2012 Primary Guide

IN 2012 The Independent News begin contacting local candidates in the August 14th primary in July. They were contacted by regular mail, email and phone. Some chose to respond, others did not. The goal was to get to know each candidate better, because we know that our readers care about this community and do vote. We have summarized their answers below. Their full questionnaires and those of the Santa Rosa County candidates who responded are online, inweekly.net. *Incumbent (I)

State / Regional Races

U.S. Senator

Glenn A. Burkett

Connie Mack

Website: glennburkett.com

Website: conniemack.com

Bill Nelson (I)

Mike McCalister

Website: nelsonforsenate.com

State Representative, District 2

Website: mikemccalisterforsenate.com

Marielena Stuart

Website: marielenastuartforussenate2012. com

Dave Weldon

Website: daveweldonforsenate.com

Public Defender 1st Judicial Circuit

Bruce A. Miller

Occupation: Attorney, private practice Website: votebrucemiller.com Why are you seeking office: I have a passion for the Office of Public Defender and what it stands for. I want to restore the professionalism, trust, civility, and accountability that have been missing for the past four years. The current administration is a disaster.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: The employees are miserable, turnover is high, the cost to handle a single case has risen 33 percent, and my opponent continues to mislead the media and the public in the face of unprecedented investigations by law enforcement into his fraudulent waste of taxpayer money and false documentation of records.

Your favorite album: You are dating yourself. Do they still make albums?

James Owens (I)

Jeremy M. Bosso

Occupation: Technical Director, UWF Wetlands Research Laboratory Website: forliberty2012.com Why are you seeking office: I'm seeking office to advance the liberty movement, promote free markets/intrastate commerce, and adherence to the Constitution.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: No response If the primary race had a talent contest, your talent would be: Probably comedic relief.

But you'll have to ask my friends whether they think I'm funny or not.

C.V. (Clay) Ford (I)

Occupation: Executive Director, Northwest Florida Legal Services Website: clayford.us Why are you seeking office: No response If elected, what would some of your main goals be: Create jobs, create better opportunities for developmentally delayed, no more taxes.

Last movie you watched: “Bourne Identity”

Circuit Judge 1st Judicial Circuit Group 15 (Nonpartisan Office)

Terry Ketchel (I)

No response Website: ketchelforjudge.com

Thomas Murphy

No response Website: votetommurphy.com

No response Website: keepjo.com

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inweekly.net

Escambia County

Clerk Of The Circuit Court

Sheriff

David Morgan (I)

Pam Childers

Occupation: Financial Manager, City of Pensacola Website: pamchildersforclerk.com Why are you seeking office: It takes leadership from someone with the right credentials and vitality to move an organization forward. The current Clerk has been in office for almost 56 years and has become a placeholder. It's time for new leadership in our Courthouse.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: I can better the relationships between City & County and Clerk & County BOCC, bring the technology knowledge and hands-on experience that will lead the courthouse to better serve the public […] and I bring the promise of transparency and open-door policy that is expected by the taxpayers.

Last movie you saw: “The Avengers” (and have tickets for the midnight premiere of “Batman Rises”)

Ernie Lee Magaha (I)

Occupation: Clerk of Circuit Court; Comptroller Website: votemagaha.com Why are you seeking office: I am committed to continuing excellence and service, with courtesy and respect to the citizens of Escambia County, while serving as watchdog and conservative guardian of the people’s finances.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: I will maintain positive working relationships with the citizens, the Supervisor of Elections, the State Attorney, the Public Defender, the legislature, the City of Pensacola and the Town of Century.

If the primary race had a talent contest, your talent would be: Comedian. I can ride a unicycle, balancing on a tightrope while juggling coconuts, keeping 250 plates stacked on my head and spitting watermelon seeds at a target while jumping through a ring of fire. But seriously, it’s my eternal youth and vitality.

Occupation: Sheriff, Escambia County Website: votedavidmorgan2012.com Why are you seeking office: I am seeking re-election. Our record over the past three and one-half years has been one of cultural changing accomplishments; meritbased promotions, transparency in government, community involvement, minority outreach, intelligence-led policing, budget reductions, state certified law enforcement in patrol and corrections, and the list could go on and on.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: I am proud to say that ‘running on my record’ is not a cliché, but fact-based.

We will continue the momentum of the last 4 years through 2016 with modernization of law enforcement training methods and technologies. It is also important to state that, “we are a scandal free agency.”

