Candidate : Melanie Nipper
County Commissioner, District 3
My goals are simple and they apply to every aspect of the issues facing our county. “Just do the right thing every time even when you think no one is looking.” That was advice given to me my first day of active duty Army. I live that way and I plan on continuing to uphold that standard as your County Commissioner. I EXPECT to be held accountable for all of my actions. I will bring you Fair, Honest, Open government with No Favoritism.I grew up on the beaches of South Florida and have spent my entire life in Florida except for 8 years of serving in the Army as a UH-60 Blackhawk and airplane pilot. I moved here with my husband, Jim, in 2005, 11 years ago. We operate a hay farm and own Skydive North Florida, a weekend tourist based tandem skydiving business.
I understand tourism, and I understand being a resident, home owner, and tax payer in this county. Our South end needs a major infrastructure initiative. Our North end needs businesses and jobs. Our entire county needs to be treated with respect, our tax dollars need to be spent wisely by those responsible, and our voice needs to be heard – let’s stop catering to special interest groups and give the people what they want. Just basics – honesty, respect, accountability, and fairness.
I am still serving in the Army as a Reservist, 24 years. I have spent 6 years, 6 different deployments, 3 in Iraq fighting for the freedoms of Americans. It is now my goal to serve Walton County, serve you. And since I protect our right to freedom of speech – I will guarantee you, your voice will be heard.
Candidate : Vickie Ann Vivarttas
Candidate’s Statement n/a
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Candidate : Bill Imfeld
Candidate’s Statement
***CONTINUE COMMON SENSE LEADERSHIP***
• Balanced budget – No Tax Increases
Have maintained the 3rd lowest property tax rate in the State of Florida
Allocated $3 million per year to resolving stormwater issues with no
tax increase
Will not vote for tax increase in 2017 budget
• Economic Growth:
Mossy Head Industrial Park
500 + new jobs (entry level thru management)
Love’s Travel Center, FedEx, Empire Truck Sales
Now the 2nd lowest unemployment rate in the state
$40 million private investment
State of Florida funding of $4.3 million for wastewater treatment
$3 million State and County investment in infrastructure
$1 million + in new Gas and Sales tax for the County
Reduces the need for property taxes
Funds additional road and bridge repairs
Impetus for new small business growth
Sunset of ½ cent sales tax for US 331 bridge 4 years early
Freeport Industrial Park
New business through Economic Development Alliance
Healthcare facilities for Paxton and Mossy Head
Provide health care where none had been
Need to expand to rural areas east of US 331
• Attention to Infrastructure
Roads and Bridges
Aggressive continuance of road paving
Aggressive continuance of road paving
Stabilization of dirt roads through crushed asphalt
Improvement of dirt road through FEMA initiatives
Completed funding of 331 Bridge four years ahead of schedule
• Stormwater
Identification of top 50 stormwater problem areas in County
Phased 4-5 year approach of $3 million funding to correct
Advanced funding of engineering solutions
• Quality of Life
Public Safety
Enhanced funding for law enforcement, fire and 1st responders
Health care facilities for rural areas
Recreational Opportunities
Walking trails and parks for District 3
Enhancements to Wee Care Park
New facilities on US 98 for citizen enjoyment
New artificial reefs
• Environmental Conservation
Sensible Development – NOT overdevelopment
Support for development of alternative transportation
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Candidate John Dixon
Candidate’s Statement
Protect all of Walton County’s Citizens
With the dynamic growth below the Bay it is time to build a Sheriff’s annex to handle the work load that already exists, and to be prepared to meet the increasing demands of security and patrolling efforts for our citizens who live and work there.
Additionally, all citizens of the county should enjoy the same level of confidence in the quality of Emergency Services. Our Fire and EMS personnel should have the best facilities, equipment and available manpower to protect our communities.
Emergency Services
Build a Sheriff’s annex that meets all of the Departments’ needs south of the Bay.
Give our Emergency responders the assets, facilities and number of personnel to protect our citizens.
Resolve the issues that prohibit effective collaboration between the county fire departments.
What is your stance on customary use of the beach?
For as long as people have lived in Florida the beach has been the birthright of our state. Citizens have enjoyed the right to traverse our shores without fear of being persecuted or prosecuted for exercising what is, their privilege.
