Development in and of itself is neutral. Change is the only constant and is going to occur whether we like it or not. Some people hate change and do not want any more building. This is not likely to ever happen and those individuals will always be unhappy. Others seek to take advantage for their own greed and want to build things that do not fit the environment, the community or the comprehensive plan but will make them a lot of money. These individuals sometimes seek to influence elected officials in order to achieve their goals. They are not the friend of the common citizen. Finally you have the majority who understand that growth means new jobs and opportunity but also want growth that preserves the environment, fits in with the existing community and does not require a multitude of variances to fit the existing ordinances. When voting I look for people in the third category. I also look for people who understand that our county is a diverse community and what works and fits in Santa Rosa Beach does not necessarily work or fit in Freeport, DeFuniak Springs, Mossy Head, Red Bay, Argyle, Glendale or Paxton. And vice versa.
When my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather came to Walton County in the 1820's there was a huge forest and not much else. My Great-Great Grandfather was a county commissioner and farmer with the county seat in Eucheeanna and about 3,000 residents who were almost universally farmers like him. My Great-Grandfather was a circuit riding preacher who caught the train to go to his various pastorates in DeFuniak Springs which at the time was a cultural center for the entire region through an organization called Chautauqua. They would not recognize almost anything about Walton County today because things have changed. Just in my lifetime the population has tripled and the financial engine has moved from DeFuniak Springs to the beaches. Things change and we must ensure the changes improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for all of our citizens as well as preserve the environment for our children and grandchildren to enjoy as we have.