James "Eddie" McConnell: Hernando County Sheriff, Democrat
Thank you for the opportunity to allow voters another opportunity to hear my message.
I have always presented myself as an honest, sincere, approachable individual and will continue when I become sheriff.
The issues I have been concerned with throughout this campaign remain as important now as when we started. There is still the issue of the unionization of the deputies when no other surrounding county elected to unionize. It is my firm belief that if there isn't a problem, you do not look for a cure.
We have tolerated four years of an administration that has politically promoted the individual and not the organization. I feel we can find a better avenue for spending your tax dollars.
The violent crime rate in Hernando County ranks among the highest in the state. Statistics from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement reflect an increase in violent crimes of 10.2 percent, while the population growth increased only 3.1 percent. These statistics are as current as Oct. 27. My opponent begs to differ, however, these are the facts. He has stated these figures are lower than in the past four years. My question is, why do these figures appear to drastically improve in an election year?
I support a proactive approach to traffic control/patrol and I do not approve of the undercover disguise approach that has been utilized by the sheriff's administration.
I will focus on lowering response times by equalizing the number of deputies to the size and activity in their zones.
There are distinct differences between my opponent and myself. I fully support the youth programs for their educational value vs. their political impact. I believe in stimulating a positive relationship between the employees and the administration, unlike my opponent. I will better utilize and control the budget spending by focusing on need vs. want. I am also an advocate for progress and preparation. And I approve of saving for the future, not spending for the future.
I have the same solid experience, education, personality and believable promises that I possessed in 2000. More than 46-percent of the voters believed in me then, and I ask you to believe in me now. I want your vote and support on Nov. 2.
-- James "Eddie" McConnell
[Last modified October 31, 2004, 00:56:31]
