Pattern In Sheriff Candidates

[WileCoyote]

Has anyone noticed that all of the pre-filed candiates except one have ties to Ralph Johnson.

I have never been a big believer in conspiracies but this one has me really wondering.

Are all of these people simply "running" for one reason and one reason - split the vote 9 ways and so he will win. We even have candidates coming from adjacent counties to run. (He has ties to Ralph as well)

Is Mike Adkinson the only candidate that has no ties to Ralph?

Come on guys are you just cannon fodder for the Sheriff ? Are you the next batch of lieutenants and captains if Ralph wins ? There have been over 300 people show the door during his administration. Whats a few more to get elected. What we need to do is show Ralph the door !

Note : If there are any current employees' of the WCSO - please hurry up and pre qualify so that my theory can be proven.

[The Watcher]

Has anyone noticed that all of the pre-filed candiates except one have ties to Ralph Johnson.

I have never been a big believer in conspiracies but this one has me really wondering.

Are all of these people simply "running" for one reason and one reason - split the vote 9 ways and so he will win. We even have candidates coming from adjacent counties to run. (He has ties to Ralph as well)

Is Mike Adkinson the only candidate that has no ties to Ralph?

Come on guys are you just cannon fodder for the Sheriff ? Are you the next batch of lieutenants and captains if Ralph wins ? There have been over 300 people show the door during his administration. Whats a few more to get elected. What we need to do is show Ralph the door !

Note : If there are any current employees' of the WCSO - please hurry up and pre qualify so that my theory can be proven.

I can definately appreciate your concern, however, I really do not think that Dennis Wise, for one, has any agenda in wanting to keep Ralph Johnson around. I also am pretty sure that one prior candidate, Bill Imfeld, also falls into the category of not being part of the clique, which is why such effort was made to eliminate him early on. I really do not know much about the others and their plans, but I do not think they are in the race to "help" Ralph intentionally.

I think a great deal of this vote splitting concern comes from candidates who mean well and have good intent, entering the race without doing their homework and/or communicating with each other. If an candidate is serious about serving the public, they will look at themselves and really decide if they stand a chance, right now, just about anyone can enter the race and have about even odds with any other candidate.

Please wake up people, although I do not agree with the conspiracy theory posed here, the splitting of the vote is an issue. There are a few candidates that should bow out of the race immediately, pick a candidate to support and start to get active in finding new leadership in law enforcement, not helping (unknowingly) to preserve the current status quo.

[wrobert]

I also am pretty sure that one prior candidate, Bill Imfeld, also falls into the category of not being part of the clique, which is why such effort was made to eliminate him early on.

I think what is being pointed out is what ties the candidates have to the department. Imfeld had none, but he is not a candidate at this time so it really does not matter.

Alicia has an excellent report on the current political situation from the Sheriff's pov in this weeks paper. You can read it online
http://southwalton.com/?p=1481.

It would seem that there may be more than one conspiracy afoot, depending on whom you speak.

[ShallowsNole]

Are we talking ties to the WCSO, which I certainly hope a candidate would have, or ties to the sheriff himself?

You can't fully understand the WCSO unless you have ties to it. Long-term ties.

[seagrovegirl]

Are we talking ties to the WCSO, which I certainly hope a candidate would have, or ties to the sheriff himself?

You can't fully understand the WCSO unless you have ties to it. Long-term ties.

Shallows...throw your hat in the ring........I think you would make a great sheriff!!!!

[wrobert]

Are we talking ties to the WCSO, which I certainly hope a candidate would have, or ties to the sheriff himself?

You can't fully understand the WCSO unless you have ties to it. Long-term ties.

What is to understand? There are not a bunch of secret meetings happening that I am not being invited? I sure hope not. I get left out of so much here lately.

