FWB Council candidates tout tax cuts, 'Tea Party principles' at forumDaily NewsJim Frazier Joyce Gossom Bobby Griggs Katy Krueger FORT WALTON BEACH — Cutting taxes and boosting economic development were common themes Monday at a forum for City Council candidates.
About 50 people attended the forum, which was sponsored by the Fort Walton Beach Tea Party, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and the local chapter of the NAACP.
The event, which featured a question-and-answer format, was held at Grace Tabernacle on Eglin Parkway.
Three residents — Jim Frazier, Bobby Griggs and Katy Krueger — are vying for Seat 1 on the council, which is being vacated by Councilman Mike Holmes because of term limits. Councilwoman Joyce Gossom and former Councilman Bill Patterson are running for Seat 2 on the council.
Frazier kicked off the evening by telling the audience his plan for protecting city services while not raising taxes.
“Law enforcement is a must, but on the other hand, some of it can be contracted out,” said Frazier, the former director of the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. “The budget is very, very high, but I do support the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department.”
Frazier said he thinks the city’s fire department overtime expenses are too high.
Griggs, who owns a land development company, said he would foster Tea Party principles in the city by bringing business to the area and keeping taxes low.
“If we had less regulation in Fort Walton Beach, we could bring in more business,” he said, adding that the city should look to Seaside and Rosemary Beach as good examples.
Cutting taxes and “streamlining” the budget are Krueger’s top priorities.
“I am an ordinary citizen, and I would like to help other ordinary citizens,” said Krueger, a member of the city’s historic sites and structures advisory board and the city’s economic advisory group. “I have a track record of helping the community, and I believe it’s my civic duty to step up and give people a choice.”
Gossom was asked how the current City Council has contributed to economic development in Fort Walton Beach.
“What we’ve recently done with the comprehensive plan is one of the most beneficial things the city has done in a number of years,” she said. “We’ve simplified the process for our business leaders.”
She said the city is partnering with the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County and now “has a place at the table” to spur economic growth.
Patterson told the audience he is best suited to hold Seat 2 because he is beholden to no one but city residents.
“I’m working for you,” he said. “I’m working for no special interest group … and that’s what counts.”
Patterson said he has pledged to lobby the federal government and U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller to bring a “full-blown VA hospital” to Fort Walton Beach.
“I’m going to do that whether I win election to the City Council or not,” he said.
joyce gillie gossom
Dr. joyce gillie gossom and her husband Thom have lived in Fort Walton Beach since 1999. She is an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, a philanthropist, an academic, wife, mother, aunt, and godmother.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, joyce has spent her life going against the grain. At the age of 16, she was so inspired by the poetry of e.e. cummings that her Mother let her legally change her name to all lower case letters, which has frequently met with strong opposition from those who sought to define or categorize her.
joyce has been inspired by a small number of known and unknown history makers. However, she has achieved all that she has not by living up to the standards of others, but by living up to her own values and expectations. Her more than 30 years of professional experience include working as a special education teacher in Chicago and Nashville; as a management consultant across the U.S.; and as an instructional designer and supervisor in the nuclear industry. In addition, joyce has been a small business owner and higher education instructor. In 2004, she joined the University of West Florida (UWF) where she currently serves as the Associate Dean for UWF Emerald Coast.
Throughout her professional career, joyce has always served as an active member or as an officer with numerous civic, professional, and community organizations. Her life's purpose is to make a difference in the lives of others and inspire those around her the way she was inspired by the people who paved the way before her.
