Candidate Recommendations for the Primaries

Sometimes there isn't a Democratic candidate running for a specific office or position. While here at Okaloosa DEC we do not endorse Republican candidates, we can offer recommendations to Democratic voters seeking guidance about Republican candidates.

Okaloosa Sheriff-Ronald Livingston

Given the numerous and egregious public errors that have happened under Eric Aden, most notably the tragic shooting of an African American active duty serviceman in his own apartment, we do not feel Aden can or should serve as our Sheriff any longer.

Ronald Livingston has a long history in law enforcement, with a notable focus on training, which is sorely needed in our county Sheriff’s department. We therefore recommend people vote for Ronald Livingston 

School Board District 2 - Dewey Parker Destin

Parker Destin has shown himself to be much more educated and prepared to address the issues and problems our school board faces in Okaloosa.

Just as importantly, we have found David Schmidt to be ill prepared and lacking in transparency, most recently concerning his “resignation” of his current positions, which to us seem to be nothing more than a trick, and are not actual resignations in any real meaning. We also are deeply troubled by an individual with a vested financial interest in charter schools being involved in how public schools are run, and more importantly, financed. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1 -De’Carlo Garcia

We admire the determination that De’Carlo has shown in his life, as well as his dedication to duty. Likewise we take issue with a number of votes and positions Paul Mixon has taken since becoming a County Commissioner.

DISTRICT 3 - Keri Pitzer.

In our opinion, Keri exhibits some new ideas and hopefully attitudes in approaching the numerous issues confronting our county, and is an improvement over the 4 other candidates.

DISTRICT 5 - we do not feel either candidate in this race exhibited the knowledge, understanding or plan to address the position, so we 

cannot make a recommendation for this race.

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