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SWCC Survey of BCC Candidates

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South Walton Community CouncilCommunity Organization
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SWCC invited all 3 BCC candidates from District 4 to participate in a survey consisting of 16 policy-related questions about important county issues.

The District 4 Commissioner candidates are:
Question #1: Top 3-5 goals
Question #2: Relationships
Question #3: Friends & Relatives
Question #4: Experience
Question #5: County Involvement
Question #6: Sales Tax
Question #7: Over-Development
Question #8: Paid Parking
Question #9: Short-Term Rentals
Question #10: TDC Funds


Below is some additional information about the Primary Election.

1. Florida is a closed primary election state. However, if ALL the candidates for an office have the same party affiliation and the winner of the primary election will not face any opposition in the general election (i.e. no write-in candidates have qualified), then ALL REGISTERED VOTERS can vote for any of the candidates for that office in the primary election. This includes anyone with undeclared status.

2. Voting in Walton County is county-wide and does not depend on where you live within the county. All voters can vote for the Commissioners in every District, even if they don't live in that District.

3. Voters can update their voter registration record at any time. However, since Florida is a closed primary election state, a party change for a primary election must be made by the registration deadline for that election, which is 29 days prior to the election.

4. In order to vote in the Primary on Aug 23, voters must be registered by July 24th (the deadline to register for an upcoming election is 29 days before that election).



Q1: WHY DO YOU WANT TO SERVE AS A COMMISSIONER? WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3-5 GOALS?

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DONNA JOHNS

I have been a full-time resident of Miramar Beach for over 20 years. I’ve watched this area and the entire County change. I believe we must do better, and we’d better start now, or it will be too late. I will listen to the citizens of the County, understand what the needs are, and work towards solutions. My top goals are:

1) Infrastructure. This encompasses so many issues to include roads, parking, stormwater, and so much more.

2) Ensure the codes we use, specifically the Land Development Code, work for the betterment of the County. This means closing loopholes regarding development. Stop allowing automatic rezoning of property. Stop the sidewalk, green space and traffic buy outs. Stop mitigating our necessary wetlands.

3) Protect our Bay. We have so much pollution running directly into our Bay without filtration. This needs to Stop!

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DAVID BUCHANAN

I desire to leave a Walton County to our children that we can all be proud of. To do this we need leaders of integrity who understand the current changes and needs of Walton County.

My first goal is “attainable housing”. The people and workers of Walton County are our foundation, and if we do not take care of our workers by providing attainable housing, Walton county will start to crumble.

Economic development is the second goal I have for Walton County. We need to attract companies with high paying jobs so that our children do not need to move out of the area to make a good living once they enter the workforce.

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CHARLES GALLOWAY

The #1 reason I am running is because I am EXTREMELY proud of being born in Walton County, and it would TRULY be an honor to serve my fellow citizens.

I am also running because I know I can bring a younger, fresher approach to local government.

I know I can ALWAYS work well with the other commissioners who will sit beside me.

I have a deep understanding of what the main function of the BCC is, and I am at a very good stage of my life and career to dedicate the amount of time needed to do the job correctly.

My Goals are as follows:

To always be willing to work with ALL the commissioners to get things done and to never bring personal or political issues into decisions that effect the lives of so many of our citizens.

To make myself EXTREMELY accessible to any citizen who wishes to speak with me.

Edited

Replies

32
James BentwoodBeach Fanatic
#2
Hey maybe I'm an idiot but if someone asks you for your top 3-5 goals and you only give 2, are you qualified? David and Charles list 2. :doh:
South Walton Community Council avatar
South Walton Community CouncilCommunity OrganizationAuthor
#3
Q2: WHAT RELATIONSHIP DO YOU HAVE WITH DEVELOPERS, LAWYERS, BUILDERS, OR REAL ESTATE AGENTS THAT ARE ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN PLANNING DEVELOPING, AND MARKETING RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY IN WALTON COUNTY?

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DAVID BUCHANAN

I know many real estate agents as it seems everyone south of the bay has their real estate license. There are also an incredible number of builders, lawyers and developers in Walton County and I’m sure I know people that work in all these professions. I do not know enough of the personal or professional dealings of the hundreds or more likely thousands of people I know that fall into these professions to comment them.


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DONNA JOHNS

Currently none, but I am interested in working to better understand the needs and develop long range plans that improves our infrastructure for all citizens.


