Expanding public beach accesses, reducing traffic, and building parks and ballfields have been key priorities for Tony Anderson throughout his service as Walton County Commissioner for District 5.
In announcing his campaign for reelection, Anderson, a Republican, said that county government must continue to take aggressive action on these important “quality of life” issues.
“Like all of America, Walton County faces challenges,” Anderson said. “Young people want better job opportunities with higher wages. Families want better parks and sports facilities for their kids. Most residents want our beaches open to all. And everyone wants relief from traffic.”
Anderson said he’s well-positioned to address these challenges because he’s built coalitions of residents to tackle tough challenges before. He pointed to Walton County’s fight for Customary Use, which he strongly supported, and the county’s historic investments in South Walton projects during his tenure as commissioner.
“We put aside negativity and worked together to build or break ground on three new beach accesses, three new parking facilities, and new feeder roads in South Walton,” he said. “We also purchased 220 acres of land to manage stormwater, resurfaced major roadways, and expanded Helen McCall Park and the South Walton Sports Complex––all while cutting property tax rates.”
Now, Anderson wants the county to accelerate efforts to secure state and federal grants to expedite infrastructure projects, improve cell phone service countywide, and protect the Choctawhatchee Bay. He also supports securing the Boys & Girls Club property in South Walton to create more youth sports options, and he backs building a new sports complex for children in North Walton.
On economic development, Anderson says he will work to attract new aviation, avionics, technology and logistics businesses to Walton County’s business parks in DeFuniak Springs, Freeport and Mossy Head to create higher-paying private sector jobs. He also indicated that he will propose another reduction in property tax rates next year to offset the burden of inflation.
“The vast majority of Walton County residents are hardworking people who just want their tax dollars used productively, and many of those folks don’t have time to show up at meetings. I’m in this job for them,” Anderson said. “You simply cannot get things done for people if you only listen to the folks who shout, ‘no’.”
Anderson was raised in Walton County, worked in the county his entire life and raised his three children –– Colby, Logan, and Keagan –– here. Now, his three grandchildren call Walton County home, too. He faces two opponents in the August 20, 2024, Republican primary.
Learn more about Tony Anderson at VoteTony24.com.
