Candidate: Dr. Carolynn Zonia

I’m Dr. Carolynn Zonia and I’m running for Commissioner because we need positive change.

We need to restore the public’s right to access the Beach that was removed by HB 631 last year. Our economy is built upon tourism, and inability to use the Beach will affect everyone in our County, with lost jobs and falling property values. We must reaffirm Customary use, and defend this right for everyone to use the beach for recreation

We need to create a vision for our County that preserves our beauty. After all, that’s why people from around the world come here to vacation. I will never stand in the way of healthy development, but right now we have strayed from that. Large-scale developments that are granted variances to skirt land use restrictions result in worsening pollution of our Bay and congestion of our roads. We need a Commissioner who will preserve the “scenic” part of Walton.

We have water quality issues across the county that are not being addressed: recurrent beach closures due to fecal contamination, dead zones and dying marine life in the Bay, signs of contamination of our drinking water. These problems will take someone who is willing to work with diverse groups and think innovatively to find funding and solutions.

In a survey of Walton County voters, I found that 3 out of 4 people were concerned about Schools and after-School programs. I heard from many Voters that there aren’t activities for children in their communities. There are many hard-working residents across our County who yearn for a better life for our children. I will identify and work to see that opportunities are developed county-wide.

And while our unemployment rate is low in Walton, many are forced to work multiple jobs when the wages are low. There are programs available to help folks get the skills that lead to higher paying jobs. I will work to connect Walton residents to these programs, and to help employers develop programs to provide on the job training that leads to higher paying jobs.

I’m a career Emergency Physician who will work to protect the health and quality of life of everyone in this County. We all want to do more than just survive. Help me bring these changes to Walton by electing me for Commissioner. To learn more about me and my vision for Walton County please follow me on Facebook @ProtectWaltonCountyBeaches or connect with me thru my website https://www.DrZforWaltonCounty.org. Thank you.