Professional & Community Affiliations Include:
City Council Member, City of Fort Walton Beach, FL
2011 Program Chairman, National Association of Branch Campus Administrators
Secretary, Florida Association of Branch Campus Administrators
Northwest Florida BRAC Families Transition Council
United Way of Okaloosa County, Fund Distribution Committee
Faculty in Residence, Auburn University Women's Leadership Institute
Board Member, Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative
Former Chairman, Community Redevelopment Agency of Fort Walton Beach, FL
American Association of University Women
joyce gillie gossom, EdD
850.863.6583 W
850.244.9525 H
850.543.5316 M
friendsofjoycegossom@gmail.comwww.Facebook.com/joyce.gillie.gossom
jgossom@uwf.edu
www.uwf.edu/EmeraldCoast
Katy Krueger
Katy Krueger relocated to the Emerald Coast in 2004. She has been involved with numerous community organizations such as the City of Fort Walton Beach Historic Sites & Structures Advisory Board, City of Fort Walton Beach Economic Advisory Group, League of Women Voters, Junior League of the Emerald Coast, and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. She has over ten years of work experience in various industries; law, economic development, financing, defense engineering, property management, advertising, and customer service/sales. Furthermore, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Broadcasting with a Minor in Dance Choreography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also graduated from the Professional Career Development Institute of Norcross, Georgia focusing on Paralegal Studies. Ms. Krueger is also an inventor of an educational toy for children, as well as an author of two young adult books.
Bill Patterson
RESUME’
William (Bill) B. Patterson
Name: William B. Patterson
Address: 35 Anastasia Dr.,
Fort Walton Beach Fl. 32548
Date of Birth: 9 July, 1941
Place of Birth: Brevard, North Carolina
Married:
Wife: Tammy L. Patterson
Children: Mark W. Patterson
Sonya L. Patterson
Recognitions:
Distinguished Flying Cross {three oak leaf clusters}
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal {fourteen oak leaf clusters]
Air Force Commendation Medal {two oak leaf clusters}
Pacific Air Force Able Aeronaut Award
Education:
• BS in Industrial Management, Troy State
• ASS Logistics Management, Community College of the Air Force
• ASS Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force Management
• UV of Philippines Masters work toward degree in Industrial Mgmt
• Associates of Science in Criminal Justice, Okaloosa-Walton Community College
• Florida Law Enforcement Police Standards
• Florida Law Enforcement Corrections Standards
• National League of Cities Economic Leadership training , Economic Development
• Florida League of Cities, Institute for Elected Municipal Officials
Membership:
• Life Member of the Air Force Association
• Life Member of the National Rifle Association
• Life Time Member Spectre Association
• Life Time Member Fort Walton beach Chamber of Commerce
• Life Time Member Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Life Time Member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart
• Florida Sport Shooters Association
• Air Commando Association
Recent Experience:
• Ft. Walton Beach City Council (2003-2007)
• Ft. Walton Beach City Council (2009-2010)
• Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Posse (41/2 years)
• Mayor Pro-Team
• West Florida Regional Planning Council
• Chairman: Board of Directors Okaloosa Gas
• Northwest Florida Fair Association Board of Directors
• Economic Development Council
• Head start
• Okaloosa, Walton TPO
Significant History:
Bill and his wife Tammy arrived at Hurlburt Fld. In 1973 and became a resident of Ft Walton Beach that same year. For the next 38 years He and his wife lived and raised their family in Fort Walton Beach with the only interruption being an Air Force reassignment. Bill takes great pride in calling Ft. Walton Beach his home and his children’s hometown.
Mr. Patterson has served six years on the Fort Walton Beach City Council, has extensive background and a long history of service to his country. Enlisting in the USAF after graduation from high school May 1961, Mr. Patterson proudly served his country until his retirement 1 September, 1989. He rose quickly through the ranks in the Non-commissioned Officer Corps receiving extensive training and schooling in management and logistics while leading men and women engaged in the life threatening job of defending the nation. Logging 350 combat missions in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia on AC-130 Gunships as an aircrew member, provided the basis for calm response under fire. Schooled in plans and management he was called upon to document lessons learned in training and doctrine manuals for training of the next generation of young warriors.
Before his retirement, he was assigned as the Superintendent of Resource Plans for the 374 Tactical Airlift Wing; Clark AFB, Philippines with authority over the Pacific Theater of Operations with directions to clean up organizational, social, and physical barriers interfering with the smooth function of the organization. His military history is well documented with numerous General Officer endorsements as to his dedication to duty, honor and country; as well as his remarkable ability to make complex organizations work well even under the high stress of battle.
After his retirement he has continued his response to call to duty and his interest in, public service, political office and law enforcement through continued education.
