Politics

Union tries to block the sheriff

Its president urges the governor not to appoint White to a statewide panel.

By THOMAS LAKE, Times Staff Writer
Published September 22, 2007

Pasco County Sheriff Bob White has applied for a spot on Gov. Charlie Crist's Task Force for the Remediation of Illicit Drug Labs, but isn't receiving support from the world's largest police union.
	[BRENDAN FITTERER | Times]

Bob White is the sheriff, and his deputies are not allowed to strike, which gives him a crucial advantage in their ongoing war over benefits and discipline. But the sheriff's job is inherently political. The deputies know this. And so, in their hands, political pressure becomes a weapon.

Here is the latest example. White has applied for a spot on Gov. Charlie Crist's Task Force for the Remediation of Illicit Drug Labs. In short, this 13-member panel will advise the governor on how to take buildings that once housed meth labs and make them less hazardous to your health.

On the surface, White seems like a logical choice: As his spokesman points out, Pasco County is one of Florida's leaders in meth lab destruction.

But on Monday, the president of the world's largest police union sent a message to Crist's office:

Don't do it, governor!

Chuck Canterbury, the national president of the Fraternal Order of Police, which represents Pasco County's unionized deputies, wrote that the union "does not have faith that this sheriff would be objective nor do we believe that his judgment would benefit the citizens of the state."

He continued.

"In a State that provided for collective bargaining for public employees it is our belief that this sheriff has been disingenuous in his efforts to bargain ... we therefore oppose the sheriffs appointment to this committee."

White declined to comment on the letter.

"I think this is purely political," said Kevin Doll, his chief spokesman. "I think the sheriff has the experience and the knowledge to serve on such a task force."

It was unclear Friday what effect, if any, the letter would have.

"The governor's office reviews and considers all pertinent information as part of the appointment process," spokesman Anthony De Luise said.

Two facts that may prove especially pertinent:

There is one spot on the board designated for a sheriff.

And White is the only sheriff who has applied.

Thomas Lake can be reached at tlake@sptimes.com or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6245.

[Last modified September 21, 2007, 22:21:40]