Candidate Forum at SoWal High 7/31 report

[beach_umbrella]

Anyone reading this on SoWal, who was also in attendence at the "Candidates Forum" last night at the SWHighSchool, saw reasons why Sheriff Johnson's performance was "term ending"; also saw that despite Tom Coopers broad endorsement by the firefighters' 'lobby' (how did THAT happen anyway?), his experience is largely as a Sandestin 'private security guy' and lacks qualification to be chief law enforcement honcho in Walton County; Atkinson, well, he's got the money and financial support of uncountable relatives and then some, but money alone shouldn't buy such an important position if your experience leaves something to be desired; Jimmy Macon, nice guy, but WC Sheriff? Not at this time; Richard Brown, "last hurrah"? too close to retirement age, new blood required for Sheriff job at this point in time; Dennis Wise, way too ego-centric, he says the Federal gov't calls him for law enforcement advice-huh?; Tony Cornman "shined" relative to this 'pack', his experience and vision bespeaks actual broad law enforcement experience in a variety of State assignments as well as an early turn in the WC Sheriff Dept 25 years ago. He is ready to bring home to Walton County a refreshing vision of progressive law enforcement to the WC Sheriff Office, and just in the 'nick of time' when we need it most, and he's young enough to actually accomplish his mission.

For the Commissioners' race, Candidates Larry Jones Dist 3 and Alan Osborne Dist 5 "stole the show" and "hit the most homeruns". They are just the knowledgeable and idealistic "duo" we need in the Commissioners' seats and ALL of Walton County needs them at this time in our evolving history.

Mildred Wilkerson Schoolboard Dist 1 and Mark Davis Schoolboard Dist 4 deserve our support just on their records alone, but to hear them speak is to believe in their committment to high standards of education (Commissioner Candidate Larry Jones publically lauded Mrs. Wilkerson for her part, as his 5th grade teacher, in inspiring and motivating him to his present position).

James Owens seems like the best fit for the Public Defender Office.

Randy Henning deserves a "new blood" shot at the "State Committeeman of Walton County Republican Party position.

 

[Walton Voter]

Walton Voter

Interesting review, I felt that the form was very well attended unfortunately the microphones were not of the best quality consequently the candidates were hard to be hear and understand at times.

This is my review based on applause and peoples comments after the form:

Sheriff's Race

• Johnson
• Cornman

County Commissioner District 5

• Hudson
• Braunstien

County Commissioner District 3

(Too close to call)

Realize that this is just one form one could tell how people felt based on applause after a candidate spoke. In addition to how accurate a candidate answered a question they were given. I believe that now that it is getting closer to the primary election the Sheriff race is going to start to narrow down to the top three.

 

[Alicia Leonard]

I taped the Sheriff's section and will have a play by play next week in the Herald/Beach Breeze. Even with my recorder onstage with the candidates, the sound quality is poor of my recording. I will do my best to quote them word for word from the tape. I appreciate all of the forums and wish turnout was higher as well. Thanks to the ladies who sponsored this and everyone who have and will sponsor the others.

 

[drivingthru]

Anyone reading this on SoWal, who was also in attendence at the "Candidates Forum" last night at the SWHighSchool, saw reasons why Sheriff Johnson's performance was "term ending"; also saw that despite Tom Coopers broad endorsement by the firefighters' 'lobby' (how did THAT happen anyway?), his experience is largely as a Sandestin 'private security guy' and lacks qualification to be chief law enforcement honcho in Walton County; Atkinson, well, he's got the money and financial support of uncountable relatives and then some, but money alone shouldn't buy such an important position if your experience leaves something to be desired; Jimmy Macon, nice guy, but WC Sheriff? Not at this time; Richard Brown, "last hurrah"? too close to retirement age, new blood required for Sheriff job at this point in time; Dennis Wise, way too ego-centric, he says the Federal gov't calls him for law enforcement advice-huh?; Tony Cornman "shined" relative to this 'pack', his experience and vision bespeaks actual broad law enforcement experience in a variety of State assignments as well as an early turn in the WC Sheriff Dept 25 years ago. He is ready to bring home to Walton County a refreshing vision of progressive law enforcement to the WC Sheriff Office, and just in the 'nick of time' when we need it most, and he's young enough to actually accomplish his mission.

