How not to do a survey

ClayCounty

This is called a "push poll". Someone calls and acts like they are taking a a poll or survey, when in actuality they are bashing another candidate.

Several people I know also were called, asked the same questions, and immediately caught on to the real purpose of this very biased "survey".

Thanks Pioneer.  That's exactly what my husband said.  I guess when someone says it's a survey, I expect it to be exactly that.  I hate being duped.

Poll or Survey? I think it is very important to see if the public thinks changing Deputies schedules or traffic assignments affect the crime rate or if they believe crime is "simply increasing everywhere".  Too bad you did not finish the poll.  I would like to know what the public thinks. 

The Uniform Crime Reports tell the story without any survey or poll. Each year since Beseler took office the crimes have increased in Clay County. Some years as much as over 15%. He tells us this is the result of Jacksonville.

The stats that he can't run from and blame on Jacksonville is the clearance rate and those being in the first half of 2007 less than 40%. What that means is 60% of the crimes being committed on the citizens in our county are not being solved. This is the most consistent stat he has put out since he took office in 2005.

However, his budget if he continues to rise at his current rate each year since he took office will eat the entire budget of the county in a couple of years.

His prison-for-profit idea is a disaster. Just look at Pasco County what happened with their tent city. This is just what we need 500 State Inmates with no place to go.

http://www.jacksonville.com/apnews/stories/121607/D8TIJM200.shtml

4 years is enough for any of the elected officials and Beseler's 4 years is just about up. 

Angela,

Depending on those reporting stats, clearance rates absolutely can be manipulated.

Budgets will increase proportionately with the overall population increase. That stands to reason, although, you deny it. That's why commissioners salaries should reflect the increase in population.

You cite rhetoric...not actual facts.

Karen Lake

You are right they can be manipulated and if Beseler is manipulating these stats could you even imagine what the real stats should actually look like. Because these aren't doing him any favors. Have you been to the mall lately without being robbed?

I think you and him should stop the talk about the increase in the population because according to a study done recently 1 in every 5 people in Florida are considering leaving. I think in my area alone it would be more than 1 in 5.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/content/business/epaper/2007/12/17/1217survey.html

From 1999 to 2005 the Sheriff's Budget increased 63%. I don't think that reflects the population increase in our county that has now started to decrease.

Clearance rates are statistics developed through the Uniform Crime Reports of actual crimes reported and solved.  Unlike a (private sector) business with projected sales and expenses that can be manipulated with "padded" figures, the UCR tracks actual numbers. 

The facts are an unfortunate 40% crime clearance rate under Sheriff Beseler compared to 50% crime clearance rate before he took office.

I don't mean to insult anyone's intelligence, but clearance rates cannot be manipulated.  By the way, Sheriff Beseler uses the same personnel to track his UCR as the previous Sheriff.  I would truly find it difficult to believe that if manipulation could be done that Beseler would keep the same personnel in place.

That may be true...Angela. But not in Clay County. We are still the 32nd fastest growing county in the U.S.

Respectfully, I know you know your public records but the increase in the Sheriff's Budget absolutely coordinates with the increase in population and criminal activities.

The fact that you're considering leaving Clay County doesn't diminish the risk of the Sheriff's department and it's responsibility to your public safety. The Clay County Sheriff's Office is responsible until you leave, absolutely.

The Sheriff's Office has a management problem not an officer problem. The Sheriff being the top law enforcement officer in our county would have better served the citizens if he had been a law enforcement officer instead of a State Attorney Office investigator.

Being a women and a law abiding citizens would encourage all to get a concealed weapons permit, learn to use that weapon, and protect yourself.

Could you show me in any statement that I just made in this entire blog where I said I was leaving Florida. That must be your miss conception.

What I see here sure differs from what I hear on the streets. People are quite amused at the candidates all wanting to return to the proffessionalism of the "past glory days".  The biggest criticism I have heard about Beesler is he kept to many people from past admin.

