Quote Originally Posted by JD
Is the Sheriff no longer an elected position? Wells was elected from '84 to '00 every four years. What about '04 and now the election of a "new" Sheriff for '08. I know Gov. Crist is appointing a Sheriff, which is what perked my curiosity.

Thanks,
JD
If an elected sheriff has served less than 2 years of his tour, then another election is held. If a sheriff has served more than 2 years of his tour, then the governor appoints a new sheriff, per the Florida constitution. Charlie Wells has served over 2 years, so the governor has a responsibility to appoint an intrim sheriff.

Quote Originally Posted by cheaters & quitters b
:?: Registered voters took the trouble to elect Sheriff Wells. Now he’s resigning before his term’s up? It looks like manipulative, shameful circumvention of the elected office. He’s propping his #2 to take office without an election. Then when #2 faces voters during normal elections, he’s already the unbeatable incumbent. Finish what you started, Sheriff Wells. We elected you for a 4-year term. Let #2 run for office the honest way AFTER YOUR TERM IS EXPIRED.

If anyone else feels the same way, contact Gov. Crist’s office. Why would we possibly want a #2 who got the job in a sneaky, underhanded, cra p p y way? Pizz poor legacy to leave, Sheriff Wells, you sorry azz quitter. Is your hand-picked successor a cheater too?
Rumors are circulating that Sheriff William F. Balkwill in Sarasota County is going to do the exact same thing as Sheriff Charlie Wells. Balkwill will then recommend to Governor Crist that Chief Deputy Larry Dunklee be appointed as the intrim sheriff of Sarasota County.

Sarasota will be watching Manatee very closely.