CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County voters should have received the Aug. 30 Primary Election Sample Ballot Booklet at their registered addresses.

In addition to sample ballots for the Republican, Democratic, Libertarian and Nonpartisan primary races, these booklets contain information to prepare voters. A list of polling places, what to expect at the polls, details on Florida’s closed Primary status, voter identification requirements, as well as sites and hours for the Aug. 20-27 Early Voting period are included.

If a voter has not received the booklet in the mail, they should call Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections Paul Lux’s office to verify their mailing address. The booklets also are available at both offices of the Supervisor of Elections.

Voters may find precinct-specific sample ballots using the Voter Lookup Tool on the Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections website, www.GoVote-Okaloosa.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Primary election sample ballot booklets in mail

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Okaloosa Republican Club's monthly meeting is scheduled.

Visitors are welcome and encouraged to attend the event, which includes a forum of Okaloosa County sheriff and commissioner candidates for District 1.

Social hour will begin at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at American Legion Post 235, 105 S.W. Hollywood Blvd.

Price of dinner is $15 and includes drinks and gratuity. Menu choices are beef teriyaki over rice or grilled chicken salad. To RSVP contact group Vice President Nate Lepper, 376-2287, or nathanlepper@yahoo.com.   

For information about the Republican Club call President Mark Franks, 240-1279.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Republicans host county sheriff, commissioner forum

CRESTVIEW — Throughout Okaloosa County, voters face the next round of voting as the nation gears up to choose a president, U.S. congressional representatives, state legislators and a slew of local officials.

North Okaloosa County voters have several choices for area representatives on the Board of County Commissioners and the Okaloosa School District Board.

One position, Okaloosa County District 3 commissioner has already been chosen. Incumbent Nathan Boyles was unopposed and will automatically retain his seat.

Candidates for Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners District 1 responded to the News Bulletin’s request for information about themselves and their platforms; here are their answers.

Candidate James Walker did not submit a profile or photo.

CHARLES BAUGH JR.

Personal: Military veteran, USAF retiree, registered Republican since 1973. Active in local charities and civic organizations. Precinct 9 Committeeman. Crestview resident; wife Roslyn, three adult children, two grandchildren. Christian faith.

Occupation: Lead Aircraft Technician, Qwest Air Parts, Inc.

Experience: Possessing federal (military), municipal and private sector management experiences make me uniquely qualified. My diversified work experience exposed me to wide-ranging challenges in managing, leading and solving complex issues for over 35 years. Former Councilman.

Platform or focus: My platform, common sense, a trust but verify mindset. My focus, fiscal eye on all county expenditures, work to resolve major infrastructure issues, promote environment conducive to economic growth and adequate pay for county employees.

1. Severe congestion plagues Crestview-area roads, but most problems are on state roads. What can be done at the county level to address the problem? Our commissioners must impress upon the state, federal transportation agency, FEMA and DoD that it’s in their best interest to engage the inter-modal issues of this county and its impact on the military mission and public safety in Okaloosa County. Only their combined resources can provide a long-term fix.

2. North Okaloosa County residents pay the highest gas prices in the region. Gas is often 30 cents or more cheaper just over the border in Alabama. What can be done to lower it?  Transportation consumes most of our supply. Finding ways to reduce driving could help lower demand and eventually gas prices. Developing a zero-fare public bus system that includes late-night service on the four most needed routes would give our citizens without autos equal opportunity to access all that our community offers.

THOMAS CANNON

Personal: Married to Sue Ann; four children; five grandchildren

Occupation: Owner, operator and CEO, Cannon Services Inc., an electrical contracting and repair service

Experience: Business owner-operator of 22 years, managed Racetrack Ace Hardware for 13 years. Served six years on the Dorcas Fire Commission as chairman. State-licensed master electrician; private pilot with current medical, accounting and computer training.

Platform or focus: “Maintaining and adding infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing population. Attracting clean manufacturing industries to provide better jobs for our citizens. Insuring cost-effective services while treating both citizens and county workers fairly.”

1. Severe road congestion: “The commission must develop and submit solutions to our state representatives for implementation and funding. Traffic signals should be optimized for morning and evening traffic flow. The county needs to purchase land for a right of way to build a loop road around Crestview now while land is still available.”

2. Gas prices: “I would fight to ensure that Okaloosa County is receiving its fair share of state tax for our roads. Money in the past was diverted to the south part of the state. The difference in gas tax between Alabama or Santa Rosa county does not account for the retail price difference.”

