Valentino Off Escambia Commission; School Board Seat Still Undecided; Rep. Miller Wins

August 27, 2014

One Escambia County commissioner was unseated and a school board race is head back to the ballot following Tuesday’s primary voting in Escambia County. And Congressman Jeff Miller easily cruised past his Republican challenger on his way to the November ballot.

Only 17 percent of registered voters in Escambia County voted in Tuesday’s primary.

Escambia Commission District 2

Incumbent Disitrict 2Commissioner Gene Valentino was solidly defeated by challenger Doug Underhill in the Republican Primary. Underhill received 62.49% of the vote to Valentino’s 37.51%. Underhill will move on to the general election to face Deb Moore who defeated Ray Guillory in the Democratic primary 56.62% to 43.38%.

Underhill, 45, works as a contractor for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and serves an executive officer of the information warfare unit at the Navy Reserve Information Operations Command at Corry Station.   His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign awards.

Underhill resides in Perdido Key with his wife Wendy and sons Bret and Avery. Underhill’s endorsements included Sheriff David Morgan, Rep. Mike Hill, ECUA member Dale Perkins, and the Florida Police Benevolent Association.

This was Underhill’s first run for office. Valentino has served two terms — eight years — on the Escambia County Commission.

School Board District 3

Incumbent Linda Moultrie and challenger Charlie Nichols will face off in the general election for the District 3 Escambia County School Board seat as the top vote getters since neither received 50% of the vote. Moultrie received 36.15% of the vote Tuesday, while Charlie Nichols received 35.80%.  Laura Dortch Elder is out of the race after receiving 28.05%% of the District 3 vote for the non-partisan seat.

Congressional Representative District 1

Three-time incumbent Jeff Miller easily defeated challenger John Krause Tuesday for the Republican nomination for the District 1. U.S. House seat.  Miller received about three quarters of the vote. In November, Miller will face Democrat James Bryan and NPA candidate Mark Wichern.

Comments

16 Responses to “Valentino Off Escambia Commission; School Board Seat Still Undecided; Rep. Miller Wins”

  1. Myra on September 17th, 2014 7:49 pm

    Mayfair residents did their due diligence during the Primary Election. Mr. ValentiNO’s 4-cent gas tax increase definitely cost him the Primary. “Gene tried and failed to sell his 1- 2- 3- 4-cent gas tax to residents at the Mayfair Neighborhood Watch Association more than three years before the Commissioners voted to implement it.” Members readily calculated his bogus sales pitch by throwing “ICE COLD WATER” all over it. The promises previously made to the community were never fulfilled. The costs to Escambia County are enormous just because of Gene’s flawed decision-making. Happy Trails to you!!!!

  2. david johnson on September 12th, 2014 10:46 am

    I am disturbed that Mr. Valentino was not reelected. Every time I had an issue with my neighborhood/neighbors the problem was immediately resolved by Commissioner Valentino. Hope this new guy can do the same.

  3. Say no to Grover on August 28th, 2014 8:24 pm

    Hope your’e next to get back into Real Estate full time…. Mr. Robinson…

  4. Aids on August 28th, 2014 3:52 pm

    I hope the citizens of Escambia County know that if a Commissioner is voted out and their Aid stays the good old boy system does not leave with the outed Commissioner. I know first hand some of the Aids are just as bad and their bosses. I say clean house.

  5. Jim on August 28th, 2014 2:33 pm

    I’m still buying my gas in Alabama. Escambia county is not getting that extra .04 cent per gallon from me to pay for ECAT. Thank god the citizen’s from district 2 had the good sense to elect a new face. Enjoy your retirement Gene. Maybe good things will happen in November, so get out and VOTE!!!

  6. No Excuses on August 28th, 2014 2:01 pm

    The four cent gas tax on already overtaxed gas prices was the final straw for most of Escambia County’s citizens. Those of us that vote will be voting the incumbent members responsible for voting “yes” out of office! Gene Valentino is the first of three. We’ll see Robertson and Robinson gone when their time comes. Lumon May and Steve Barry did NOT vote for this tax as they were not yet in office. It was done quietly and quickly, under the table before they took their offices. I don’t like sneaks! If either of the above mentioned CC’s get re-elected, well, their districts deserve what they get!

  7. David on August 28th, 2014 12:34 pm

    Good-bye Gene Valentino ….its about time you were booted by us..now we can go forward without that drama queen mess

  8. Richard Acord on August 28th, 2014 8:55 am

    429SCJ & Jeeperman, Concur. A few things come to mind. Count on another trip to Paris for economic development and the county picking up the tab for personal legal expenses . The paid sick leave and vacation time will be cashed in and the county auto allowance will be extended another year. A few more bronze plaques will be made with his name and affixed to county building is his district. Memberships at both country clubs will be extended with monthly food and beverage minimums paid up front. Ecat will get another 4 cents a gallon for marketing. The beach mouse habitat review contract will be extended for anther 2 years to ensure the recent heat index is not disrupting the mating season. His aide will get nice salary increase and new position within the county along with his auto allowance and country club membership will be paid.

  9. jeeperman on August 27th, 2014 2:04 pm

    I am glad to see Underhill get the nomination.

    But I fear what dirty shenanigans might be done by Valentino from now until he is out of office.

  10. BT on August 27th, 2014 8:47 am

    Vet,

    I would like to see Miller gone as well, but what is the real alternative? How would either of the two opponents be different?

  11. James on August 27th, 2014 8:25 am

    Only 17 percent? Where are you people? Get out and vote, please!

  12. Veteran on August 27th, 2014 7:46 am

    To bad Jeff Miller won his race; however, there’s still an opportunity to send him packing in November. Miller voted in favor of cutting military pensions last year. Additionally, Miller is the chairman of the Veterans Affairs committee in the House which was caught flat footed about the problems in the VA medical system. It is time for a new representative.

  13. 429SCJ on August 27th, 2014 7:21 am

    We are finally shed of Gene Valentino!

    Shout it too the hills!

  14. deBugger on August 27th, 2014 4:46 am

    Bye Bye, Gene!!

    (Thank the Lord for small favors.)

  15. Jane on August 27th, 2014 4:45 am

    Time for change in the Escambia County commissioners and i am glad to see a new face!

  16. bartender on August 27th, 2014 3:49 am

    please get new people in the county seat. people vote to get new ideas and old news out. get someone in there that wants to get new jobs in Escambia county. all jobs are being in Alabama because they wants their people off unemployeement. speak up for whats right.