wrobert

I am trying to find out some information on all of these people running for mosquito control. Can someone post their names and anything about them? I know John Magee fairly well and have worked with him for the past several years, but do not know anything about the others. Thanks in advance.

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seagrovegirl

Jim Crawford, District 2, Incumbant. Owns Crawford Sugar Properties, a heavy equipment and hauling business. Resident of S Walton since 1973. Adriane Walline Campbell is running against him.

Jerry Crawford, District 1, Running against Magee and one other. Grew up here and lived in the Franklin, Tn area until 4 years ago when he returned. Owns Constructive Creations, a wood working and small renovation company.

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

wrobert

Is Jerry the same as Gerard Timothy? Okay I am pretty sure I have met Jim in the past. And I know Adriane from waaaayyyy back.

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seagrovegirl

Yes, Gerard (Jerry) Crawford......sorry about that.
James (Jim) Crawford

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

wrobert

Are those two guys related to each other? How many persons on that board?

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seagrovegirl

Jim and Jerry are my big brothers. Currently there are three commissioners. Magee, Crawford and Burke. Of course, Burke's commission was revoked (I think that is the right word) and the governor has not appointed anyone to replace him at this time.

There are 2 active commissioners for now.

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

wrobert

Okay I saw your pictures and yes, I met Jim at the last soiree. But I believe I knew him before then anyway.

But now back on this other thing, so there are only three commissioners right now, and if Jerry was elected then they would control 2/3 of the votes? I had always thought that there were five commissioners. There again, me not living in sowal I have not kept up with the make up of the boards in that area.

I think Crist is just going to let the election happen rather than appoint someone for such a short period of time. Who is running in Burke's district?

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Miss Kitty

The mosquitos.

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The mind is like a parachute, it works best when it is open.

ShallowsNole

Actually, that was Jerry you met at the soiree.

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wrobert

And how would you remember?

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ShallowsNole

Trust me. That was Jerry.

Now that I think about it, you and Jim have something in common.

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seagrovegirl

Yes, that was Jerry (Gerard) at the soiree, he was there with kitlit and swafia.

__________________
"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

florida girl

Yes, I'm running against Jim Crawford. I have nothing against him, I had hoped for Burke's seat. Up to the Governor now.
I was born in DeFuniak, lived in Grayton Beach until I was 6, then moved to the bay, where I now live. I live in the house my dad, Ed Walline built for us. He died in the living room in 1975, and my mother, Jane Walline died in the other side of the living room in 1987. She was a Special Ed teacher, with a degree in that and Psychology. Dad’s parents moved here around 1915 from Michigan, he was born in 1909. Mother was born in Los Angeles and moved here around 1950. She taught school at the old Santa Rosa School House for 2 years before she met and married my dad. Dad was one of the founding father’s of the South Walton Mosquito Control. I was his only child, and used to go everywhere with him, including the Mosquito Control meetings.
I went to school at Pt. Washington Elementary, Freeport, Ferry Pass Elementary and Middle in Pensacola, and Walton Sr. High. I also took some college courses, and would like to go back for either or both a BS in Engineering, and a Contractors license. I’ve been self employed since 1987, and own and operate a licensed mobile home park here in Santa Rosa Beach. I have long term rentals, and have had tenants stay for over 15 years. I insist on having a safe and quiet place for hard working people to live. I also sold Avon for over 13 years, and distributed about 220 brochures every other week, from Camp Creek to Destin. My customers lived in many other places, and drove to work here. If you want to find the woman of the house, go to where they are working! I won many awards for sales, and made many friends. Some couldn’t remember my name, just “Avon Lady”! Santa Rosa Beach is my home, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I’ve made many friends on the north side of the bay, and have a blast whenever I get a chance to go that direction. People are very friendly, and some I consider “family”!

John R

what are your qualifications to make someone want to vote for you as a mosquito control commissioner?

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click >> Filter your water instead of using bottled water << click

Walton Voter

Great question! I understand Skin so Soft repels yellow flies and mosquitoes!

Or does it just repel people, I don't know? I know I don't like the smell of the product but I'm not a mosquito or a yellow fly.

Walton Voter

Oh I should be sarcastic, but how does selling Avon have anything to do with being a mosquito control commissioner?

I don't get it!

jim45

It really bothers me that people in charge of placing poison in our environment have to run for election. It also bothers me that they are not scientists, or at least capable of understanding science with at least a college degree.

It astounds me that people like Ms. Campbell might be in charge who think that threatening unarmed cyclists with guns is OK, or at least should be excused because of a "bad day".