GRAHAM FOUNTAIN

Personal: Married 29 years to childhood sweetheart, Felicia Adams Fountain, granddaughter of Okaloosa County businessman and developer P.J. Adams. Son of the late Dr. Robert G. Fountain and Madge Fountain; members of First Baptist Church, Crestview

Occupation: Retired state and county law enforcement executive; owner of Policy Consulting Company

Experience: Over three decades of public safety and leadership experience; over 20 years’ small business experience owning two consulting companies, managing family dental practice and commercial and coastal real estate holdings; led thousands of employees and managed over $500 million of budgets and capital work programs, held various board member and policy-making positions in non-profits and charities, and a recognized expert in legislative processes, public safety and public policy.

Platform or focus: Jobs and the economy;Traffic problems and adding roadway capacity coming in and out of Crestview;improving county administration and fighting waste, fraud, and abuse and poor leadership practices;Fighting to reduce regulations in people’s businesses and personal lives by government.

1.  Severe road congestion: Work with department of transportation partners, legislative delegation, and the U.S. Department of Defense to create alternative roadway(s) coming into Crestview that will not hurt the mission of the base, but still provide additional arteries for traffic; adopt enhanced use of ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) to notify drivers of best times and routes depending on traffic patterns, wrecks and slow-downs.

2. Gas prices: “There is a major misconception about fuel pricing. Outside fuel taxes levied, which Okaloosa County still does not use their maximum tax with 2 cents still on the table, prices for gas are driven by the market and the consumer’s willingness to pay the higher prices. Historically, Crestview sees higher prices because drivers will pay the price instead of buying fuel in south county or Alabama. When market purchases fall, stores will reduce pricing. It’s all about the regional or local market activity … period.”

●Aug. 20-27: Early voting, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

●Aug. 30: Primary election

●Oct. 11: Registration books close for November general election

●Oct. 24 to Nov. 5: Early voting, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

●Nov. 8: General election

Source: Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections

ELECTION DATES

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa commission candidates talk roads, gas prices

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council will have a meeting, followed by a budget workshop.

The meeting is 4:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at city hall, 198 Wilson St. N.

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA

1. Call to order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open meeting

4. Public opportunity on council propositions

5. Resolution 16:19: Resolution to League of Cities in Recognition of the Crestview Centennial

6. Comments from the audience

7. Adjournment

BUDGET WORKSHOP AGENDA

1. Call to order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open workshop

4. Public opportunity on council propositions

5. Workshop discussion

6. Comments from the audience

7. Adjournment

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Here's what the Crestview City Council will meet about Aug. 15

CRESTVIEW — Throughout Okaloosa County, voters face the next round of voting. The nation is gearing up to choose a president, U.S. congressional representatives, state legislators and a slew of local officials.

Candidates for Okaloosa County School Board District 4 responded to the News Bulletin’s request for information about themselves and their platforms. Here are their answers.

TIM BRYANT

Personal: Married 22 years to Beth; two boys, Timmy and Trevor. Member of Victorious Life Worship Center, Crestview Rotary Club, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Crestview High School School Advisory Council and the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce

Occupation: Manager of Publix, employed 30 years

Experience: 24 years’ management and leadership, training and developing future managers; money management including budgets for a multi-million-dollar business; years of building community relations; active parent and business leader

Platform: “I believe that my role as your next school board member is to bring us — the community, business and education sectors — together to educate and address the issues that are affecting our education system today and in the future.”

Many North Okaloosa schools are 50 years old or older. Where can funding be found to start replacing them? “The school district is facing a financial dilemma, and I believe that we need to work with the money that is coming in. However, we will need to address this issue now, and I would support a penny local option sales tax that would only be used for capital improvements. This tax would be voted on by the citizens of Okaloosa County.”

Many parents, students and medical professionals advocate for later school start times. What is your position? “The issue is more complicated than saying you are in favor or against. I believe that both sides make valid points, however I believe the complexities of implementing this in our district is the main reason as to why I have not taken sides, and I want to make sure, as an elected official, that I make the best decision based on having all the facts.”

DR. CHARLES CAWTHON

Personal: Lives in Crestview; married to Rhonda Cawthon; two children, two grandchildren. Member  of Holt Baptist Church, numerous cancer societies, the Bay Area Food Bank, PAWS,  the Crestview Area Chamber  of Commerce, NRA and Mt. Ewell Mason Lodge.  

Occupation: Okaloosa  educator, 1978-2015

Experience: Served 37 years in Okaloosa "A" schools. Instructional and extensive administrative experience in school board policies, fiscal management, curriculum, pupil progression plans, support personnel, school safety and extracurricular programs. Doctorate in Education Management.           

Platform:  Safe schools. Quality schools. Expand or build new high school. Improve infrastructure of older schools; prudent, accountable fiscal management. Keeping and recruiting quality personnel. Less testing, more instruction. Local control. No more Common Core.

