Non-Partisan Candidate Forums

[Bob Hudson]

The WCTA and Sandestinvoters
Present
A Series Of Non-partisan
Voter Education Forums

Submit Your Questions For Candidates By Clicking Here

FORUM SCHEDULE

July 15 - Walton Co. School Board Candidate Forum.

Did you know that the proposed Walton County School Board budget for 2010-2011 is over 95.5 million dollars? Last year Walton County had an enrollment of almost 7000 students.

Studies show that schools are failing because of lack of accountability, wasted funds, and political agendas. It's critical we elect people to the school board who can manage our educational system effectively and efficiently.

The five members of the Walton County School Board are elected countywide to represent the 5 districts.

Three of these School board seats are on all Primary ballots on August 24th.

Come to the Forum and hear what these candidates have to say!

Candidates include: Faye R. Leddon, Zane Sunday, Bill Eddins, Jr, Sharon Byrd Roberts, Darrell J. Barnhill, Dennis A. Wallace

When: July 15, 2010 / 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: The Walton County Coastal Branch Library (on U.S. 331 south of the Bay)
Admission Price: Free

Format: All candidates will have 3 minutes to introduce themselves to the audience. After introductions, written questions will be submitted from the floor and the candidates will answer these questions, along with questions submitted online prior to the event.

NOTE: Coffee, water, and snacks will be provided during all events at no charge.


July 22 - Walton Co. District 4 Commissioner Candidate Forum

The Walton County Board of County Commissioners serves as the legislative and policy making body for Walton County.

This governing body has the power to perform the following duties: approve the budget (currently over $1 million dollars and this excludes the Sheriff's Department and the South Walton Fire District), set millage rates and adopt ordinances and resolutions necessary to carry out the operations of all County departments and programs.

The Board also prepares and enforces the comprehensive plan which guides the development of the County.

The Walton County Board of Commissioners 2010-2011 strategic objectives include:

• Promote the development of more diverse and higher paying jobs, infrastructure to support them;i.e., attainable work force housing and military impact coordination;
• Improve public relations, make government more service and solution oriented, and instill confidence in county government;
  
• Implementation of a comprehensive program for paving, bridges and other infrastructure;
  
• Protect natural resource areas from negative impacts of growth;
  
• Continue to expand Walton County's private/public partnerships to accomplish local and /or regional objectives to enhance and expand available resources; and
  
• Provide or promote services to maintain or enhance the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of citizens.
  

Candidates include: Sara Comander, David J. Kramer, Sr., Rosier 'Ro' Cuchens

Join us at this forum to find out how these candidates plan to meet these and other challenges if elected.

When: Thursday, July 22, 2010 / 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: The Walton County Coastal Branch Library (on U.S. 331 south of the Bay)
Admission Price: Free

Format: All candidates will have 3 minutes to introduce themselves to the audience. After introductions, written questions will be submitted from the floor and the candidates will answer these questions, along with questions submitted online prior to the event.


July 29 - Circuit Judge Candidate Forum

Circuit judges are the "working judges" of the legal system. They must have a detailed understanding of the uniform code of civil procedure and apply the laws as written.

The race this year is for Circuit Judge, 1st Circuit, Group 3. There are six candidates in this very competitive race.

Candidates include: Kenneth Brooks, Clint Davis, Michael Flowers, Alishia McDonald, Bob McGill, Mike Lawson

When: Thursday, July 29, 2010 / 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: The Walton County Coastal Branch Library (on U.S. 331 south of the Bay)
Admission Price: Free

Format: All candidates will have 3 minutes to introduce themselves to the audience. After introductions, written questions will be submitted from the floor and the candidates will answer these questions, along with questions submitted online prior to the event.


August 5 - The District 2 Congressional Race Candidate Forum

The District 2 Congressional race is one of the most talked about contests this election year. Allen Boyd, the Democratic incumbent, faces challengers from all parties.

With the oil spill and the economic downturn our region continues to face, it is critical that our representative in Washington, D.C. effectively represent US, the citizens of Walton County.

