Sheriff's debate marked by cordial, friendly exchanges
By MICHAEL SANDLER
Published October 13, 2004
CLEARWATER - Former shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem and Chief Deputy Jim Coats seemed an odd pair Tuesday night.
Clem, the Democratic candidate for Pinellas sheriff, accused Coats of embracing the status quo and being part of an organization that breeds cronyism.
Coats, the Republican, told the room he was the only candidate qualified in the race and encouraged people to cross party lines.
Both had come to Countryside High School to participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce.
But while they waited for their turn and listened to other candidates for local office, Coats and Clem whispered to each other like old friends. They smiled, gently patted each other on the back and even exchanged cell phone numbers while sitting in the front of the room for all to see.
During the debate, Clem took a moment to acknowledge his opponent.
"Mr. Coats and I, we've remained friendly," Clem told the room. "Everything we've talked about is about the agency. Just vote for who you feel will do the best job."
Afterward, Coats characterized Clem's accusations as "campaign politics."
"You can't say it's mudslinging, because he's not criticizing my character and what I stand for," Coats said. "He's directed his comments to the agency."
Clem and Coats were asked about the most pressing issues for the department, changes they would make and their qualifications for the job.
Both agreed that the budget, which has grown by nearly $50-million over the last two years to $225-million, should be controlled. They also shared a desire to afford minorities in the ranks more opportunities to advance.
Coats called it a matter of "tweaking" the promotional process. Clem implied it was a failure on the part of Sheriff Everett Rice's administration, which Coats has been a part of for the past 16 years, including the past nine as chief deputy.
"I don't think you can take a problem like minority promotion as tweaking," Clem said. "They've had 16 years to correct that."
When asked about his qualifications, Clem, who has no law enforcement training or experience, called the office a "business" and himself a "successful businessman" who listens to people.
"That's my qualifications," Clem said.
Coats twice called on the audience to cross party lines and vote for him, saying he is the only logical choice based on 32 years of law enforcement experience.
"It's got to be obvious," Coats said. "This election has got to be based on qualifications. ... I urge you, if you are a Democrat, cross party lines. Elect the best person."