For the Commissioners' race, Candidates Larry Jones Dist 3 and Alan Osborne Dist 5 "stole the show" and "hit the most homeruns". They are just the knowledgeable and idealistic "duo" we need in the Commissioners' seats and ALL of Walton County needs them at this time in our evolving history.

Mildred Wilkerson Schoolboard Dist 1 and Mark Davis Schoolboard Dist 4 deserve our support just on their records alone, but to hear them speak is to believe in their committment to high standards of education (Commissioner Candidate Larry Jones publically lauded Mrs. Wilkerson for her part, as his 5th grade teacher, in inspiring and motivating him to his present position).

James Owens seems like the best fit for the Public Defender Office.

Randy Henning deserves a "new blood" shot at the "State Committeeman of Walton County Republican Party position.

I did not attend but as for hearing these candidates at other forums you are right on all points but Cornman, I assume you are a supporter of his. I am not too sure you have your facts real clear on the other candidates, or for that matter on Cornman. But then again, your view could be somewhat bias. Cornman worked in Walton County for awhile then moved to the state level. I am sure he has done many things and is titled a law enforcement officer but you tell me what he (or any of the candidatres except Johnson and Adkinson) experience wise has done that actually qualifies him to be Sheriff. I dont see it. Check with Tallahassee and get their response on his job description. I think you may be intrigued at the findings. Cooper a "security guy" not real sure but I dont think he is. His web site says he is the Director that means he directs. And your jab about the Firefighter supporting him could be compared to your percieved support of Cornman (how did that happpen and what makes it any different?). Adkinson has money and family. 1. It takes money to run a campaign, apparently lots of it and obviously many people believe in him and his goals, regardless of who they are. 2. Family roots in a small county are to be expected, who do you think brought the county where it is today? And guess what, he RUNS A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. Johnson never ran anything when he was elected and look what we have today. I guess you can say I am bias as well, my decesion may be made on the day I vote, but you can bet one thing. My vote will certainly cancel yours as it wont be cast in Cornmans favor. Cornmans out of gas, but good luck anyway.
Jones I agree
Osborne Disagree, suing the county is he not? Wonder how he will vote on that one. Oh thats rigt he cant.
Wlikerson Davis Owens I garee.
Being seeing you!

 

[Andy A]

Drivingthru, you're right about one thing. You are biased. At least you admit but I'll bet you attend very few, if any Commission meetings. Otherwise, you wouldn't say Alan Osborne is "suing" the county. I wish this thread had been started earlier. My "take" on the forum is posted on the "Forum Update" thread.

 

[drivingthru]

Drivingthru, you're right about one thing. You are biased. At least you admit but I'll bet you attend very few, if any Commission meetings. Otherwise, you wouldn't say Alan Osborne is "suing" the county. I wish this thread had been started earlier. My "take" on the forum is posted on the "Forum Update" thread.

No Andy I dont attend the commission meetings, but I do follow what is happening in our community. Didnt Mr Osborne file suit against the county or in some manner have his name attached to the Driftwood lawsuit? I commend him for standing up for his beliefs, dont get me wrong, but I am not sold on the fact that there isnt some "axe to grind" if you will with him running for the seat. I am all for someone standing up for the people in the county, and if elected I will support him as an official as well. I just want to be assured we are electing him for everyone and not to solve his problems alone.
Thanks and I hope this clarifies my thoughts a bit more.
I did read your other post and it was very informative.