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CHARLES GALLOWAY

I was born on 30A, and started my career in the marketing field for the Real Estate and Vacation Rental Industry. I do not have any professional relationships with any of the above parties at the current time and MORE IMPORTANTLY I am not accepting any money from them in the form of campaign contributions. I am not against development, HOWEVER having lived here my whole life I am fully aware of how the parties mentioned above have the ability to present a huge conflict of interest if they are TOO involved in Local Political Campaigns. For this reason I am proud to be the only candidate in this race at the current time that has not accepted campaign contributions from the types of parties mentioned above.
bob1Beach Fanatic
#4
DAVID BUCHANAN

I know many real estate agents as it seems everyone south of the bay has their real estate license. There are also an incredible number of builders, lawyers and developers in Walton County and I’m sure I know people that work in all these professions. I do not know enough of the personal or professional dealings of the hundreds or more likely thousands of people I know that fall into these professions to comment them.
Overlooking the confusing grammar, quite a twisty answer.
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#5
Overlooking the confusing grammar, quite a twisty answer.

Humble brag that he's part of the popular crowd.
South Walton Community Council avatar
South Walton Community CouncilCommunity OrganizationAuthor
#6
Q3: DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSE FRIENDS OR RELATIVES ENGAGED WITH COUNTY GOVERNMENT, EITHER AS EMPLOYEES OR CONTRACTORS?

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CHARLES GALLOWAY

As a former county employee I am very proud to consider every one of them my friend. I think we have the BEST staff of any County in the State of Florida and I could not be more proud to have been given the opportunity to work more closely with them to take care of the needs of the Citizens of Walton County. I do not have any relatives working or contracting for the County.


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DONNA JOHNS

Absolutely NONE.


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DAVID BUCHANAN

I have no relatives working for Walton County. I do not believe I have any close friends who are engaged in contract work with the county but with the number of friends God has blessed me with, I cannot say for certain that none of them do any sort of contract work with the county.
Jim Tucker avatar
Jim TuckerBeach Fanatic
#7
Q3: DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSE FRIENDS OR RELATIVES ENGAGED WITH COUNTY GOVERNMENT, EITHER AS EMPLOYEES OR CONTRACTORS?


DAVID BUCHANAN

I have no relatives working for Walton County. I do not believe I have any close friends who are engaged in contract work with the county but with the number of friends God has blessed me with, I cannot say for certain that none of them do any sort of contract work with the county.
Another slippery answer. I like Donna's answer. lol - to the point!
PoppaJ avatar
PoppaJSoWal Insider
#8
Are all three of these candidates Republican?
bob bob avatar
bob bobBeach Fanatic
#9
Are all three of these candidates Republican?
Yes - whoever wins primary will be your commissioner.
PoppaJ avatar
PoppaJSoWal Insider
#10
Yes - whoever wins primary will be your commissioner.
Reading these candidates answers about all the things they will do differently begs the question why would anyone believe anything will change if they keep electing the same party to these positions?
Bob Wells avatar
Bob WellsBeach Fanatic
#11
Reading these candidates answers about all the things they will do differently begs the question why would anyone believe anything will change if they keep electing the same party to these positions?
1 Commissioner change isn't enough to make a difference. It is one person on the outside looking in at the majority. Now if you look at this current fiasco there are 5 folks and for the most part all you hear is crickets. At least the lawyers doing his job for the employer unlike what he did for Tusa...
South Walton Community Council avatar
South Walton Community CouncilCommunity OrganizationAuthor
#12
Question #4:

DO YOU HAVE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS OR EXPERIENCES THAT YOU FEEL WOULD BENEFIT YOU IN SERVING ON THE BCC? PLEASE ELABORATE.

------------------​



DAVID BUCHANAN



I graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice and minor/s in Business Management and Business Organization. I studied approximately 2.5 years for engineering, I earned my State Certified General Contractors License and started two state Certified General contracting companies. One Local company for Residential and commercial projects and one company based out of Orlando that handled airport work in Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico. I am also a Real Estate agent who studies the trends and needs of the community.



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

​

DONNA JOHNS



I’m currently serving as a Commissioner for the South Walton County Mosquito Control District. I’ve been in this position a year and a half. I ran for this elected position because I knew of some of the challenges that were facing the District and affecting the citizens of Walton County, and because I knew I had the ability to make positive changes, and I have. We were able to fix and/or replace broken equipment and now the 40+ mosquito ditches are being properly maintained; the bills are now being paid; annual audits are submitted to the State in a timely manner; and the open lawsuits that were impacting the District have now been resolved. We also reduced the millage rate. I have served on the Walton County Design Review Board for three years. This experience allowed me to become knowledgeable about the County process especially regarding design along scenic Highway 98 and south of the 331 Bridge.



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

​

CHARLES GALLOWAY



I have a very extensive knowledge of the Marketing & Technology fields. I plan to use my knowledge and interest in Technology to modernize our county operations to help the county run more smoothly and to provide better customer service. I will use my mass communication and marketing skills to keep my constituents informed on everything that is going on and to also to get their opinion on current issues to better help me make decisions.
South Walton Community Council avatar
South Walton Community CouncilCommunity OrganizationAuthor
#13
QUESTION #5:

PLEASE DESCRIBE ANY INVOLVEMENT WITH COUNTY GOVERNMENT IN THE PAST 5 YEARS WHERE YOU ADVOCATED FOR ACTIONS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR YOUR FELLOW CITIZENS.

CHARLES GALLOWAY

I was a very big supporter of customary use and I still am to this day.

DONNA JOHNS

I have attended and participated in hundreds of County meetings, to include BCC, Zoning, Technical Review, Planning, Code Compliance meetings, etc. These meetings take place in various locations, South Walton, Freeport, Paxton, and DeFuniak Springs. I’ve traveled to each area, and I am very concerned with the rapid growth and want to work together to ensure the citizens of the County have a voice. I speak up at many, many meetings and have been successful on occasion to make a change. I’d love to see more green space, less encroachment, and fewer variances, etc.

DAVID BUCHANAN

Over the last 17 years I’ve worked to improve the quality of life for my fellow citizens through volunteering my time and services at the Muscogee Nation in Bruce, led volunteer groups in local nursing homes, led church based small groups for people of the community to connect and experience personal growth, served in the youth and in the young adults department at my local church, coached youth flag football, delivered Thanksgiving meals and help get school supplies to children in need.
South Walton Community Council avatar
South Walton Community CouncilCommunity OrganizationAuthor
#14
QUESTION #6:

WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE PROPOSED SALES TAX INCREASE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS?

DONNA JOHNS

I do not agree that we should add a 1 cent sales tax on an already burdened economy. With the price of gas, groceries, and just about everything else, I believe this is the wrong time to tax people once again. This proposed tax is for 30 years and there is nothing in writing to allow citizens to know exactly where the County plans to use this money. I would be more inclined to agree to a 10-year tax, that is well defined, and people actually know what they’re getting. For example, how many of the citizen of DeFuniak Springs need an extended runway? Was that the proper use of $5.5 million? Were the citizens of DeFuniak Springs asked what they wanted?

DAVID BUCHANAN

I believe there is a lot of information missing from the county on this tax that would help the voters decided. What I can say is that for every penny Walton County citizens put up, visitors will put up about 3.5 cents. As an investment into our future, it has great returns. What concerns me is that the money is properly accounted for and that it be allowed to be used for what is best for Walton County. I am also concerned that the tax money serves the county as a whole and not one section. The revenue that this brings in would also be used to create many jobs and business opportunities for our community. This is a decision for you, the voters, and I will work hard to solve the needs of the county whichever way you decide.

CHARLES GALLOWAY

I support any initiative to improve our infrastructure. At the current time it is up to the voters to decide. I will support any decision that the voters choose.
South Walton Community Council avatar
South Walton Community CouncilCommunity OrganizationAuthor
#15
QUESTION #7:

PEOPLE COMPLAIN OFTEN AND LOUDLY ABOUT OVER-DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH WALTON. DO YOU THINK THIS IS A VALID CONCERN AND WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

DAVID BUCHANAN

We are all frustrated with current infrastructure needs our county faces. Issues like traffic, Stormwater management, and parking are significant and valid concerns our citizens have. The county needs to prioritize implementing solutions to these issues immediately to effectively handle our rapidly growing population. In my vision for Walton County we invest in the infrastructure we are going to need 10 to 20 years from now not just for today.

DONNA JOHNS

I absolutely think this is a valid concern. We’ve got to reduce the number zoning changes and the number of variances to only ones that make sense and are absolutely necessary. We must listen to the citizens of Walton County. We are all screaming enough is enough. We would not continue to complain about infrastructure, mobility, and congestion, if we had a plan and executed that plan. We need to focus on our community. Currently, we’re stuck in traffic most of the time. We can’t see around the rows of cars parked on the right of way. We have got to stop allowing Monster Homes to be built in residential neighborhoods. Stormwater issues are everywhere and must be addressed. Our neighborhoods need sidewalks not just for safety, but for the community. This County needs to start listening to the people that live here.

CHARLES GALLOWAY

In any democracy people will always complain about every issue regardless of what side they are on. I think one could argue that some places in South Walton have been “Over-Developed,” however one could also argue that private property owners have the right to develop property that they own as long as they are following the Law and the Land Development Code. I don’t think the Local Government should be making subjective, opinion based decisions on whether or not a development is “the right fit” or not. As a Conservative Republican I am not in favor of big government regulations, especially when it comes to Private Property Rights. The so called “Over-Development” problem could be solved much quicker with education. South Walton is most famous for the its “Master Planned Communities” like Seaside, Watercolor, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, etc. These communities are known and respected worldwide for their “Sustainable Development Practices” and lifestyle. These communities are where everyone wants to be when on vacation and also have the highest property values. We should make more of an attempt to promote sustainable development to our developers and show them that there is much more value in creating developments the way those communities have, rather than just building as many units as possible.
South Walton Community Council avatar
South Walton Community CouncilCommunity OrganizationAuthor
#16
QUESTION #8:

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE IDEA OF PAID PARKING ON ALL SOUTH WALTON PROPERTY (INCLUDING ALL ROAD ROWS) AS A WAY TO CONTROL OVER-UTILIZATION OF SCARCE RESOURCES?

CHARLES GALLOWAY

I am think we desperately to solve our parking issue in South Walton. Paid Parking solves many of the problems. It makes enforcement much easier and provides a revenue stream for more parkings lots, parking garages, etc.

DAVID BUCHANAN

Adequate parking is certainly one of my top priorities as part of a comprehensive traffic management plan. I believe there are opportunities to create attractive parking areas and spaces that will alleviate much of the problem. I don’t know what affect paid parking will have on controlling overutilization, but there may be opportunities where “some” paid parking areas are appropriate and can offset the expense of creating them.

DONNA JOHNS

The County should build parking garages on the properties they’ve already purchased for parking garages. There is a plan to enlarge the parking for the $7 million property in Grayton Beach, which is great. The sooner, the better. We don’t need ugly, box parking garages. We need architecturally designed parking that is appealing to the eye. Several other properties over the years have been purchased and still need to be developed. I am not totally against paid parking, but I do not believe the locals should have to pay. I would recommend the residents of Walton County be given a “sticker” for their vehicles to indicate they are residents and not required to pay.
South Walton Community Council avatar
South Walton Community CouncilCommunity OrganizationAuthor
#17
QUESTION #9:

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON RECENTLY PROPOSED CHANGES TO SHORT TERM RENTAL CONTROLS IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE? DO THOSE CHANGES GO FAR ENOUGH?

CHARLES GALLOWAY

I am happy with the changes. I think it’s a good start. Once again I am not a believer in too much government regulation and interference with private industry. Short term rentals are the back bone of our economy. Obviously we need to always keep an eye on it, however I think the changes are good for now.

DONNA JOHNS

It’s a step in the right direction, however, I believe we still have a long way to go. The County is working on the changes and the Short-Term Rental Ordinance will be heard at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on June 27th@ the South Walton Annex at 9:00am. I encourage all citizens to attend.

DAVID BUCHANAN

No response.
South Walton Community Council avatar
South Walton Community CouncilCommunity OrganizationAuthor
#18
QUESTION #10:

DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO USE TDC FUNDS TO PAY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS WHERE THE CAUSE OF INADEQUACIES ARE CAUSED BY SWARMS OF VISITORS?

DONNA JOHNS

Definitely. If the expenditure is authorized by the Florida Statute, I believe that would be an excellent use of TDC funds.

DAVID BUCHANAN

I believe TDC funds can provide opportunities to improve infrastructure to support the robust tourism industry we have here.

CHARLES GALLOWAY

I would love for that to be an option, and I would strongly be in favor of this if it was. As we all know the State Legislature limits how we can spend bed tax. I would love to work with our State Representatives to try and make this a reality.
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
#19
They're all laughable.

We've got the uninformed candidate (Johns), the developers puppet (Buchanan) and the bitter former employee (Galloway).

Just don't vote for any and let the governor appointment someone.
bob1Beach Fanatic
#20
QUESTION #9: WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON RECENTLY PROPOSED CHANGES TO SHORT TERM RENTAL CONTROLS IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE? DO THOSE CHANGES GO FAR ENOUGH?
DAVID BUCHANAN
No response.
No vote.

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