Can someone explain to me the job of a mosquito control commissioner?

John J. Magee

You hit the nail on the head with this question. The first time I attended a mosquito control commission meeting seven years ago; it was easy to see that the people making decisions had limited knowledge of the science involved in mosquitoes. This was one of the deciding factors that drove me to run for the commission.

Primary job of commissioners:

1. Establish budget for the district.

2. Supervise larger purchases.

3. Direct management of the Director, not the employees.

4. Audit monthly reports of mosquito activity within the district. Monitor use of chemicals and preventive maintenance programs established by the district.

The mosquito control district comes under the Department of Agriculture, which outlines proper procedures for the district. It is the commission's responsibility to ensure that these rules are followed.

Over the last four years, I have attended 95% of all state classes provided for commissioners on my own time on research of pesticides, proper labeling of pesticides and disbursement. The district did reimburse me travel and hotel as far as additional income and time away from work that was at my own expense.

In addition, I was elected by other mosquito control commissioners within the state to represent them on the Board of Directors of the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA). This gives us instant access to all updated research nationwide to include direct contact with the research department at the University of Florida. The time spent on this is all on my own, but I can assure you it has made me a better commissioner and much more knowledgeable of the research constantly being done to ensure environmental safety.

Over the past four years, I have consistently gone to Tallahassee and lobbied for additional revenues so as not to have to increase our local budget. Commissioner Jim Crawford did attend one time four years ago.

If you would like to know a little more about me, please go to my
website www.votemagee.com

The bottom line to your question is you can do the bare minimum, or you can do the maximum that is only up to the elected official. I always give 110% to whatever I do and my record stands for that, I am no nonsense individual, and I am very concerned about what chemicals are used in our environment.

In my four years as a commissioner, I have established an accountability program, which is reviewed on a monthly basis. In addition, I also monitor reports from the surrounding counties to see if there is any kind of trends or outbreaks that we need to monitor before we have problems in Walton County.

I realize this is a little wordy, but I hope it answers your question.

Smiling JOe

Did you forget to log out and back in as a different user?

wrobert, to learn more about one person running, and her level of knowledge, you can read through all of her posts on SoWal.com.

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Interested Girl

You get my vote. We do not need a 3 member taxing authority under the control of one family.

We have been there and done that in the past when mother and son were in charge in the past. This is not the private taxing authority for the Crawford family.

Smiling JOe

Maybe instead of spraying poisons into the air, asking people to go inside their houses to avoid being gassed, we should spray Avon Skin-so-soft ( but smell-so-bad) into the air, asking everyone who wants to repel mosquitoes to come outside and get some.

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seagrovegirl

I agree, it is not. I would like to point out that when Marge Crawford was on the board, and later Jim Crawford was elected to the board, SWMD was and is publicly applauded by the Walton County Tax Payers Association as the most fiscally responsible district in the county.

Regarding two family members on the board, it was mentioned at a meeting by the media and Marge Crawford was quoted as saying, "Jim has not agreed with me in his 40 (something) years, why would that change now? "

Family members are not clones, siblings are as different as night in day in most instances and I think many people would agree with that. That goes for Jim and Jerry Crawford. They are not politicians, they are concerned citizens that want to be involved in their community. They happen to be brothers.

I wish more people would be more community minded and want to make a difference.

My name is Donna Crawford, I am Jim and Jerry's sister, and I too am community minded and am a SW Fire Commssioner and have been involved in the community in various different capacities all my life.

Being a part of the community and doing something about it runs in the family!

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

scooterbug44

Yes, far better that it goes to the Avon lady who constantly blames our local government for not handing her beloved "locals" a diamond encrusted life on a silver platter.

I've done my research on the candidates, have you?

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"I hate to break it to you, but this year (and probably the next few) was going to suck even if Jesus himself was president. These problems were not created overnight and they aren't going away overnight." -Jdarg

wrobert

Thanks. I know her, the family, and have for many years. In fact after her last post, I am beginning to think that we knew each other as kids. Trying to nail down the dates.

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wrobert

You are so right about siblings. If people knew my brother they would certainly understand. I only hope I live to see the day that he decides to get involved in anything that would help the community, in any way.

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goodwitch58

I would like to know more about the finances of the program. Is there a website or can you tell me: the size of the budget; how much money comes from the County; how much from the Dept of Ag (or whereever); and
how much additional money were you able to get through your lobbying efforts and what was the source of that money?
Thanks for your help.