I believe there are 3 reasons why this privilege exists:
1. Generations have enjoyed the unrestricted use of our beaches from the toe of the Dunes to the water’s edge.
2. No barriers or signs should ever be permitted to limit access to the beach.
3. Property rights are respected regarding allowable usage of the beach by the public with laws and codes that already exist.
As Commissioner I will never willingly agree to the infringement of the public’s right to use the beach.
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Candidate : Tony Anderson
Office : County Commissioner, District 5
Candidate’s Statement
Tony Anderson loves Walton County. He grew up in Walton County, raised his three kids here, coached Little League here for 15 years, delivered our mail for 30 years, started his small business here, and goes to church here.
Tony has been involved in our community for decades, is a leader in the local Republican Party, and is a proud member of the NRA.
Tony is running for Walton County Commissioner, District 5, to end politics as usual and deliver the results that Walton County residents deserve. He is endorsed by the Walton County Small Business Association and the Professional Firefighters of Walton County.
A conservative Republican, Tony will focus his efforts on accomplishing the following goals:
IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE
– Conduct a thorough infrastructure audit to identify needed improvements.
– Secure emergency funding to start public works projects, without raising taxes.
– Prioritize the creation of new turn lanes in South Walton, and road paving in North Walton.
– Create additional, off-site parking to reduce traffic congestion on County Road 30-A.
– Improve the county’s relationship with the Florida DOT to reduce traffic backups on Highway 98.
CREATE 2,200 NEW JOBS WHILE REDUCING TAXES
– Aggressively recruit companies to relocate to Walton County by fully funding economic development efforts.
– Use BP funds to match the state’s $1,500 Rural Jobs Tax Credit.
– Cut red tape for small businesses and family farms.
– Oppose any new taxes on small businesses, farms, and people who work from home.
– Assist family farmers in seeking state and federal grants.
– Control county government spending so that we can cut property tax rates.
PROTECT OUR PUBLIC BEACHES
– Immediately pass a policy of “customary use,” to protect the public’s right to use public beaches.
– Use TDC funds to expand the number of public beach accesses.
– Strengthen beach rules to crack down on inappropriate behavior.
– Provide more funding for enforcement of beach rules.
– Promote public use of accesses at state parks.
– Provide funding for law enforcement to keep spring break under control.
TONY ALSO BELIEVES WE NEED TO…
– Improve parks and recreation options and increase parent involvement in planning for new facilities.
– Conserve land so that we can prevent overdevelopment in Walton County and protect our property values.
– Prevent big businesses from rewriting local rules at the expense of small businesses.
– Keep 30-A local by opposing efforts to build shopping centers, national chains, and big box stores.
– Stand up for our Second Amendment rights and oppose attempts to curtail our liberties at the local level.
– Protect our environment, especially the Gulf, the Bay, our Coastal Dune Lakes, and our forestry.
– Reform government to hold elected officials more accountable for their actions.
– Enact term limits for elected officials.
– Provide the resources that law enforcement and first responders need to keep our county safe.
– Protect our values, such as preserving the right to pray before public meetings.
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To read Tony’s detailed plans and to learn more, visit www.ElectTony.com.
Contact Tony by e-mail at tony@electtony.com.
Like Tony’s page on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VoteTonyAnderson
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND GOD BLESS WALTON COUNTY!
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Candidate : Cindy Meadows
Office : County Commissioner, District 5
Commissioner Cindy Meadows first served the citizens of Walton County from 2004-2008 as the first woman to be elected commissioner. Her first term accomplishments include lowering property taxes, cutting unnecessary spending, adding much needed parks and recreation opportunities, dealing with hurricane recovery and improving roads and infrastructure in locations throughout the county.
Commissioner Meadows continues her service to Walton County from 2012 to present. Her second term work includes; funding of critical storm water upgrades, intersection improvements, parking additions, securing Gulf oil Spill Restore funds, supporting jobs through development of Mossy Head Industrial Park, advocating the four laning of the SR 331 bridge, preservation of existing home values and quality of life, promotion of Walton’s natural resources, and maintaining taxes at current levels.
She in involved daily in projects that will enhance the residential and business community including; south Walton Sports Complex, skateboard park, east west road from Helen McCall Park,
traffic lights on SR 98, sediment control for Choctaw Bay water quality, 395/30A and 395/SR98 intersection improvements, senior activity center, coastal dune lake funding, and transit/traffic solutions to bring solutions to congestion, reef deployment in the Gulf, and beach access for all citizens and guests.
