Clay Fraternal Order of Police Announces Endorsement

Insider

Well, Mike Taylor already beat you to the punch. He already put it out to those on his email list-- complete with misspellings.

You are correct Mr. Taylor did receive the endorsement of both the Clay and Jacksonville Fraternal Orders of Police.  Mr. Taylor's campaign was authorized to share that information immediately without restriction and issue his own press release at his discretion.  I did receive the two emails from Mr. Taylor's campaign, but there were no misspelled words. 

The vote from within the Clay County FOP was overwhelmingly in favor of Mr. Taylor:

Mr. Mike Taylor 128 votes

Sheriff Rick Beseler 16 votes

Mr. Leroy Ennis 11 votes 

Mr. Gary Newman 2 votes

It is very likely the State Fraternal Order of Police will be the next organization to offer their endorsement of Mr. Taylor.

Thanks for the update. I don't know Mike Taylor. I haven't done much background research on him but I certainly will in the future.

My personal opinion is anyone with that much union backing certainly bears some very close scrutiny. Now if I were voting for a union president instead of a Sheriff this might qualify as a ringing endorsement and convince me I should vote for him. But as we are voting for a Sheriff, I'm not sure what relevance this should have.

This is a big negative in his column to me. I'm sure that the present Sheriff got a fair shake at receiving the endorsement. Right? 

MikeH

The current Sheriff not only had a fair shake at the endorsement, he did not bother to show up at the forum.  He came into this office telling the professional men and women at the Sheriff's Office that he was a true cop's cop.  The he would be the supervisor for police officers that he always dreamed of working for himself.  He has proven to be just the opposite. 

He told everyone that he would promote from inside the department.  Then he brought in 7 of his friends from the State Attorney's Office to fill the command ranks.  Persons that have never supervised, never ran investigations, never ran SWAT operations, and have no leadership ability. 

The Sheriff's Office has been wrought with botched investigations due to the lack of experience by high ranking members of the department.  Homicide investigations that will never be prosecuted.  Drug investigations that have compromised the identity of undercover officers for media spotlights or compromised the safety of the innocent with babies taken to drug and illegal firearms deals as part of the undercover operation.  SWAT callouts resulting in the death of innocent victims. 

When experienced men and women speak out, they have been shut down, transferred, punished in ways that do not get documented in a personnel file.  That is why the Union was voted in.  

Police unions are unlike the typical labor "union".  Police unions wield more political power than leverage or you see there would be no current impasse with the Sheriff.  Police unions do not have the power to strike.  So, politically the union has become active to support a real law man for the office of the most important law man in the county.  

The endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police is an endorsement coveted by many Presidential, Gubernatorial, US and State Representative seats, State Attorney's, Sheriff's and Police Chiefs.

Mr. Taylor received the endorsement from both the Clay County FOP and the Jacksonville FOP due to his reputation and qualifications as a professional law man.

Finder - double dittos. 

I am not sure a union endorsement is something that makes a candidate the clear choice, but it could help with providing info on the candidate.  Not saying the FOP is not "unlike the typical labor union" but just because you are Mr. Popularity within the company does not mean you would make the best choice as CEO.

I read on my own on Taylor, seems like the real deal.

In addition to the Clay County and Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police endorsements, Sheriff Candidate Mike Taylor received the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police Lodge endorsement today.  Taylor was honored in a letter written by the State Lodge President, Jim Preston.  The letter stated in part "Mike is a true leader and innovator".  Mr. Preston continued, "Mike Taylor is committed to bringing his vision and leadership to the Clay County Sheriff's Office.  He will bring a sense of pride and fairness to the Clay County Sheriff's Office that the employees and deputies will quickly recognize and appreciate."

The Fraternal Order of Police represents over 325,000 members nationwide with 2100 local lodges.  The Florida State Lodge represents over 20,000 active and retired law enforcement officers across the State of Florida.

