And now a word about Candidate Jones

[5th Gen Local]

Do any of you really believe Cecilia Jones is a resident of District 5???

Here are some tid bits: She and her husband Jerry Jones (Asphalt Company Insider who's only interest aquiring political power that will result is paving contracts), live together in Ten Lakes Estate in DeFuniak Springs. They own a home is Santa Rosa Beach, but do not live there.

Do you claim Homestead exemption on your property???? Well the Jones don't on either home since 2006. You see if they claim homestead on the Santa Rosa Beach home and get found out, they would suffer criminal charges for fraud. Based on election laws they need only have the driver's license address and other documents sent to that address. Thus, no violation if you can fool the voters. So they simply don't claim homestead at either house, and go on with the smoke and mirrors game.

She don't live is South Walton folks..Wake up and speak out SoWallers.

Here is the bad news..she will probably win, as Mr. Jones will use his political connections in North Walton to garner the votes he needs for her to win, hoping for the trend that SoWallers don't traditionally vote in the primary elections, and in this case the primary is the only one that matters. I suggest you beachgoers take a day off and go door to door to get the vote out.

Your viable options are Bob Hudson and Allan Osbourne. If you do your homework, you will probably vote for Bob.

For now, plan on the Jones and I do mean both for the next 4 years. Don't say you were not warned.

[bent]

I have never heard of her. Who are the current candidates in D5?

5th GEN - why Hudson over Osbourne?

[rapunzel]

I've heard a lot of people accusing various candidates and others in office of not living in their districts. Is this actually a problem? And if it is, why isn't the Supervisor of Elections receiving complaints and doing something about it?

[5th Gen Local]

Bob knows the county budget process, and thus were the waste is. He attends all BCC meetings no matter where they are North or South, and has done so for the past 4 or more years. He has a better understanding of the process than most of the sitting commissioners. Allan has attended meetings, but only to raise the issues of Driftwood Estates, which is angry about. In fact, Bob is the only one of the candidates that has attended these meeting religously before running for office.

Want matter though if the Jones strategy works, which I fear it will.

[jdarg]

I picked up her campaign post card at a business in Freeport. It mostly listed her churches (CI, Destiny) and other religious involvement. I don't remember seeing any qualifications that stood out and made her look like a viable candidate.

Thanks for the heads up.. I assumed she was completely underwhelming and didn't stand a chance.

Didn't her husband hold political office before?

[5th Gen Local]

The requirements are to liberal on the elections side as it relates to residency. Not so on the Homestead Exemption Fraud, so they choose to adhere to that one and fake the residency.

[5th Gen Local]

I picked up her campaign post card at a business in Freeport. It mostly listed her churches (CI, Destiny) and other religious involvement. I don't remember seeing any qualifications that stood out and made her look like a viable candidate.

Thanks for the heads up.. I assumed she was completely underwhelming and didn't stand a chance.

Didn't her husband hold political office before?
Jerry was on the School Board...shortly after his election, Mrs. Jones recieved a nice District position, and a newly renovated office area to boot. Then Jerry went about threatening everyone from the high school football coaches to teachers, abusing his authority, and got the boot from the voters. The beach house got bought when he decided to regain power and believed Mr. Barnhill to be the most vunerable, so they needed to be in that District to run. He got beat again, so decided it was his wifes turn to seek office on his behalf.

[jdarg]

Bob knows the county budget process, and thus were the waste is. He attends all BCC meetings no matter where they are North or South, and has done so for the past 4 or more years. He has a better understanding of the process than most of the sitting commissioners. Allan has attended meetings, but only to raise the issues of Driftwood Estates, which is angry about. In fact, Bob is the only one of the candidates that has attended these meeting religously before running for office.

Want matter though if the Jones strategy works, which I fear it will.