On replacing older schools: “I do not  favor raising property taxes. If the public supports a short-term minimum sales tax, I would agree. High-cost and unsafe portable buildings drain our budget. We must progressively replace portables and older buildings while gaining state capital funds to construct new schools and buildings.

Later school start times: “The cost and impact of later start times must be considered. I may favor one hour later start times. I listen to public concerns before voting. Being retired,  I have time to examine issues and listen to the people. I am the only candidate offering full-time accessible service.”

—

ELECTION DATES

●Aug. 20-27: early voting, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

●Aug. 30: primary election

●Oct. 11: registration books close for November general election

●Oct. 24 to Nov. 5: early voting, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

●Nov. 8: general election

Source: Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections

ELECTION DATES

●Aug. 20-27: early voting, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

●Aug. 30: primary election

●Oct. 11: registration books close for November general election

●Oct. 24 to Nov. 5: early voting, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

●Nov. 8: general election

Source: Okaloosa County Supervisor of Elections

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa school board candidates discuss aging buildings, start times

CRESTVIEW — Alert Okaloosa uses a new notification program called Everbridge to notify area residents of weather warnings in their immediate area.

Anyone who signed up for Alert Okaloosa after July 1 is already registered, but those who only signed up for the previous alert system, Code Red, need to switch to Alert Okaloosa to continue getting the notifications.

To register, go to http://bit.ly/2aX35v4 or visit http://www.okaloosafl.com and look for the Alert Okaloosa icon at the bottom.

 Alert Okaloosa will only alert the areas impacted by an emergency or weather warning and works on TDD/TTY phones for the hearing impaired. All residents who wish to be notified for tornado, severe thunderstorm, and flash flood warnings simply add their contact information. In the event of a tornado, this notification could save your life. 

People with no internet access may contact Okaloosa County Public Safety at 651-7150 for assistance.

 Alert Okaloosa will only alert the areas impacted by an emergency or weather warning and works on TDD/TTY phones for the hearing impaired. All residents who wish to be notified for tornado, severe thunderstorm, and flash flood warnings simply add their contact information. In the event of a tornado, this notification could save your life.

People with no internet access may contact Okaloosa County Public Safety at 651-7150 for assistance.

An added feature of the new system allows all users the ability to choose or specialize the notification they want to receive and set times they do not want to be notified. For instance if they do not want to be notified from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. they can set that.

Setting a "no notification" time is optional, but everyone must check the boxes for the types of notifications wanted within the system.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa weather alert system registration available

CRESTVIEW — Early voting for Okaloosa County residents is scheduled for the Aug. 30 primary.

Some sample ballots for the primary include choices for U.S. Senator, US Representative, commissioner and the school board.

Early voting is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 20-27 at any voting location in Okaloosa County, regardless of where county residents live.

Early voting locations are:

●The Supervisor of Elections office, 302 Wilson St. N., Crestview

●Crestview Public Library, 1445 Commerce Drive

●Okaloosa County Administration Building, 1250 Eglin Parkway, Shalimar.

●Niceville City Hall, 208 Partin Drive N, Niceville.

●Destin Community Center, 101 Stahlman Ave., Destin.

To see sample ballots or get more information, go to www.govote-okaloosa.com or call 689-5644.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa early voting begins soon for August primary election

CRESTVIEW — Following a flurry of requests for street closures to accommodate 5-kilometer runs and walks, Mayor David Cadle is forming a task force to consider defining a fixed course for future such races.

"In the last year my office has been overrun with requests for street closures for 5K runs," Cadle said. "Main Street is getting closed more and more for these types of things.

"It would be really helpful if we had one route that created as little disruption as possible."

Speaking at Monday evening's City Council meeting, Cadle said it is his goal to work with the various affected city departments, including the Police Department and Growth Management, to try to define a set course.

"We'd like to see if a route could be worked out that won't affect merchants," Cadle said. "It's very important that we follow this process. My office has the liability every time a street is closed."

RECENT REQUEST

The most recent street closure request for a 5-K run/walk came during the Monday meeting from Carita Smith, recruitment coordinator for Guardians ad Litem.

The program requested to close streets both within the city and in Okaloosa County's jurisdiction for an Oct. 22 run/walk benefiting the program's nearly 300 children.

The event would be a fundraiser to pay for expenses not covered by the state's Guardian ad Litem and support agencies' expenditures, including membership fees in sports teams, equipment fees, or similar recreational costs.

"The money is completely channeled back into the children," Smith said. "The agencies that take care of these children can't provide all their needs."

