Many close observers of Walton County politics have serious doubts about James Calkins and his quest for the Walton County BCC District 4 seat.
Not only does he love Russia, he is in the pockets of the developers who have contributed thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. On top of that, he has a horrible reputation that has followed him from Santa Rosa County where he served one term as a Santa Rosa County commissioner.
He was soundly trounced in the 2024 Republican Primary — finishing last out of three candidates.
The Republicans that know him best showed him the door. It is clear that James and his Russian bride, Mariya, realized that there was no future for them in Santa Rosa County. It has been reported that before the election results were even certified that the Calkins had already loaded up the moving van.
Now, they have latched onto the Walton County lifesaver to preserve their political relevance.
This has reform-minded citizen activists who want to destroy the Good Ol’ Boy network of corruption and graft understandably concerned. They want to bring professional governance and management to county operations and the optimism that came with the surprise victory of Dan Curry in 2024 was quickly snuffed out when Brad Drake, the supposed reformer, sided too often with the Commissioners Danny Glidewell and Tony Anderson.
Alarm bells really started sounding nearly two weeks ago when Calkins was spotted at the Walton County Fair Board elections politicking for votes. But it wasn’t his appearance at the Fair Board’s meeting that is causing chatter around the local watering holes — it was his chummy interactions with Commissioner Glidewell and former commissioner, Mike Barker.
As an aside, if you have not see this hilarious video of Mike Barker explaining his job history and giving ridiculous answers in a deposition concerning a lawsuit over customary use when he was a commissioner — you are missing out!
Glidewell, who like Calkins, has received most of his campaign funds in the early going from developers, must be defeated if there is any hope of bringing good and ethical governance to Walton County.
Being in league with the likes of Glidewell and Barker are immediate disqualifiers for Calkins. With the current field consisting of three candidates (incumbent Donna Johns and challenger Jim Bagby), the real concern is that he could sneak his way into victory lane thanks to a split and divided field.