Your favorite album: I lean toward greatest hits albums by various performers. And yes, they are age specific: The Beatles, The Doors, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and over the last few years a growing appreciation for Frank Sinatra and some of the “crooners” of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

John Russell Powell

Occupation: Certified legal process server Website: powell4sheriff.com Why are you seeking office: The reason I am seeking office is because it has been a goal I set ever since I started my professional law enforcement career 27 years ago. I started my career with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and have a desire to lead the agency in the 21st Century.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: If elected I would like to streamline the administrative personnel at the Sheriff’ Office and maximize the law enforcement personnel providing service to the citizens.

Your favorite album: “Hotel California” by the Eagles

Climb 177 steps to the top of the historic tower for the most beautiful view of the bay and the gulf or stroll down our nature walk to the sound-side beach.

Visit the museum and gift shop housed inside the 1869 Keepers’ Quarters.

August Events Light of the Moon: Aug.3,10,17, 24, 31

Ghost Hunt:

Aug.4,11,18, 25, Sept.1

Blue Angels Practice: Aug. 8, 9,14, 21, 22

Toast at the Top: Every Wed. & Fri.

Special event pricing & reservations:

www.LighthouseReservations.org

Hours: Mon-Sat.10:00am-5:30pm • Sun.12noon-5:30 Tickets: Adults:$5 • Children, Seniors & Active Military:$3 Location: On Pensacola NAS across from the Naval Museum

For more information or to schedule a tour: 850.393.1561

August 02, 2012

11

County Commissioner, District 1

Escambia County

Jesse Casey

County Commissioner, District 3 Lumon May

Occupation: General Contractor Website: jessecasey.net Why are you seeking office: I am sick and tired of seeing this county continue on the same old path it has been taking. For years, we have had to sit back and watch while job building contracts, sales of vehicles/equipment, and jobs themselves, be given away, to out of state and county deals.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: The businesses and local people should be our first consideration, not an afterthought; after all, we work for them, not the other way around. There is so much more to Pensacola than just tourism.

Your favorite album: I do not have a favorite album, but my favorite song is “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong, which I have requested to be played at my funeral.

Occupation: President, May’s Construction Website: lumonmay.com Why are you seeking office: It is time for us to chart a new direction to give our children and families a better future. District 3 once flourished, but in recent decades has suffered with high unemployment, low education scores, and struggling businesses. I will work with my friends and neighbors to turn the tide and revitalize our district.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: Build safer, cleaner neighborhoods; create jobs and opportunity; and fight for fairness, justice and equality How do you relax: Coach youth sports

Occupation: Owner, Robertson/Curtis, Inc. Website: wilsonrobertson.com Why are you seeking office: I am seeking re-election for my second and final term to complete projects started my first terms.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: I want to make sure we bring more jobs to Escambia County and that the $100-plus million BP money is spent wisely.

Your favorite album: Ray Charles’ “Georgia.”

No response

Wilson Robertson (I)

Clinton Earl Powell Sr. Annie Thomas-Walker No response

Vote Aug. 14th! *Certified Public Accountant (CPA) *State Certified Government Finance Officer (CGFO) *20 years experience managing local government finance Let’s elect someone with the credentials!

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Pam Childers, Republican, for Escambia County Clerk.

www.PamChildersForClerk.com 212 1

inweekly.net

Pensacola’s

Escambia County

AUTOSPORT

County Commissioner, District 5

157

$ Sam Archer

No response Website: samarcher2012.com

Glenn Austin

Occupation: Co-owner, Rick’s Cabana Lounge Website: glennaustin2012.com Why are you seeking office: I am seeking office because I believe this next election is critical to our economic future. This next election should be focused on the candidate that can lead the way in creating jobs. I am the only candidate who owns a business.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: Our local government is fully responsible for creating the right setting for business to succeed. We can do this one vote at a time and create jobs you can count on and a future you can believe in.

Last movie you watched: “Men in Black 3”

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Steven Barry

Occupation: Certified Financial Planner Website: stevenbarry2012.com Why are you seeking office: I am a candidate for County Commissioner District 5 in the interest of being a champion to the taxpayers and serving the community I love. I want to see a dramatic change in the employment landscape.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: One of my goals for all the families in Escambia County is that the children have the opportunity to stay and work locally, rather than having to leave here to earn a living wage.

If the primary race had a talent contest, your talent would be: I can quote all the “Seinfeld” episodes verbatim.

Pat Burkett

Occupation: Charge Nurse Coordinator Website: patburkett.com Why are you seeking office: I’m a Christian, and have felt “led” for several years to get involved. I believe our country—local to federal—is becoming something it wasn’t intended to be. If we, as Christian-Americans don’t get involved, speak up and act, our beloved country will melt away in front of our eyes.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: I hope to get integrity back into politics. Just saying “politics” has a negative connotation, to most people. I hope to really dig in and make some changes.