 One blogger referred to sheriff's buget going up with population. Best I can re-call for past 16 years or more the sheriff's budget has gone up each year 4-5 times more than population. and county budget 3-4 times the growth rate, Yes Sir growth sure does pay for itself

This survey was not to find out what the public thinks.  It was clearly slanted in a way to get the results that someone wanted.  I agree that an honest survey would be interesting.  However, this survey was not that and I refuse to be someone's tool.

What interesting points of view in this discussion!  Clearly we have some who feel passionly about this.

It seems some feel the reasons behind crime increasing, per the above blogs, is population growth, budget or lack of funding, and management (and their resume),  It appears that as a result of crime we should all be protecting ourself and all law abiding citizens should have concealed guns.  That gives me chills at the thought.    

I know this is not about surveys but the subject was brought up by ClayCounty.

 I know of no instance where a concealed weapons holder has ever committed  a crime.

There have been a lot of people that have been rescued and have defended themselves because they have had a concealed weapons permit.  

I know due to the mentality of the press these stories get very little print or TV time.

When Florida started to issue concealed weapons permits, there were a lot of people who were screaming that Florida would become a wild west and people would be shooting everybody. Did not happen, if fact crime went down.

I used to argue with a convince store clerk every morning when I stopped for coffee. She was dead set against guns. One day I went in and she asked me what kind of gun she should get? I asked her why suddenly wanted a gun. She said she went home and someone had broken into her home and she was scared. Makes a different when you come into the real world.

 My neighbor was against owning a gun and always berated me for having one. One day she knocked on my door and wanted me to bring my gun over to her house to shoot a snake that was in her front yard. I just smiled and got rid of the snake. She never said another word on the subject.

Welcome to the real world.  

"Those who give up freedom for security have neither" 

I was actually quoting Angela about the concealed weapons.  However, I am strongly against citizens carrying concealed weapons.  Just because you don't know of a concealed weapons holder commiting a crime don't make it not so. 

Let me tell a little story.  This past Saturday I talked to my father about future Christmases and instead of the family buying gifts for each other that we don't need and have to go in debt to buy that we each give within our means to a charity of our choice.  My father went ballistic saying that "all" charities are crooked and that he had heard of heads of charities riding around in big cars and that people that applied to charities for help were usually crooks trying to get a free ride, etc.  I told him that I knew for a fact that there were some reputable charities but Dad held strongly to his opinion.  I guess it's partly because of the way he grew up and the time frame he has lived through. 

Anyway, this is a long way to say much like Dad is a product of his time,  I'm a product of mine, the 60's and I'm sure the same goes for you.  Now, my Dad and I can't talk about politics, religion, environment, government, view on life, etc.  Frankly, I don't know how we get along as well as we do.  Gosh, this comment went no where but away from the concealed weapons discussion which is just fine. I like my Dad are just stubborn and I see no need for concealed weapons.

I have to very thoughtfully disagree with you Clay. The best thing we as citizens can do to fight crime is to give potential thugs a reason to think twice about holding up what may appear to be an easy mark. I remember quite clearly a few years back when a pair of addlebrained savages tried to hold up a seafood restaurant on Blanding Blvd. An armed customer broke that up and shot one of the critters. Unfortunately he did not die but it's the thought that counts. It also made all the major talk shows at night and national news.

I also remember the woman who watched as a family member died in a botched hold up of a McDonalds fast food place in Texas. (Calling it a restaurant seems a stretch.) She was completely beside herself that although she had a permit to carry a concealed weapon (and knew how to use it) that she left it in the car and could not stop a cold blooded killing by another savage.

Your personal beliefs are your own and I would never attempt to talk you out of them but please do not attempt to restrict me with your beliefs. Who knows, the life I cave may be yours.

