Should Walton County consider switching to Charter government?

[wrobert]

Reading back through a lot of the posts on this forum, it appears that a lot of the problems with county government are just with how it is done. There are statutory provisions made for counties to switch styles of government. Many in the State of Florida, such as Sarasota have done just this.

Want paper trail voting? Instead of waiting on the State just amend the charter.

Want to stop growth a la Florida Hometown Democracy? All you have to do is amend the charter.

Adding qualifications for offices, making races non-partisan, setting salaries for elected officials, even changing the number of elected representatives. All of this could be done with an approved Charter.

Any thoughts?

 

[ShallowsFuzz]

My research shows that there are only 18 counties in the State of Florida that have adopted a Charter.
From what I have read (and I admit that's not much) it sounds like a conceivable idea on the surface, but I would like to dig a little deeper into it before committing to making changes in our local government.
(Jury is still out)

 

[swantree]

Reading back through a lot of the posts on this forum, it appears that a lot of the problems with county government are just with how it is done. There are statutory provisions made for counties to switch styles of government. Many in the State of Florida, such as Sarasota have done just this.

Want paper trail voting? Instead of waiting on the State just amend the charter.

Want to stop growth a la Florida Hometown Democracy? All you have to do is amend the charter.

Adding qualifications for offices, making races non-partisan, setting salaries for elected officials, even changing the number of elected representatives. All of this could be done with an approved Charter.

Any thoughts?

how would this be better......I'm a little fuzzy on this? would we see a more ethical group that represents us? No, bi-partizen groups, supporting the big developers? what? what? what?;-)

 

[Teresa]

yes. like Jacksonville/St Johns County - currently going through this process.

or SRB becomes its own charter/city. it does seem almost impossible that north Walton county govt can ever really represent SoWal. but perhaps a charter county govt can help do that.

if it reduces partisan elected positions, then I'm all for it. County level govt is so regressive. no matter how many effective leaders we have, the potential for progressive management is limited, and shall always be limited. imo.

good thinking waltong. I saw online that 80% of floridians are governed under charter county govt.

info - St Johns County:
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners is anticipating placing charter government on the November 2008 ballot and giving voters an opportunity to adopt charter government in St. Johns County. In an effort to educate the public, the Board of County Commissioners is hosting a series of public meetings to discuss the current charter draft document with citizens.

How you can get involved:

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Read the Charter Government Bill. (PDF)
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Learn about the Goals and Benefits. (PDF)
* Find information about what Charter Government is.
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See the Charter Government video and list of other Florida Charter Counties.
* Attend your local District Meeting.
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Charter Public Hearings in the County Auditorium:

 

[ShallowsNole]

Taking partisan politics out of the local races would be awesome. As we have seen repeatedly, especially in 2004 , many folks belonging to a political party will vote straight-line for a candidate just because the candidate happens to be running on their party's ticket. This is just so wrong.

But, some of the charter governments I'm familiar with have replaced some of their elected positions with appointed positions. I shudder to think of this in Walton County. :shock:

As Fuzz said, the rest of the pros/cons would definitely require some research. Like an Easter egg, it's pretty on the outside but inside it is just another boiled egg.

 

[DuneLaker]

Maybe South Walton could incorporate and become a city. It would make it only the fourth city in Walton County after Paxton, Freeport and DeFuniak Springs. Then, we might have more control over signs, etc. Guess we could even have our own police department and not have to deal with the Sheriff.

 

[Teresa]

Taking partisan politics out of the local races would be awesome. As we have seen repeatedly, especially in 2004 , many folks belonging to a political party will vote straight-line for a candidate just because the candidate happens to be running on their party's ticket. This is just so wrong.

But, some of the charter governments I'm familiar with have replaced some of their elected positions with appointed positions. I shudder to think of this in Walton County. :shock:

As Fuzz said, the rest of the pros/cons would definitely require some research. Like an Easter egg, it's pretty on the outside but inside it is just another boiled egg.

well yes, charter govt will hire or appoint positions as if they are professionals - these people still have to serve the public and can be removed if performance is not up to par (at least this is the way I've seen it work). When was the last time you saw an elected person removed from office even when they were obviously NOT serving the public, but only serving themselves or a special interest?

wonder how such a charter would effect the local school board?

 

[wrobert]

Maybe South Walton could incorporate and become a city. It would make it only the fourth city in Walton County after Paxton, Freeport and DeFuniak Springs. Then, we might have more control over signs, etc. Guess we could even have our own police department and not have to deal with the Sheriff.

Doubt you will see that happen due to the tax increase. And the city would still be located in Walton county so you still have to deal with the Sheriff. There are certain official acts that only the Sheriff or his Deputy can perform no matter what other law enforcement you have.

 

[wrobert]

well yes, charter govt will hire or appoint positions as if they are professionals - these people still have to serve the public and can be removed if performance is not up to par (at least this is the way I've seen it work). When was the last time you saw an elected person removed from office even when they were obviously NOT serving the public, but only serving themselves or a special interest?

wonder how such a charter would effect the local school board?

Charter government does what the Charter says. It is written and enacted by the citizens. Hiring versus electing people is up to the Charter.

 

[ShallowsFuzz]

Charter government does what the Charter says. It is written and enacted by the citizens. Hiring versus electing people is up to the Charter.

I have been doing some research on Charter government, and so far I like what I am reading. I am finding out a lot of people I have spoken to don't know what it really is. I continue with my quest.:scratch: Hey I'm trying to keep this thread alive a little longer.