My concern about Bob Hudson is that he will "bog" down every meeting. I am not seeing a good balance of budget hawk and visionary, and I think a BCC candidate needs both. Bob strikes me as the kind of guy who thinks that every single project is going to be a waste of our money, so every idea will get bogged down and even good ideas will get delayed or not happen at all.

His comments at a school board meeting when the new middle school was being discussed cracked me up - apparently we are building the school too large, and what a waste of money. Kind of like SWHS. Which is now about at capacity.:bang: I was hoping he would have more of a "vision" - the kids are here, more are coming up, and we need to be ready!

He does need to get the perfect meeting attendance record. I bet he has a better attendance record than most commissioners! SJ is giving him a run for his money though!:lol:

I totally agree that Hudson is a much superior candidate to Jones.

[5th Gen Local]

http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_alsearch.cgi

Here is the link to the property appraisers site, in case you guys don't believe the Homestead rant.

You will see both properties (last two)on the owner search and neither has homestead exemption (far right column)

[5th Gen Local]

SEARCH PRODUCED THE FOLLOWING RESULTS. SELECT ONE BY CLICKING THE PARCEL NUMBER LINK IN THE FIRST COLUMN BELOWPARCEL NUMBEROWNER NAMEADDRESSHOMESTEAD 35-2S-19-24000-048-0000 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=35-2S-19-24000-048-0000&) JONES JERRY L & SANDRA W N 27-2S-21-42500-000-6688 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=27-2S-21-42500-000-6688&) JONES JERRY M & MARGERY M 9300 EMERALD COAST PKWY 6688 SANDESTIN N 35-4N-19-20050-000-0290 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=35-4N-19-20050-000-0290&) JONES JERRY P & CECILIA A N 24-2S-20-33030-001-0040 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=24-2S-20-33030-001-0040&) JONES JERRY P & CECILIA A 425 EDEN PARK DR N SRB N

[5th Gen Local]

SEARCH PRODUCED THE FOLLOWING RESULTS. SELECT ONE BY CLICKING THE PARCEL NUMBER LINK IN THE FIRST COLUMN BELOWPARCEL NUMBEROWNER NAMEADDRESSHOMESTEAD 35-2S-19-24000-048-0000 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=35-2S-19-24000-048-0000&) JONES JERRY L & SANDRA W N 27-2S-21-42500-000-6688 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=27-2S-21-42500-000-6688&) JONES JERRY M & MARGERY M 9300 EMERALD COAST PKWY 6688 SANDESTIN N 35-4N-19-20050-000-0290 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=35-4N-19-20050-000-0290&) JONES JERRY P & CECILIA A N 24-2S-20-33030-001-0040 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=24-2S-20-33030-001-0040&) JONES JERRY P & CECILIA A 425 EDEN PARK DR N SRB N
Last two account numbers:
35-4N-19-20050-000-0290 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=35-4N-19-20050-000-0290&) JONES JERRY P & CECILIA A (N0) Homestead

24-2S-20-33030-001-0040 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=24-2S-20-33030-001-0040&) JONES JERRY P & CECILIA A 425 EDEN PARK DR N SRB (No) Homestead

[rapunzel]

And again, I repeat my question --

There is a sitting office holder that owns a property in one district, and actually lives in the property which is in another district. Do the rules require that this be a primary residence? If they do, why is the SoE allowing Mrs. Jones to seek office?

Trust me, I prefer that the candidate live in the district. It's the only way this county-wide election thing will function to give each district fair representation. However, the people in the north go to political rallies and get out and vote on election day. SoWal has far more registered voters, but we don't show up and it only takes a plurality to win. My interest in asking the question is this -- why isn't there an official way to address this problem if it is indeed a problem?

[5th Gen Local]

And again, I repeat my question --

There is a sitting office holder that owns a property in one district, and actually lives in the property which is in another district. Do the rules require that this be a primary residence? If they do, why is the SoE allowing Mrs. Jones to seek office?