FWB council candidates focus on taxes, economy
Five candidates are vying for two seats in the March 8 election
January 16, 2011 7:27 PM
Kari C. Barlow
Daily News
FORT WALTON BEACH — Lower taxes and alternative revenue streams are shaping up as two of the top issues in the upcoming City Council races.
Municipal elections will be held March 8.
Katy Krueger, Bobby Griggs and Jim Frazier are running for Seat 1, and Councilwoman Joyce Gossom and former Councilman Bill Patterson are vying for Seat 2.
Griggs, who grew up in the area, said he wants to help Fort Walton Beach navigate the tough economy.
“I want to be part of the healing process,” said Griggs, who owns a land development company. “I will not vote to raise taxes and I will try to reduce spending. I will work to bring industry and business to the city.”
Jim Frazier, the former director of the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, said he would introduce new ideas to the council.
“I’ve got quite a few years of administrative experience,” Frazier said. “I will give it my best shot.”
Frazier said he has experience managing large budgets and would look for ways to cut the city’s personnel expenses.
Frazier was forced to retire in 2009 after city officials found evidence he had given away at least 20,000 free rounds of golf from 2005 to 2009. At the time of his retirement, Frazier called the city’s investigation a “witch hunt” and did not agree with the findings.
Katy Krueger, a member of the city’s historic sites and structures advisory board and the city’s economic advisory group, said she is running for office to cut taxes and streamline the budget.
“I have the experience, the education, and devotion to Fort Walton Beach, which I believe makes me the ideal candidate,” Krueger said. “I’m not running for the money. I’m not a real estate developer who is trying to gain from this and I’m not looking for a free round of golf. I’m an ordinary citizen who would like to help other ordinary citizens.”
Gossom was appointed to Seat 2 last April to complete the term of Councilman Virgil Miller. She said her decision to run for the post this year was prompted by supporters who want her to remain on the council.
Gossom, an associate dean at the University of West Florida Emerald Coast, said the city has made as many cuts as possible and now must find alternative revenue streams. She suggested looking first at the parks and recreation facilities.
“We have a huge expanse of unused land,” she said. “That land could be developed into softball fields or soccer fields. There are groups all across the Southeast region who will pay to have their tournaments at this location.”
Patterson, who resigned from the council in June 2010 to run for Okaloosa County Sheriff, said he had planned to take a break but was asked by several people to run again.
Patterson said he did not agree with the council’s last millage hike and will work to keep taxes low.
“We just can’t raise taxes on our people,” he said. “We have a large retirement community. ... We’re putting a heavy burden on the people who live inside Fort Walton Beach.”
Patterson said the city still has fat to cut and should look first at recreation facilities.
“We can live with recreation cuts ... but we have to keep our infrastructure going,” he said.
Patterson said his Air Force career and his years in law enforcement give him the experience needed to sit on the council.
FWB council candidates talk taxes, services
Jim Frazier
Joyce Gossom
Bobby Griggs
Katy Krueger
FORT WALTON BEACH — Cutting taxes and boosting economic development were common themes Monday at a forum for City Council candidates.
About 50 people attended the forum, which was sponsored by the Fort Walton Beach Tea Party, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and the local chapter of the NAACP.
The event, which featured a question-and-answer format, was held at Grace Tabernacle on Eglin Parkway.
Three residents — Jim Frazier, Bobby Griggs and Katy Krueger — are vying for Seat 1 on the council, which is being vacated by Councilman Mike Holmes because of term limits. Councilwoman Joyce Gossom and former Councilman Bill Patterson are running for Seat 2 on the council.
Frazier kicked off the evening by telling the audience his plan for protecting city services while not raising taxes.
“Law enforcement is a must, but on the other hand, some of it can be contracted out,” said Frazier, the former director of the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. “The budget is very, very high, but I do support the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department.”
Frazier said he thinks the city’s fire department overtime expenses are too high.
Griggs, who owns a land development company, said he would foster Tea Party principles in the city by bringing business to the area and keeping taxes low.
“If we had less regulation in Fort Walton Beach, we could bring in more business,” he said, adding that the city should look to Seaside and Rosemary Beach as good examples.
