I don't see the problem with getting a second opinion; that is the right a parent has.

Refusing care for a child is totally uncalled for by the doctor.

We all have that right to seek a second opinion when it comes to medical care.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Getting a second opinion is a parent's right

Dear editor,

Highway 90, leaving Crestview traveling toward Milligan, has always been a speed trap at 45 mph.

But since they started construction at the bridge, they have dropped the speed limit to 35 mph about a mile or more before you even get to the light at Antioch Road. 

Daily, one to two state troopers are working both sides, coming and going from that area — and are racking up some money for the state. 

Funny part of it is that sometimes the signs say 35 and sometimes they say 45, and you never know when it is going to change. 

Pay attention, people: The good state of Florida already gets enough of our money. Don't let them dip into your holiday savings because, trust me, they will. 

The area needs more flashing lights at the signs to get drivers' attention, especially if speed fluctuates so much.

Or was that the plan?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Beware of Crestview's speed traps

Dear editor,

Are you ready? The battle plan has been in place for a long time. The choice is ours! Are we signing up or have we resigned to defeat?

From God (our Commander in Chief) to His units everywhere: "If my people which are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (II Chronicles 7:14).

Although voting choices are very critical and every Christian should be very informed about the candidates and vote, the future of this nation is not in governmental powers or military might. That is just one strategy of the battle plan. Our future is in the hearts and obedience of Christians.

"And Samuel said; 'Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.'" (1 Samuel 15:22).

God has not changed His mandate. it is through believers that God has changed the course of this nation. We need to return to our first love with a heart of obedience. It is we, as believers, who CAN change the course of this nation. Yes indeed!

DO VOTE in the context of Christian ethics and morality. Then may we have courage to live these values. The power is already available! Why are we halting between two opinions. Come on believers! It is our fight!

(Just a side note: VOTE NO on Amendment 2! How many of your children/grandchildren have been drawn into the drug war by not having all the facts! Be informed – fully.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: A Christian's battle this election

Dear Editor,

As a long-time resident of Crestview, I remember when we lived in a much smaller town. New Crestview is the largest city in Okaloosa County and with the growth came a need for additional schools. We now have four new or nearly new schools — Antioch Elementary, Davidson Middle, Shoal River Middle and Riverside Elementary.

Over the last two decades, Rodney Walker is the School Board leader who oversaw each of the projects on behalf of the School Board, who negotiated the contracts that saved money and beat deadlines, and who made sure Crestview had new schools when we needed them.

Rodney Walker doesn't seek accolades about what he's done for our community, but I won't forget his accomplishments.  I know he's been there for us in Crestview every time we've needed a forward-looking champion for our schools. So, I'm going to vote for Rodney Walker on Nov. 4 and I'm asking you to join me in keeping Mr. Walker on our School Board.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Walker's experience needed, helped save Crestview money

Dear editor,    

This letter is in support of Mr. Jim Bryan for United States Congress in the upcoming General Election on Tuesday November 4.

The following is a partial list of candidate Jim Bryan's qualifications for Congress.

1) Purple Heart – awarded July 18, 1968 for wounds in action September 28, 1967;

2) Silver Star – awarded August 24, 1968 for gallantry in action May 21, 1968;

3) Bronze Star – awarded August 11, 1968 for heroism in ground combat October 15, 1967;

4) Army Commendation Medal – awarded October 31, 1967 for heroism August 18, 1967;

5) Purple Heart – awarded April 12, 1969 for wounds received October 15, 1967;

6) Army Achievement Medal – awarded December 5, 1983 in support of the 82nd Airborne Division's deployment to the country of Granada during the period October 24 to November 2, 1983;

7) Army Commendation Medal – awarded April 29, 1985 for howitzer heavy drop missions on January 25, 1985 and February 10, 1985 while assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Let's support Jim Bryan for Congress.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Reasons to support Bryan's congressional bid

Dear editor,

It's that time of year again, November 4th, 2014 Election time. I can hear all of the complaints: "Well, I can't vote, I have to work" (polls open at 0700 am; close at 7pm hrs). "Well, I'll be out of town" (each state had early voting very close by, 15 days before the election, and each state also has absentee ballots).