Candidates Include: Dianne Berryhill, Paul C.McKain, Allen Boyd*, Al Lawson, Eddie Hendry, Ron McNeil, Barbara Olschner, David Scholl, Steve Southerland, Ray Netherwood
* Incumbent

When: Thursday, August 05, 2010 / 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: The Walton County Coastal Branch Library (on U.S. 331 south of the Bay)
Admission Price: Free

Format: All candidates will have 3 minutes to introduce themselves to the audience. After introductions, written questions will be submitted from the floor and the candidates will answer these questions, along with questions submitted online prior to the event.

[coastaljewel]

Barbara Olschner is a South Walton resident and I hope that many will come to the Forum with the Congressional District 2 candidates. She offers a fresh perspective & is not a career politician. She's got my vote!

[SWGB]

Barbara Olschner is a South Walton resident and I hope that many will come to the Forum with the Congressional District 2 candidates. She offers a fresh perspective & is not a career politician. She's got my vote!

Perhaps she can explain how a fiscal conservative has two tax liens?

[wrobert]

Perhaps she can explain how a fiscal conservative has two tax liens?

The spirit of change and Geithner?

[30ashopper]

The spirit of change and Geithner?

Zing!

[Bob Wells]

The forum was good last night for District 4 candidates. Ro sure did dodge some questions with plenty of non answers. Maybe he just did not understand the question. Kramer was pretty impressive and was not afraid of saying what he thought even when it was not going to be popular. Sara was well organized and seemed to have her facts straight. Bad form for Ro, his opening was an attack on Sara and nothing about himself. If you can't change things and you want to get some votes, ATTACK your opponent. I was really expecting Ro to be more polished with his 8 years.

[Jdarg]

The forum was good last night for District 4 candidates. Ro sure did dodge some questions with plenty of non answers. Maybe he just did not understand the question. Kramer was pretty impressive and was not afraid of saying what he thought even when it was not going to be popular. Sara was well organized and seemed to have her facts straight. Bad form for Ro, his opening was an attack on Sara and nothing about himself. If you can't change things and you want to get some votes, ATTACK your opponent. I was really expecting Ro to be more polished with his 8 years.

This is pretty much how my contact described this forum. She also said Marti Coley was there? Why?

[Interested Girl]

This is pretty much how my contact described this forum. She also said Marti Coley was there? Why?

David Pleat was there. Why?

[Jdarg]

David Pleat was there. Why?

Maybe because he lives in Sandestin and votes in Walton County?

[Interested Girl]

Maybe because he lives in Sandestin and votes in Walton County?

Maybe because he is a candidate, brought his campaign literature and was introduced as a candidate as well.

A lot of other candidates were there pressing the flesh so to speak - good opportunity to meet interested voters and tell their story.

[Bob Wells]

Marti Coley is running for the House seat that is supposed to represent the people of SoWal as is David Pleat. I appreciate them coming, as I do the other politicians.

[Jdarg]

Marti Coley should have worn a bag over her head after the pathetic representation of the coastal communities. At least Pleat could learn about the candidates on his ballot.

[MamaBear]

The forum was good last night for District 4 candidates. Ro sure did dodge some questions with plenty of non answers. Maybe he just did not understand the question. Kramer was pretty impressive and was not afraid of saying what he thought even when it was not going to be popular. Sara was well organized and seemed to have her facts straight. Bad form for Ro, his opening was an attack on Sara and nothing about himself. If you can't change things and you want to get some votes, ATTACK your opponent. I was really expecting Ro to be more polished with his 8 years.

I agree with this analysis. David Kramer gave measured and thoughtful answers and seemed to say what he believed even on a couple of unpopular topics. Sara has been a good commissioner, but running as an incumbent in this environment of "kick out the politicians" is tough. I'm afraid Ro will take us backward to the kind of county government he was part of since that's his comfort level.

THanks to SandestinVoters and Walton TAxpayers for providing this important service.

