard the music. Sadly, they left for another venue. Is anyone aware of the economic impact these festivals have on a beleagured economy? They are huge for retailers, rental unit owners, restaurants. With this attitude, we won't have anything but Lawrence Welk ending at 8 a.m. Cha Cha Cha

 

[sidandpattib]

Dated June, 2008
I was approached a month ago to run for the District 5 Commission seat. After much discussion, I decided that if I could qualify via signature petitions, I would take on the challenge. In 3 days we gathered 399 signatures (371 were qualified) Thanks go to the wonderful people who have come forward to support me ! I attach my bio for you all to review.

About ‘Sid’ Braunstien​

A resident of Walton County’s District 5 since 1997, Sid has always maintained a high profile and involvement in the community.
Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Sid’s roots go back to growing up on a chicken farm in southern New Jersey. As a young man, he served in the US Air Force for five years, and then put himself through college while working full time and utilizing the GI bill. He graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, with a degree in Marketing, Management and Finance​

Professional Background…
Montreal, Canada & USA Territories
▪ Worked for Northern Telecom for 20 years in accounting, finance and sales, managing a staff of over 40 people and developing annual sales of $17 million.
▪ Founded a consulting firm and developed a line of products that saves thousands of acres of timber annually.
Walton County
▪ Director of Development for the Boys and Girls Club of Okaloosa and Walton County. Among his many accomplishments was building a strong Board of Directors of business leaders to benefit youth in both counties.
▪ In 2003,Sid graduated from Leadership Walton and took on the responsibilities of Manager of Marketing and Public Relations for Bass Pro Shops in Destin Commons.
- Assisted non-profits with fund raising events, including conducting many fishing tournaments
to benefit their causes.
- Worked alongside commercial fisherman to impact changes in offshore fishing regulations
Personal Achievements
▪ Sid and his wife Pat blended two families of teenagers in 1989. One offspring is a successful graphic design artist and the other three became award winning teachers. The Braunstien home now houses rescued dogs and a parrot.
▪ Sid has impacted the community in a significant way, through his work with non-profit organizations that benefit children and/or the environment. He particularly strives to help troubled youth.
▪ Served on the Board of Directors for: The Emerald Coast Marine Institute ▪ The Emerald Coast Foundation ▪ The Larry Hatchett Foundation ▪ Destin’s Fishing & History Museum ▪ The Citizen’s Committee for Florida Parks ▪
The Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America ▪ Cultural Arts Association ▪ Walton County Habitat for Humanity
My Walton County Mission…To improve Walton County by preserving its natural resources, maintaining balanced growth, making fiscally prudent decisions, assisting businesses, and benefiting the entire community rather than only a small segment or special interest group.



People say that

• Sid asks questions until he gathers enough information to make the right decision.
• Sid is well known for creative, outside-the-box solutions that benefit all sides of a controversy.
• Sid is a friend to small businesses, the environment, kids, animals and the community.
• Sid will make sure the county sets and lives within a wise budget.
• Sid will establish guidelines and procedures to streamline decision making for the county. Sid listens to the needs of others, then efficiently and effectively follows through.
• Sid Braunstien is the best choice to represent Walton County as District 5 Commissioner.

]……….and he ALWAYS returns phone calls
That's me!
Please visit my website at http://votesidbraunstien4commissioner.vpweb.com for more information


I do work as co-manager of the busiest Tom Thumb in the network following the layoff from Bass Pro that I mentioned in my candidacy introduction.The company supports my candidacy, but asked my not to campaign in the store, hence my non-discussion of it.

I do mention my business background in its entirety because the skills I acquired during my work with an international company as well as through owning my own business give me experience that no other candidate has. Walton County is a big business and deserves to be run as a business - with business plans in place. That way we will know what we want to accomplish and can measure our progress towards our goals.
Please exercise your right to vote in this primary. I hope that you will keep me in mind when you do. Sid Braunstien

 

[Alan Osborne]

My two platforms

HAD THE OPPORTUNTY TO SPEAK W/ EACH CANDIDATE FOR COMMISSIONER AS WELL AS THEIR SUPPORTERS AT MANY OF THE RECENT FORUMS. I FOUND IT INTERESTING TO HEAR WHAT EACH OF THEM HAS BEEN SAYING ABOUT THE OTHER. IT WOULD BE ENLIGHTENING WHAT FACTS ARE TRUE OR UNTRUE GIVEN THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS I HAVE LISTENED TO FROM ALL OF THEM:

SID BRAUNSTIEN: FOCUSES HIS MARKETING/ BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AS A KEY QUALIIFCATION FOR COMMISSIONER...THE GUY DOES COME ACROSS ENERGETIC AT FORUMS. MOST COMMON RESPONSE IS THAT HE HAS OVERSTATED HIS RESUME AND CURRENTLY WORKS AT THE TOM THUMB, WHICH IS NOT ON HIS RESUME.

