"Raising The Dead" Fundraiser for A Better South Walton at Bud & Alleys Oct 30

[Bob Hudson]

D

Teresa, this is what I see as being our main problem. Your idea of community ends at the Clyde Wells Bridge. Everything North is the enemy.

Danny - look at "Charter County"

It's inclusive and fully transparent in its operation. All the players are know to everyone and the County budget pays rather than "unknown donors".

 

[Bob Wells]

Read about Charter Counties.

20 of 67 counties have know adopted this as a solution for their needs & desires.

Want Non Partisan Races - Possible
Want term limits for elected officials - Possible
Want an appointed Supt of Ed - Possible
The sky's the limit.

Although I understand the charter system, it does not stop what I perceive is the biggest issue here. Corruption seems to be the issue. I did search and quit after 5 and found that those with charter governments are accused of the same stuff as our little old county is.

 

[Teresa]

Teresa, this is what I see as being our main problem. Your idea of community ends at the Clyde Wells Bridge. Everything North is the enemy.

Why should caring about South Walton and its future incorporation translate into the north being the enemy? That makes NO sense to me whatsoever. I don't get that line of thinking. Walton County will alwys be Walton County. South Walton will always be part of that county. A fast growing community, such as South Walton, deserves to work to build its own municipality for so many reasons.

I don't care about all the County level political issues, problems, lawsuits, etc ( I care but I am used to it). That will always be here with us. These are not reasons to incorporate. Division between North v. South attitude isn't productive or even real, except in the minds of some people. But, the needs of South Walton are very real.

I understand that many in Walton County to always remain the same forever and ever amen. And that may just happen. Sometimes we get what we ask for (when we vote).

 

[Danny Glidewell]

D



Danny - look at "Charter County"

It's inclusive and fully transparent in its operation. All the players are know to everyone and the County budget pays rather than "unknown donors".

I understand the charter process. But, as Bob Wells points out, it is not a panacea for all the ills that befall us and there is a mistrust that the charter process will be used to "backdoor" things like appointed Superintendents that the voters have rejected. It is interesting but as I said, the devil is in the details.

 

[Bob Hudson]

Although I understand the charter system, it does not stop what I perceive is the biggest issue here. Corruption seems to be the issue. I did search and quit after 5 and found that those with charter governments are accused of the same stuff as our little old county is.

Bob

Florida is a whole is "top ranked" in corruption.

One of the major benefits is under a Charter County you can have a recall provision for citizen voted ouster from office and have term limits.

 

[Danny Glidewell]

Why should caring about South Walton and its future incorporation translate into the north being the enemy? That makes NO sense to me whatsoever. Did the City of Freeport have to become enemies with the county seat to become incorporated? I don't get that line of thinking. Please don't make it into a north v. south issue. That might have been true with the confederate flag issue, but North Walton has nothing whatsoever to do with this community of people working together to build something good.

I don't have any problem with any area of the county deciding to incorporate in order to increase the level of services government provides or expand the scope of those services. But, as Destin found out, a city is still part of the county and the county is going to charge for services that were once provided for no charge and the county taxes will still be levied. The tenor of many of the comments supporting incorporation is that the south needs to incorporate to escape the control of the mean old people in the north who sponge off the South and try to tell it what to do. As I said, I don't have a problem with the content of many posts so much as I have a problem with the tone. Many people in the North want what is best for the South and vice versa. That is my desire.

 

[Teresa]

I don't have any problem with any area of the county deciding to incorporate in order to increase the level of services government provides or expand the scope of those services. But, as Destin found out, a city is still part of the county and the county is going to charge for services that were once provided for no charge and the county taxes will still be levied. The tenor of many of the comments supporting incorporation is that the south needs to incorporate to escape the control of the mean old people in the north who sponge off the South and try to tell it what to do. As I said, I don't have a problem with the content of many posts so much as I have a problem with the tone. Many people in the North want what is best for the South and vice versa. That is my desire.

Most people I've talked to are mainly concerned with what is best for this community. The tone really isn't the issue, we all have our reasons, issues, thoughts, opinions... as well as ways of expressing them. Creating A Better South Walton is the goal. The tone is personal, I suppose, and you can judge this as you see fit.