[idlewind]

I agree with this analysis. David Kramer gave measured and thoughtful answers and seemed to say what he believed even on a couple of unpopular topics. Sara has been a good commissioner, but running as an incumbent in this environment of "kick out the politicians" is tough. I'm afraid Ro will take us backward to the kind of county government he was part of since that's his comfort level.

THanks to SandestinVoters and Walton TAxpayers for providing this important service.

Frankly I am looking for someone who will "take us back" to a county government that was pro-business and pro responsible development ( if we ever have a development climate again). A county government that does not try and regulate every problem with arcane ordinances that prove to be unenforceable. A government that knows what it is supposed to do and does it well with quality people. A government that is sensitive to the plight of its people and does not try and tax them to death. A government that operates in the sunshine voluntarily.

That said, Mr. Kramer intrigues me. He is obviously not a part of the establishment and would certainly shake things up. My concern with Mr. Cuchens is that he is part of the establishment and that we may just get more of the same. What concerns me with Ms. Commander is the number of current and former county employees who have asked me not to vote for her. They say she is meddlesome and two faced. That concerns me. But I did like her stand on taxes.

I hope we all continue to get information so that we can make the right choice.

[MamaBear]

[QUOTE=idlewind;685958]Frankly I am looking for someone who will "take us back" to a county government that was pro-business and pro responsible development ( if we ever have a development climate again).

I lived here during the time you describe, and I didn't think it was all that "pro-business and pro-responsible development." If you "knew someone" -- you could get things done. But, the development rules were fuzzy and open to lots of loopholes and side deals.

A county as large as Walton County -- with as much undeveloped land-- has to have regulation or we'll kill the golden goose. Look at the ban against new billboards -- which was the beginning of some regulation in the county. We're much better off today because of that one development change.

Maybe the rules should be simplified, but let's not "go back" to the days of "who you know."

[rapunzel]

Marti Coley should have worn a bag over her head after the pathetic representation of the coastal communities. At least Pleat could learn about the candidates on his ballot.

My guess is that despite the "we have this race in the bag" attitude we've seen from the Coley camp, who claim to not be worried about the seat because they have a voter registration advantage (thanks to a gerrymandered district) and can tap the money reserves of the Cannon/Haridopolous machine she votes with over the interests of her own constituents, she realizes she has a race on her hands.

She knows what she did Tuesday -- voting to not take up the amendment to ban oil drilling -- made it crystal clear to the people of South Walton and Destin that she is going to side with BP and big oil and their money over our coasts.

[GoodWitch58]

Frankly I am looking for someone who will "take us back" to a county government that was pro-business and pro responsible development ( if we ever have a development climate again). A county government that does not try and regulate every problem with arcane ordinances that prove to be unenforceable. A government that knows what it is supposed to do and does it well with quality people. A government that is sensitive to the plight of its people and does not try and tax them to death. A government that operates in the sunshine voluntarily.

That said, Mr. Kramer intrigues me. He is obviously not a part of the establishment and would certainly shake things up. My concern with Mr. Cuchens is that he is part of the establishment and that we may just get more of the same. What concerns me with Ms. Commander is the number of current and former county employees who have asked me not to vote for her. They say she is meddlesome and two faced. That concerns me. But I did like her stand on taxes.

I hope we all continue to get information so that we can make the right choice.

Perhaps the flip side of that is that "she is interested in what county employees are doing; concerned that they are being efficient and accountable...and informing herself so that she may inform the rest of us."

I don't know, but I do know that she of all the Commissioners is the one who has been consist in responding when I have asked for information...I will take a "meddlesome" elected official any day, over one who can't be bothered to answer to her/his constituents, or one whose integrity or ability is in question.

[Andy A]

Yes, this is the election of "throw the incumbent out" and basically I agree with that. However, you must consider the level of the office and what has been done by the one holding the office.
Local offices are more likely to be closely observed and the office holder known by constituents than those at the state and federal level. Therefore, the "throw the incumbent out" philosophy may be greatly tempered due to local knowledge and observation of the office holder. I believe such is definitely the case with Commissioner Comander.
She has been consistent in answering any question I have posed to her. She has been consistent in her taxation policies. She has been a leader in promoting and encouraging development and growth in Walton County through her "Visions for Walton County" program. This is one incumbent we should definitely keep.

