Show Him the Money !!!!

[The Watcher]

Sheriff Johnson Says He's Ready for the Checkhttp://media.graytvinc.com/designimages/saveThis.jpgSave (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#) http://media.graytvinc.com/designimages/emailThis.jpgEmail (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#) http://media.graytvinc.com/designimages/printThis.jpgPrint (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#)
http://s9.addthis.com/button1-share.gif (http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php) Posted: 6:21 PM Jul 8, 2008
Last Updated: 6:21 PM Jul 8, 2008
Reporter: Alex Denis

A (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#) | A (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#) | A (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#)
For nearly four months now, Sheriff Ralph Johnson has been battling Walton County commissioners over who should pay the $311,000 bill for the sheriff's new 911 equipment upgrade.
This afternoon, the Walton County commissions met with Sheriff Ralph Johnson to put the standoff to rest.
This spring, commissioners denied Sheriff Johnson the money after he failed to show at a public hearing, sending one of his officers instead.
Johnson and the county appealed to Governor Charlie Christ and both the commissioners and the sheriff presented their case in Tallahassee.
The governor's staff basically told both sides to resolve the issue themselves.
This afternoon, commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of footing the bill.
“I'm glad it's over with. I'm glad the County Commission did the right thing. I'm glad that 3 of them stepped up and voted for what's good for Walton County. And you know I pointed out something’s in there that I think they need to looks at."
Sheriff Johnson also said the county should transfer funds into the sheriff's account later this week.

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My first question, for anyone in attendance, is did the sheriff as much as thank anyone for bailing his rear end out? Second, was any language set forth providing clear understanding as how this type of situation will be avoiding in the future?

As much as I would like to see R.J. fall right back on his face, I am also glad that our elected officials decided to "save face" for our County and "fix" the problem. We have suffered a great deal of embarrassment due to the negligence and incompetence of this sheriff. As for the "fix", if the County eating the bill that should never have existed if proper communication existed, it is not much of a fix on the small scale. Large scale, at least we (County) look like we have half of a brain...

Please, let's all learn from this and other ignorant behavior. R.J. has to go; this is the year for a new administration to take over the Sheriffs Office. Regardless who you vote for, please vote on August 26th.

W

PS I am also interested in knowning the break down of the votes 3 - 2, was Meadows one in favor?

[BeachSiO2]

Sheriff Johnson Says He's Ready for the Checkhttp://media.graytvinc.com/designimages/saveThis.jpgSave (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#) http://media.graytvinc.com/designimages/emailThis.jpgEmail (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#) http://media.graytvinc.com/designimages/printThis.jpgPrint (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#)
http://s9.addthis.com/button1-share.gif (http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php) Posted: 6:21 PM Jul 8, 2008
Last Updated: 6:21 PM Jul 8, 2008
Reporter: Alex Denis

A (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#) | A (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#) | A (http://www.wjhg.com/home/headlines/24086114.html#)
For nearly four months now, Sheriff Ralph Johnson has been battling Walton County commissioners over who should pay the $311,000 bill for the sheriff's new 911 equipment upgrade.
This afternoon, the Walton County commissions met with Sheriff Ralph Johnson to put the standoff to rest.
This spring, commissioners denied Sheriff Johnson the money after he failed to show at a public hearing, sending one of his officers instead.
Johnson and the county appealed to Governor Charlie Christ and both the commissioners and the sheriff presented their case in Tallahassee.
The governor's staff basically told both sides to resolve the issue themselves.
This afternoon, commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of footing the bill.
“I'm glad it's over with. I'm glad the County Commission did the right thing. I'm glad that 3 of them stepped up and voted for what's good for Walton County. And you know I pointed out something’s in there that I think they need to looks at."
Sheriff Johnson also said the county should transfer funds into the sheriff's account later this week.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

My first question, for anyone in attendance, is did the sheriff as much as thank anyone for bailing his rear end out? Second, was any language set forth providing clear understanding as how this type of situation will be avoiding in the future?

As much as I would like to see R.J. fall right back on his face, I am also glad that our elected officials decided to "save face" for our County and "fix" the problem. We have suffered a great deal of embarrassment due to the negligence and incompetence of this sheriff. As for the "fix", if the County eating the bill that should never have existed if proper communication existed, it is not much of a fix on the small scale. Large scale, at least we (County) look like we have half of a brain...

Please, let's all learn from this and other ignorant behavior. R.J. has to go; this is the year for a new administration to take over the Sheriffs Office. Regardless who you vote for, please vote on August 26th.

W

PS I am also interested in knowning the break down of the votes 3 - 2, was Meadows one in favor?

Maybe Bonnie McQuiston is on the board either anonymously or not and can provide some details on this issue as it seemed like she had a very good grasp on the subject from a non-partisan point of view, and wholly supported reinstating the money to the Sheriffs budget. The reason why I point out Bonnie is that she is the president of the the Walton County Taxpayers Association and is more knowledgeable then most citizens on these types of issues. I am not sure if she was speaking on behalf of the Taxpayers Association last night or not but either way she seemed to have thoroughly investigated the issue.

As for the vote, Meadows was in favor as she made the motion. She described it as a politically motivated witch hunt.

[Andy A.]

It appeared to boil down to a safety issue more than anything else. The attorney for the sheriff seemed to waste a lot of time unnecessarily outlining why the BCC should return the funds to the sheriff. In the end, the right decision was made by the BCC. I know Sarah Comander voted "no" and I think the other negative vote was Larry Jones but I'm not positive. BTW, from what little I can gather, Walton County's EMS system is pretty well gerry rigged but not having studied it thoughly I could be wrong. Suffice it to say, a well coordinated comprehensive, centrally based and controlled EMS system functions much more efficiently than one with many parts.

[The Watcher]

...As for the vote, Meadows was in favor as she made the motion. She described it as a politically motivated witch hunt.

That sounds like someone quickly running to the side of, and the defense of, the Sheriff. "A politically motivated witch hunt"... Why would someone use such strong words to defend a proven failure? :idontno:

[Andy A.]

That sounds like someone quickly running to the side of, and the defense of, the Sheriff. "A politically motivated witch hunt"... Why would someone use such strong words to defend a proven failure? :idontno:
Watcher, it is obvious to all you hate Sheriff Johnson's operation of the sheriff's office but this issue was not about his failure as a sheriff. It was about the safety of the citizens of Walton County. The proper, correct and essential function of the existing 911 system was the question.

[The Watcher]

Hate is a very stong word, I do not HATE anyone or their administration. I am well aware of what the main focus was on the 911 System. I mostlikely have much more knowledge as to how it works (here in Walton) then you might think. I agree that the system is needed and a priority. I was just pointing out the strong language Meadows is quoted as saying people against the system where on a witch hunt against (Johnson)? Please do not mistake my point.

[BeachSiO2]

That sounds like someone quickly running to the side of, and the defense of, the Sheriff. "A politically motivated witch hunt"... Why would someone use such strong words to defend a proven failure? :idontno:

I don't know, and from what I understand she has stated that she doesn't address anonymous questions on a message board (her comment not mine).

That being said, I bet you that if you called her on the phone, sent an email, or scheduled a meeting with her, that she would be more than happy to address your question. Just a thought. :idontno: