Official-reservist plans to govern by phone, laptop

ORLANDO -- As a citizen soldier, Bob Sindler wants to participate in America's democracy while defending it from foreign threats.

But the Orange County commissioner is drawing criticism for his plan to represent his district via phone and a laptop computer while he serves with his Army Reserves unit in an undisclosed location for up to a year.

"I promise you the next year will be tough, but you'll be in good hands," Sindler told constituents last week, referring to his two office staffers.

"Your voice will be heard," he said. "I'll be talking (by phone), on e-mail and fax. It will be difficult, but we have some very important things to do in the world to keep democracy safe. Democracy is not free."

Sindler could ask the governor to appoint a temporary replacement. The county chairman, some of Sindler's northwest Orange constituents and community leaders are upset that he hasn't.

By holding onto his post, Sindler, who also has a veterinary practice, will continue to collect a $63,210 commissioner's salary, according to county officials. Otherwise, a temporary replacement would get the paycheck until Sindler returned, although his benefits, including health insurance and pension, would continue.

A lieutenant colonel in the Reserves, Sindler reported for training last weekend in Miami. After returning to Orange for his last commission meeting next week, the 17-year reservist could be gone for a year, likely overseas, with his 478th Civil Affairs Battalion, which helps build roads and provides medical services.

He has remained mum about where his military duty may take him, but he hinted that he could find himself in Central Asia.

Sindler said even if he's in Afghanistan, he hopes to call into county meetings and cast votes, using money from his commission office's budget to pay the tab.

That could be costly. Commission meetings typically run at least six hours every Tuesday. A call from Afghanistan to Orlando costs $8.29 to $10.01 a minute, according to AT&T.

County Chairman Rich Crotty has urged Sindler to ask Gov. Jeb Bush for a temporary replacement, but he can't force the issue. According to county and state law, the governor can't step in unless Sindler asks him to.

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