The council requested further information from Smith before considering her request. Meanwhile, Cadle said, he will pursue creating a set 5-kilometer-long route for future events.

"This process is very important," Cadle said. "It's important that we provide safety to the people in the run as well as to the general public."

Cadle did not indicate what part of the city the proposed route would be in.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mayor: Crestview should consider fixed 5K run route

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview City Council will meet 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at city hall, 198 Wilson St., N.

Here is the meeting's agenda.

REGULAR AGENDA

1. Call to Order

2. Invocation: Pastor Edward Parker, First Church of God in Christ / Pledge of Allegiance

3. Open Policy making and legislative session

4. Special Presentations

a. Mayor Special Presentations

5. Approval of Minutes

Approval of the minutes from the June 13, 2016 Council meeting, June 27, 2016 Workshop, and June 30, 2016 Workshop.

6. Public Hearings:

7. Public Opportunity on Council proposition

8. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of Invoice from Ard, Shirley and Rudolph in the amount of $1,050

b. Approval of invoice from Ben Holley in the amount of $3,762.5

c. Approval of invoice from Allen, Norton and Blue in the amount of $687.40

9. Resolutions

a. Resolution 16-17 – Budget Amendment

b. Resolution 16-19 – Mayor Cadle

10. Committee Reports

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview City Council agenda: Aug. 8

Both are so very unpleasant, yet each side’s supporters are vehemently supporting their candidate, regardless of what is being reported about them or what their history says. 

Somewhere between 40 and 47 percent of the country supports each, totaling for over 85 percent of our voting electorate. 

Millions and millions will not change their vote, either — period.  (Current polling has Clinton leading Trump 46-43, which means 89 percent of the country favor one or the other; each candidate’s lead sways as the reporting cycle goes.) 

I just didn’t get it: two very unlikeable candidates, trashing each other, being supported so heavily. 

Until now…

‘NICE’ VERSUS ‘MEAN’

Emotion. Simple raw emotion sans the facts.

Hillary’s (and Obama before her) policies are viewed as “kind” and “well intentioned,” albeit unpractical, expensive and further reducing our freedoms.

Trump’s policies are viewed as “mean” or “bigoted” and many are also impractical in application, potentially expensive, and may cost us more freedoms. 

The rhetoric Clinton uses is seen as “diversity friendly” whereas Trump’s is seen as being “prejudiced.” People want to support the “nice” candidate and naturally oppose the “mean” one.  But no one is researching the context of either’s platforms and what they are really telling you.

Example: Clinton’s plan for free college comes off as “nice” and “kind” to people who are poor or burdened with student loans. In theory, she offers the option of higher education to all. 

But no one is concerned with how on Earth are we, as a country, going to pay for it. Yet it seems “nice” on its merits, so no details are provided or needed by her campaign. That doesn’t matter, because it “feels good” in theory. 

On the flip side: Trump declared a moratorium on travel for Muslims coming from Islamic extreme countries.  This is viewed as “mean” and “bigoted toward Muslims.” But, the truth of the matter is that virtually all terror attacks today are done by Islamic extremists.  Whether this proposed policy is the right thing to do is another debate, but it is viewed as “mean,” so it is universally rejected.

Unfortunately, we are currently watching large segments of Europe fall into conflict as a result of being “nice” to Muslim refugees. We all see it happening. But because it is viewed as “mean” and doesn’t “feel good,” it is rejected.   

HEADS STUCK IN SAND

That is where we are at today. The Feel Good Society. The average American does not want to comprehend the complex issues unfolding in front of us, be it national defense, stimulating the economy or social issues, among other things. 

Much of it is boring, or takes too much energy to understand, doesn’t make sense to them or just sounds bad.  We are all so bombarded with information all day long, that we collectively have stuck our heads in the sand because we can’t take it anymore. 

Politicians are banking on this. So people now judge candidates strictly based upon whether what they are saying “feels good” or it doesn’t — facts be damned. 

Clinton is directed at the social justice crowed; at the “corrupt government” crowd. Both are fueling the emotion of each, further dividing our nation.

This is dangerous because both candidates will tell you exactly what their constituency wants to hear for political expediency — and they will deliver nothing. 

Or worse, they will deliver what they promised, further tearing down our great nation.

So, this election has been framed around voting for the nice person or voting for the mean person.

Whether this is an accurate portrayal is in the eye of the beholder, of course — and is a debate for another day. But, the devil is always in the details when you claim one is nice or the other is mean, or vice versa.

For the future of our republic, I plead with Americans to go find those details.

Let us remember that a good parent most times must make decisions their kids view as “mean.”

Shawn McCarthy is a Crestview resident. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Why voters really support Clinton or Trump