So Taylor was honored in a letter from a group that wants him elected. Well Duh! Ya think? 

Nope, still not impressed!

Sheriff Beseler is looking better all the time. I want a Sheriff that will stand his ground for me, not pander to the FOP. If you can't get the guy in charge to bend to your will, then try your best to get rid of him by supporting someone who knows how the union game is played. No thanks.

MikeH

I find myself wondering what you consder pandering.  Mr. Taylor has spoken to the FOP on many occasions and clearly stated he and the FOP will not always agree, but they will work together professionally.   

I was not originally a Mike Taylor supporter.  But, after meeting him, listening to what he had to say and speaking with police officers and supervisors that have worked with him, I am convinced he is the best man for the job!

After speaking with law enforcement professionals from JSO, DEA, FDLE, FHP, DEP, Secret Service, NCIS, and even some from within the CCSO, I learned he has a reputation for being exactly what he portrays himself to be, a professional law man and I am proud to support him!  

Anyone that takes the time to look at the financial disclosures on www.clayelections.com will see many high ranking law enforcement officials (or their wives) contributing to Mr. Taylor's campaign.  There is obviously so much more to his professionalism and campaign than an the FOP endorsement. 

Finally something I can understand when voting in Clay County. Now I have one down and marking them off. Lots more to go. I am still learning and Clay County doesn't make it easy. Unless you have been here a long time. Still reading the blogs for education in Clay politics.

Even if endoresment is right the man on street is not upset with sheriff and While Taylor is impressive and may make a good sheriff, his support by former sheriff will get him beat

I have not heard or seen any information that the prior Sheriff supports Mike Taylor. I have reviewed his records at the Supervisors of Elections website. I am very familiar with some of the names of the law enforcement officers that neither supported Lancaster or Beseler, but does support Mike Taylor. So why would they support Mike Taylor if the didn't like Beseler or Lancaster if they knew Lancaster supported Mike Taylor.

With the upcoming amendment to the ballot and the possible passing of that amendment it is crucial that we the taxpayers make the best choice. He seems to have excellent credentials for the job. Has a proven record and if in 4 years he has not delivered he can be replaced as well.

Link we should all read for the above reason:

http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/012708/opl_240350758.shtml

Angela,

Politics can have strange bedfellows during elections in Clay County.  Folks that hate each other come together sometimes to try and unseat an incumbent.  Then they will go their separate ways after the election is over or there is something in it for them and they hang around for a bone to be thrown their way.  I have been around here and watched the political machine work for more that 30 years, and believe me it’s a live and well regardless of the new comers.  A lot of the old guard is still around to work behind the scenes with the newbie’s.

I agree with the old guard being around. I am familiar with the persuasive "culture of corruption" in Clay County. I read Mike Price's report too. Just like magic a bunch of them seemed to show up for the courthouse dedication. I was hoping the FBI would show up in force with handcuffs. Oh well we all need to dream for better times in the county.

That's why every 4 years we need to as voters rotate all the positions to weed them out from the mix. Take that power from them.

After all they are more of us than them and with the power of our vote we can change things.

I want someone who is willing to look at all ends of the county - including those of us in Keystone! It seems all the past Sheriff's forget that we are here.  Of course I still don't know who the best person for the job is.  My husbands uncle knows Mr. Taylor and has asked for our vote ... but until I read more about him I'm still undecided. 

 Do you guys have campaign website's for all those running?

I want someone who is willing to look at all ends of the county - including those of us in Keystone! It seems all the past Sheriff's forget that we are here.  Of course I still don't know who the best person for the job is.  My husbands uncle knows Mr. Taylor and has asked for our vote ... but until I read more about him I'm still undecided. 

 Do you guys have campaign website's for all those running?

Here's Mike Taylor's website. See the link provided below.

http://www.miketaylorforclaysheriff.com/

I don't know if any of the others have one.

You are in good company in Keystone Heights. See the link provided below.

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19211460