[tony4sheriff]

Hello again,
I would like to address the concerns some of you have with a conspiracy to have Sheriff Johnson re-elected and the thoughts that the candidates have ties to him. I agree with WaltonGOP(RN is that you) it depends on who you talk to as what conspiracy might be thought. I think every issue or situation could have a conspiracy thought, if you allow it. Personally, I can tell you that I am not a part of any conspiracy to have Johnson or anyone else re-elected. My focus and concern is to work hard on my campaign to get TONY CORNMAN elected as your next sheriff. As far as ties to Johnson goes...yes I do know Johnson through my law enforcement profession, do we talk on a regular basis, NO. As a matter of fact, out of courtesy I attempted to contact him to let him know that I was running for sheriff. I left two messages for him and he did not return my calls...so no I would not say that I have close ties to Johnson. I do have ties to the Walton County Sheriff's Office as that is where I began my Law enforcemnt career over 25 years ago.

[Alicia Leonard]

Hello again,
I would like to address the concerns some of you have with a conspiracy to have Sheriff Johnson re-elected and the thoughts that the candidates have ties to him. I agree with WaltonGOP(RN is that you) it depends on who you talk to as what conspiracy might be thought. I think every issue or situation could have a conspiracy thought, if you allow it. Personally, I can tell you that I am not a part of any conspiracy to have Johnson or anyone else re-elected. My focus and concern is to work hard on my campaign to get TONY CORNMAN elected as your next sheriff. As far as ties to Johnson goes...yes I do know Johnson through my law enforcement profession, do we talk on a regular basis, NO. As a matter of fact, out of courtesy I attempted to contact him to let him know that I was running for sheriff. I left two messages for him and he did not return my calls...so no I would not say that I have close ties to Johnson. I do have ties to the Walton County Sheriff's Office as that is where I began my Law enforcemnt career over 25 years ago.

Thank you for speaking up. and

[Jimmy Macon]

To all concern citizens of Walton Conuty.
Just to let you know that I am not and never will be part of an conspiracy to help any candiddate get re-elected or elected. I am in this race for the people and will be a community Sheriff who cares for the citizens safety,respect and concerns. Yes I did work under Sheriff Johnson for five years before leaving in May 2005 to persue my dreams of becoming a Sheriff who will enforce the laws fairly, but at the same work with the citizens to make our county a safer place to live, work and play.
Thanks J. Macon

[Teresa]

To all concern citizens of Walton Conuty.
Just to let you know that I am not and never will be part of an conspiracy to help any candiddate get re-elected or elected. I am in this race for the people and will be a community Sheriff who cares for the citizens safety,respect and concerns. Yes I did work under Sheriff Johnson for five years before leaving in May 2005 to persue my dreams of becoming a Sheriff who will enforce the laws fairly, but at the same work with the citizens to make our county a safer place to live, work and play.
Thanks J. Macon

thank you jimmy! and welcome.

[Alicia Leonard]

thank you jimmy! and welcome.

Ditto

[wrobert]

NO. As a matter of fact, out of courtesy I attempted to contact him to let him know that I was running for sheriff. I left two messages for him and he did not return my calls.

Ah. Then it is not just me. I send him emails, write him letters, and make phone calls and can not get the courtesy of a response. Here I was thinking I did something wrong. That is one thing I never can understand, an elected official not returning a call. Especially when you have so many people working for you that could do it on your behalf.

[WileCoyote]

The old saying "A bit dog hollers loudest" comes to mind.

It is funny that two of them immediately deny that it is happening.

Gentlemen - am I to believe that you would admit to being a part of this conspiracy ?

I quess their premise is that those who don't deny their involvement are a part of the conspiracy.

Batter Up !

[idlewind]

The old saying "A bit dog hollers loudest" comes to mind.

It is funny that two of them immediately deny that it is happening.

Gentlemen - am I to believe that you would admit to being a part of this conspiracy ?

I quess their premise is that those who don't deny their involvement are a part of the conspiracy.

Batter Up !

From what I understand from reading posts and listening to people I think ALL these guys have ties to the current sheriff. The common denominator is they all LOATH him. Wise, Macon and Brown may have stronger feelings than Adkinson or Corman, because they actually worked for him, but I think it is more "me too" as to who thinks johnson must go because he is incompetent or evil or both. Another common theme is that they have all aspired to be the sheriff of this county a long time,some of them for most of their lives. So, lets get everybody who hates ralph and wants to be sheriff on the ballot and let um duke it out. Surely ralph is through whether there are 2 or 20 other names on the ballot. Anyone who would vote for him again deserves what they get.