Lily's Lore "I don't ever want to be rescued And I don't ever want to be saved I got a feelin' that I'm gonna be alive forever Dancin' on the edge of a grave..." Jim Steinman

Lilyslore, I like the way you put things, thoughtfully.  You and my sister would get along great as she believes the same as you and carries a registered concealed weapon.  However, I will never have a gun in my house or on my person and thank goodness I have brought up two sons who have the same beliefs. 

I'm sure I just opened myself up for attack but that's my personal beliefs.  Lillyslore, I'm not talking about you attacking me but generally.  Also, please don't attack my sons as they are hard working contributing members of society.    I am going to finish wrapping for a peaceful Christmas.  I've been playing to long as I was so happy to get my computer back from three weeks as HP. 

Peace to all.

I would never attack you and I hope I would never attack anyone for their beliefs. I know many people who plain don't like guns. I have no argument with them. I have no reason to attack anyone for any beliefs that do not inhibit my beliefs. Your sons should be very proud of their mother and their upbringing. I would also never insist on everyone owning guns. Some can simply get themselves and loved ones hurt.

In the spirit of the season, go forth and spread peace and joy. Merry Christmas!

Lily's Lore "I don't ever want to be rescued And I don't ever want to be saved I got a feelin' that I'm gonna be alive forever Dancin' on the edge of a grave..." Jim Steinman

Any person who does not feel comfortable having a gun or using a gun should never have one. That person can be a danger to themselves and others. Because people will take your gun and kill you.

I was raised in a family and my father never had less than 200 guns in our home. Those ranged from antiques that belonged to his father, guns he hunted with, and ones for personal protection. I learned at an early age that guns kill people. None of my siblings never shot each other or even played with those guns, because we knew better. My father felt it was important for us to protect ourself and he taught us early.

In today's climate where we have home invasions, people running around in schools killing people, in malls where people shopping are getting killed, and people in churches killing people. I would not be without a gun. You'll be dead if you even get to call the police. Today they don't stop crime, they just show up after it happens.

Today with my work I travelled 4 counties. I work in Jacksonville often and it is the murder capitol of Fl. Just the other day, I was stopped by a red light, seems the shady looking guy was pushing the walk button. I stoppped for the red light he bent down looked in my car. He saw a women with her purse on the seat. He started toward my car. I just looked him straight in the eyes, lend over opened the glovebox, and he knew. He put his hands in the air and stepped back. I nodded my head and the light turned green and I drove off. That would have been his unlucky day if had touch my door. It could have been my unlucky day.

Gun laws only restrict law abiding citizens from protecting themselves. Hell, they cannot even keep illegals out of the Country much less guns out of the hands of criminals.

Smith and Wesson are my 2 best friends and I don't leave home without them.

And to think the election is only 11 months away - this is going to be good.  Should blog lobbyists be required to register as such, or should I just be smart enough to know when it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, . . .

insider - is that an unbiased opinion, or would you like to see someone other than Beesler sheriff in '09?  Never mind, I can figure it out.  You were so subtle.

Angela - you just went to hero status with me.  Toby Keith AND a gun in the console.  Please tell me you had a Toby CD playing when the dumb-ass approached your car.  Are you married?  I'm sure my wife would understand.  You're half-way to being inducted into the Builder's Club, Honorary Member.  We'll have to talk about your stand on HTDA, though.

I'd love for someone to start a gun blog - I think Munsey did once, but you know how that goes.  Daddy always said, "Whoever has the gun, has the advantage.  Never be at a disadvantage in your own home."  I believe it.

I also believe (= my opinion) that Rick Beesler is a good sheriff, especially when compared to the past in this County.  I don't know about the other candidates, so I can't say yet whether they would be better than him.  They must think so.  As of now, he gets my vote hands down, no brainer.  4 years is a good start, and valuable experience I expect him to put to good use.  Of all departments, the Sheriff's Office will benefit from stability of leadership. 