[idlewind]

Yes, this is the election of "throw the incumbent out" and basically I agree with that. However, you must consider the level of the office and what has been done by the one holding the office.
Local offices are more likely to be closely observed and the office holder known by constituents than those at the state and federal level. Therefore, the "throw the incumbent out" philosophy may be greatly tempered due to local knowledge and observation of the office holder. I believe such is definitely the case with Commissioner Comander.
She has been consistent in answering any question I have posed to her. She has been consistent in her taxation policies. She has been a leader in promoting and encouraging development and growth in Walton County through her "Visions for Walton County" program. This is one incumbent we should definitely keep.

I appreciate and respect your opinion and thoughts. More often than not I agree with your positions. And as I stated, I like the tax vote and am really disappointed in the way this seems to be headed. But I still want to think about this race. I want to find out why so many county employees apparently feel differently. I also want to know if there is any truth to the rumor that Ms. Commander is behind all the employees being shown the door in the last few months. People like Chris Mitchell who I thought was doing a great job with public information. And I want someone who will fight a little harder. My understanding is that basically all she said at the budget hearing was I can't vote for this and let it go. I believe Mr. Kramer would have fought alot harder. Mr. Cuchens may have as well, I just don't know.
Andy, bear with me, I like to ask questions and hear what is being said by alot of different people before I decide.

[Andy A]

I appreciate and respect your opinion and thoughts. More often than not I agree with your positions. And as I stated, I like the tax vote and am really disappointed in the way this seems to be headed. But I still want to think about this race. I want to find out why so many county employees apparently feel differently. I also want to know if there is any truth to the rumor that Ms. Commander is behind all the employees being shown the door in the last few months. People like Chris Mitchell who I thought was doing a great job with public information. And I want someone who will fight a little harder. My understanding is that basically all she said at the budget hearing was I can't vote for this and let it go. I believe Mr. Kramer would have fought alot harder. Mr. Cuchens may have as well, I just don't know.
Andy, bear with me, I like to ask questions and hear what is being said by alot of different people before I decide.

I fully understand your position and concerns but as far as I'm concerned neither of the other two candidates compare to Sara.
Here is my take for what it is worth which, I realize, is not much.
I have already stated what I like about Commissioner Comander, although there are many other atributes to mention, so let me go on to why I prefer her over Ro Cuchens and David Kramer. Once again, these are my personal opinions and observations only.
As you are aware, IW, I live on the beach. In 20005 we had a disaster confront beachfront owners in the form of tropical storm Dennis. Mr. Cuchens came to the aid of some beachfront owners in the building of seawalls. Some, including me, believe he did not use due diligence and engineering techniques necessary in the construction of those walls. I also observed his function as a Walton County Commissoner. It appeared to me that on many occasions he took the side of special interests as opposed to that of the citizens of the county. I cannot vote for him over Sara.
David Kramer strikes me as a thoughtful, articulate man. I have heard him address the Commissioners on many occasions. I usually agree with what he has to say. While I understand one's occupation should not be a consideration in running for public office, the truth of the matter is, it is. Mr. Kramer is one of the largest landowners in the county, he is a developer and realtor and would have, on many occasions, a conflict of interests, IMO, if he served as Commissioner. I think he could serve citizens better off the Commission as he does now. I cannot vote for him over Sara.
IW, that is my personal take on the Commissioner's election.

[wrobert]

Guys keep in mind the upcoming primary is going to be Republicans only voting for either Comander or Cuchens. After that it will be the winner versus Kramer so there will be plenty of time to hear from Kramer in the future.

[Andy A]

Point taken. Everyone needs to realize David Kramer is running as an Independent and won't be involved until after the primaries. Smart on his part.

[scooterbug44]

What is the date to switch party affiliations?

Are there any important Democratic Primaries? I was thinking I need to switch so I can actually vote in the primaries.

[Andy A]

What is the date to switch party affiliations?

