Fort Lauderdale—It’s no secret Democrats desperately hope to regain control of the Broward Sheriff’s Office. It has been their goal since the downfall of disgraced former Sheriff Ken Jenne. Democrats control three of the four Constitutional offices in Broward: Supervisor of Elections, Clerk of the Courts and Property Appraiser.
Democrats on the County Commission have done their best to interfere with Sheriff Al Lamberti. They demand the same budget cuts from BSO that they demand from the recreation department and the library system. When budget cuts are imposed, they attack BSO for making cuts that impact public safety. RED BROWARD spoke with Sheriff Lamberti regarding public safety being his top priority:
But the Democrat attack on Lamberti is not limited to budget cuts. On several occasions, the County Commission has tried to get the Sheriff’s Office to fall under the control of the County Charter. If this were to happen the BSO, The Supervisor of Elections, the Clerk of Courts and the Property Appraiser offices would be under the thumb of the County Commission. A commission dominated by Democrats.
For the several months, one of those Democrats, Ilene Lieberman, has not attended meetings. She joins by phone, citing “health reasons” for her absence. Sources told New Times columnist Bob Norman she was suffering from a “nervous breakdown”:
“The stress of the state corruption investigation — which has led to evidence that is damning to Lieberman whether she is ultimately charged or not — and the ensuing media crush has led to a crippling depression and to a serious physical ailment“.
(http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/pulp/2011/02/ilene_lieberman_health_issues.php)
Multiple sources confirm to RED BROWARD that issues surrounding Lieberman have indeed reached “critical mass”. So why is she still allowed to represent her constituents? Why hasn’t this become a bigger issue?
On Tuesday, newly-elected Commission Chip LaMarca brought up the issue of Lieberman’s continued absence. What follows is a littany of excuses from Democrats. It’s shocking to hear how politicians are absent all the time. Imagine if we let Presidents and Senators disappear for months at time.
If Lieberman were to step down, Governor Rick Scott would certainly choose a Republican to replace her. If that happened, Democrats would have one less vote for their charter review scheme.
How interesting, what a concept, a conservative blogger posting negative information about DEMOCRATS? How could this happen? I thought conservative bloggers only attacked other Republicans–oh, no, i must’ve been reading the RNE, Republican National Enquirer by mistake. My bad….great job RED BROWARD. Now this is a blogger we can all be proud of!
Couldn’t get the Sheriff on tape anywhere other than a local bar?
Sheriff Lamberti was interviewed following a Broward Young Republicans meeting.
I just don’t understand it. If the Governor ever appointed a Republican to this seat, you know it would be short term until 2o12. You would see virtually no changes in county government.
The District is over 50% Democratic, and about 23% Republican. I believe it is the second largest democratic majority of any Commission Seat, and you saw what happened to Al Jones (4th out of 4th even when switching again).
Wouldn’t it be better to find a Conservative Democratic or Independent (registered as a Democrat) to hold the seat? It would give Chip a chance to do something. Otherwise he is out gunned. I know this would be extremely hard for some to swallow. But isn’t the first goal to get the changes you seek. Or is it just to have the title D or R on a name?
Actually you would be amazed how many Democrats are DINO’s. But then there are some RINO’s too. Though if we are really a large tent, someone will have to explain to me how it can be so broad, but still so narrow.
Dear Independent, I don’t see this as a “label” thing. Ronald Reagan used to speak to any group, anywhere, and deliver his message. He believed in his message. People want leaders that believe in something. What does Ilene Lieberman believe in? What has she done to earn the votes of Democrats?(Other than being a Democrat). I’d love to talk the 50% democrats. Heck, I’d love to talk to the 23% Republicans too. I’d ask them if they’re tired of their money being wasted. I’d ask if they’re tired of the corruption. Republicans and Democrats know when things aren’t working. They know when people are doing the wrong things. Just look at the November 2010 election results (everywhere but Broward). The people in Broward haven’t been hearing about the problems. If Conservatives and Independents of all persuasions work together, we can change that.
True. The county needs to be totally reorganized. It is inefficient and has long ago lost its focus on what it is supposed to do. What is its mission? I don’t know.
Lieberman has held up this old guard. It used to be a good old boys network. They have tried to replace it with the good old girls network. Neither really worked well. We need to find those that are willing to dismantle the system and put it back together so it serves its mission. Find the role of the county, and not waste time trying to control everything. A lot of people won’t like it, but look where we are heading.
We need to use some true fiscal conservativism. The kind that Republicans used to believe in a long time ago, and Democrats never could grasp. That means, define what the people want government to provide, and make sure THEY pay for it. Nothing is for free. Then direct investment through a tax structure to stimulate growth and grow the economy, not government.
The problem is to find those to represent that can be elected from any party, and are willing to stick their necks out. But if all we look at are D’s and R’s, we will never get there.
So if there is a chance the Governor does get to pick a replacement County Commissioner, I hope he will look at the whole war, and not a small battle. Then select someone with a philosphy to do what is needed, and not what party they serve.