Mosquito Control District Races

[Smiling JOe]

Maybe instead of spraying poisons into the air, asking people to go inside their houses to avoid being gassed, we should spray Avon Skin-so-soft ( but smell-so-bad) into the air, asking everyone who wants to repel mosquitoes to come outside and get some.

 

[seagrovegirl]

You get my vote. We do not need a 3 member taxing authority under the control of one family.

We have been there and done that in the past when mother and son were in charge in the past. This is not the private taxing authority for the Crawford family.

I agree, it is not. I would like to point out that when Marge Crawford was on the board, and later Jim Crawford was elected to the board, SWMD was and is publicly applauded by the Walton County Tax Payers Association as the most fiscally responsible district in the county.

Regarding two family members on the board, it was mentioned at a meeting by the media and Marge Crawford was quoted as saying, "Jim has not agreed with me in his 40 (something) years, why would that change now? "

Family members are not clones, siblings are as different as night in day in most instances and I think many people would agree with that. That goes for Jim and Jerry Crawford. They are not politicians, they are concerned citizens that want to be involved in their community. They happen to be brothers.

I wish more people would be more community minded and want to make a difference.

My name is Donna Crawford, I am Jim and Jerry's sister, and I too am community minded and am a SW Fire Commssioner and have been involved in the community in various different capacities all my life.

Being a part of the community and doing something about it runs in the family!

 

[scooterbug44]

You get my vote. We do not need a 3 member taxing authority under the control of one family.

Yes, far better that it goes to the Avon lady who constantly blames our local government for not handing her beloved "locals" a diamond encrusted life on a silver platter. :roll:

I've done my research on the candidates, have you?

 

[wrobert]

wrobert, to learn more about one person running, and her level of knowledge, you can read through all of her posts on SoWal.com.

Thanks. I know her, the family, and have for many years. In fact after her last post, I am beginning to think that we knew each other as kids. Trying to nail down the dates.

 

[wrobert]

[/b]


Family members are not clones, siblings are as different as night in day in most instances and I think many people would agree with that. That goes for Jim and Jerry Crawford. They are not politicians, they are concerned citizens that want to be involved in their community. They happen to be brothers.

You are so right about siblings. If people knew my brother they would certainly understand. I only hope I live to see the day that he decides to get involved in anything that would help the community, in any way.

 

[GoodWitch58]

You hit the nail on the head with this question. The first time I attended a mosquito control commission meeting seven years ago; it was easy to see that the people making decisions had limited knowledge of the science involved in mosquitoes. This was one of the deciding factors that drove me to run for the commission.

Primary job of commissioners:

1. Establish budget for the district.

2. Supervise larger purchases.

3. Direct management of the Director, not the employees.

4. Audit monthly reports of mosquito activity within the district. Monitor use of chemicals and preventive maintenance programs established by the district.

The mosquito control district comes under the Department of Agriculture, which outlines proper procedures for the district. It is the commission's responsibility to ensure that these rules are followed.

Over the last four years, I have attended 95% of all state classes provided for commissioners on my own time on research of pesticides, proper labeling of pesticides and disbursement. The district did reimburse me travel and hotel as far as additional income and time away from work that was at my own expense.

In addition, I was elected by other mosquito control commissioners within the state to represent them on the Board of Directors of the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA). This gives us instant access to all updated research nationwide to include direct contact with the research department at the University of Florida. The time spent on this is all on my own, but I can assure you it has made me a better commissioner and much more knowledgeable of the research constantly being done to ensure environmental safety.

Over the past four years, I have consistently gone to Tallahassee and lobbied for additional revenues so as not to have to increase our local budget. Commissioner Jim Crawford did attend one time four years ago.

If you would like to know a little more about me, please go to my
website www.votemagee.com

The bottom line to your question is you can do the bare minimum, or you can do the maximum that is only up to the elected official. I always give 110% to whatever I do and my record stands for that, I am no nonsense individual, and I am very concerned about what chemicals are used in our environment.

In my four years as a commissioner, I have established an accountability program, which is reviewed on a monthly basis. In addition, I also monitor reports from the surrounding counties to see if there is any kind of trends or outbreaks that we need to monitor before we have problems in Walton County.

I realize this is a little wordy, but I hope it answers your question.

Elected Leadership and Experience

Re-Elect John J. Magee
South Walton Mosquito Control Suite 1

"M" is for "Mosquito" "M" is for "Magee"
​

I would like to know more about the finances of the program. Is there a website or can you tell me: the size of the budget; how much money comes from the County; how much from the Dept of Ag (or whereever); and
how much additional money were you able to get through your lobbying efforts and what was the source of that money?
Thanks for your help.

 

[Bob Hudson]

"I agree, it is not. I would like to point out that when Marge Crawford was on the board, and later Jim Crawford was elected to the board, SWMD was and is publicly applauded by the Walton County Tax Payers Association as the most fiscally responsible district in the county."

I would not post on this topic except for the fact that this individual involked the name of the Walton County Taxpayers Association in their response concerning the SMCD.

