House of Cards

[Diamond Dave]

As I return to the area, I am reminded of a song by Richard Thompson "House of Cards". Seeing recent reports of alleged corruption in our area, specifically, Walton County Commissioners and Attorney (Land Deals, Waste Management), DeFuniak Springs City Council and City Attorney (City Manager Hiring Process) and Freeport (Federal Law Suit) I can only hope the right people will take the appropriate action to fully investigate each and every allegation.

I have been in this area for about 20 years and it is very apparent to me that there are some serious problems with the local government (not that this is only a Walton County Problem, its everywhere). It is time for the public to stand up and demand transparency and accountability. The only way this can happen is for those who have knowledge to speak up. NOW is the time. The State and Federal Authorities are already investigating in the area, let's keep them here and give them something to do.

We also need to support those who have already chosen to step up and be heard. Local Law Enforcement Officials and Private Citizens Groups that speak the truth are to be commended and supported. Those who choose to run and hide need to find other occupations and some backbone.

It would also seem that local media is very interested in these developments. Channel 7 has run extensive coverage of the Defuniak issues and NW FL News has a detailed story on the Waste Management situation today.

Great to be back in town, hopefully some of you share my concerns and these issues can be adjudicated.

dd

 

[Andy A]

The response to your allegations, that appear without any evidence to support your warnings, is deafening in its silence. Many of us do no not see our county government in the negative light you portray. Any and all branches of government make mistakes and can be improved, but to paint our Commissioners as corrupt without an ounce of justification, is wrong.

 

[scooterbug44]

I don't think multiple front page articles and letters to the editor in all local papers, multiple threads, and tv coverage can be correctly labeled "deafening silence."

 

[Andy A]

I don't think multiple front page articles and letters to the editor in all local papers, multiple threads, and tv coverage can be correctly labeled "deafening silence."

Since I pay little attention to the local news media, I was referring to the response here on SoWal. No replies in more than two days, is to me, deafening silence or disregard for the subject, one of the two.

Some need to attend our County Commission meetings before they critize so thoroughly. I know, I know. They can't attend because it conflicts with their work.

 

[scooterbug44]

That is pretty normal these days due to the format change.

The local papers have been all over it and they even had a special CC meeting about it.

 

[Alan Osborne]

Why Attend?

Since I pay little attention to the local news media, I was referring to the response here on SoWal. No replies in more than two days, is to me, deafening silence or disregard for the subject, one of the two.

Some need to attend our County Commission meetings before they critize so thoroughly. I know, I know. They can't attend because it conflicts with their work.

Andy, I don't attend because I'm shut down when I have relevant information, Many things are long decided before they ever call a BCC meeting to order. They convinced the people of Driftwood to go with a special master, then lied when they said they would follow his recommendation. Blew it off, then did what they wanted anyway. I say some of the things Diamond Dave said are spot on. Don't believe me, run for office and see who approaches you about how busineess is done in Walton County. There is absoulutely an inner circle in Walton County. The last 5 RFP's that came before the commission, I picked the winners even before they voted. It's that easy to see it. My greatest respect for your opinions andy, but on this one we differ.
Alan

 

[Diamond Dave]

The response to your allegations, that appear without any evidence to support your warnings, is deafening in its silence. Many of us do no not see our county government in the negative light you portray. Any and all branches of government make mistakes and can be improved, but to paint our Commissioners as corrupt without an ounce of justification, is wrong.

I never used the word "corrupt", YOU did. I simply made an observation that there are some serious problems (check the local news and papers).

Looks like you broke the "silence" and now more have commented. Thanks.

 

[Jim Tucker]

There is nothing new in Walton County, par for the course in America. Trading a few favors is how politics has been done for thousands of years. To think your little piece of the world is different or unique is ignorance. No offense sirs and madams.

 

[Andy A]

Andy, I don't attend because I'm shut down when I have relevant information, Many things are long decided before they ever call a BCC meeting to order. They convinced the people of Driftwood to go with a special master, then lied when they said they would follow his recommendation. Blew it off, then did what they wanted anyway. I say some of the things Diamond Dave said are spot on. Don't believe me, run for office and see who approaches you about how busineess is done in Walton County. There is absoulutely an inner circle in Walton County. The last 5 RFP's that came before the commission, I picked the winners even before they voted. It's that easy to see it. My greatest respect for your opinions andy, but on this one we differ.
Alan

Alan, I only know what I observe at the Commission meetings. And I understand your frustration with the Driftwood Estates issue. You and Driftwood Estates residents have been treated unfairly, IMO.
You have run for office and have much more insight into the inner circle politics of Walton County than I do.
I can think of no one I respect more to differ with than you, and you have made several valid points. I also think that if you are truly dissatisfied with local government become part of the system and run for office.