Are there any important Democratic Primaries? I was thinking I need to switch so I can actually vote in the primaries.

It was Monday the 26th, so it is past.

[SWGB]

What is the date to switch party affiliations?

Are there any important Democratic Primaries? I was thinking I need to switch so I can actually vote in the primaries.

Only on the state level. All of the local races with Democratic candidates were unopposed in the primaries.

[SWGB]

I appreciate and respect your opinion and thoughts. More often than not I agree with your positions. And as I stated, I like the tax vote and am really disappointed in the way this seems to be headed. But I still want to think about this race. I want to find out why so many county employees apparently feel differently. I also want to know if there is any truth to the rumor that Ms. Commander is behind all the employees being shown the door in the last few months. People like Chris Mitchell who I thought was doing a great job with public information. And I want someone who will fight a little harder. My understanding is that basically all she said at the budget hearing was I can't vote for this and let it go. I believe Mr. Kramer would have fought alot harder. Mr. Cuchens may have as well, I just don't know.
Andy, bear with me, I like to ask questions and hear what is being said by alot of different people before I decide.

Perhaps it was due to his ability to spend massive amounts of county money. That new website the county has was purchased for $25,000.00 and that doesn't include support and upgrades. I'm betting there is a local company (like CySy) that could have done as good or better. I realize CySy is in Bay County, but that's better than Kansas.

[TechPyle]

Perhaps it was due to his ability to spend massive amounts of county money. That new website the county has was purchased for $25,000.00 and that doesn't include support and upgrades. I'm betting there is a local company (like CySy) that could have done as good or better. I realize CySy is in Bay County, but that's better than Kansas.

SWGB,
I don't think Chris Mitchel would have had the athority to hand out a no bid no BCC review $25,000 contract. Wouldn't this have had to have gone through a cometitve bid process and approved or denied by the BCC? Do you know if any local companies even attempted to bid for the project? Do you know if any of the local companies had an experience doing that type of work before? I just don't think you can lay the purchase of the web site completly at Chris Mitchel's feet. Thier would have been several steps to the process with the board haveing to approve of the contract.

[idlewind]

SWGB,
I don't think Chris Mitchel would have had the athority to hand out a no bid no BCC review $25,000 contract. Wouldn't this have had to have gone through a cometitve bid process and approved or denied by the BCC? Do you know if any local companies even attempted to bid for the project? Do you know if any of the local companies had an experience doing that type of work before? I just don't think you can lay the purchase of the web site completly at Chris Mitchel's feet. Thier would have been several steps to the process with the board haveing to approve of the contract.

Unless someone is breaking the law the board has to approve expenditures. A policy can be established that grants individuals the ability to buy items under a certain price level before the spending is approved. Items over a certain amount must also be bid out.
I was told that Commander's beef with Mitchell had nothing to do with county business but stemmed from his involvement in a non-profit that was a rival to one she is involved with. Maybe someone "in the know" can explain or comment.

[Andy A]

Unless someone is breaking the law the board has to approve expenditures. A policy can be established that grants individuals the ability to buy items under a certain price level before the spending is approved. Items over a certain amount must also be bid out.
I was told that Commander's beef with Mitchell had nothing to do with county business but stemmed from his involvement in a non-profit that was a rival to one she is involved with. Maybe someone "in the know" can explain or comment.

May I suggest you try Sara herself? While I am sure you think she may lie to you about the situation, I don't think that would be the case. She has stated that people terminated by the county were not doing their job to the extent desired. Her phone number is:835-4834. Though I'm far from being "in the know", I am a strong Comander supporter and believe she has done nothing but good for the county overall.

[choctawjesse]

May I suggest you try Sara herself? While I am sure you think she may lie to you about the situation, I don't think that would be the case. She has stated that people terminated by the county were not doing their job to the extent desired. Her phone number is:835-4834. Though I'm far from being "in the know", I am a strong Comander supporter and believe she has done nothing but good for the county overall.

May I suggest you do a public records request on those employees performance evaluation? Because those will show her for what she is.
Oh wait, she don't believe in public records, it cost us all $250,000 to find that out.

