Candidate: Mike Barker

Hi, I'm Mike Barker, candidate for County Commissioner, District 3. I am native and life-long resident of Walton County. Most of my life has been dedicated to serving our County. I began by serving as a volunteer Police Officer for the DeFuniak Springs Police soon after graduating Walton High School in 1979. I later worked as a Deputy Sheriff in Walton County until selected by the County Commissioners to be Walton County's first full-time Emergency Management Director, and was responsible for implementing Walton County's first 911 system. I served as Chairman for numerous regional emergency management and 911 committees, representing multiple Counties to State and Federal agencies. I was instrumental in guiding Walton County through numerous disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, fires, floods, train derailments, and other manmade incidents. I have written and managed numerous grants for Walton County including historical preservation, parks and recreation, boat ramps, and improvement, 911 communications, emergency medical and fire department equipment, road, bridge, and beach re-nourishment. I developed and managed multiple County, State, and Federal budgets. I served as a Police Lieutenant, Sheriff's Lieutenant, and Sheriff's Captain. I have also owned and operated businesses in South Walton County. I currently serve on the Walton County's Planning Commission and reside in District 3 with my wife of nearly ten years.

I want to be your County Commissioner because I am eager to lead Walton County into a better future. As you can see, I don't sit on the sidelines. I've had numerous leadership roles and accomplishments in Walton County, which is an asset to improving our County. Walton County needs fresh and innovatative ideas and that's what I can bring to the table. The phrase, "it can't be done" encourages me to find a way to get it done. Walton County citizens should know that they have a voice and will be heard with the utmost respect. I will not be a push over with political antics and I don't think citizens should be either. I have worked under pressure and under fire. I'm still here and Walton County is still my home. I believe County employees should be treated fair and equal. I will partner with County public works , the planning department, and other County offices to ensure procedures are understood by both the public and the County. I will encourage a good work environment with good work ethics. I'm a strong believer that County codes should be followed and enforced. I will stand up for what is right, work with and for you, and apply common sense when making decisions. My goal is to help guide Walton County into our future, in a way that makes sense for everyone. 

Vote for Mike Barker County Commissioner, District 3 on August 18th.  You have a choice!