How Much Does It Take to Buy A Sheriff's Race?

Yea but I think we got your meaning SJ.

SJ,

You could benefit from doing a little research into the difference between public service Unions (police and fire) and private industry Unions (UAW, Teamsters Etc.) There is a big difference. You seem intelligent and I think you would have some real influence with both Union and non Union working folks if you didn't blindly bash one group or the other.:roll:

It may surprise you to know that most public service Union members are card carrying conservatives. Yep that's right. Republicans

And we don't practice mind control (except on our evil nemesis, the green goblin):rolling:

Why?

I'd add that conservatives and Republicans are not one in the same, so I have no idea why you even mention it. Since you claim to be supporting all Republicans, I am not surprised that your candidates of choice would be Republican, too, otherwise the firefighters' union wouldn't be able to vote for their particular choice in this upcoming primary election. All of this Union talk has me wondering if you guys all stand together in the voting booth.

Shallowsnole's statement was about Walton County unions in general, not public service unions.

Did I comment on unions? :confused:

But since we're here, is there any sheriff's office in the State of Florida that is unionized? Not police department; my question is with Sheriffs only. (And no, I don't know the answer, I am sincerely asking.)

Walton Voter

Campaign finance is an excellent way to follow the paper trail, and I believe that at times promises are made. I personally do believe in donating to the candidate of my choice but I do have a problem with big business using their corporations to shelter funding to a particular candidate.

I agree with the statement of one of the postings about the county commissioners are the ones that can serve a developer the most. When you talk about campaign funding you should look at Commissioner Pridgen financial report from his last election (2006) and all the monies that was donated to him from out-of-state developers.

Interestingly enough with the Sheriff's race I would rather look at the family tree and see how far the branches reach into the good old boys of the past in Walton County. I believe that I would prefer a Sheriff with limited family branches. Less chances to grant favors to family members.

So does someone in the position of Sheriff, allow his family and extended family to break the laws, yet not the general public? In the past, it was always that Judge who you wanted to know if you got into trouble, because he had the most power, not the Sheriff.

Did I comment on unions? :confused:

But since we're here, is there any sheriff's office in the State of Florida that is unionized? Not police department; my question is with Sheriffs only. (And no, I don't know the answer, I am sincerely asking.)

There are numerous Unionized Sheriff offices, Duval County and Broward and Metro Dade, just to name a few.

I'd add that conservatives and Republicans are not one in the same, so I have no idea why you even mention it. Since you claim to be supporting all Republicans, I am not surprised that your candidates of choice would be Republican, too, otherwise the firefighters' union wouldn't be able to vote for their particular choice in this upcoming primary election. All of this Union talk has me wondering if you guys all stand together in the voting booth.

That would be difficult and Bay or Okaloosa would have to come over with the jaws of life to get them out.

So does someone in the position of Sheriff, allow his family and extended family to break the laws, yet not the general public? In the past, it was always that Judge who you wanted to know if you got into trouble, because he had the most power, not the Sheriff.

It could happen, the district attorney to our East (Steve Meadows) never prosecuted any of his friends and family and usually let them take a plea bargain that was a joke if he had to due to media pressure.

Are you saying that people in this area don't like the idea of paying dues to a Union, only to have the Union, telling them what to do, how to think and how to act? Interesting.

I was specifically referring to this comment, Joe. My point was that you were making a very broad statement which, post genuine research, you might not have made.

That would be difficult and Bay or Okaloosa would have to come over with the jaws of life to get them out.

:rolling::rofl::floor::lolabove::funn::lol:

I don't believe that it will make any big difference who the FOP endorses for sheriff in Walton County. .....Walton County has never been too keen on unions in this county. Besides, I heard the FOP had already made their mind up way before the interviews were conducted. I was told that they chose Rick brown, one of their own from okaloosa where their chapter is located. Let's see if true, here in the next few days....when they announce it.

Did I comment on unions? :confused:

But since we're here, is there any sheriff's office in the State of Florida that is unionized? Not police department; my question is with Sheriffs only. (And no, I don't know the answer, I am sincerely asking.)