[Bob Wells]

May I suggest you do a public records request on those employees performance evaluation? Because those will show her for what she is.
Oh wait, she don't believe in public records, it cost us all $250,000 to find that out.

Now Ro

[Andy A]

May I suggest you do a public records request on those employees performance evaluation? Because those will show her for what she is.
Oh wait, she don't believe in public records, it cost us all $250,000 to find that out.

You evidently know little about human resources in government. While I may not know much, I do have a fair assessment of the personnel field as I worked as a personnel specialist for the state of Oklahoma for six years and as a state employee for 17. I know enough to know that employee performance evaluation are not releasable to the public. At least I have never heard of it happening but maybe you know something I don't.
The last I heard, we have a county commission consisting of five members. It takes a quorum to make any decision and that certainly would include personnel matters. They might then pass their decision or recommendation on to the county administrator but NO ONE COMMISSIONER has the power or authority to fire anybody.
The only commissioner to vote against the proposed budget increase was Sara Comander. It would be my guess the other four are pretty unhappy with her at this point because the next budget hearing is going to be a doozy.
Choctawjesse, it is my fervent hope you garner a better understanding of how local government really functions.

[choctawjesse]

You evidently know little about human resources in government. While I may not know much, I do have a fair assessment of the personnel field as I worked as a personnel specialist for the state of Oklahoma for six years and as a state employee for 17. I know enough to know that employee performance evaluation are not releasable to the public. At least I have never heard of it happening but maybe you know something I don't.
The last I heard, we have a county commission consisting of five members. It takes a quorum to make any decision and that certainly would include personnel matters. They might then pass their decision or recommendation on to the county administrator but NO ONE COMMISSIONER has the power or authority to fire anybody.
The only commissioner to vote against the proposed budget increase was Sara Comander. It would be my guess the other four are pretty unhappy with her at this point because the next budget hearing is going to be a doozy.
Choctawjesse, it is my fervent hope you garner a better understanding of how local government really functions.

Buddy i know exactly how local government works unfortunately. You are the one who needs a lesson. In FLORIDA employee evaluations are public record. And while a commissioner cannot fire an employee they can fire the administrator.
You should start listening to other people besides sara if you want the truth.

[Andy A]

Buddy i know exactly how local government works unfortunately. You are the one who needs a lesson. In FLORIDA employee evaluations are public record. And while a commissioner cannot fire an employee they can fire the administrator.
You should start listening to other people besides sara if you want the truth.

CJ, you are right. I was unaware the FLORIDA employee's evaluations are public record. OKLAHOMA's are not. I am fully supportive of an open public records law, but this is ridiculous. Every employee should be up in arms! A person's evaluation report is between him or her and their immediate supervisor and his supervisor not the general public. To do otherwise destroys the ability of the supervisor to be frank with and consel their employee. What a law!
It is not that I have no understanding of government or need a lesson in how it operates. It is Florida government that I need a tutorial on. I am suddenly saddened at the plight of Florida employees at all levels if this, is indeed true, and I have been told it is. As far as any assessment regarding Commissioner Comander's truthfulness is concerned, I'll take her word over yours anyday as you have been less than forthright in where you're coming from.
On to another issue. One commissioner cannot fire the administrator. It takes a quorum, as I said in an earlier post.
It would appear that you, CJ, are one of two things, maybe both. You are either a disgruntled county employee or involved in
Ro Cuchen's campaign. I have been straight forward in my information and who I support and why. Would you please do likewise. Oh, and one thing more. I am not your buddy.