I'm skeptical of the stats presented, not because of the source, but they stand alone.  Compared to what?  How much has the population grown?  How do they compare to other similar counties?  I seem to remember MCS printed having a 2 page layout about crime stats, and I was not alarmed by what they showed.  I honestly don't recall the exact numbers, but I think I saved it.  To me it's not only about numbers, but how safe do I feel also.  I feel pretty safe - I leave my guns at home (for now), but I do look over my shoulder more, especially north of Knight-Boxx.

I am on the do not call list so for the most part I don't get hit with surveys and such except every once in a great while. 

Manipulation or the attempt to is a big red flag to me, I would be interested in knowing just who was doing that survey.  If you're a candidate looking to beat out the competition then be up front,  people who manipulate the facts or statistics or send others to deliver their message while attempting to remain obscure are not to be trusted and that is what this all sounds like to me.  Baxley our minds work the same way on some issues.

There were guns in my home growing up but they were rarely seen. There are guns in my home now as well.  I had to learn to use weapons in the military and surprisingly I was a really good shot.  Overall I have always been one of the people who believed that guns in homes are dangerous to the people who live in the home but as a once Mother of little girls everything in life was geared towards a "safe enviroment"

Now that I am older, kids nearly grown I find that I am changing my mind on not only guns in the home, but carrying concealed weapons.  I agree wholeheartedly with Angela in that you are your own first line of defense. Also, that Law Enforcement tries, but they cannot be everywhere at once and most of the time are there "after the fact" and after the fact you can be dead.  Work at times takes me into areas where I fear for my safety, and I have grown weary of feeling that sort of anxiety.  While it is not something that is being pursued at the moment, the time is certainly coming.

The only thing I have to say about the current County Sherriff is that I wish he'd kept that surplus he handed back to the County and used it for traffic control.  I don't care who the Sherriff is, there will be those out there who think he's great and those who believe he's in need of replacing.  No doubt even Matt Dillon had people who did not like him. 

CCF better known as carrying a concealed firearm is one that I live by.  I carry an extra gun on me when I am on duty.  If I am off duty going to O.P., I carry two one on each ankle and a pump shot gun under the back seat of my truck.  Just in case all heck breaks out I am ready.  My best friends are an S&W, 5 shot 38 sp. and a Walther PPK 380.  I am not going to be a victim of these dirt bags that run the streets looking for easy prey.  We are going to get it on when the time comes.

Boy, this thread has alot goin' on.  Bax- As far as the election being 11 months away, and new "political" bloggers and blogger lobbying?  Isn't that what MCS is for?  information? opinions? I have seen many a "cheerleader for and/or against come thru this site

Angela I too grew up with guns, lots of them. I would have liked to be a "fly on the dashboard" when you opened your glovebox....way to go ! Everybody in my family hunts and also carrys.  I never felt the need to have a handgun in the house(we have a few long guns) and wasn't comfortable with them in our home when all of my kids were little.  However, I DO live north of Knight Boxx and I have a carry permit.  I exercised my right to carry imediately after the present sheriff said all his crime was coming in from Jacksonville.  I don't give a rats rear end where crime is coming from. I am going to make it stop if it comes to me or mine.

 Magnum, I believe you could make a bundle as a mall escort during the holidays! 

With the recent event at the mall where some dirtbags were stealing and leaving the store and was stopped by a security guard. He pulled a knife, if that security officer would have had a gun we wouldn't be wasting taxpayers dollars looking for them. They had a stolen vehicle and stolen merchandise. Now they are still running the streets to commit more crimes against the citizens. Who's in charge of mall security? I guess the dirtbags who got away.

Not much on quoting the Beatles, but, better Smith, Glock or HK than American Express when you leave home!

Most of my good friends carry, excuse me, are CCF.  Don't want to get MForce upset, he carries one more than I do.

I think the average crime occurs much too quickly to expect the police to always be there on time.  People should have the right to defend themselves!  I fear to see what the Supreme Court will say as they are considering a Second Amendment case.

Angela, way to go!  You knew the score and so did he!

I've been away, I hope the rest of the reading is as good as this.