If the primary race had a talent contest, your talent would be: Singing—if I had the nerve to sing solos.

Jim A. Taylor

Occupation: Visiting teacher and school social worker Website: taylormade4commissioner.com Why are you seeking office: I am seeking office because I know that I can provide better representation and leadership for the people of Escambia County and District 5.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: No response If the primary race had a talent contest, your talent would be: Homespun stories, jokes and humor.

W U W F P U B L IC M EDI A P R ES EN TS

The New Agrarians In Concert Thursday, September 6, 6 p.m.

Pensacola Museum of Commerce in Historic Downtown Pensacola

Tickets on sale August 1, 2012 at wuwf.org or by calling 850.474.2787 Popular RadioLive performers Pierce Pettis and Tom Kimmel join with Kate Campbell in a musical configuration calling themselves The New Agrarians. They will be joined by emerging guest artist Grace Pettis in this can't miss performance brought to you by WUWF Public Media and sponsored by International Paper Pensacola Mill.

For more information please visit wuwf.org.

August 02, 2012

13

Escambia County

ECUA, District 1

ECUA, District 3

Vicki H. Campbell

Occupation: Owner, Perdido Title and Abstracts Website: vickiforecua.com Why are you seeking office: I have always desired to serve my community in an official capacity, but being a business professional and a mother has never afforded me the time.

Our son recently went away to college and I now find myself with the time to serve as a good advocate for the consumers of ECUA and the citizens of District 1.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: There are two major issues as I see them. First is to get control of rates. In a tough economy, families are struggling with the basics. Ironically, the second item makes the first more difficult to achieve. Our aging infrastructure must be repaired.

How do you relax: I now go to boot camp four days a week, I run, play golf, tennis and teach kids sports and it is an absolutely wonderful stress reliever.

Logan Fink

Occupation: Professor, Pensacola State College Website: voteloganfink.com Why are you seeking office: I can make a difference in the future of Escambia County for the people of the county.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: Cost efficiency; increase the use of local contractors to do ECUA work; remove contaminated wells; build new well field north of town with cleaner water; keep ECUA environmentally sound; and improve the taste and quality of tap water.

If political races featured a ‘talent contest,’ what would your talent be? Recently I sang "Sixteen Tons" at the Filipino-American Republican Karaoke Evening. I didn't win.

ECUA, District 5

Barry B. Tweedie

Occupation: Owner, Tweedie Construction Website: N/A Why are you seeking office: I'm running for this office because I believe that district 5 needs more conservative representation.

The utility (current board) seems to think they can borrow their way to prosperity. That won't be affordable for the ratepayers.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: No response Last movie you watched: “Captain America”

Larry Walker

Occupation: Retired UWF professor Website: larrywalker.com Why are you seeking office: I first ran for the ECUA District 5 seat in 1988 after 20 years of teaching political science, wanting to see wheth414 1

er “I could practice what I had been preaching in the classroom.” I wanted then to “help make democracy work like the textbook model.”

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: There are the basic elements of good public service, of course: (a) providing good service to constituents, (b) representing constituents’ interests, (c) contributing to sound, responsible policy making, (d) exercising oversight of administration, and (e) being alert to possible corruption, favoritism, waste, etc.

How do you relax: Read a good novel, most often one by Garcia Marquez, Le Carré, Steinbeck, Conrad, or Graham Greene. (Do you think people don’t read any more? Why didn’t you ask for a favorite novel?)

Charlou Williams No response

Calvin Avant

Occupation: Owner, Avant Training Resources Website: voteavant.us Why are you seeking office: As Director of the Escambia-Pensacola Human Relations Commission, our office filed a federal complaint against ECUA for hiring only 3.3 percent women-owned and 0.7 percent minorityowned businesses in its project to relocate the Main Street plant. After the Department of Homeland Security found ECUA out of compliance, ECUA felt they had not done anything wrong. In order to change this type of culture, I need to be on the board.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: I will focus on the degeneration of our antiquated infrastructure caused by the board’s poor vision and planning. Address this problem by restructuring the long-range strategic plan and creating a corrective action plan to ensure that this problem doesn’t persist and affect the next generations.

Benell English No response

Elvin McCorvey (I)

Occupation: Executive Director, NAACP Website: N/A Why are you seeking office: I am seeking reelection to the ECUA Board to continue the improvements to our water, wastewater and sanitation systems.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: My goals (accomplishments) are to continue septic tanks abatement, lower sanitations rates, replacement of antiquated water lines and better customer service.

