Upon reflection, I guess partisan politics
are involved in local issues. What was I thinking? I'm aware that people change political party affiliation in Walton County just so they can vote for individuals in the primaries. And it is assumed in Walton County that the Republican candidate will win office. This seems so odd to me, as I remember Walton County being a Democratic stronghold when I was growing up. It was a farm community and, as such, was predominantly Democratic. Those days are long gone in much of the heartland, as well. Well, as the kids say...
it is what it is. I know good people who have strong Democratic leanings who had to become Republicans in order to win office. Their intentions are good and they are balanced representatives.
Years ago, I did a graduate thesis on boom town dynamics and recovery in the aftermath, beginning with the silver mining towns of the Old West and ending with some of the boom towns in the U.S. such as Atlanta, Orange County CA, and several resort communities. The places that
remained viable were consistently those that did not abdicate their local powers to the economic engine that drove the boom cycle. Sure, there will always be politicians who will further the agenda of special interests. But there are some very committed and knowledgeable people who have lived in Walton County all their lives, who probably have a more rounded perspective about the County as a whole than a newcomer might, however well intentioned. And there are some very well educated people living in the County. Not a good idea to judge all of them on the basis of the missteps of a few.
Divisive tactics are good for neither the North or the South County. In fact, I know of no other County that has provided separate government offices and services superior to those of their own out of recognition of the fiscal contributions made by "the people who don't get to vote." In my town in CA, that would never happen. The business of government would pass you by like a jet aircraft does a knat.
I think the people in the North County deserve a lot of credit for recognizing the value of the beaches and those of us who have invested there. And at the end of the day, they have a history and knowledge of the area and its rhythms that cannot be acquired in a matter of only a few years, regardless of one's education level or good intentions. So let's give credit where credit is due. :rofl: +
= :clap_1: