Local Ballot Referendum Recommendations

In addition to the Florida Constitutional Amendments, Okaloosa voters will have questions on their ballots that will affect our public schools and the Crestview City government.

Okaloosa County School Board: LEVY OF ONE-HALF CENT PER DOLLAR SALES SURTAX TO FINANCE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT.

This is increases sales tax for 10 years with the proceeds going to make improvements to county school facilities.

We recommend voting YES. Okaloosa schools are in dire need of repairs and upgrades.

The following proposed amendments to the Crestview Charter will appear on the ballot for Crestview residents:

Crestview Charter Amendment 1: RELATING TO CERTAIN LANGUAGE IN CHANGES TO THE CITY CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CRESTVIEW FLORIDA.

With this change, the City Council will pass resolutions instead of ordinances.

We recommend voting NO on #1. This eliminates the requirement to give public notice and allow public comment before passing city statutes.

Crestview Charter Amendment 2: RELATING TO A CHANGE TO THE VOTING DISTRICTS FOR THE CITY OF CRESTVIEW.

We recommend voting YES on #2. This will redraw City Council districts to better reflect the current population.

Crestview Charter Amendment 3: RELATING TO A CHANGE TO THE ELECTION DATES FOR THE CITY OF CRESTVIEW.

This will move elections from March of odd numbered years to November in even numbered years.

We recommend voting NO on #3. Local candidates will get lost in the "noise" of state and federal campaigns. March elections give them a better chance to campaign on local issues.