Cutting taxes and “streamlining” the budget are Krueger’s top priorities.
“I am an ordinary citizen, and I would like to help other ordinary citizens,” said Krueger, a member of the city’s historic sites and structures advisory board and the city’s economic advisory group. “I have a track record of helping the community, and I believe it’s my civic duty to step up and give people a choice.”
Gossom was asked how the current City Council has contributed to economic development in Fort Walton Beach.
“What we’ve recently done with the comprehensive plan is one of the most beneficial things the city has done in a number of years,” she said. “We’ve simplified the process for our business leaders.”
She said the city is partnering with the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County and now “has a place at the table” to spur economic growth.
Patterson told the audience he is best suited to hold Seat 2 because he is beholden to no one but city residents.
“I’m working for you,” he said. “I’m working for no special interest group … and that’s what counts.”
Patterson said he has pledged to lobby the federal government and U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller to bring a “full-blown VA hospital” to Fort Walton Beach.
“I’m going to do that whether I win election to the City Council or not,” he said.
joyce gillie gossom
About 50 people attended the forum, which was sponsored by the Fort Walton Beach Tea Party, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce and the local chapter of the NAACP.
The event, which featured a question-and-answer format, was held at Grace Tabernacle on Eglin Parkway.
Three residents — Jim Frazier, Bobby Griggs and Katy Krueger — are vying for Seat 1 on the council, which is being vacated by Councilman Mike Holmes because of term limits. Councilwoman Joyce Gossom and former Councilman Bill Patterson are running for Seat 2 on the council.
Frazier kicked off the evening by telling the audience his plan for protecting city services while not raising taxes.
“Law enforcement is a must, but on the other hand, some of it can be contracted out,” said Frazier, the former director of the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. “The budget is very, very high, but I do support the Fort Walton Beach Fire Department.”
Frazier said he thinks the city’s fire department overtime expenses are too high.
Griggs, who owns a land development company, said he would foster Tea Party principles in the city by bringing business to the area and keeping taxes low.
“If we had less regulation in Fort Walton Beach, we could bring in more business,” he said, adding that the city should look to Seaside and Rosemary Beach as good examples.
Cutting taxes and “streamlining” the budget are Krueger’s top priorities.
“I am an ordinary citizen, and I would like to help other ordinary citizens,” said Krueger, a member of the city’s historic sites and structures advisory board and the city’s economic advisory group. “I have a track record of helping the community, and I believe it’s my civic duty to step up and give people a choice.”
Gossom was asked how the current City Council has contributed to economic development in Fort Walton Beach.
“What we’ve recently done with the comprehensive plan is one of the most beneficial things the city has done in a number of years,” she said. “We’ve simplified the process for our business leaders.”
She said the city is partnering with the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County and now “has a place at the table” to spur economic growth.
Patterson told the audience he is best suited to hold Seat 2 because he is beholden to no one but city residents.
“I’m working for you,” he said. “I’m working for no special interest group … and that’s what counts.”
Patterson said he has pledged to lobby the federal government and U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller to bring a “full-blown VA hospital” to Fort Walton Beach.
“I’m going to do that whether I win election to the City Council or not,” he said.
joyce gillie gossom
Dr. joyce gillie gossom and her husband Thom have lived in Fort Walton Beach since 1999. She is an entrepreneur, a businesswoman, a philanthropist, an academic, wife, mother, aunt, and godmother.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, joyce has spent her life going against the grain. At the age of 16, she was so inspired by the poetry of e.e. cummings that her Mother let her legally change her name to all lower case letters, which has frequently met with strong opposition from those who sought to define or categorize her.
joyce has been inspired by a small number of known and unknown history makers. However, she has achieved all that she has not by living up to the standards of others, but by living up to her own values and expectations. Her more than 30 years of professional experience include working as a special education teacher in Chicago and Nashville; as a management consultant across the U.S.; and as an instructional designer and supervisor in the nuclear industry. In addition, joyce has been a small business owner and higher education instructor. In 2004, she joined the University of West Florida (UWF) where she currently serves as the Associate Dean for UWF Emerald Coast.