Did you know that only 1/3 of the age group of 65 and older voted the last election? More to the point, "3/4 DID NOT vote in the last election." And only 1/3 of the age group 45 to 65 voted in the last election and 3/4 did not vote.

These are the same people who complain the most when something goes wrong. "Who in their right mind voted for that jerk?" they say.

Remember: It's your right to vote, whether you are a Democrat or a Republican. It's time to go vote for the people you think are best qualified for the job and who you think can and will help this county.

Bill Everett

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Vote on Tuesday, or blame yourself afterward

Dear editor,

As I toddled back from my mailbox recently, I opened my annual greeting from Okaloosa Taxing Authority, a.k.a. the TRIM notice. It was a reminder that the biggest share of local tax dollars go to support local schools.

I can work myself into a righteous lather over mistakes and downright dumb decisions in Washington D.C., but there is little doubt that the five people who serve on our School Board made calls that affect my pocketbook, my life and the lives of those I love almost every hour of every day.

Like most people, I grind my teeth about taxes. But even more important than how much is how it is used. Now more than ever, we need our school taxes managed carefully and we need our schools and students challenged to perform better.

I've seen how Republican Rodney Walker has saved millions of dollars as the overseer of school construction in Crestview, alone. I've seen him trim fat and insist on fiscal prudence. Join me in voting for Rodney Walker, Republican, Nov. 6.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Shalimar man touts Rodney Walker for office

Dear editor,

There is a visible anchor of reality on the School Board. When proposals are made — whether academic or financial or even relating to construction, equipment or discipline — invariably the discussion ends, and board members turn to the most respected, most experienced person in the room.

Rodney Walker is like EF Hutton — when he talks, people listen.

Sure, Rodney has all the education credentials. He was a teacher, a counselor and administrator, and he holds impressive advanced degrees. However, that's only a small part of Mr. Walker's value.

He is the voice of common sense.

Rodney Walker can unite people of different views by his ability to see through issues and understand consequences. He listens. He cares. He gets results.

Watching him slice through government fog is actually entertaining. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of finance, school law and just a good old-fashioned street sense of what actually works. Rodney's head is obviously all business, but his heart is with the students — especially those who might need extra help to succeed.

I am voting for Rodney Walker because he is caring and compassionate, but also because he simply knows more and makes sense.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Recommending Rodney Walker for school board

Dear editor,

The general election is less than one month away, early voting begins soon (Oct. 20 in Okaloosa County; Oct. 25 in Walton County), and mail-in ballots have already been sent out.

Are you ready to vote?

The League of Women Voters of Okaloosa County's Okaloosa-Walton County online candidate guide is now live at https://tinyurl.com/q6omh9z.

Several federal, state and local offices are up for election on Nov. 4, and the 2014 Okaloosa-Walton E-Voter is your one-stop-shopping place for election information, with details on candidates for local races in both counties, as well as general information and links on the statewide races.

The E-Voter also covers all three proposed Constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot. Additionally a briefing on the amendments is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday,  Oct. 14, in the Brooks-Beal Center (100 Beal Parkway NW, Fort Walton Beach, at the corner of Yacht Club & Beal Parkway).

Voters must make some tough decisions that will have significant impact, so we invite everyone to join the League at this free event to learn all about the pros and cons of each amendment.

Invest in Florida's future by doing your homework and casting an informed ballot!

Be informed. Be prepared. Be a voter!

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Women voters group offers online candidate guide

Dear editor,

Wonderful story about Madison and her birthday. My daughter with Turner Syndrome is now 31 years old and a 2007 graduate of Florida State University.

Ashley sounds as if she has Madison on the same positive life track that we provided for our daughter. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: LETTER: Appreciate Turner syndrome story