 

[idlewind]

I did not attend but as for hearing these candidates at other forums you are right on all points but Cornman, I assume you are a supporter of his. I am not too sure you have your facts real clear on the other candidates, or for that matter on Cornman. But then again, your view could be somewhat bias. Cornman worked in Walton County for awhile then moved to the state level. I am sure he has done many things and is titled a law enforcement officer but you tell me what he (or any of the candidatres except Johnson and Adkinson) experience wise has done that actually qualifies him to be Sheriff. I dont see it. Check with Tallahassee and get their response on his job description. I think you may be intrigued at the findings. Cooper a "security guy" not real sure but I dont think he is. His web site says he is the Director that means he directs. And your jab about the Firefighter supporting him could be compared to your percieved support of Cornman (how did that happpen and what makes it any different?). Adkinson has money and family. 1. It takes money to run a campaign, apparently lots of it and obviously many people believe in him and his goals, regardless of who they are. 2. Family roots in a small county are to be expected, who do you think brought the county where it is today? And guess what, he RUNS A LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. Johnson never ran anything when he was elected and look what we have today. I guess you can say I am bias as well, my decesion may be made on the day I vote, but you can bet one thing. My vote will certainly cancel yours as it wont be cast in Cornmans favor. Cornmans out of gas, but good luck anyway.
Jones I agree
Osborne Disagree, suing the county is he not? Wonder how he will vote on that one. Oh thats rigt he cant.
Wlikerson Davis Owens I garee.
Being seeing you!

"Running a law enforcement agency" alone does not qualify anyone for anything. Successfuly running an agency would. I am not sure anyone in this race can lay claim to that one, with the exception of Mr. Cooper, if you consider a security agency a "brother" to a law enforcement one. Most of them have many years of service, some have education and most have alot of training. I had someone point out to me the other day that asking a policeman or state/federal officer to lead a sheriff's office would be like a French general being appointed Chief of Staff of the US Army. :shock: They are in the same field but have wildly differing experiences and training. The only two candidates who have never actually been deputies, if my information is correct is Ralph and Mr. Adkinson. Mr. Cornman hasn't been a deputy since the time changed from BC to AD. Mr. Cooper isn't much better. Mr. Wise was a public affairs officer and Mr. Brown was only a deputy for a short time. Mr. Macon was a school cop for the bulk of his career. I have not yet detirmined what all that means. Maybe Walton County can arrange a trade like Bay County did a few years back.

 

[The Watcher]

You are mislead with your review

Anyone reading this on SoWal, who was also in attendence at the "Candidates Forum" last night at the SWHighSchool, saw reasons why Sheriff Johnson's performance was "term ending"; also saw that despite Tom Coopers broad endorsement by the firefighters' 'lobby' (how did THAT happen anyway?), his experience is largely as a Sandestin 'private security guy' and lacks qualification to be chief law enforcement honcho in Walton County; Atkinson, well, he's got the money and financial support of uncountable relatives and then some, but money alone shouldn't buy such an important position if your experience leaves something to be desired; Jimmy Macon, nice guy, but WC Sheriff? Not at this time; Richard Brown, "last hurrah"? too close to retirement age, new blood required for Sheriff job at this point in time; Dennis Wise, way too ego-centric, he says the Federal gov't calls him for law enforcement advice-huh?; Tony Cornman "shined" relative to this 'pack', his experience and vision bespeaks actual broad law enforcement experience in a variety of State assignments as well as an early turn in the WC Sheriff Dept 25 years ago. He is ready to bring home to Walton County a refreshing vision of progressive law enforcement to the WC Sheriff Office, and just in the 'nick of time' when we need it most, and he's young enough to actually accomplish his mission.

For the Commissioners' race, Candidates Larry Jones Dist 3 and Alan Osborne Dist 5 "stole the show" and "hit the most homeruns". They are just the knowledgeable and idealistic "duo" we need in the Commissioners' seats and ALL of Walton County needs them at this time in our evolving history.

Mildred Wilkerson Schoolboard Dist 1 and Mark Davis Schoolboard Dist 4 deserve our support just on their records alone, but to hear them speak is to believe in their committment to high standards of education (Commissioner Candidate Larry Jones publically lauded Mrs. Wilkerson for her part, as his 5th grade teacher, in inspiring and motivating him to his present position).

James Owens seems like the best fit for the Public Defender Office.

Randy Henning deserves a "new blood" shot at the "State Committeeman of Walton County Republican Party position.