Throughout her professional career, joyce has always served as an active member or as an officer with numerous civic, professional, and community organizations. Her life's purpose is to make a difference in the lives of others and inspire those around her the way she was inspired by the people who paved the way before her.
Professional & Community Affiliations Include:
City Council Member, City of Fort Walton Beach, FL
2011 Program Chairman, National Association of Branch Campus Administrators
Secretary, Florida Association of Branch Campus Administrators
Northwest Florida BRAC Families Transition Council
United Way of Okaloosa County, Fund Distribution Committee
Faculty in Residence, Auburn University Women's Leadership Institute
Board Member, Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative
Former Chairman, Community Redevelopment Agency of Fort Walton Beach, FL
American Association of University Women
joyce gillie gossom, EdD
850.863.6583 W
850.244.9525 H
850.543.5316 M
friendsofjoycegossom@gmail.com
Born in Chicago, Illinois, joyce has spent her life going against the grain. At the age of 16, she was so inspired by the poetry of e.e. cummings that her Mother let her legally change her name to all lower case letters, which has frequently met with strong opposition from those who sought to define or categorize her.
joyce has been inspired by a small number of known and unknown history makers. However, she has achieved all that she has not by living up to the standards of others, but by living up to her own values and expectations. Her more than 30 years of professional experience include working as a special education teacher in Chicago and Nashville; as a management consultant across the U.S.; and as an instructional designer and supervisor in the nuclear industry. In addition, joyce has been a small business owner and higher education instructor. In 2004, she joined the University of West Florida (UWF) where she currently serves as the Associate Dean for UWF Emerald Coast.
Throughout her professional career, joyce has always served as an active member or as an officer with numerous civic, professional, and community organizations. Her life's purpose is to make a difference in the lives of others and inspire those around her the way she was inspired by the people who paved the way before her.
Professional & Community Affiliations Include:
City Council Member, City of Fort Walton Beach, FL
2011 Program Chairman, National Association of Branch Campus Administrators
Secretary, Florida Association of Branch Campus Administrators
Northwest Florida BRAC Families Transition Council
United Way of Okaloosa County, Fund Distribution Committee
Faculty in Residence, Auburn University Women's Leadership Institute
Board Member, Okaloosa County Public Library Cooperative
Former Chairman, Community Redevelopment Agency of Fort Walton Beach, FL
American Association of University Women
joyce gillie gossom, EdD
850.863.6583 W
850.244.9525 H
850.543.5316 M
friendsofjoycegossom@gmail.com
www.Facebook.com/joyce.gillie.gossom
jgossom@uwf.edu
www.uwf.edu/EmeraldCoast
Katy Krueger
Katy Krueger relocated to the Emerald Coast in 2004. She has been involved with numerous community organizations such as the City of Fort Walton Beach Historic Sites & Structures Advisory Board, City of Fort Walton Beach Economic Advisory Group, League of Women Voters, Junior League of the Emerald Coast, and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. She has over ten years of work experience in various industries; law, economic development, financing, defense engineering, property management, advertising, and customer service/sales. Furthermore, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Broadcasting with a Minor in Dance Choreography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also graduated from the Professional Career Development Institute of Norcross, Georgia focusing on Paralegal Studies. Ms. Krueger is also an inventor of an educational toy for children, as well as an author of two young adult books.