I've watched this area grow over the last 20 years with truly the most basic leadership imaginable (which I've come to understand is what county govt is for - basic government/services - it works reasonably well up to a point). The only effective leadership we'll ever have will be from the people who live here, work here, love this place and get involved HERE in South Walton.

Everything north of the bridge is the enemy were your words. I can't imagine thinking in those terms. And I really don't know anyone who does. A huge lack of understanding or insight to say the least. The confederate flag issue is over (or at least its dead right now). A Better South Walton is filled with people from South Walton working hard to make a difference in the future of this town. Someone has to do it. It may not lead to incorporation any time soon, but hopefully it will lead to better representation and leadership of this area. Other places in Walton County and in counties surrounding us have done the work to establish their towns. It's our turn.

 

[Bob Wells]

Bob

Florida is a whole is "top ranked" in corruption.

One of the major benefits is under a Charter County you can have a recall provision for citizen voted ouster from office and have term limits.

Yes sir I understand that, the issue I have whether it be charter government or incorporation what is to say there wearly will enjoy any change because someone will always think they are being screwed.Many folks have said the reason they wouldn't run is because of the lack of support and money... They can't compete. Many folks seem to despise Commissioner Jones but she was elected to represent district 5 at one time. Many folks say Commissioner Comander is great and a few call her a crook. At one time a story circulated that Commissioner Meadows meet with Mr Jones before he became county administrator. Guess what I am saying is folks can and have said anything they want on here. I refuse to believe we are so broken that there is no hope for the future. I am not sure that creating a Charter form of government wouldn't or couldn't be manipulated.

 

[Danny Glidewell]

Most people I've talked to are mainly concerned with what is best for this community. The tone really isn't the issue, we all have our reasons, issues, thoughts, opinions... as well as ways of expressing them. Creating A Better South Walton is the goal. The tone is personal, I suppose, and you can judge this as you see fit.

I've watched this area grow over the last 20 years with truly the most basic leadership imaginable (which I've come to understand is what county govt is for - basic government/services - it works reasonably well up to a point). The only effective leadership we'll ever have will be from the people who live here, work here, love this place and get involved HERE in South Walton.

Everything north of the bridge is the enemy were your words. I can't imagine thinking in those terms. And I really don't know anyone who does. A huge lack of understanding or insight to say the least. The confederate flag issue is over (or at least its dead right now). A Better South Walton is filled with people from South Walton working hard to make a difference in the future of this town. Someone has to do it. It may not lead to incorporation any time soon, but hopefully it will lead to better representation and leadership of this area. Other places in Walton County and in counties surrounding us have done the work to establish their towns. It's our turn.

Teresa, I support your activities in organizing people and working to improve things. There is a huge lack of understanding and insight among all groups in our county and we need to work to overcome that. Many people in the North support improving the beach accesses and parking. Many support preserving places like the Seagrove Market. Many want to improve 30-A and the area around the dune lakes. There is more common ground among ordinary citizens than you think in every area of the county.
As to whether or not South Walton or any part thereof incorporates or not is your business. The charter concept effects the entire county and is thus everyone's business.

 

[Teresa]

Just to be clear, I while I'm supportive of our local groups, I am not involved in the organizing committees at this point. So thankful for the great people who are!

Yes, agree that there is a lot of common ground about local issues, coastal dune lakes, development and other things that effect our quality of life now and in future.

The Seagrove Village Market issue was decided years ago when it became part of Veridian hotel project. There is no saving it as it is falling apart in any case. Some changes are difficult and heartbreaking but it's business.

Teresa, I support your activities in organizing people and working to improve things. There is a huge lack of understanding and insight among all groups in our county and we need to work to overcome that. Many people in the North support improving the beach accesses and parking. Many support preserving places like the Seagrove Market. Many want to improve 30-A and the area around the dune lakes. There is more common ground among ordinary citizens than you think in every area of the county.
As to whether or not South Walton or any part thereof incorporates or not is your business. The charter concept effects the entire county and is thus everyone's business.