Trust me, I prefer that the candidate live in the district. It's the only way this county-wide election thing will function to give each district fair representation. However, the people in the north go to political rallies and get out and vote on election day. SoWal has far more registered voters, but we don't show up and it only takes a plurality to win. My interest in asking the question is this -- why isn't there an official way to address this problem if it is indeed a problem?
File and elections complaint with the State Division of Elections. The problem will be with proving primary residence. She probably has the lights on and the bills going to that address. I am certain she is spending a night or two in the old beach house these days. They probably meet the legal test, but not the smell test.

[goodwitch58]

There is no law that I know of that says one must file homestead. So, not sure this approach is the best way to deal with the issue. BTW, I don't have an opinion on this particular issue--nor do I have any facts.

Just an opinion that there may be a more effective way of dealing with the issue.

[Smiling JOe]

So what are your thoughts on Tony, the Bay County resident who is running for Walton County Sheriff? By law, if elected, he has to be living in Walton County the day he takes office. He says his home in Bay County is currently on the market, but what if it doesn't sell? Will he pay two mortgages, or just rent a place in Walton County to sneak in his residency?

[5th Gen Local]

So what are your thoughts on Tony, the Bay County resident who is running for Walton County Sheriff? By law, if elected, he has to be living in Walton County the day he takes office. He says his home in Bay County is currently on the market, but what if it doesn't sell? Will he pay two mortgages, or just rent a place in Walton County to sneak in his residency?
Probably worth another thread, but I will say this. I went to school with Tony and the fact that he lives in Bay County is the least of reasons I will not vote for him, although it is one. I also know Mike Adkinson, and if he currently lived in Japan I would vote for him for sheriff over any of the others.

[Smiling JOe]

After listening to the candidates for Sheriff, including the lone Democrat, I have decided to change my party affiliation to Republican, solely for the purpose of being able to vote for Michael (Mike) A. Adkinson, Jr.

Remember, for those wanting to have a voice in the Sheriff's race, you have until Monday, July 28, 2008, to be registered as a Republican. Otherwise you get to choose between whomever gets on the REP ticket and the lone DEM, who doesn't seem much different than the remaining candidates.

[5th Gen Local]

Last two account numbers:
35-4N-19-20050-000-0290 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=35-4N-19-20050-000-0290&) JONES JERRY P & CECILIA A (N0) Homestead

24-2S-20-33030-001-0040 (http://64.234.218.210/cgi-bin/walton_display.cgi?KEY=24-2S-20-33030-001-0040&) JONES JERRY P & CECILIA A 425 EDEN PARK DR N SRB (No) Homestead
It was brought to my attention that the Jones own another property in Eastern Lake (total of three homes) and the Property Appraiser website reveals the they did claim homestead on this property upon deciding to seek office. I stand corrected on the point that no homestead exemption was applied.

I maintain that the primary home is the one in DeFuniak.

[Smiling JOe]

I thought the rule was that beginning when a person takes office, he or she must reside in that district. If so (and it seems that she has a home into which she can move) she meets that criteria. If elected, and you can prove that she isn't living there, that is cause for alerting the State Attorney's Office. Same goes for Tony in the Sheriff's race.

[paradiseat30a]

The word to describe Osborne "angry" is inaccurate. A better description for Osborne, relevant to the Driftwood issue is thorough and selfless (you can read back copies of the articles in the "Sun"). The man has spent thousands of hours in research finding data that has confirmed homeowners' rights and showed wrongdoing by the folks who built Driftwood.
He is an advocate of seeing our schools and parks for our children, the real future of this area, expand and develop themselevs further. He also wants to see the community/cultural events continue and grow.
Osborne said the other night at the ECAR forum he is very much an advocate of strong economic development as well as more growth in our tourism sector.
In observation, in every question he has been asked, his responses are detailed with a very clear understanding of the issue at hand. His answers to date have not been generalized, but specific.
Would you not prefer a commissioner who has a sound and balanced understanding of the issues for our area rather than someone who runs around saying he attended a lot of meetings.
As of now, Osborne clearly stands out as the candidate with the most comprehensive scope of understanding on the issues as well as the integrity and positive spirit to carry him through to some real progress in the future for our area.
I challenge anyone to go to one of the forums or call him and once you hear him one on one and not from the grapevine, you too will be impressed.