[wrobert]

From what I understand from reading posts and listening to people I think ALL these guys have ties to the current sheriff. The common denominator is they all LOATH him. Wise, Macon and Brown may have stronger feelings than Adkinson or Corman, because they actually worked for him, but I think it is more "me too" as to who thinks johnson must go because he is incompetent or evil or both. Another common theme is that they have all aspired to be the sheriff of this county a long time,some of them for most of their lives. So, lets get everybody who hates ralph and wants to be sheriff on the ballot and let um duke it out. Surely ralph is through whether there are 2 or 20 other names on the ballot. Anyone who would vote for him again deserves what they get.

Statistically an incumbet gets a 20 point bump.

[ShallowsNole]

Surely ralph is through whether there are 2 or 20 other names on the ballot. Anyone who would vote for him again deserves what they get.

Unfortunately, that was said in 2004, too. I know because I said it. No more electioneering for me.

[idlewind]

Unfortunately, that was said in 2004, too. I know because I said it. No more electioneering for me.

Two different races my dear, ole sheriff man was much stronger last time. Last time people said they did not like him but he was doing a good job. Now they are only laughing at him. And he has made so many enemies that it will only get worse. I think he could not get 5% of the vote in his own department if what I hear is true. The problem with these candidates as I see it is that they all think everyone else should drop out and that they are the man for the job. What we really need is a lady to enter the race and all these guys be gentlemen and bow out. That's about the only way I can think of to keep the candidates in single figures.

[Andy A]

I have a question. Has Ralph Johnson said he is running for re-election? If so, with all the intelligence and experience exhibited on this board, it is up to all of us to make sure the electorate is well aware of what a lousy job the present sheriff is doing and a vote for him, regardless of your party affiliation, is a vote for the continuation of "more of the same". Speak up, folks, to all your friends and neighbors and tell them your concerns. Remember, August is not that far away.

[ShallowsNole]

The duct tape around my tongue and over my fingers is definitely starting to hurt.

(can't say it, can't say it, can't say it,...)

[ShallowsNole]

I have a question. Has Ralph Johnson said he is running for re-election?

I actually can respond to this one. Yes, he is.

[idlewind]

The duct tape around my tongue and over my fingers is definitely starting to hurt.

(can't say it, can't say it, can't say it,...)

This sounds painful- just let it go. They say it will cleanse the soul to free yourself of such burdens.

[ShallowsNole]

This sounds painful- just let it go. They say it will cleanse the soul to free yourself of such burdens.

Look me up privately.

[WileCoyote]

What do you expect them to say ?

I love Ralph Johnson !!!

God called one and told him he would win!

One has no ties to WCSO. Ralph recruited the others!

Plain and Simple !

[RebelRider]

You seem mighty sure of the facts surrounding this issue.

Mind sharing how you know all of this Mr. Coyote.

[idlewind]

We now have a new candidate, Joshua Sconiers has pre-qualified. So lets recap:

Adkinson-questions about how he got his current job, related to Quinn
Brown-deputy for ralph
Cornman-doen't live in the county, deputy for Quinn
Macon- was a deputy for ralph ( and Quinn)
Sconiers- was a deputy for ralph
Wise- was a deputy for Ralph
and....
the ole sheriff himself.

Sconiers and Wise at one time are supposed to have been in ralph's inner circle as well.


I think maybe another candidate or two might not be so bad after all, all of these have some sort of problem.

[RebelRider]

It appears that everyone's concerns ( particulary those of WileCoyote ) about a conspiracy to divide the vote in the WCSO Sheriff's race are unfounded. How else would one explain the results of the Walton Sun's online poll reported today in the Sun.

Adkinson shows clear lead in sheriff’s race


Here are the results of this week’s poll question, “If you could vote today, which candidate would you support for Walton County sheriff?