Bill Patterson
RESUME’
William (Bill) B. Patterson
Name: William B. Patterson
Address: 35 Anastasia Dr.,
Fort Walton Beach Fl. 32548
Date of Birth: 9 July, 1941
Place of Birth: Brevard, North Carolina
Married:
Wife: Tammy L. Patterson
Children: Mark W. Patterson
Sonya L. Patterson
Recognitions:
Distinguished Flying Cross {three oak leaf clusters}
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal {fourteen oak leaf clusters]
Air Force Commendation Medal {two oak leaf clusters}
Pacific Air Force Able Aeronaut Award
Education:
• BS in Industrial Management, Troy State
• ASS Logistics Management, Community College of the Air Force
• ASS Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force Management
• UV of Philippines Masters work toward degree in Industrial Mgmt
• Associates of Science in Criminal Justice, Okaloosa-Walton Community College
• Florida Law Enforcement Police Standards
• Florida Law Enforcement Corrections Standards
• National League of Cities Economic Leadership training , Economic Development
• Florida League of Cities, Institute for Elected Municipal Officials
jgossom@uwf.edu
www.uwf.edu/EmeraldCoast
Katy Krueger
Katy Krueger relocated to the Emerald Coast in 2004. She has been involved with numerous community organizations such as the City of Fort Walton Beach Historic Sites & Structures Advisory Board, City of Fort Walton Beach Economic Advisory Group, League of Women Voters, Junior League of the Emerald Coast, and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving. She has over ten years of work experience in various industries; law, economic development, financing, defense engineering, property management, advertising, and customer service/sales. Furthermore, she has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications and Broadcasting with a Minor in Dance Choreography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also graduated from the Professional Career Development Institute of Norcross, Georgia focusing on Paralegal Studies. Ms. Krueger is also an inventor of an educational toy for children, as well as an author of two young adult books.
Bill Patterson
RESUME’
William (Bill) B. Patterson
Name: William B. Patterson
Address: 35 Anastasia Dr.,
Fort Walton Beach Fl. 32548
Date of Birth: 9 July, 1941
Place of Birth: Brevard, North Carolina
Married:
Wife: Tammy L. Patterson
Children: Mark W. Patterson
Sonya L. Patterson
Recognitions:
Distinguished Flying Cross {three oak leaf clusters}
Purple Heart
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal {fourteen oak leaf clusters]
Air Force Commendation Medal {two oak leaf clusters}
Pacific Air Force Able Aeronaut Award
Education:
• BS in Industrial Management, Troy State
• ASS Logistics Management, Community College of the Air Force
• ASS Aircraft Maintenance Technology, Community College of the Air Force Management
• UV of Philippines Masters work toward degree in Industrial Mgmt
• Associates of Science in Criminal Justice, Okaloosa-Walton Community College
• Florida Law Enforcement Police Standards
• Florida Law Enforcement Corrections Standards
• National League of Cities Economic Leadership training , Economic Development
• Florida League of Cities, Institute for Elected Municipal Officials
Membership:
• Life Member of the Air Force Association
• Life Member of the National Rifle Association
• Life Time Member Spectre Association
• Life Time Member Fort Walton beach Chamber of Commerce
• Life Time Member Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Life Time Member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart
• Florida Sport Shooters Association
• Air Commando Association
Recent Experience:
• Ft. Walton Beach City Council (2003-2007)
• Ft. Walton Beach City Council (2009-2010)
• Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Posse (41/2 years)
• Mayor Pro-Team
• West Florida Regional Planning Council
• Chairman: Board of Directors Okaloosa Gas
• Northwest Florida Fair Association Board of Directors
• Economic Development Council
• Head start
• Okaloosa, Walton TPO
• Life Member of the Air Force Association
• Life Member of the National Rifle Association
• Life Time Member Spectre Association
• Life Time Member Fort Walton beach Chamber of Commerce
• Life Time Member Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Life Time Member of The Military Order of the Purple Heart
• Florida Sport Shooters Association
• Air Commando Association
Recent Experience:
• Ft. Walton Beach City Council (2003-2007)
• Ft. Walton Beach City Council (2009-2010)
• Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Posse (41/2 years)
• Mayor Pro-Team
• West Florida Regional Planning Council
• Chairman: Board of Directors Okaloosa Gas
• Northwest Florida Fair Association Board of Directors
• Economic Development Council
• Head start
• Okaloosa, Walton TPO
Significant History:
Bill and his wife Tammy arrived at Hurlburt Fld. In 1973 and became a resident of Ft Walton Beach that same year. For the next 38 years He and his wife lived and raised their family in Fort Walton Beach with the only interruption being an Air Force reassignment. Bill takes great pride in calling Ft. Walton Beach his home and his children’s hometown.