Last movie you saw: “The Help”

Clorissti Mitchell

Occupation: Family Support Specialist, Children’s Services Center Website: clorisstimitchell.com Why are you seeking office? I am seeking office because I do not see the open dialogue that should exist between the community and ECUA; I do not see long range plans to insure our infrastructure is maintained and I do not see a good relationship with small businesses.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? I hope to accomplish a full disclosure environment with quarterly town hall meetings held at times when those interested are able to attend; every decision made should be based on the effects on our environment and our citizen’s health; and doing business with small businesses to insure not only increased participation in the bidding process but the businesses that are awarded contracts are increased and more diverse.

What is your favorite album? I love all types of music and depending on my mood. I have favorites: The Police— “Synchronicity,” John Coltrane, and Miles Davis’ “Milestones” and Yolanda Adams “Day by Day,” but if you absolutely make me choose one it would be Yolanda Adams “Day by Day.”

inweekly.net

Escambia County

City Council, At-Large B (Nonpartisan Office)

Charles L. Bare

Occupation: Owner, The Charles Bare Company Website: votebare.com Why are you seeking office: I am seeking the office of City Council, At-Large B because I want to work across our city to help citizens and neighborhoods chart the course for our city.

I have walked neighborhoods in every corner of our city and many of them are not engaged in what is happening downtown.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: My goal during my four-year term is to ensure that a minimum of 75% of our neighborhoods are represented by active neighborhood associations that will serve as the formal means of communication between citizens and the city government.

Favorite album: I used to be a DJ in college, and I have a wide spectrum of music that I listen to on a daily basis.

Victor Cross

Occupation: Sales director Website: victortcross.com Why are you seeking office: I was originally asked by the Pensacola Fraternal Order of Police organization to run. The issues these brave men and women face touch me personally and deeply and I would like to be an advocate for law enforcement and first responders whose sacrifice and cause largely go unnoticed in our society.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: Work with the citizens, law enforcement and government of Pensacola to make the city of Pensacola one of the safest places to live in the U.S., draw families, businesses and people back into the Pensacola city limits to live and work.

Your favorite album: Journey – “Escape”… yes, the one with “Don’t Stop Believing”

My Career. My Choice.

My College.

It’s not too late!

21 days to enroll!

Classes start Aug. 23.

Call 850-484-1547 and get started.

Pensacola State College pensacolastate.edu

Sam Hall (I)

Occupation: Retired Website: facebook.com/samhallforpensacolacitycouncil Why are you seeking office: Well, it's not for the money! I'm running because I believe Pensacola is on the cusp of doing great things, and we need to keep moving toward that goal.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: I'm excited about Hayward's committee on urban redevelopment, which when fully implemented, will start to turn that around.

Outside of changing forms of government, this plan may be the biggest game changer in Pensacola's modern era.

How do you relax: By watching Hopalong Cassidy movies. You know the ones...where the good guy always wins!

City Council, District 7 (Nonpartisan Office)

Robbie C. Andrews

Occupation: Community Action Program Committee Website: N/A Why are you seeking office: The reason I am seeking office is because I have had enough of people saying “politicians are nothing but liars and crooks.” I am determined to prove this is not always true.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: I hope to accomplish this by patterning myself after a younger Willie Junior—before he got into trouble!

If the primary race had a talent contest, your talent would be: Urban Ballroom Dancing

Jewel Cannada-Wynn

Occupation: Dean, Escambia High School Website: N/A Why are you seeking office: I enjoy serving the community and I believe that my leadership experience will be helpful on the council and provide the leadership experience and energy to improve district 7.

If elected, what would some of your main goals be: Distribution of dollars into district 7 to improve drainage; neighborhood association development, support and youth orientated activities. Jobs creation is always at the top of the list and district 7 has valuable property that I hope that can be turned into housing/retail thus creating jobs.

Jimmie Perkins No response

August 02, 2012

Karen Young Nursing professor Teaching Excellence winner

An EA/EO Institution

3026_IN.indd 4

7/30/12 7:39 AM

“Keep The Momentum”

Re-Elect

Sheriff David M

rgan

Vote Aug 14th Credentials & Accomplishments •M.A. in Business •B.S in Criminal Justice •U.S.A.F. Veteran • Reduced budget by millions •Professionalized Agency— State Accredited •Increased patrols by 32 officers •Neighborhood Watch Groups from 18 to 90+ •Tactical team developedtargets high crime areas •Operation Clean Sweeps • Violent crime down 21% since ‘09

850.485.4422 P.O. Box 30442 • Pensacola, Fl 32503

votedavidmorgan.com Political Advertisement paid for and approved by David Morgan, Republican, for Sheriff 15