Complete information about nominees for vacated officer positions will be posted on March 11th.

Walton County Party News

County Officers Resign

Walton County Democratic Party Chair Jeremy Solomon and Vice-Chair Nancy Cottle submitted their resignation letters on February 20 to devote full time to the David Pleat for House Seat #7 Campaign. Secretary Sylvia Alf also submitted her resignation.  Click to read the letters►

Process to Replace the Officers

A meeting to nominate new officers will be held Wednesday March 3^rd at the Coastal Branch Library Annex, 6:30 p.m.  All Democrats are welcome to participate.  Nominations may be sent to Secretary Sylvia Alf at soalf123@yahoo.com 

“We encourage all enrolled Democrats and DEC members to attend the joint Committee meeting scheduled for March 3, 2010. The purpose of the meeting will be to find energetic and thoughtful volunteers willing to have their names submitted for nomination and to serve with the goal of the continuance of a strong DEC for the remaining one year terms of the vacated offices,” said Jeremy Solomon, Chair

Then, the election to fill officer vacancies to serve out the remaining one year terms of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary of the Walton County DEC will be held on March 17 at 6:30 PM at the Coastal Branch Library Annex.   It is imperative that all voting members attend and vote on the nominations for these DEC leadership vacancies or submit their proxies to a qualified proxy holder to vote on their behalf. See the meeting announcement for more complete information►

Florida Legislative News

Offshore Drilling Bill Filed in the Senate

Walton Area Chamber of Commerce –

“Six major military installations in Northwest Florida provide a yearly economic impact of $17.5 billion and 220,000 direct and indirect jobs to the area.  Statewide the military has an economic impact of $59 billion (nearly equivalent to the state tourist industry), yet the offshore drilling proponents argue that only $2.2 billion . . .will be generated from the awarding of offshore drilling leases in state waters. This proposition makes no fiscal sense.”

Dave Rauschkolb, Founder “Hands Across the Sand”–

“People must understand, if the Federal ban is lifted they will drill from as close as 10.5 miles offshore with no limit of rigs.” 

Associated Press Story, February 27–

“Estimated reserves in Florida waters would provide the United States with less than a week's worth of oil and have no discernible effect on prices at the pump or U.S. reliance on foreign oil, says a report released Friday as part of a state Senate review of whether a ban on offshore drilling should be lifted. “ 

SoWal Forum Comment–

“Last Spring, the vote in the House was 70-43  in favor of drilling in State waters.  All Panhandle representatives, including Jimmy Patronis and Marti Coley, voted in favor of drilling in State waters. No Panhandle representative is on record as opposing drilling. They talk of studying further and looking into military implications,  yet they voted for bill that allowed drilling and disregarded military missions already in place. If it passes the Senate this session,  the House is sure to follow.”

David Pleat, (D) Candidate House Seat District 7

"Not a single local elected official, be it our local state representatives or senators, held a town hall or other public forum to tell our community about this historic and important decision to open up all federal waters off our coast as set forth in these resolutions, nor to seek the input of the population. It is a blatant move by our elected officials to ignore our local business, civic and government communities, as well as individual citizens."

Jacque Markel –

“It is important for everyone of us who participated in "Hands" to write, call & email our state & federal representatives.  Do it soon & stay on it! Don't assume someone else will do it--you must do this!”

Sen. Don Gaetz "Critical Issues Survey"

“Our state and our country are facing tough choices. Our families and communities are facing tough times. The Florida Legislature will soon be making decisions affecting the economy, health care, taxes and spending, education, and the constitutional balance between our state and federal governments. Before I cast my votes in the Senate, I want to know what you think. Your ideas matter. Your guidance will help me be a better senator for Northwest Florida…and for you.”  - Senator Gaetz

Please take the time to submit your responses to this survey.  Senator Gaetz is not on record as opposing near shore drilling, and a question about this is on the survey.  Also questions about class size, insurance, health care and other important issues are on this survey.  He needs to hear from you. Click to access►

Demo Women's Club to support two local projects 

Habitat for Humanity in Walton County is sponsoring a  “Women Build” house. This is a house built by women for a deserving recipient.  At their February meeting, Christi Commander Ferry suggested that DWC members and guests signup to participate in a Democratic Women’s build day.  Members agreed.

In either late March or early April, volunteers will travel to Mossy Head to help complete the Habitat house.  No special talents or training needed--just a desire to help provide a decent place for a fellow human to live.    Contact Christi at christicmdr@mac.com to volunteer your services.

In addition to this project, members are adding books to the Coastal Branch Library.   Walton County Library budget cuts have resulted in a freeze on book purchases, and Karen McGee has compiled an excellent list of books to help enrich the young adult’s collection at the Coastal Library -- which is sorely lacking in quality and quantity.   

If you would like to make a donation or sponsor a particular book, please contact Karen at seajayhawk@mchsi.com to take part in this worthwhile project.

Click to learn more about the Walton County Democratic Women's Club►