FOP

My sources inside the Mike Taylor campaign for Clay County Sheriff have told me that Mr. Taylor received the endorsement from the Clay County Fireman today and he will be making a press release very soon.  Way to go Mr. Taylor!  That gives Mr. Taylor's campaign the endorsement of public safety members from both the police and fire in our community. 

I saw on the news tonight and later on the internet that Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler (along with Sheriff Rutherford and Seagraves) endorsed Angela Corey for State Attorney.  While I have no problem with the endorsement, I do question his lack of integrity and consistency regarding political endorsements. 

Isn't this the man that recently told the Fraternal Order of Police and the public that he felt the FOP was being premature to endorse a candidate for Sheriff in his race?  I find it very suspect that he has concern over an endorsement in his race and cites it "premature", but has no problem endorsing Angela Corey whose race will run simultaneous to his own. 

Okay, Sheriff Rick Beseler thinks it politically incorrect to agree to binding arbitration.  Obviously it is not legally incorrect because there are several agencies that already do have binding arbitration.  One need look no further than Duval County to find the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office enjoys this valuable protection.

Police officers and Deputy Sheriffs are not looking to protect dirty or lazy cops.  Police Officers and Deputy Sheriffs are seeking guarantees that they won't be fired arbitrarily due to a bad Sheriff or Police Chief who wasn't there when the Officer/Deputy started their career and who may not be there when the Officer/Deputy retires from their career. 

The attached media release was sent out to area news media outlets in an effort to educate the public with the facts regarding the "less than professional conditions" our Deputy Sheriff's have had to face over the past 3 years.  Remarkably, our Deputies have remained professional in spite of these challenges.  There is a real need to restore professionalism.  The depth and magnitude of these problems is simply unprecedented.