BOB HUDSON: SEEMS TO HAVE GOOD ACCOUNTING BACKGROUND, MOST COMMON RESPONSE IS HE IS NOT IN FAVOR OF CONTINUATION OF COMMUNITY EVENTS SUCH AS SEASIDE1/2 MARATION, JAZZ FEST, WINE FESTIVALS, TRIATHALONS, ETC... WHEN ASKED ABOUT IT IN FORUMS AFTER STATING THIS POSITION EARLIER IN THE CAMPAIGN , HE NOW APPEARS TO SIDE STEP ISSUE TO AVOID ANSWERING WITH A CLEAR RESOPONSE KNOWING IT IS UNPOPULAR. OTHER COMMENTS INDICATE HE USES TAX RHETORIC WITHOUT FINITE PROGRAMS TO STREAMLINE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. IT WAS POINTED OUT BY ONE CANDIDATE THE ONLY REAL TAX SAVINGS WILL BE COUNTY EFFICIENCY GIVEN OUR CURRENT MILEAGE RATE.

CECILIA JONES: NICE LADY AND SCHOOLTEACHER, IN FORUMS SEEMS TO TALK ABOUT EXPERIENCES IN CLASSROOM VS FINITE COUNTY ISSUES. INDICATES SUPPORT FOR OSBORNE IF NOT ELECTED WHICH WAS SURPRISING. MOST NEGATIVES INDICATE SHE IS A VACATIONER IN SOUTH WALTON AND CURRENTLY RESIDES IN THE NORTH END OF THE COUNTY. BIG QUESTION: SHOULD A NORTH END RESIDENT RUN IN THE SOUTH?

OSBORNE: IMPRESSIVE, NO VAGuE ANSWERS FROM THIS GUY, SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT ALL COUNTY ISSUES AS WELL AS LAWS. MOST KNOWLEGABLE AND CONSISTANT IN FORUMS. HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF SUING COUNTY. FURTHER INFORMATION INDICATES HE WAS FORCED TO SUE FOR ENFORCEMENT, NOT MONEY. THIS WOULD BE HONORABLE SINCE HE USED HIS OWN FUNDS TO SEEK REFLIEF FROM A NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER BROUGHT ON BY POOR COUNTY MANAGEMENT OF UNSCRUPULIOUS DEVELOPERS. MOST CANDIDATES SEEMED TO RESPECT OSBORN. WHAT IS OSBORNE'S TWO PLATFORM PROGRAM ABOUT?

SMITH: DEMONSTARTES A LOT OF PASSION BUT COULD NOT ANSWER SIMPLE COUNTY QUESTIONS IN FORUMS WITH CLEAR CLARITY. IN FACT, THIS VOTER DID NOT EVEN UNDERSTAND MOST OF HIS ANSWERS AT ANY OF THE FORUMS. TRYING TO STAY OBJECTIVE IS HARD GIVEN WHAT I EXPERIENCED. OTHERS CANDIDATES QUESTION HIS UNDERSTANDING OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT, BACKROUND, AND ABILITY TO PERFORM THE JOB.


THESE COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS ARE FROM PERONAL ATTENDANCE AT FORUMS AND SUPPORTER / CANDIDIATE COMMENTS TO THIS VOTER. I ALWAYS THINK IT SHOULD BE KNOWN WHAT PEOPLE REALLY SAY WHEN NOT IN PUBLIC FORUM.

SRB 1

My two platforms are simple, preserve the eco tourism and beautiful beaches that have brought wonderful tax base and a diverse culture of people to south walton. I want to make sure that we don't forget whats on the walton county seal. "Pride, Preservation, Conservation." I think that theme brought a lot of us here!
The second part of my platform is to recruit business to the center and north end of the county thereby making sure we are not totally betting the farm on tourism. I don't want just any business though, I would like to bring industry that keeps with the theme of walton county, Ecofriendly jobs with health benefits and 401K programs. I think those are the type of jobs people really want. These type of jobs help promote and develop a quality work force and give people a sense of community. I truly believe people are looking and wanting to live a classic Americana life. If we treat Walton county as a community first way of life we will surely prosper!

For more details please watch the TV24 debate that was recorded in Defuniac Springs. I go into lots of detail. I hope this little snapshot helps you SRB.

Alan Osborne

 

[Smiling JOe]

I'm still trying to figure out how "Facts" can be "untrue."

I'm not defending Sid B, but defending people in general. The business where one works doesn't determine his or her capabilities of anything. People can learn quite a bit from scrubbing toilets and working in the service or retail industry, as they can in many industries. Personally, I like the idea of working in a small business where I get to see and visit with people. I used to joke about winning the lottery and taking a job as a Wal-mart Greeter. I'd be the best greeter, not because I won the lottery, but because I want to share my joy and help create a better place in which to live. Today, we confuse a person's financial wealth or current job, with the true person and his or her abilities. It isn't what one does that matters. It is how he or she does it, that matters. I've seen more happy dishwashers than I have seen happy lawyers. Strip those vales which blind you from seeing people for who they are. No matter what advertisers, TV, magazines, and society tells us, a person is not where they work, what they wear, what brand car they drive, or how much money he or she has, or doesn't have.