Sorry, it was Life's a Beach to whom I was replying.

I just don't see much reason to think that the Sheriff will be working for Charlie Hilton rather than the County.

Its already apparent by the different level of patrols in the citys neighborhoods. The more affluent neighborhoods see more frequent patrol than the less affluent. Attention to patroling in this city is not based on the demonstrated need as much as the demonstated ability to give support to a campaign. The frustration to the officers who live by the oath must be unbearable. I for one sympathize with the officers. And as for hilton, hah, he doesnt forget anytihing. If mike cant remember, hiltin will remind him.

To answer the question as to my relationship to the sheriff Ralph Johnson, the answer is no. I may live in the county with the citizens but am not related to the current sheriff. Johnson is the 2nd most common name in the United States. namestatistics.com

My only reason for asking this question is will the sheriff work for the people of the county or for the person who donated the most to their campaign?

Don't underestimate the latitude that a county sheriff has. Look at the history of the sheriff's in the county.

I would just hope that people don't look at the contributions and think that the most money has the most citizen's support.

I am unclear why a Bay County resident would put that much money in a Walton County race.

After all of what I read about Hilton trying to buy the Bay County TDC positions and the other political position in Panama City Beach several years ago I just put the question out there.

We have discussed this in the office and thought we would put it in the So Wal and see what others thought. No malicious intent.:blush:

He is close to retirement with the State and wants to come home...just a guess...:idontno:

w;-)

Its already apparent by the different level of patrols in the citys neighborhoods. The more affluent neighborhoods see more frequent patrol than the less affluent.

Which city are you referring to?

Which city are you referring to?

If he means the "city of SoWal?" I know of one neighborhood that pays off duty officers to patrol their neighborhood at certain times. I believe that many of them do that...

If he means the "city of SoWal?" I know of one neighborhood that pays off duty officers to patrol their neighborhood at certain times. I believe that many of them do that...

These are known as "off Duty" patrols. They are paid for by the individual community/business. Usually, it is $20 an hour, less taxes, for the "rental" of an officer. Unfortunately, this "rate" has not increased in the past few years as cost have skyrocketed. (There is a topic...)

I do not like the fact that affluent communities can "rent a cop" for a fee, while our high crime rates continue to increase. I suggest imposing "impact fees" on the developers/builders, who continue to build these new areas. We either raise taxes or do something to get more officers... I guess I just pissed off most of M. Adkinson's supporters...sorry, I'll still probably vote 4U...;-)

w

These are known as "off Duty" patrols. They are paid for by the individual community/business. Usually, it is $20 an hour, less taxes, for the "rental" of an officer. Unfortunately, this "rate" has not increased in the past few years as cost have skyrocketed. (There is a topic...)

I do not like the fact that affluent communities can "rent a cop" for a fee, while our high crime rates continue to increase. I suggest imposing "impact fees" on the developers/builders, who continue to build these new areas. We either raise taxes or do something to get more officers... I guess I just pissed off most of M. Adkinson's supporters...sorry, I'll still probably vote 4U...;-)

w

When I was living in Inlet Beach, NOT an affluent community, I was very very pleased with the amount of officers patrolling the neighborhood.

Why does it bother you that someone wants to pay for a off duty officer? Just curious.

$$$

When I was living in Inlet Beach, NOT an affluent community, I was very very pleased with the amount of officers patrolling the neighborhood.

Why does it bother you that someone wants to pay for a off duty officer? Just curious.

Great Question...

First, in relation to my experiences, no place in South Walton qualifies as a non-affluent neighborhood...

With that said, I do have issue with the number of officers who physically patrol the areas (meaning they are responsive to actual calls). I remember when there were only two officers in all of S.Wol between 3am and 7am. I am sure others have more stories, like when there was one (1). Nothing like back-up when you need it...

I just believe that the tax dollar should be distributed in an equal manner with forces being sent out to the areas of most need; ie. those with high crime and or the potential of such (based on documented case info.) Spring Break on the S.End is a good example. Break-ins on the S.End is another. You rarely hear of a cow being molested in Paxton, yet there are three (3) officers up there... Mooo.

w