Mr. Patterson has served six years on the Fort Walton Beach City Council, has extensive background and a long history of service to his country. Enlisting in the USAF after graduation from high school May 1961, Mr. Patterson proudly served his country until his retirement 1 September, 1989. He rose quickly through the ranks in the Non-commissioned Officer Corps receiving extensive training and schooling in management and logistics while leading men and women engaged in the life threatening job of defending the nation. Logging 350 combat missions in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia on AC-130 Gunships as an aircrew member, provided the basis for calm response under fire. Schooled in plans and management he was called upon to document lessons learned in training and doctrine manuals for training of the next generation of young warriors.
Before his retirement, he was assigned as the Superintendent of Resource Plans for the 374 Tactical Airlift Wing; Clark AFB, Philippines with authority over the Pacific Theater of Operations with directions to clean up organizational, social, and physical barriers interfering with the smooth function of the organization. His military history is well documented with numerous General Officer endorsements as to his dedication to duty, honor and country; as well as his remarkable ability to make complex organizations work well even under the high stress of battle.
After his retirement he has continued his response to call to duty and his interest in, public service, political office and law enforcement through continued education.
FWB council candidates focus on taxes, economy
Five candidates are vying for two seats in the March 8 election
January 16, 2011 7:27 PM
Kari C. Barlow
Daily News
FORT WALTON BEACH — Lower taxes and alternative revenue streams are shaping up as two of the top issues in the upcoming City Council races.
Municipal elections will be held March 8.
Katy Krueger, Bobby Griggs and Jim Frazier are running for Seat 1, and Councilwoman Joyce Gossom and former Councilman Bill Patterson are vying for Seat 2.
Griggs, who grew up in the area, said he wants to help Fort Walton Beach navigate the tough economy.
“I want to be part of the healing process,” said Griggs, who owns a land development company. “I will not vote to raise taxes and I will try to reduce spending. I will work to bring industry and business to the city.”
Jim Frazier, the former director of the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, said he would introduce new ideas to the council.
“I’ve got quite a few years of administrative experience,” Frazier said. “I will give it my best shot.”
Frazier said he has experience managing large budgets and would look for ways to cut the city’s personnel expenses.
Frazier was forced to retire in 2009 after city officials found evidence he had given away at least 20,000 free rounds of golf from 2005 to 2009. At the time of his retirement, Frazier called the city’s investigation a “witch hunt” and did not agree with the findings.
Katy Krueger, a member of the city’s historic sites and structures advisory board and the city’s economic advisory group, said she is running for office to cut taxes and streamline the budget.
“I have the experience, the education, and devotion to Fort Walton Beach, which I believe makes me the ideal candidate,” Krueger said. “I’m not running for the money. I’m not a real estate developer who is trying to gain from this and I’m not looking for a free round of golf. I’m an ordinary citizen who would like to help other ordinary citizens.”
Gossom was appointed to Seat 2 last April to complete the term of Councilman Virgil Miller. She said her decision to run for the post this year was prompted by supporters who want her to remain on the council.
Gossom, an associate dean at the University of West Florida Emerald Coast, said the city has made as many cuts as possible and now must find alternative revenue streams. She suggested looking first at the parks and recreation facilities.
“We have a huge expanse of unused land,” she said. “That land could be developed into softball fields or soccer fields. There are groups all across the Southeast region who will pay to have their tournaments at this location.”
Patterson, who resigned from the council in June 2010 to run for Okaloosa County Sheriff, said he had planned to take a break but was asked by several people to run again.
Patterson said he did not agree with the council’s last millage hike and will work to keep taxes low.
“We just can’t raise taxes on our people,” he said. “We have a large retirement community. ... We’re putting a heavy burden on the people who live inside Fort Walton Beach.”
Patterson said the city still has fat to cut and should look first at recreation facilities.
“We can live with recreation cuts ... but we have to keep our infrastructure going,” he said.
Patterson said his Air Force career and his years in law enforcement give him the experience needed to sit on the council.
FWB council candidates talk taxes, services
Bill and his wife Tammy arrived at Hurlburt Fld. In 1973 and became a resident of Ft Walton Beach that same year. For the next 38 years He and his wife lived and raised their family in Fort Walton Beach with the only interruption being an Air Force reassignment. Bill takes great pride in calling Ft. Walton Beach his home and his children’s hometown.
