Republican Forum Heats Up in Panama City: Candidates Face Off on Local Issues

BAY COUNTY, FL – On July 1, 2024, a Republican Forum was held in the east student union at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida.

The political season is in full swing for this election year. National candidates are at each other’s throats, and issues at that level of government are of no small concern. What with our borders going undefended, out of control inflation, and the soaring national debt, a lot of folks are wondering just what the future may hold for us all. But at the local level we have just as many issues, and, thankfully, candidates we can talk to one on one.

Tonight local challengers and incumbents came together to express their views on several issues. In the race for State Attorney General office for the Florida 14th district sparks ignited with the discussion. Attorney Larry Basford and challenger Eric Garmon dueled verbally and jockeyed for position. Both are experienced as courtroom prosecutors and both used their talents to make and defend their views. And they didn’t spare each other’s feelings. They verbally sparred, both being able to take a hit, and both able to come back swinging.

Sheriff Tommy Ford is being challenged by Mr. Andy Husar. Both men being articulate in speaking, their conflicting opinions were expressed very well. Mr. Husar is a competent challenger. Sheriff Ford noted the improvements made in law enforcement during his tenure so far, but Mr. Husar attempted to show he was the more Constitutional candidate.

Three candidates are vying for County Commissioner for District One in Bay County. Commissioner Tommy Hamm is the incumbent, with Mr. Ron Keel and Mr. Daniel Raffield challenging. Mr. Hamm and Mr. Raffield are eloquent of speech, but Mr. Keel was attractively nervous in his seat. I must at least acknowledge his courage to buck the odds. All three have differing opinions on Bay County Commission priorities.

WJHG News and the Bay County Republican Party hosted this forum. You can watch it here. The audio garbled in the first 5 minutes but is audible for the rest of the debate. https://www.wjhg.com/2024/07/01/2024-bay-county-republican-debate/