SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
Moving Forward, Together
Democrats Are Making a Positive Difference in Okaloosa County
Okaloosa Democrats are engaged in much more than registering voters and electing Democrats! Our mission includes being active community leaders who advocate for Democratic values like protecting the environment, caring for each other, and insisting on effective and transparent local government. Below are just a few ways we are having a positive impact in Okaloosa County.
Working to Protect Children, Teachers and School Staff from COVID
State and local elected officials have not worked to keep us safe from COVID and Governor DeSantis is cutting funds to school districts that implement mask policies. In the above video, Okaloosa School Superintendent Marcus Chambers explains how his decision not to implement a mask policy is based on DeSantis’ threat to eliminate funds.
Okaloosa Democrats have been working with individuals from the Community Action Okaloosa County COVID Facebook Group. They are developing a mask policy that will be shared with the School Board. Please add your voice by joining us!
Attend the Monday, September 13th, School Board Meeting (details below).
We want a large group there to represent the fact that the majority of Americans support masks. And please make a public comment at the meeting (4-minute limit) asking the Board to support a common-sense mask policy. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Avoid political buzzwords. We’re seeking mask policy not a mask mandate
- The recommended policy is based on CDC guidelines
- Emphasize protecting our children, front line professionals, and fellow citizens – many of whom are vulnerable
- Be non-confrontational and focus on solutions, not blame
- Emphasize coming together to do the right thing for all concerned
Attend the Monday, September 13th, School Board Meeting (details below) and support policies to protect students and staff. If you are a member of the clergy, teachers association, work in emergency services or medical care or are a current or former military member, your voice will give critical weight to this effort.
School Board Meeting Details
Meetings are held at 6pm at the Central Administration Complex, Training Room, 202 Highway 85N, Niceville. Come 15 minutes early to sign up to speak. Blue public comment cards are on a table at the back of the room.
If speaking at a School Board meeting is not your style, you can write letters to the editor and send emails to School Board members using the themes mentioned above:
School Board Contact Information
- Superintendent – Marcus Chambers (850.689.7185 or ChambersM@okaloosaschools.com)
- District I – Dr. Lamar White (Lamar.White@okaloosaschools.com)
- District 2 – Marti Gardner (Marti.Gardner@okaloosaschools.com)
- District 3 – Linda Evanchyk (EvanchykL@okaloosaschools.com)
- District 4 – Tim Bryant (Tim.Bryant@okaloosaschools.com)
- District 5 – Dr. Diane Kelley (KelleyD@okaloosaschools.com)
Addressing Stormwater and Pollution Issues
Our Environmental Caucus is taking the lead on working with community leaders in the Sylvania Heights neighborhood to address decades of neglect and broken promises. This neighborhood lacks adequate stormwater systems and the result is continual flooding and groundwater contamination.
We’ve met with officials from Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County and Cinco Bayou – where the polluted stormwater enters the bayou. On August 25th, the Northwest Florida Daily News published an ARTICLE about our efforts. And, you can learn more in this BLOG POST which contains photos and information about the tour we conducted on May 1st for elected officials, municipal staff and the media. The blog post also contain a link to a short video of Okaloosa Democrats Chair Tracey Tapp summarizing the tour.
Please contact Environmental Caucus Chair John Yost at oc.decf@gmail.com if you would like to join the Caucus and/or help with this important issue.
We can’t succeed without your support! Donate today.