[rapunzel]

I thought the rule was that beginning when a person takes office, he or she must reside in that district. If so (and it seems that she has a home into which she can move) she meets that criteria. If elected, and you can prove that she isn't living there, that is cause for alerting the State Attorney's Office. Same goes for Tony in the Sheriff's race.

I think we should all make a point of driving by the place daily and noting signs of life should she be elected. We should do this with all the permanent resident office holders with residences in both north and south Walton. It's a shame that people who can't get elected in their true districts seek to use their contacts and networks in other districts to get elected in the 'newcomer' laden districts. Low turnout to support people that we know as neighbors is a huge problem for SoWal. We have far more registered voters, but far fewer of us turn out.

And as an aside, the quickest way to make this a backwoods county run by a party machine where bosses make people wait in line for their turn to run and no one tries to unseat incumbents is to keep encouraging people to switch parties because of one opposed race. If you ever hope to see a healthy two party system in this county that would serve as a way to keep people living in Defuniak from "representing" Miramar by garnering a plurality rather than a majority of the votes. Punishing a party for fielding a candidate is completely counterproductive in the long run.

[itsme]

The Jones' will keep running untill they win. They are also not afraid to smear any canadate that gets in their way. Just not nice people after they get done shaking hands and kissing babies.

[rapunzel]

The Jones' will keep running untill they win. They are also not afraid to smear any canadate that gets in their way. Just not nice people after they get done shaking hands and kissing babies.

Then why are they running for office? What is the purpose?

For me, I want to see someone who has been involved in local issues -- someone I've come across in the course of my volunteer efforts. That leaves the choice at two people -- Bob Hudson and Alan Osborne. Ultimately, I find that I agree with more of Alan Osborne's views than Bob Hudson's. I also find Mr. Osborne's passion and vision for the county easy to relate to...

I've never seen Cecilia Jones at any meetings, and I don't think of her as a South Walton figure. My fear is that she is depending on name recognition in the north part of the county to get her elected, and it might just work.

All of us, regardless of who we support should be offering to volunteer, contribute, whatever we can do -- to help get those people some name recognition in the north part of the county BCC.

[5th Gen Local]

I withdraw the word "angry"...Mr. Osbourne is an honorable and worthy candidate. I simply give the nod to Bob because of his "selfless" effort to hold government accountable to the taxpayers. He would make the BCC meetings a bit more "boggy" but would do so by asking hard questions about expenditures and practices that deserve to be questioned. Far too often I fear the decisions are made before they ever enter the board room, and we get the appearance of consensus among three, and two are left with a feeling of helplessness that might even result in their tiring of the process (Cindy).

Again, the qualities of both Bob and Allan which will seperate sensible voters, plays into the political plans of the Jones duo, as votes are split.

Let's all get together or we will suffer the consequences I assure you.

[idlewind]

I withdraw the word "angry"...Mr. Osbourne is an honorable and worthy candidate. I simply give the nod to Bob because of his "selfless" effort to hold government accountable to the taxpayers. He would make the BCC meetings a bit more "boggy" but would do so by asking hard questions about expenditures and practices that deserve to be questioned. Far too often I fear the decisions are made before they ever enter the board room, and we get the appearance of consensus among three, and two are left with a feeling of helplessness that might even result in their tiring of the process (Cindy).

Again, the qualities of both Bob and Allan which will seperate sensible voters, plays into the political plans of the Jones duo, as votes are split.

Let's all get together or we will suffer the consequences I assure you.

This race is giving me heartburn.:eek: I find good qualities in Mr.'s Braunstein, Hudson and Osbourne and really have no idea who to vote for. I like Osbourne's independence, Hudson's fiscal ideas and Braunsteins civic involvement. I guess I will keep going to forums and hoping one will move ahead of the other two.:bang:

[ShallowsNole]

Then why are they running for office? What is the purpose?

For me, I want to see someone who has been involved in local issues -- someone I've come across in the course of my volunteer efforts. That leaves the choice at two people -- Bob Hudson and Alan Osborne. Ultimately, I find that I agree with more of Alan Osborne's views than Bob Hudson's. I also find Mr. Osborne's passion and vision for the county easy to relate to...

I've never seen Cecilia Jones at any meetings, and I don't think of her as a South Walton figure. My fear is that she is depending on name recognition in the north part of the county to get her elected, and it might just work.

All of us, regardless of who we support should be offering to volunteer, contribute, whatever we can do -- to help get those people some name recognition in the north part of the county BCC.

Cecelia is well-known in South Walton, or at least was. She lived at Eastern Lake and taught school at Bay Elementary for many years, until she married Jerry Jones. I know she was my now-34-year-old-nephew's kindergarten teacher.

[6th gen local]

Probably worth another thread, but I will say this. I went to school with Tony and the fact that he lives in Bay County is the least of reasons I will not vote for him, although it is one. I also know Mike Adkinson, and if he currently lived in Japan I would vote for him for sheriff over any of the others.[/quote]

Hey 5th gen local (doubt it)
It appears you are so angry just like your tutor, Adkinson. You both appear to be very angry people. I also went to school with Tony and graduated at the same time. You must have been one of those bullies’s in school that Tony put in place. It appears that everyone that continues to push the issue of Tony not living in the county also adds that they support Adkinson…sounds like more negative campaigning on Adkinson’s part. Also sounds like someone is concerned about Tony’s chances. Remember Tony is not violating any laws and is perfectly legal in his actions. Tony and his wife are both Walton County natives and have spent more time in Walton County than most all the other candidates including Adkinson. Oh by the way do you remember that Adkinson did not live in the county or city until he was given the chief of police job and then moved here. I have talked to several people about this same issue and most all have said they think it is a positive for Tony because we need someone that has not been tied to any of the politics around here for a while. I was discussing this very issue the other day with another (real) 5th gen local and they made a comment that is so true and it was ”That’s all Tony has against him and he can change that...some of the others have things they can’t change” Have a great day.

[DuneLaker]

Eastern Lake is in District 1, Cecilia Jones is running in District 5.

[ShallowsNole]

I don't recall that ever being in dispute.

Cecilia used to live at Eastern Lake, until she remarried. I haven't kept up with who owns what or lives where since then.

[DuneLaker]

It was only a point of information, or a geographical fact and reference for those new to the area.

[5th Gen Local]

Who's really angry here? The Bay County thing is just a fact, nothing more. I did not expand upon the school experiences, only to say that those who were present and know him (during that time) might not be inclined to support him as I will not. Tony has great parents and that is probably his strongest point.

For now let's just agree that RJ must go and be unified in that effort. Sorry if I offended you personally.

[Alan Osborne]

As a candidate I am very happy the District 5 race has been very clean. Lets please keep it that way. I only want to win if the people of Walton county agree with my views and believe I will do a good job. I came to this web site to answer questions but so far only about half of the posts are relative to the future of district 5/Walton County and someone e-mailed me a "UPS" virus that fried my other computer. If Mrs. Jones wins, she can address where her primary residence is, but as far as I'm concerned if she has a residence in district 5 I will take her word for it. Running for office is hard enough I wish to thank all the candidates who have been most gracious to me. Let's stay on point if it's okay with everyone. I have enjoyed many of your inputs and yes I will finish answering Road runners questions.
Thank You
Alan Osborne
:D

[princepesa]

Regarding the District 5 commissioner race, I don't know Jones very well but find her to
be a nice lady only not very experienced in commission matters.