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"If people cannot write well, they cannot think well, and if they cannot think well, others will do their thinking for them."
George Orwell

Bob Hudson

"I agree, it is not. I would like to point out that when Marge Crawford was on the board, and later Jim Crawford was elected to the board, SWMD was and is publicly applauded by the Walton County Tax Payers Association as the most fiscally responsible district in the county."

I would not post on this topic except for the fact that this individual involked the name of the Walton County Taxpayers Association in their response concerning the SMCD.

I need to remind all that the WCTA does not endorse candidates, and this response should not be construed as an endorsement for any candidate.

Seagrovegirl - you statements concerning the efficency of the SMCD was made for the past two years only. No rating has been given for this year because the "budget hearings" have not been held.

Prior to two budget cycles ago the WCTA expressed many concerns to the SMCD board about the growing fund balance of the organization as well as the salary scale for its director and the accumulation of funds to "buy a helicopter" to more efficently spray for mosquitos.

The applause that you are mentioning only came when those issues were addressed by the then three member board (vote was 2-1) and Mr. J Crawford voted against the budget reductions last year that addressed those concerns from past years.

seagrovegirl

Nor did I mention any particular candidate being endorsed, just stating the fact that the SWMD budget has been kept below -2 mils for years. And the applause you mentioned also mentioned prior years of fiscal responsibility...wish I could find that article...if you have it, please post it.

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

Bob Hudson

seagrovegirl

As the webmaster for the WCTA for the past 4 years I have access to all of their posting, newsletters and studies. I have reviewed all of those documents and the only postings that I can find where the SMCD was given accolades was the following:

It appears that the South Walton Mosquito Control District (SWMCD) is on track to receive an A rating for the second year in a row. A true out of the park performance is on the design board as they have filed their Department of Revenue report indicating a reduction in the operating budget above the state mandated 3% ad valorem collections applicable to special taxing district. Last year the Board rolled back their millage rate to to .0947 mills . This year they have reduced their budget drastically resulting in a proposed millage rate of .0744 mills. This results in a 21.5% millage rate reduction. They accomplished their budget reductions through cuts in recurring expenses as well as capital purchases and freezing the salaries for their employee's at last years levels. The salaries of the SWMCD Director and his staff have been under intense scrutiny by two of the Mosquito Commissioners, Mr. John Magee and Mr. Charlie Burke. The salary study with the SWMCD conducted by WMBB News13 received local and state wide news coverage. Mr. D'Angelo's salary is within the top five salaries of Mosquito Control District in the State of Florida. This board has consistently rolled back their millage rate and we recognize their excellent record of due diligence.

I was the author of that "Report Crad" and when I referred to "this board" I was referring to the board as constituted at that time and it included:

Jim Crawford - John MaGee and Charlie Burke.

seagrovegirl

Thank you!

And all of us are aware, most, if not all departments in the county lowered the milage rate due to the increase in the property tax due to the amazing increase in property value. The budget bottom line has increased dramatically since 2004, 2005. Prior to these dramatic years, the budget has been kept in check.

BTW..is this the article that was posted on your web site? I don't recall it being part of your published material.

Bob, I appreciate you and what you do for the county....thank you.

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

Bob Hudson

Seagrovegirl

The exceptions to your statement concerning "millage rate" reductions is true with two glaring examples:

The Walton County School Board has never lowered their "discreationary" millage rate ( the state sets the required rate) and the South Walton Fire District only lowered their millage rate 1 year since 1999. Last year they lowered their rate by .03 mills - that was a result of the state required rollback set by the passage of Amendment 1.

The clip that I included was from the cache on the WCTA webserver. That piece was never published in their newsletter. I did find the graphic that was also on the site.

Mid1-B.jpg

Please note the gradges given to each taxing authority just prior to their final "public hearing"

seagrovegirl

Thank you for the graph, however, that is not the article I seem to remember...it was a written article on the web site. Anyhow...thank you for your research, it is interesting as well.

May I ask why the WCTA expects a cut and dry tax cut (millage reduction) for every office in the county? IMO...school board and fire district grow with the county. The mosquito district doesn't. Ie; they don't need stations every so many miles apart for the safety and welfare of the community and schools are mandated to have only so many children per classroom, and South Walton needs a Middle School.....therefore...we need funds to build a school.

I don't think it is unreasonable for certain county entities to hold their millage rate to keep up with the growth in our communities.

IMO....the WCTA should give more considerable weight to education, safety and welfare of Walton Co than to "across the board tax cuts". If you do this already, please educate me.

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

Santiago

Why would anyone want this job? Is it a springboard to higher political office? It seems to be at the same level as say a community organizer.

full time

No responsibilities.

seagrovegirl

Care to explain how you would know this???