• Michael Adkinson, Jr. (currently chief of policed at DFS) – 246

• Richard S. Brown (currently a deputy) – 5

• Bill Imfeld (withdrew because of Hatch Act complaint) – 25

• Ralph L. Johnson (current sheriff) – 11

• Jimmy L. Macon (former K9 offi cer and deputy) – 9

• Dennis Wise (former deputy) – 98

• Other – 6

• Undecided – 7

• Tony Cornman (currently a lieutenant with the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco) – 2

[Just watching]

Hey Wasn't That Poll Started Before Cornman Got In The Race And Even Completed Before His Anouncement Came Out In The Paper. I Would Be Curious If There Would Be Any Difference Now That We Have A More In The Race And They Have Announced In The Paper.

[wrobert]

Hey Wasn't That Poll Started Before Cornman Got In The Race And Even Completed Before His Anouncement Came Out In The Paper. I Would Be Curious If There Would Be Any Difference Now That We Have A More In The Race And They Have Announced In The Paper.

He was listed on the poll.

[Rick Brown]

To all concerned:
I am NOT tied to anyone. I am not a favorite at the Sheriff's office for obvious reasons.
I am running for this position because I believe I am the best man for the job. Favoritism will not be tolerated. I am a fair person and will treat my employees with the respect they deserve. Look closely at the candidates . It will be a tough decision to make, but in the next few months you will come to realize who you want to represent you as the Sheriff of Walton County. I believe the people of Walton County have been deceived long enough. Put the right person in the job; one who knows the laws, who will uphold those laws no matter who it affects. I have lived with these codes of ethics and standards for over 30 years. Once again look at your candidates.
Thanks,
Rick

[The Watcher]

Hello again,
I would like to address the concerns some of you have with a conspiracy to have Sheriff Johnson re-elected and the thoughts that the candidates have ties to him. I agree with WaltonGOP(RN is that you) it depends on who you talk to as what conspiracy might be thought. I think every issue or situation could have a conspiracy thought, if you allow it. Personally, I can tell you that I am not a part of any conspiracy to have Johnson or anyone else re-elected. My focus and concern is to work hard on my campaign to get TONY CORNMAN elected as your next sheriff. As far as ties to Johnson goes...yes I do know Johnson through my law enforcement profession, do we talk on a regular basis, NO. As a matter of fact, out of courtesy I attempted to contact him to let him know that I was running for sheriff. I left two messages for him and he did not return my calls...so no I would not say that I have close ties to Johnson. I do have ties to the Walton County Sheriff's Office as that is where I began my Law enforcemnt career over 25 years ago.

OK, well then... What are your feelings, opinions of the following:

1) The firing of the two pregnant deputies?

2) The mismanagement of funds (as referenced in numerous articles)?

3) The level of current leadership (high ranking officers) that currently lead our department?

Please respond.

[The Watcher]

To all concern citizens of Walton Conuty.
Just to let you know that I am not and never will be part of an conspiracy to help any candiddate get re-elected or elected. I am in this race for the people and will be a community Sheriff who cares for the citizens safety,respect and concerns. Yes I did work under Sheriff Johnson for five years before leaving in May 2005 to persue my dreams of becoming a Sheriff who will enforce the laws fairly, but at the same work with the citizens to make our county a safer place to live, work and play.
Thanks J. Macon

Jimmy, I know you are not part of any conspiracy, your moral back ground is too strong. I do question why Ralph has let both you and Rick Brown go out on your own basically untouched. Perhaps he realizes that you and others are only helping to get him re-elected.

[idlewind]

Jimmy, I know you are not part of any conspiracy, your moral back ground is too strong. I do question why Ralph has let both you and Rick Brown go out on your own basically untouched. Perhaps he realizes that you and others are only helping to get him re-elected.

This constant harping on the number of candidates is getting sort of stale. Last time I checked this was a free country with free elections and anyone can run who wants to. Would any of us really want a candidate who did not think they were best for the job and willing to work hard to get elected? Of course any of the candidates (and their supporters) would like to get ole ralphie in a race by themselves, but that is not going to happen, so let um all work hard for our vote and may the best one win. I am positive of one thing, that excludes ralphie.

[WileCoyote]

Two more bit dogs hollering!

Do all these candidates want Ralph out or do they just want to sit in Ralphie's chair or some Captains chair in Ralphie's next administration.

You ever worked for Ralphie - you are not my candidate! I know the real reason you are running.

