TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pasco News

White For Sheriff

ADVERTISEMENT

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: October 25, 2008

After narrowly defeating his Republican challenger in the primary, Sheriff Bob White heads into the Nov. 4 general election with something to prove against his Democratic opponent K.S. "Kim" Bogart and Bobby Kinzy, a registered Democrat running with no party affiliation.

White, who is seeking his third term, is facing a fierce challenge from Bogart, a former high ranking member of two past Pasco sheriffs, Jim Gillum and Lee Cannon.

White, 58, Trinity, has been able to provide services at about half the cost of similar agencies during these challenging economic times. He also points out that some 250 volunteers have produced $725,000 worth of work and that average response times are faster than national averages.

He also touts that the county's crime rate and violent crime rate is much lower than the statewide average.

However, for all the things White appears well-equipped to handle, he has been challenged in his dealings with the county commission to gain funding and a seemingly deteriorating relationship with his deputies, who recently issued a vote of no confidence in their leader.

It also didn't help that White was a vocal supporter of Amendment 1, which will significantly impact the future sheriff's ability to adequately fund law enforcement due to decreasing revenue streams.

It appears White needs to work on his communication and leadership skills. This would help him with the overall morale in his office and restore community confidence. He is in the best position to stabilize law enforcement in Pasco County. He certainly has made the sheriff's office more efficient. Now he must demonstrate he has the leadership ability to take the sheriff's office to the next level.

New Port Richey resident Bogart, 56, presents a formidable challenge with his unique blend of sheriff's office experience numbering 16 years and his recent work as executive director of the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission and running his own consulting firm.

There is doubt he is qualified to be sheriff. However, the question is whether he can distance himself from the flaws of past Pasco sheriffs who he worked under. Kinzy has no law enforcement experience and is not qualified for the position.

Over the years there's been considerable turnover of sheriffs in Pasco County. We believe White has worked hard and has earned the opportunity to stabilize the office and take it to the next level, which may require more resources than he has been able to garner from the commission.

For these reasons The Suncoast News recommends Bob White for Sheriff in the Nov. 4 general election.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT