Some representatives don't understand their jobs.

[wrobert]

Meeting minutes are not verbatim. They are taken by a clerk, not a court reporter. The clerk edits and paraphrases just as any of us would do if we were taking notes at a meeting. I have read minutes of meetings I have been at and wondered if it was in fact the same meeting?? You get a somewhat sketchy outline of the proceedings. It's better to get a CD of the tape recording. These can be obtained from the clerk of the courts. Then you can listen to what was actually said, not what someone wrote down about it.

I have repeatedly asked why they do not make these things available as mp3s for download. I believe that they are currently recording these files directly to the digital format. Maybe if more people would contact the clerk's office and make the same request they would start placing these on the website.

 

[wrobert]

This all sounds fine, but maybe just maybe she should respond to the occasional email? If I can get a response from any elected official on a state or federal level why can't I get one from a local one?

I get responses from her at the office all the time. Probably half from her assistant and the other from her. I guess it depends on the question. The county also employs an excellent public information officer, former WMBB reporter Chris Mitchell. mitchris@co.walton.fl.us

 

[scooterbug44]

She boastingly stated, “The people that email me don’t have a right to be upset with my decisions and views if they don’t show up for the meetings.”

I'll show up for the meetings (instead of emailing or calling) when the meetings aren't held during my work hours! Or I could start scheduling meetings w/ her to discuss issues in person - bet she'd LOVE that!

Nice job Cindy, you and your yapper are now on my local politico sheet list!

 

[Kurt]

I'll show up for the meetings (instead of emailing or calling) when the meetings aren't held during my work hours! Or I could start scheduling meetings w/ her to discuss issues in person - bet she'd LOVE that!

Nice job Cindy, you and your yapper are now on my local politico sheet list!

I would caution you not to make judgements based on hearsay. Even then there are always two sides to every story. Any WalCo Commissioner would welcome a meeting with you to discuss issues you are concerned about. And if they don't, well then, that would be something to post about. ;-)

 

[Smiling JOe]

I get responses from her at the office all the time. Probably half from her assistant and the other from her. I guess it depends on the question. The county also employs an excellent public information officer, former WMBB reporter Chris Mitchell. mitchris@co.walton.fl.us

Here4Good, to answer your question regarding BCC meeting minutes, they are not approved until the following BCC meeting, and therefore are not released until approved. You can go to the Planning Dept to obtain such info, and I believe they are also posted to the WalCo website.

Chris Mitchell is employed by WalCo? What is his job title with the County?a

MP3s of County meetings would be great, but I'm still wondering why we are not able to watch the meetings on TV or live stream.

 

[Mermaid]

I get responses from her at the office all the time. Probably half from her assistant and the other from her. I guess it depends on the question. The county also employs an excellent public information officer, former WMBB reporter Chris Mitchell. mitchris@co.walton.fl.us

That has always been my experience, too. Obviously, living as far away as I do means it's not likely I can attend meetings that concern me. But I do pay taxes in this county and as such I like to make my voice heard. I do not get personal replies, but I do receive acknowledgements from Ms. Meadow's office.

 

[JustaLocal]

I've always gotten answers to my e-mails to Com. Meadows. We apparently don't agree on some things, but I know she got to read "my view."

 

[JustaLocal]

MP3s of County meetings would be great, but I'm still wondering why we are not able to watch the meetings on TV or live stream.

That is a GREAT idea!

 

[wrobert]

Here4Good, to answer your question regarding BCC meeting minutes, they are not approved until the following BCC meeting, and therefore are not released until approved. You can go to the Planning Dept to obtain such info, and I believe they are also posted to the WalCo website.

Chris Mitchell is employed by WalCo? What is his job title with the County?a

MP3s of County meetings would be great, but I'm still wondering why we are not able to watch the meetings on TV or live stream.

The minutes are still public record when taken. But governments generally do not post them until approved. This does cause a delay. They are posted on the county website.

Chris is the Public Information Office for the county. If you follow the county website it is starting to get more newsy for lack of a better word. I am seeing quite a bit more positive information coming out of the county.

Someone in SoWal was trying to do a neighborhood website that included live video streaming. I think it would be a great idea to be able to stream those meetings, but it has never seem to taken off. At one time TV24 in DeFuniak Springs was looking into it, but a lack of understanding of public records by several governmental employees pretty much nixed the idea. For some reason they argued that if the station did that the videos would have to be stored and cataloged, and they had no storage space. A really long stretch, but I took it as an argument to prevent it from happening.

 

[NotDeadYet]

MP3s of County meetings would be great, but I'm still wondering why we are not able to watch the meetings on TV or live stream.

That idea has been kicked around for a few years. Every once in a while, someone, usually an interested citizen like SJ who gets to wondering about it, revives it and the county kicks it around again. If county government really wanted it to happen, they could/would make it happen, imho.