In addition, Commissioner Meadows will go after the $400 million fund available through the Triumph Gulf Coast established by the Legislature to distribute funds to the counties impacted by the Gulf Oil Spill. This will be used to create diversity in the economy through funding of private enterprise partnerships.
Commissioner Meadows believes over development without adequate infrastructure will deprive Walton County of its uniqueness. Careful planning and development helps local businesses and home values thrive.
Ms. Meadows has extensive working knowledge of development issues, land use, community planning and business management. She is the owner and founder of a small business; Community Planning Associates; that helps citizens navigate government processes and understand land use issues.
She has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Florida. She has practiced community planning in Florida for over 30 years. Ms. Meadows is a
member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). She served as Chair of the Planning Commission prior to being elected Commissioner. All total, Meadows has been serving the citizens in Walton County for over 15 years. Her experience in dealing with complex controversial issues is invaluable to the future of Walton County.
Cindy has a son, daughter and five grandchildren. Her late husband, Russ, was active in the Republican party and was a Marketing Executive for the Arnold Palmer Golf Company. Her son is a captain in the US Army serving in south east
Asia and her daughter and her family live in Nairobi, Kenya where they teach at an international Christian school. Her dad, a WWll veteran is 94 and her mom, 89, raises butterflies. She has two brothers she adores and two nieces living and working in the northeast.
Commissioner Meadows has lived in the district where she serves (District 5) since 1998. She has lived in Walton County since 1998.
Commissioner Meadows would like to thank our veterans and their families who serve so valiantly for the freedoms we enjoy.
Meadows actively supports Alaqua Animal Rescue, Children’s Volunteer Health Network, Children’s Advocacy Center, DeFuniak Springs Senior Center, South Walton Senior Center and many other
organizations that contribute to the betterment of our community.
cm@cindymeadows.com
facebook.com/ElectCindyMeadows
twitter.com/Cindy_Meadows
linkedin.com/in/cindymeadows
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Candidate : Bill Fletcher
Office : County Commissioner, District 1
Please visit my web site www.fletcherforwalton.com to learn more about my background. Feel free to let me know about the issues you want addressed in Walton County. Thank you! Bill Fletcher
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Candidate : David Kramer
Office : County Commissioner, District 1
DAVID KRAMER – PERSONAL:
BORN 1950 IN ST LOUIS, MO. MOVED TO EAU GALLIE FL IN 1967 (FATHER WORKED ON SPACE PROGRAM – CAPE CANAVERAL). GRADUATED EGHS 1968 & BREVARD COMM COLLEGE 1970. ATTENDED UNIV OF S FL & FLORIDA STATE UNIV. MOVED TO NW FL 1981 & WALTON CO 1984.
I AM A VERY PROUD FATHER – MY DAUGHTER KATHERINE WHO HAS BEEN RAISED IN WALTON CO NOW ATTENDS GULF COAST STATE COLLEGE IN PC,FL AS A SENIOR DIGITAL MEDIA MAJOR.