I need to remind all that the WCTA does not endorse candidates, and this response should not be construed as an endorsement for any candidate.

Seagrovegirl - you statements concerning the efficency of the SMCD was made for the past two years only. No rating has been given for this year because the "budget hearings" have not been held.

Prior to two budget cycles ago the WCTA expressed many concerns to the SMCD board about the growing fund balance of the organization as well as the salary scale for its director and the accumulation of funds to "buy a helicopter" to more efficently spray for mosquitos.

The applause that you are mentioning only came when those issues were addressed by the then three member board (vote was 2-1) and Mr. J Crawford voted against the budget reductions last year that addressed those concerns from past years.

 

[seagrovegirl]

"I agree, it is not. I would like to point out that when Marge Crawford was on the board, and later Jim Crawford was elected to the board, SWMD was and is publicly applauded by the Walton County Tax Payers Association as the most fiscally responsible district in the county."

I would not post on this topic except for the fact that this individual involked the name of the Walton County Taxpayers Association in their response concerning the SMCD.

I need to remind all that the WCTA does not endorse candidates, and this response should not be construed as an endorsement for any candidate.

Seagrovegirl - you statements concerning the efficency of the SMCD was made for the past two years only. No rating has been given for this year because the "budget hearings" have not been held.

Prior to two budget cycles ago the WCTA expressed many concerns to the SMCD board about the growing fund balance of the organization as well as the salary scale for its director and the accumulation of funds to "buy a helicopter" to more efficently spray for mosquitos.

The applause that you are mentioning only came when those issues were addressed by the then three member board (vote was 2-1) and Mr. J Crawford voted against the budget reductions last year that addressed those concerns from past years.

Nor did I mention any particular candidate being endorsed, just stating the fact that the SWMD budget has been kept below -2 mils for years. And the applause you mentioned also mentioned prior years of fiscal responsibility...wish I could find that article...if you have it, please post it.

 

[Bob Hudson]

seagrovegirl

As the webmaster for the WCTA for the past 4 years I have access to all of their posting, newsletters and studies. I have reviewed all of those documents and the only postings that I can find where the SMCD was given accolades was the following:

It appears that the South Walton Mosquito Control District (SWMCD) is on track to receive an A rating for the second year in a row. A true out of the park performance is on the design board as they have filed their Department of Revenue report indicating a reduction in the operating budget above the state mandated 3% ad valorem collections applicable to special taxing district. Last year the Board rolled back their millage rate to to .0947 mills . This year they have reduced their budget drastically resulting in a proposed millage rate of .0744 mills. This results in a 21.5% millage rate reduction. They accomplished their budget reductions through cuts in recurring expenses as well as capital purchases and freezing the salaries for their employee's at last years levels. The salaries of the SWMCD Director and his staff have been under intense scrutiny by two of the Mosquito Commissioners, Mr. John Magee and Mr. Charlie Burke. The salary study with the SWMCD conducted by WMBB News13 received local and state wide news coverage. Mr. D'Angelo's salary is within the top five salaries of Mosquito Control District in the State of Florida. This board has consistently rolled back their millage rate and we recognize their excellent record of due diligence.

I was the author of that "Report Crad" and when I referred to "this board" I was referring to the board as constituted at that time and it included:

Jim Crawford - John MaGee and Charlie Burke.

 

[seagrovegirl]

seagrovegirl

As the webmaster for the WCTA for the past 4 years I have access to all of their posting, newsletters and studies. I have reviewed all of those documents and the only postings that I can find where the SMCD was given accolades was the following:

It appears that the South Walton Mosquito Control District (SWMCD) is on track to receive an A rating for the second year in a row. A true out of the park performance is on the design board as they have filed their Department of Revenue report indicating a reduction in the operating budget above the state mandated 3% ad valorem collections applicable to special taxing district. Last year the Board rolled back their millage rate to to .0947 mills . This year they have reduced their budget drastically resulting in a proposed millage rate of .0744 mills. This results in a 21.5% millage rate reduction. They accomplished their budget reductions through cuts in recurring expenses as well as capital purchases and freezing the salaries for their employee's at last years levels. The salaries of the SWMCD Director and his staff have been under intense scrutiny by two of the Mosquito Commissioners, Mr. John Magee and Mr. Charlie Burke. The salary study with the SWMCD conducted by WMBB News13 received local and state wide news coverage. Mr. D'Angelo's salary is within the top five salaries of Mosquito Control District in the State of Florida. This board has consistently rolled back their millage rate and we recognize their excellent record of due diligence.

I was the author of that "Report Crad" and when I referred to "this board" I was referring to the board as constituted at that time and it included:

Jim Crawford - John MaGee and Charlie Burke.

Thank you!

And all of us are aware, most, if not all departments in the county lowered the milage rate due to the increase in the property tax due to the amazing increase in property value. The budget bottom line has increased dramatically since 2004, 2005. Prior to these dramatic years, the budget has been kept in check.

BTW..is this the article that was posted on your web site? I don't recall it being part of your published material.

Bob, I appreciate you and what you do for the county....thank you.