Although I appreciate your detailed assessment, I strongly disagree with you. (I do agree the Ralph Johnson is on his way out, way out...)

However, you seem to be one who is slanted to Tony Cornman as you describe his "shining performance". Only Tony (and a few others) really know how Tony feels about this race, He Can't Win. Just ask him....;-)

Tony lives in Bay County, he is very, very close to his retirement with the State. What better way to set yourself up for retirement then to leave the State to go try and play Sheriff? I really question the fact that he is a supervisor with a State Agency, yet, he is able to take Leave to campaign. Where are his priorities? Who is filling his vacant position? I have also heard that several of those he "supervises" don't feel he is a very good leader. There are tales on a police website detailing his half days at work and poor management ability. Are they true? I don't know, but its worth asking. Also, check with Tony and see how he feels about the current Sheriff. I think you'll find these two are MUCH closer the one may think...in my book, that is a bad thing. A vote for Tony is a vote for Ralph, one way or another. At least Tony, with all of his vast experience, will be able to enforce the new Dog Ordinaces our leaders recently inacted... That's great.

You doubt Dennis Wise and his connections, that is fine. Dennis may not be the front runner in this race, but he is a genuine guy, true officer and he does reside in the County (your guy does not). He is also one of the few with the guts enough to bring the injustices of this current administration to light. It is sad that things have not gone better for him, he is a true police officer and I know he means well.

You only peel back a small layer of the onion with M. Adkinson. I do agree that the money and who has provided it leaves me with an uncomfortable feeling... I'd take Adkinson over Cornman any day, based on experience and he lives in the county...
Tom Cooper is the director of corporate security at the Resort and he is the only candidate with the well rounded skills (political, business, law enforcement and community) to make the Position of Walton County Sheriff actually work. None of the current candidates could go apply for his current position and even stand a chance at getting hired, let alone an interview.

(On a side note about the FD Union, will you and your fellow Cornman supporters give it a rest already. Tony has called the FD and complained, blah blah. If your candidate actually lived in the county he may have a better pulse on how things get done. Bay Co. FD Union may be a better route to pursue.)

As for James Macon, he is an outstanding citizen and I do agree he is not ready for the leadership role of Sheriff. I do urge whomever is elected to seek out Mr. Macon and get him involved in your organization from the get go. He is great with our communities children and they are our #1 Asset.

With regards to Rick Brown, I do not agree with his views on crime trends, but he's the expert, not me right? I understand several officers support Rick and I wish him well. I do not think he has the right focus and he does not communicate well out of his comfort zone. Sorry, no support for Rick here.

I can only urge you to really know the candidate that you support. If you support Cornman, that is great, I do not. I also know quite a bit more about things then you do.

w

 

[The Watcher]

Two peas in a pod

Interesting review, I felt that the form was very well attended unfortunately the microphones were not of the best quality consequently the candidates were hard to be hear and understand at times.

This is my review based on applause and peoples comments after the form:

Sheriff's Race

• Johnson
• Cornman

County Commissioner District 5

• Hudson
• Braunstien

County Commissioner District 3

(Too close to call)

Realize that this is just one form one could tell how people felt based on applause after a candidate spoke. In addition to how accurate a candidate answered a question they were given. I believe that now that it is getting closer to the primary election the Sheriff race is going to start to narrow down to the top three.

Wow. Johnson and Cornman as the top two...:funn:

I guess if they got the most applause, they must be the best guys.

I find it interesting that you put these two together, we must be eating lunch at the same gossip spot.;-)

w

 

[Lane Rees]

Actually all of the three candidates for State Committeeman and State Committeewoman will be "new blood." The two previous officers are not running so it will be an opportunity for fresh talent. The three candidates for State Committeewoman are Zuma Banks from Rosemary Beach, Candice Kaushagen from Santa Rosa Beach and Brenda Rees from Santa Rosa Beach. The three candidates for State Committeeman are Randy Henning from Mossy Head, Lee Perry from Santa Rosa Beach, and Lane Rees from Santa Rosa Beach.