Opinion: Ed Young Panama City Commissioner District 1 Election 2025: Constitutional Advocate Challenges Beach Drive Project

Ed Young is running for a Panama City Commission seat in District 1 of Panama City, Bay County, Florida. Last Saturday afternoon, Mr. Young and his beautiful wife, Catharine, sat with Brad and Karen Custer, my wife, Anne, and myself for about 45 minutes, discussing life, politics, and some of the problems we all can see in Bay County and the cities that inhabit our county.

Mr. Young is not a career politician... far from it. He is a successful building contractor, a lifelong Christian, and a father of six children. He is an Air Force and Law Enforcement veteran who has been a long-time native to our area.  He is a Constitutional advocate and believes in comparing all official decisions to the principles of our Federal and State Constitutions to stay within the bounds set by the honored creators of our government.  This is a trait not necessarily found in career politicians, many of whom seem to cater to lobbying groups and high-donation supporters. 

Mr. Young is down to earth with a solid attitude of common sense.  He can easily expound on these principles with determination and enthusiasm. At the age of 61, he is a tall, strong, active, and interested candidate who wants to bring government back to its Constitutional roots of transparency, honesty, fair play, and freedom.

 A current issue to be considered in this election is the expected project of remodeling construction along Beach Drive, one of the last scenic, more or less untouched, beautiful drives along a peaceful strip of coastal property. The project includes removing many palm trees and adding bicycle and pedestrian lanes. Some think the city's plans for redoing the drive are good, but many of those whom it will effect the most, that is those who live on the drive, itself, are strongly against the project.

The outcome of the decision concerning this question and several other dubious aspects of city government decisions, not mentioned here, will be decided by the winners of this very important election. It's vital to note that we should be voting for the most honest and capable candidates in the race.  

It may be just my opinion, but I always try to veer away from career politicians when I vote. They scare me. I'm always wondering if they are in it for the good of the people or for the money. My reasoning is that in politics, there are a lot of PAC groups and private influencers (donators) wanting politicians to cater to them rather than our Constitution.  

But, the Constitution is what every one of our elected officials takes an Oath of Office to adhere to, defend, enforce, and protect. Without acknowledging and adhering to the restrictions of our law, that is, without holding our elected officials to the "Rule of Law" of the Constitution, our city, county, state, and national governments can, do, and have grown into bureaucratic monsters of uncontrollable size.  When this happens, which it has in our area, we need to elect honest candidates who will stand their ground against corruption and be strong in their support of the Constitution and We The People.

I am confident that Mr. Ed Young will do just that. He will make a great Panama City Commissioner. He is a refreshing change from what seems to be the career politicians who have filled these positions up till now.

(Bay County Coastal does not endorse candidates.)