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"The only thing worse than being stood up is dating." NoHall

"If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".
Sunspotbaby

FF 2

Its simple, the WCTA believe they represent me the Taxpayer. I personally think they represent themselves and I have never seen suggestions as to what services to cut, whether road paving should be a priorty or maybe books for the schools. Maybe we could cut a few UNNECCESSARY POSITIONS, sometimes even private industry need to grow their ranks to operate more effieciently.

full time

No, because I know nothing about mosquito control that involves anything more than me swatting it. It was a joke based upon the future VP's speech - damn omissions of smiley face icons.

wrobert

Why would you say this? When I worked with the WCTA we never represented anyone other than the 700+ members we had. I never heard anyone act or say that they were representing anyone other than the interest of the members as work was done to try to get a handle on out of control local government spending.

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Bob Hudson

FF2

The WCTA has never inferred, suggested or claimed to represent all taxpayers in Walton County.

We have always taken the position that we were representing our membership as we interfaced with taxing authorities.

Our organization is lead by a board of directors that come from all walks of life, all political parties ( we are a non-partisan 501(c)4 corporation) and from all geographic areas in Walton County (north/south/east/west). The organization has existed for over 28 years. People join our organization seeking representation at county taxing authority meetings where they may not be able to attend and support our operations through their monetary membership ($10.00 annually).

Our Board is elected at our Annual Business Meeting.

Our membership share common interests and goals just like your Union as you collectively seek a resolution to your grievances, health & safety concerns, and collectively bargain for wages and benefits. Unlike your organization we do not endorse political candidates. Our non-partisan nature is what guides our non involvement in the political process of choosing elected representatives.

We do speak on issues that directly affect our membership and gladly share with all taxpayers the fruits of our involvement in the process of interfacing with governing boards that have the power to reach into your and my pockets and extract cash.

We believe that the process of public involvement in the services funded through "taxes" is a sacred right that is born out through the law of the State of Florida. The process is and should be transparent to all. The public is afforded the "right" to be involved in the budgeting process and then has the opportunity to speak on two more occassions at the "Public Hearings" that are required by law.

Our Board and its executive committee directs those that invoked the name of WCTA in their involvement in public meetings and forums and no individual is empowered to unilaterly make decisions in the name of the WCTA without approval from its Board.

This process was begun once again today as our Executive Committe met to consider our involvement in each of Walton Counties taxing authority "Budget Hearings"
that begin on Monday afternoon of next week. Those that will speak are following the will and vote of the WCTA Board.

Bob Hudson

FF2

Your statements that the WCTA positions concerning how tax dollars should be allocated is drive by only afew is simply not true.

Your obviously are not aware of the organizations level of committment to see tax dollars allocated on the basis of community input.

The organization conducted a study with 1300 plus residents and taxpayers in Walton County to determine their view point on the allocation of tax dollars during a declining tax revenue period.

I invite you to review the link below and see what those people said about funding priorities.

http://www.waltontaxpayers.org/PDF%2...tter4color.pdf

florida girl

As my father was an active member of the original board, he spoke often of issues that were of concern, and would take me with him to the meetings, checking ditches, etc. I have been concerned and interested in the mosquito control activities for many years, and vocal concerning the issues as many of you are aware. I have been increasingly irritated at the recent road pavings that messed up the ditches, and nothing seems to be done about it. I have managed my own business for the last 20 years, (including selling Avon), managed 3 probates as sole beneficiary and executor of their estates, in fact, when my mother died I had to sue the Southeast district of the United Methodist Church because of some illegal activity in the will. They settled out of court. My mother and I also discovered the activity of the lawyer who had represented her, and I had him removed.
I was a tree farmer for numerous years until that became rather pointless to try to accomplish in South Walton.
I received unanimous approval for a mobile home park in 1996, tended to all activities necessary for its establishment, have current licenses for it and a state licensed well. I bought used mobile homes, mostly gutted them, remodeled them, and rented them out. I prepare them as I would live in them myself. I have lived in 5 different mobile home parks. I strenuously try to maintain a safe, clean environment for my tenants. I believe that just because someone may not be able to afford higher rents, doesn’t mean that they are bad, or deserve less dignity than anyone else.

florida girl

I met many people that I care about.

mdd88jd

Although I did not always agree (but often did) with the WCTA, I found the WCTA to be very up front about their positions, their arguments and their concerns. As a member of the school board, I often argued with their positions, but, the arguments were never personal and were about whatever tax policy we were considering. Also, I found the information that they gave to the public and to the school board was accurate and useful.