This is an exact repeat of Ralphie's strategy for victory 4 years ago - it worked then and it's going to work again unless people wake up.

[The Watcher]

Two more bit dogs hollering!

Do all these candidates want Ralph out or do they just want to sit in Ralphie's chair or some Captains chair in Ralphie's next administration.

You ever worked for Ralphie - you are not my candidate! I know the real reason you are running.

This is an exact repeat of Ralphie's strategy for victory 4 years ago - it worked then and it's going to work again unless people wake up.

I agree 50% with what you are saying. The splitting of the vote is a very real posibility and it could get the incumbant re-elected, that much is true. Now as to certain individuals running to effectively support the incumbant, with promises of leadership positions in wait, I do not think several of the candidates would even consider accepting a position under Ralph. However, you do bring up a good point... As for the people who feel that harping on the split vote issue is a moot point, think again. This is a very real concern and the more the % split, the better chance an incumbant has to get re-elected on the basis of ignorance. An uneducated, uninformed voter will be more likely to vote for an incumbant than a new candidate.

This is why I had posted numerous entries months ago about educating the voter. Spread the word, if you (as I am) are disgusted with the current administration and all of their mis-steps be it financial, ethical or otherwise. The focus of this 2008 Sheriff's Election should be moving Walton County forward, not backward.

As I understand it, there is more on the horizon when it comes to additional "mis-steps".

[idlewind]

Hey, I agree with the premise, more candidates equal better chance for an incumbent. I also think that any of these guys can beat ralphie one on one. Therein lies the problem. They all want to be sheriff and understand this is their chance of a lifetime. This is also an unusual election because you have an incumbent who is unusually weak. It would probably take around 10 candidates in the race for ralphie to have a chance because he cannot get over 10% of the vote. There are simply not enough ignorant people out there for him to get more.

[idlewind]

Two more bit dogs hollering!

Do all these candidates want Ralph out or do they just want to sit in Ralphie's chair or some Captains chair in Ralphie's next administration.

You ever worked for Ralphie - you are not my candidate! I know the real reason you are running.

This is an exact repeat of Ralphie's strategy for victory 4 years ago - it worked then and it's going to work again unless people wake up.

So you want a three man race with adkinson, cornman and ralphie huh? Are you also saying that people like Quinn, chapman, and baker ran last time because they wanted to HELP ralphie? If you think that I have some property to sell you at a reasonable price.I think sconiers and wise can be important factors in this race, they were at one time part of ralphies inner circle and can tell us even more about what really goes on. Only thing better would be if we can get farris in as well, he knows plenty I bet.

[WileCoyote]

I want someone for Sheriff that can efficently run this department - not someone that can tell me where all of Ralph's skeleton are. I am sure they will eventually come to light.

Wise is another of Ralph's trained men (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree) and Cornman has spent twenty years counting tax stamps on cigarettes and liquor bottles and lives in another county. Oh yeah - he has also spent twenty years preparing himself wanting to move back to Walton County. Give me a break.

I am sure they are both fine men - simply not qualified for the job.

We need an electible candidate and the unqualified no matter how nice need to get out of the way. The objective is simple - get Ralph Johnson out of office and replace him with someone that can and will manage the operations in a cost effective manner that remains approachable and accountable to the citizens of Walton County.

[RebelRider]

Wile:

Could you please tell me which of these pre-filed candidates are in your opinion electible and qualified:

Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.
Richard S. Brown
Tony Cornman
Bill Imfeld ( Inactive)
Ralph L. Johnson
Jimmy L. Macon
Joshua M. Sconiers
Dennis Wise

[wrobert]

to have a chance because he cannot get over 10% of the vote. There are simply not enough ignorant people out there for him to get more.

Boy are you going to be in for a surprise.

[ShallowsNole]

Two more bit dogs hollering!

Do all these candidates want Ralph out or do they just want to sit in Ralphie's chair or some Captains chair in Ralphie's next administration.

You ever worked for Ralphie - you are not my candidate! I know the real reason you are running.

This is an exact repeat of Ralphie's strategy for victory 4 years ago - it worked then and it's going to work again unless people wake up.