I CURRENTLY OWN PROPERTIES IN 3 OF THE 5 DISTRICTS OF WALTON COUNTY & HAVE OWNED LAND ALL OVER WALTON CO. I HAVE HOMES IN DISTRICT 1 & DISTRICT 5…
CIVIC & PROFESSIONAL:
FOUNDED ‘FRIENDS OF SW LIBRARY’ & WAS IT’S 1ST VP IN 1985. WE HELPED BRING THE 1ST LIBRARY SOUTH OF THE BAY. PAST MEMBER WC LIBRARY BOARD. ELECTED PRES OF PARKS & REC COUNCIL 1987 – SERVED 3 YEARS & LAID SOD, GRADED FIELDS & PUT UP FENCING THAT BECAME HELEN McCALL PARK. LIFETIME MEMBER SANDESTIN LIONS CLUB. PAST MEMBER OF SW KIWANIS (PRES ELECT), JAYCEES, SW BOYS & GIRLS CLUB, NAT ASSOC OF REALTORS, EMERALD COAST ASSOC OF REALTORS, NOTARY PUBLIC, GYMNASTIC INSTRUCTOR FOR AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS IN WALTON CO, AM RED CROSS WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR, YMCA WATER SAFTEY INSTRUCTOR, GUARDIAN AD LITEM (GAL) FOR COURT SYSTEM -2 YRS…
HOBBIES & SPARE TIME:
I WORK ON & DRIVE MY HOT ROD AND VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION; I OWN 4 HARLEY-DAVIDSONS (WHICH I RIDE REGULARLY) & 2 OTHER COLLECTIBLE BIKES; I FOUNDED & BELONG TO THE BLACK CREEK RIDERS THAT RIDE TO SUPPORT ST JUDES HOSPITAL, FREEPORT FIRE DEPT, CARING & SHARING AND OTHER LOCAL CHARITIES; I LIKE TO FISH FRESHWATER ON THE CHOCTAWHATCHEE RIVER AND SALT WATER IN THE BAY AND GULF – I HAVE TOURNAMENT FISHED FOR BASS AND REDFISH; I WAS AN AVID SURFER AND STILL DABBLE; I OWN A BOAT & PWC I KEEP AT THE BAYHOUSE; I LIKE TO BIKE AND WALK (I AM NOT A RUNNER); I READ A LOT – EVERYDAY REALLY, I LIKE FICTION (CLANCY, LUDLUM, GRISHAM, CONNERLY, FLYNN, TOLKIEN, MARTIN, BROOKS, HIAASEN & MANY OTHERS) BUT LATELY HAVE BEEN READING HISTORICAL BIOGRAPHIES(ON THE SIDE)& I READ A WHOLE LOT OF COUNTY DRAFT ORDINANCES, DEVELOPMENT ORDER REQUESTS AND MOST EVERYTHING ON ‘THE LAW OF THE LAND’ THAT SHOWS UP ON THE COUNTY WEBSITE; I LIKE TO COOK AND LOOK LIKE IT – PROBABLY THE PLUMPIST PESCATARIAN IN WALTON CO
BUSINESS/WORK EXPERIENCE:
CONSTRUCTION SUPT & QC AGENT -8 YRS; APARTMENT MAINT TECH & SYSTEMS TROUBLESHOOTER MAINT FOR MONUMENTAL PROPERTIES -2 YRS; SELF-EMPLOYED REAL ESTATE CONTINGENCY CONTRACTOR -2 YRS: SUPT OCEANFRONT RESORT -2YRS; MANUFACTURING SUPV -1YR; CIVIL SERVICE PAINTER TYNDALL AFB -1 YR; OCEANFRONT PROP MGR -3YRS; COMMERCIAL CENTERS & RESD PROP MGR -5 YRS; SELF-EMPLOYED BROKER-SALES & REALTOR IN BAY, & WALTON CO -10 YRS; BROKER/OWNER ISLE OF VIEW REALTY, INC -SERVING WALTON, BAY, OKALOOSA, SANTA ROSA & ESCAMBIA COUNTIES LOCATED ON C-30A -20 YRS; CONSULTANT FOR LAND PLANNING AND LAND USE CHANGE PRIMARILY WALTON COUNTY -15 YRS; REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS SHOULD KNOW ‘THE LAW OF THE LAND’ OR THEY ARE NOT ‘PROFESSIONAL’.
GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: SINCE THE MID 1980’S I HAVE:
SERVED AS CO-CHAIR ON LAND USE COMMITTEE FOR SOUTH WALTON CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT TRUST -2 YRS; SERVED ON VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND WORKSHOPS ENGAGED IN ORDINANCE DRAFTS AND RE-WRITES FOR: COASTAL DUNE LAKES, 98 & 331 SCENIC CORRIDOR, 2000-2001 EAR AMENDMENT, 2005 & 2010 EAR AMENDMENTS, & MANY, MANY MORE…SERVED 14 YEARS ON THE WALTON CO CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD (NO CASE WE HEARD WAS EVER OVERTURNED BY ANY COURT); AM CURRENTLY SERVING ON THE WALTON CO PLANNING COMMISSION AS VICE-CHAIRMAN -2YRS AND COUNTING; I HAVE LITTERLLY ATTENDED AND PARTICIPATED IN HUNDREDS (300-400) OF COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL MEETINGS OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS OF DOING WHAT I THINK IT MEANS TO BE A ‘CITIZEN’.
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