Hudson is a tightwad that doesn't want to spend a dollar in south walton even though
we need all kinds of infrastructure, parks, roads, etc. His presentations are condesending
without a firm grip on the facts.

Braunstein is campaigning as Braunstien which I think is a violation to the laws unless
he has legally changed his name. Nice man, but I don't think he has a grasp on countywide issues.

Osborne is the only candidate that seems to have a grasp on the issues, doesn't mind
speaking up and challenging the system, with a motive to make thing better for
the citizens.

George Wallace Smith has never shown his face anywhere.

[BobHudson]

I had the opportunity to hear George Wallace Smith speak last evening at the North Walton Republican Club Forum in Mossy Head. It was my first opportunity to hear his views and vision for Walton County. Every candiate in the D5 race is now actively vocalizing who they are and what they have as a vision for Walton County.

There have now been three forums for people to interface with the candidates. Many more opportunities are available throughout the county in the days ahead. I encourage each and every voter to participate in at least one of these forums.

Anyone that has attended those fourms will find that the issues have been clearly defined by the public and the candidates. The differences identified by each candidate are actually very small - what each of us are not being asked is how we will work to accomplish those goals.

One word descriptions of the candidates add nothing to the debate.

Alan is really not "angry" or "a one issue candidate" when you listen to him.

Cecilia's "homestead status" or " legal residence" is not a defining issue.

How Sid "spells his last name" has nothing to do with his candidacy or what he sees for the future of Walton County.

There really is a George Wallace Smith that has a platform and ideas on how we can make Walton County a better place.

I think we should have a real discussion of the "issues" and how each candidate plans to accomplish their "vision".

Walton County deserves such an open discussion, not a "one word" ambush by one time posters.

[paradiseat30a]

Osborne may not have the formal resume of local civic invlovement aside from leading the homeowners' rights for Driftwood over the past few years. For those with childern though, even before his retirement, Osborne could be found on the ball fields as seen by many parents, with his boys and their teams helping coach, fit and adjust uniforms and encourage kids in the confidence of their sports.
Has anyone visited his website? Wow! In reading it, his time in the military proves he is the only candidate with PROVEN LEADERSHIP. What is the commission about? They serve as leaders for positive chnage for the residents of this county. How many of the candidates have had any true leadership challenges? None are outlined in their bios. Marketing is not leadership. Just participating or attending meetings does not define a leader. History is well documented that leadership under fire and/or comabt is the toughest leadership challenge to meet. Osborne has led men and women all over the world into combat to defend our consitution and freedoms. In doing this kind of leadership for 22 years, is there even a comparison that could be drawn between he and the other candidates. Leadership is also about results. Ive attended a couple of the forums (missed the one last night) and after Alan offers his specifc comments that actually answer the questions, the other candidates then chime in with his same verbage??? Hmmmmm. I have also noticed Osborne does not take any written notes with him on stage at these forums. Is leadership about what you can read or what is in your head and heart?
As mentioned in other postings from some folks, I too like Osborne's independence, passion integrity and LEADERSHIP. He gets my vote!

[Smiling JOe]

I disagree about your statement that others running for Dist 5 BCC have no "proven leadership." Make no fuss about it, from what I've seen, Alan Osborne does have good leadership skills, and he will make a fine County Commissioner for Walton County. I'm voting for him. However, I see proven leadership skills in Bob and Sid, as well. I give kudos to Bob for watching the spending like a hawk. We need some hawks around to question every budget item, and he has proven to be good at it. I thank him for taking time out of his personal life to help look out for the taxpayers of Walton County.

Don't make me start cheering on the other candidates by having to defend their abilities. I am voting for Alan Osborne. One doesn't put a candidate on a pedestal by kicking the stool out from under the other candidates. Please give them credit where it is due.

[northender]

LEADERSHIP is not the only quality that is needed for county commissioner, knowledge, common sense, are a few things that are helpful.