How many of these candidates do you know personally? None, evidently.

The only reason RJ won in 2004 (besides Miramar Beach and absentees) is that the former incumbant joined the race - and you CAN'T tell me QMc is a Johnson supporter.

[ShallowsNole]

btw...oh hail, never mind.

[wrobert]

How many of these candidates do you know personally? None, evidently.

The only reason RJ won in 2004 (besides Miramar Beach and absentees) is that the former incumbant joined the race - and you CAN'T tell me QMc is a Johnson supporter.

You are trying to hang the win on one person. I think Coyote is trying to point out the overall effect. This is a problem without a run-off primary, but I do not see those coming back until the budget woes get straight in Taxahassee.

[RebelRider]

I know and have talked with 6 of the 8.

Haven't traveled to Bay county - why should I ?

Haven't ever talked to Brown either. But I have talked to his boss many times.

Ralph will get 15-20% of the vote from people that vote for incumbents.

Take the other 80-85% divided them amoung 7 announced candidate and surprise "He's Back". None of them will get 20% +1 individually.

[wrobert]

I know and have talked with 6 of the 8.

Haven't traveled to Bay county - why should I ?

Haven't ever talked to Brown either. But I have talked to his boss many times.

Ralph will get 15-20% of the vote from people that vote for incumbents.

Take the other 80-85% divided them amoung 7 announced candidate and surprise "He's Back". None of them will get 20% +1 individually.

That poll that was ran on waltonsun.com for the last couple of weeks put Adkinson at 60%. I here he has already raised over $15K. Of course no way of knowing until the reports in April, but if that is the case..........

Personally, I wish them all luck. I am really interested in seeing how someone runs a race with that many candidates and is able to define themselves in such a way that they win a majority. Incumbents always have a heck of a head start. So it is going to be interesting.

[ShallowsNole]

That poll that was ran on waltonsun.com for the last couple of weeks put Adkinson at 60%. I here he has already raised over $15K. Of course no way of knowing until the reports in April, but if that is the case..........

Personally, I wish them all luck. I am really interested in seeing how someone runs a race with that many candidates and is able to define themselves in such a way that they win a majority. Incumbents always have a heck of a head start. So it is going to be interesting.

Discovered this afternoon that another person is thinking about running, as an independent. Wanted to tell him please don't eff this up more than it already is, but there were children around.

Heck, I'm starting to wonder what would happen if I threw my bra into the ring. Maybe Fuzz can cut his long-range plan short and go ahead and run too! Let's see how many people we can possibly fit onto the ballot. It's already shot anyway.

[Alicia Leonard]

Discovered this afternoon that another person is thinking about running, as an independent. Wanted to tell him please don't eff this up more than it already is, but there were children around.

Heck, I'm starting to wonder what would happen if I threw my bra into the ring. Maybe Fuzz can cut his long-range plan short and go ahead and run too! Let's see how many people we can possibly fit onto the ballot. It's already shot anyway.

Then we can say, "she's the sheriff."

[idlewind]

You guys are really freaked out by the mere prospect that ralphie will get reelected. That cannot happen! What should scare everyone is that none of these guys appear to be all that strong in the public and none are overwhelmingly qualified. So we will probably trade one set of problems for another. And the number of candidates already in would seem to exclude anyone else from entering, although stranger things have happened. Right now I would rank the relative strength of the candidates as:

1. adkinson
2. wise
3. cornman
4. johnson
5 sconiers
6. brown
7. macon

It will be interesting to see how they finish, but none are particularly outstanding at this point. Last time the field was much more distinguished and qualified. (Quinn, chapman, baker, mckee)

[wrobert]

It will be interesting to see how they finish, but none are particularly outstanding at this point. Last time the field was much more distinguished and qualified. (Quinn, chapman, baker, mckee)

Interesting list. I would have thought either Quinn, Bill, Tom, Billy or McMillian, Chapman, Baker, McKee.

[ShallowsFuzz]

Ok, I've had it. It's official. I am running. I am running for the county line.

[seagrovegirl]

Ok, I've had it. It's official. I am running. I am running for the county line.

We NEED you.....throw your hat in the ring!!!!!!