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barbaraann

(9,287 posts)
Thu Jun 22, 2023, 10:21 PM Jun 2023

Santa Rosa County's troublemaking Commissioner's Russian ties (James Calkins)

https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/santa-rosa/2023/06/22/santa-rosa-commissioners-fed-up-with-james-calkins-for-repeat-actions/70347433007/?fbclid=IwAR0U1Z5GAB3dv28aPYLqSK96HAHy4kBXE7hVv42LWH_AakB9aagYFq9O5Ik

August 2022:
After a YouTube video began circulating this week depicting James and Mariya Calkins taking part in a New Year's celebration in Russia, the couple has faced criticism from some in the area ahead of the primary election later this month.

James is currently a county commissioner in Santa Rosa County — he first won the seat in 2020 — and Mariya is a candidate for the state House, aiming to fill Rep. Jayer Williamson's shoes after he announced he was stepping down earlier this year.

The News Journal confirmed through a translator that the video circulating this week depicts a New Year's celebration and features an intimate gathering where people are singing the Russian national anthem, a tradition in the country for this type of celebration.
...
Mariya Calkins is originally from what was the U.S.S.R. but the couple now lives in Milton.
...
https://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/santa-rosa/2022/08/09/video-james-mariya-calkins-respond-russia-new-years-event/10273281002/

Santa Rosa County is in the Florida panhandle.
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