Okaloosa commission candidates talk roads, gas prices

County commission candidates, from left: Charles Baugh Jr., Thomas Cannon and Graham Fountain

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