Mr. Patterson has served six years on the Fort Walton Beach City Council, has extensive background and a long history of service to his country. Enlisting in the USAF after graduation from high school May 1961, Mr. Patterson proudly served his country until his retirement 1 September, 1989. He rose quickly through the ranks in the Non-commissioned Officer Corps receiving extensive training and schooling in management and logistics while leading men and women engaged in the life threatening job of defending the nation. Logging 350 combat missions in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia on AC-130 Gunships as an aircrew member, provided the basis for calm response under fire. Schooled in plans and management he was called upon to document lessons learned in training and doctrine manuals for training of the next generation of young warriors.
Before his retirement, he was assigned as the Superintendent of Resource Plans for the 374 Tactical Airlift Wing; Clark AFB, Philippines with authority over the Pacific Theater of Operations with directions to clean up organizational, social, and physical barriers interfering with the smooth function of the organization. His military history is well documented with numerous General Officer endorsements as to his dedication to duty, honor and country; as well as his remarkable ability to make complex organizations work well even under the high stress of battle.
After his retirement he has continued his response to call to duty and his interest in, public service, political office and law enforcement through continued education.
FWB council candidates focus on taxes, economy
Five candidates are vying for two seats in the March 8 election
January 16, 2011 7:27 PM
Kari C. Barlow
Daily News
FORT WALTON BEACH — Lower taxes and alternative revenue streams are shaping up as two of the top issues in the upcoming City Council races.
Municipal elections will be held March 8.
Katy Krueger, Bobby Griggs and Jim Frazier are running for Seat 1, and Councilwoman Joyce Gossom and former Councilman Bill Patterson are vying for Seat 2.
Griggs, who grew up in the area, said he wants to help Fort Walton Beach navigate the tough economy.
“I want to be part of the healing process,” said Griggs, who owns a land development company. “I will not vote to raise taxes and I will try to reduce spending. I will work to bring industry and business to the city.”
Jim Frazier, the former director of the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, said he would introduce new ideas to the council.
“I’ve got quite a few years of administrative experience,” Frazier said. “I will give it my best shot.”
Frazier said he has experience managing large budgets and would look for ways to cut the city’s personnel expenses.
Frazier was forced to retire in 2009 after city officials found evidence he had given away at least 20,000 free rounds of golf from 2005 to 2009. At the time of his retirement, Frazier called the city’s investigation a “witch hunt” and did not agree with the findings.
Katy Krueger, a member of the city’s historic sites and structures advisory board and the city’s economic advisory group, said she is running for office to cut taxes and streamline the budget.
“I have the experience, the education, and devotion to Fort Walton Beach, which I believe makes me the ideal candidate,” Krueger said. “I’m not running for the money. I’m not a real estate developer who is trying to gain from this and I’m not looking for a free round of golf. I’m an ordinary citizen who would like to help other ordinary citizens.”
Gossom was appointed to Seat 2 last April to complete the term of Councilman Virgil Miller. She said her decision to run for the post this year was prompted by supporters who want her to remain on the council.
Gossom, an associate dean at the University of West Florida Emerald Coast, said the city has made as many cuts as possible and now must find alternative revenue streams. She suggested looking first at the parks and recreation facilities.
“We have a huge expanse of unused land,” she said. “That land could be developed into softball fields or soccer fields. There are groups all across the Southeast region who will pay to have their tournaments at this location.”
Patterson, who resigned from the council in June 2010 to run for Okaloosa County Sheriff, said he had planned to take a break but was asked by several people to run again.
Patterson said he did not agree with the council’s last millage hike and will work to keep taxes low.
“We just can’t raise taxes on our people,” he said. “We have a large retirement community. ... We’re putting a heavy burden on the people who live inside Fort Walton Beach.”
Patterson said the city still has fat to cut and should look first at recreation facilities.
“We can live with recreation cuts ... but we have to keep our infrastructure going,” he said.
Patterson said his Air Force career and his years in law enforcement give him the experience needed to sit on the council.
FWB council candidates talk taxes, services
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