[choctawjesse]

CJ, you are right. I was unaware the FLORIDA employee's evaluations are public record. OKLAHOMA's are not. I am fully supportive of an open public records law, but this is ridiculous. Every employee should be up in arms! A person's evaluation report is between him or her and their immediate supervisor and his supervisor not the general public. To do otherwise destroys the ability of the supervisor to be frank with and consel their employee. What a law!
It is not that I have no understanding of government or need a lesson in how it operates. It is Florida government that I need a tutorial on. I am suddenly saddened at the plight of Florida employees at all levels if this, is indeed true, and I have been told it is. As far as any assessment regarding Commissioner Comander's truthfulness is concerned, I'll take her word over yours anyday as you have been less than forthright in where you're coming from.
On to another issue. One commissioner cannot fire the administrator. It takes a quorum, as I said in an earlier post.
It would appear that you, CJ, are one of two things, maybe both. You are either a disgruntled county employee or involved in
Ro Cuchen's campaign. I have been straight forward in my information and who I support and why. Would you please do likewise. Oh, and one thing more. I am not your buddy.

A. I am not a Walton county employee, disgruntled or otherwise
B. I am not involved in any campaign yet, given no money, put no signs out, talked to no candidate about doing anything for them.
C. I will vote for Ro, he is a good man whose word you can count on. I know this from how he treated people when he was commissioner before.
D. I would not vote for Sara no matter who was running, I have too many friends she has hurt. Some of them are county employees still and no I will not name them because I don't want anything bad to happen to them.
E. If you think the administrator would not fire an employee on the word of one commissioner you truly don't understand how Walton County works. The only way he would not do it is if he knew two of the others were against it. He can't afford to make them mad at him so what is a employee or two?

Is that straightforward enough for you? By the way, Buddy is a southern slang term, no implication of any relationship.

[Andy A]

A. I am not a Walton county employee, disgruntled or otherwise
B. I am not involved in any campaign yet, given no money, put no signs out, talked to no candidate about doing anything for them.
C. I will vote for Ro, he is a good man whose word you can count on. I know this from how he treated people when he was commissioner before.
D. I would not vote for Sara no matter who was running, I have too many friends she has hurt. Some of them are county employees still and no I will not name them because I don't want anything bad to happen to them.
E. If you think the administrator would not fire an employee on the word of one commissioner you truly don't understand how Walton County works. The only way he would not do it is if he knew two of the others were against it. He can't afford to make them mad at him so what is a employee or two?

Is that straightforward enough for you? By the way, Buddy is a southern slang term, no implication of any relationship.

Let me answer your response in the order in which it was made, CJ.
A. Since you are not a disgruntled county employee, but know some, you are a Ro supporter. I accept that. It is the American way. Our votes will obviously offset one another's.
B. I would be more than happy to be involved in Sara's campaign as I think it is the right and privilege of every citizen to be a part of their governmental function if they so desire. Sorry you don't feel that way. It is your candidate's loss but I will support mine in any way possible. It is the American way.
C. I do not doubt Ro is a good man. He did the citizens of Walton County a disservice when during the building of the seawalls he had sand many grades darker than that required piled up at the BMB access. He had to be challenged by a local group to remove it and not until they challenged him was it removed. I also feel he does "favors" for his friends while in office. I am tired of the good ol' boy way of government in Walton County. Everyone is entitled to vote for who they wish but hopefully they will reseach the candidates before they do so. It is the American way.
D. It might be that those friends of yours supposedly "hurt" by Sara deserved "hurting". There is always the chance that they were not doing what they were suppose to do or doing something they shouldn't be doing. On the matter of not naming them, I couldn't agree more but not for the reason you cited. If Sara or any other single Commissioner were to act in an underhanded manner in a personnel dispute it would be considered malfeasance in office and reason for reprimand or removal from office. It is the American way.
E. If Walton County indeed works this way, we need to continue the change Sara Comander has begun toward a more foreward moving and modern operated county. Rozier Cuchens would be a step toward the past. If you really feel a county administrator would act in the manner you described, you have little or no faith in our system of government. That is your perogative. It is the American way.
Finally, looking at an employee's performance evaluation as allowed under Florida law is completely useless. No supervisor is going to put in writing anything showing an employee's incompetence if their is a chance the general public can see it. This part of the "open records" law needs to be changed. It is unfair to both the supervisor and the individual being rated. What a farce!
Also, having served 21 years in the military I am well aware of the various nuances, good and bad, of the word "buddy".