I greatly appreciate the Times' acknowledging my capabilities, professionalism and respect of my peers, as well as agreeing that I would be a "conscientious, hard-working and impartial judge." But I must disagree with the Times' position that it sees no reason why voters should turn out an experienced jurist.
The Times fails to address the controversies over the complaints of other jurists, the stripping of authority by the chief judge's order, the complaints of victims and their families.
I refer to Silvana Altieri's letter: "On Dec. 11, 2001, a man who stood in the Hernando County Courthouse over the years for more than a dozen crimes, committed murder. He was held without bail on the murder charge. The next day, he stood in front of Judge Hyslop for the additional charges of attempted murder, armed kidnapping, armed sexual assault and armed battery. Hyslop set bail at $4,800. My husband's coffin alone cost more than that!" Also complaints from Hernando Sheriff Richard Nugent, whose comments about the reassignment order as an "action to ensure the safety of us all," or Citrus Sheriff Jeff Dawsy, who comments that Hyslop's actions "put law enforcement officers, the elderly and children at risk and I cannot tolerate it." And, of course, the Reader's Digest America's Worst Judges list.
I will stand on my record, accomplishments, experience and endorsements to justify my ability to do the right job, a job the good citizens of Hernando County deserve.
I urge voters to look beyond the subjective opinion of one editor and look at the genuine issues as to who truly deserves to represent the people of this community. I respectfully request your vote on Aug. 31.
-- Donald Scaglione, nonpartisan candidate Hernando County Judge
[Last modified August 13, 2004, 00:57:24]
