We are currently deep into hurricane season and Tropical Storm Fay is beginning to bear down on us. Being prepared for a storm is the surest way to stay safe through mother natures wrath. Below are a couple of things you can do to prepare for a storm.

1. Make sure you have enough food and water on hand that will last a minimum of three days per person in your household.
2. Have fresh flashlight & radio batteries on hand.
3. Charge your cell phone.
4. Put up window protection.
5. Purchase a NOAA emergency weather radio (available at Radio Shack).
6. Check WJHG.com & Weather.com or watch News Channel 7 or 13 for updates on the current storm.

With next week's primary election looming in front of us I've decided to take this opportunity to give my views on the local candidates. I'm giving my recommendations for your consideration. I won't be doing a lot of in depth analysis but will make a brief comment or two in support of my picks.

Let's start with the candidates vying for positions in the County School system.

¨ For Superintendent my pick is Jim Barr. I think his TV ad sums up pretty well what Bay County citizens have viewed in past years, the revolving door. Though Rohan has some applicable business experience, she has zero experience managing an educational system. The choice is clear for me. We need a change agent in Bay County School Administration and Jim Barr has the experience needed without the baggage of being attached to the system.

¨ School Board

o District 2 - Ryan Neves is a newcomer running for the Board position. He runs against incumbent (Johnny Brock). Mr. Brock has been a long-standing advocate for students but appears to have let his student advocacy overwhelm his responsibilities to the tax payers. This is an opportunity for new blood on the Board and I think Mr. Neves is a qualified candidate who can bring a fresh approach.

o District 4 - John McFatter deserves a second term. He has been a voice crying in the wilderness and has lacked support from other school board members on issues of fiscal responsibility.

Next Up, County Commission Seats.

¨ District 1 – Dan Estes is my choice. Though the incumbents have made some progress in the last two years, there are still issues that need attention. Until controversy diminishes I think we need to keep switching out the players.

¨ District 3 – John Salak is the obvious choice. Salak brings a professional and business acumen to the County Commission that is currently lacking. We need someone who is adept at analysis and problem solving. Mr. Salak's background exhibits those skills. The incumbent he faces is a product of the County system. It is hard to imagine how things can be different if it is all you have ever known or seen.

¨ District 5 – Jim Lawson may have difficulty as a County Commissioner because of his very direct approach, but you never are left wondering where he stands. He has made legitimate points in his campaign regarding budget growth and wasteful spending. Again, change is generally good, so I'm opting to embrace it by eliminating the incumbent.

And now, Property Appraiser. Jeff Porter is my choice of candidates for this office. Mr. Porter is right. The system is broken. In looking at the background and qualifications of the four candidates for this position, Mr. Porter's experience in Tallahassee carries the most weight for me. We need an advocate and change agent to attack the issues of property appraisal. His presentation is credible and effective. He speaks well to the issues.

County Judges – Without comment I choose Crawford and Hauversburk.

Florida House District 5 – Brad Drake

US Congress, Florida District 2 – Mark Mulligan

Now, get out there and exercise your constitutional privilege!

Note: If you haven't started your research yet, CLICK HERE to watch what the candidates have to say.

Hey Folks! As promised, there will be a bake auction starting at noon this coming Saturday, August 23rd at the Callaway Men’s Club. The Men’s Club is located at the end of Beulah Avenue in Callaway. If you have a GPS, punch in 522 Beulah Avenue. Otherwise, if you’re heading east on Hwy 98 thru Panama City, you would make the big curve heading south towards Tyndall AFB and then turn left on Cherry Street across from the Burger King and McDonalds. Drive east on Cherry Street past the light at Berthe Avenue and then turn right on Beulah heading south. You will drive straight to the Callaway Men’s Club.

Your hosts, Scott McCutcheon and Vanessa Green, are pleased to announce that they have already received commitments for more than 20 delicious baked goods, including cookies, cakes and pies. Get there early because they both love sweets.

Don’t forget this event is being held for the benefit of 6 month old Brianna Green. Beautiful little Brianna is suffering from a condition that prevents her cranium from fully forming and she will require at least 5 surgeries in the coming months. She is already undergoing pre-op in New Orleans and her first surgery will be on this coming Tuesday, August 26th. Please leave Saturday open as we certainly can’t think of anything more important than this little girls life. It’s not too late to help out by donating baked goods for the auction. If you can help, please call Scott McCutcheon at 850-832-5859. There is also an account already set up at Vision Bank for donations. You can donate at any of the area Vision Banks, including:

2200 Stanford Avenue, Panama City

16901 P.C. Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach and

559 Beckrich Road, Panama City Beach

The account number is: 20147066

Or you can simply make your check out to Scott McCutcheon and put Brianna Green in the memo field. As mentioned before, the main goal for the donations will be to help the parents travel to New Orleans for the surgeries. We thank you in advance for your help and your prayers for little Brianna!