A vote for Ortino is a vote for the union!

A vote for Ortino is a vote for the union!

How else could the FOP endorse someone when no one knows who exactly will be running now that Hunter is not?

After reading all the comments on the Naples Blogs, the FOP just did some serious damage to their image. What a bone-head move!

Let the turmoil begin. If you thought it was bad before you will now have something to compare it to. Life at the CCSO will not be the same.

We had it good here. Now you will see just how good we had it. Some of you took Hunter for granted while the most of us knew what we had.

I am sure there will be lots of early retirements just to escape the pending chaos.

As they say: be careful for what you ask for, you just may get it.

Thank you Sheriff Hunter for your dedicated and loyal service. It will not be forgotten...

im asking....glad i got it.

Any vote against don is a good vote

don is gone

[Red Rocket]

Ortino has no real experience....2 years FHP - good guys, but not exactly what I would look for in a Sheriff......Also, I watched the heir apparent (kr)help his guys unload a tractor trailer full of dope. They were out there for hours. That shows me that he'll get his hands dirty with the boys. That goes a long way w/ me.

I'm currently a FOP member, but I know I wont be voting for Ortino

You gentlemen who drip acid on everyone are really just insecure and afraid. This agency has changed several times since the county seat was moved from Ecity years ago. There are good and bad things about the agency, the candidates and all involved.
When Hunter came to this agency, he had NO EXPERIENCE, he was a numbers cruncher and was TAUGHT what he knows by the "good ol' boys" as you refer to them. Where do you think he learned what little bit he knows? at the FBI Academy??/riiiigth... Ortino has no experience at the SO but did have the two years with FHP and in spite of what some say, FHP has ALWAYSS had full arrest powers,,I dont where some got the idea that they didnt...theyve been making dope cases, homicide cases around this state for YEARS. So here's the final:
Hunter in 1988: No experience Law Enforcement, no business experience, no investigative experience, quickly pushed to his current position with no consideration of the men he was destroying in his pathway.
Ortino: 2 years FHP/some law enforcement experience, some investigative experience.
25 years of business experience, managing people and conducting investigations....hmmmmmm. And if you think Rambosk is not a duplicate of Hunter with a blue uniform, you're asleep. IF Rambosk gets in you can bet your &SS that JW is his right hand hatchet man. It's already decided. And in case you're wondering, JW came straight from the military, with NO INVESTIGATIVE experience,,just a desk job and a good sales pitch for Hunter. Good luck with all this. So it's either Ortino or maybe someone else,,,who would you like to see run>???

You are correct. That is why JW was standing on Rambosk's left during the press conference...get used to the picture. I say good....somebody needs to ask JW some questions, in a public forum, about his investigative tactics. Polish up Jimmy!

[Paparazzi LEO]

Guestfrombefore that is absolutly absured reasoning! Ortino has managed at most 5 people, Rambosk hundreds. Ortino has ran a private investigator office with a minial budget, Rambosk millions. Ortino had two ROOKIE years as a Trooper, Rambosk 20+ years LAW ENFORCEMENT!!

If that is all you have to justify Ortino against ANYONE woth more than 2 years FHP (Traffic) experience then you must be part of the FOP.

A vote for Ortino IS a vote to have the FOP come in to CCSO!! How else can the FOP endorse someone with no experience OR no support from the Local Chapter! Yes that's right folks, the local FOP chapter does not even support Ortino. This was a State FOP decision.

Even the FOP can not even stand as one... sounds like typical union division. That is all that they do, devide the work place! So if the local and state FOP can not agree. What a joke!!

Gee I wonder if Ortino has been doing the old campaign promises trick?

Rambosk is proven and well liked by everyone. At least I know what I will be getting with my vote!!

Before you trash JW for having NO investigative experience, go ask him yourself about his Military background. If you truly knew what he did while serving this great country, you would retract your statement. If, after speaking with him, you still can't see the truth, ask him if you can look at his DD214. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to show you.

Now, as far as the BS he is a "hatchet" man, you are, once again, WAY off base. He has SAVED more careers than you know. (And no, I wasn't one of them.)

This agency is changing. Don't be scared of it. Do what you can to make the transition positive. Keep an open mind and support the changes that MAY be made. This is still a premier agency that is way ahead of other places.

[Curios George]

Excellent advice! Thank you Nadaguest.

Let us see some change for the troops not more command staff!! how abut that 43 hour work week...

[Paparazzi LEO]

Let us see some change for the troops not more command staff!! how abut that 43 hour work week...

You took the job knowing it was a 43 hour work week. If you do not like working 43 hours a week then DON'T. There are plenty of people out there that will galdly take your position. Based on your comments they would probably get more accomplished...

If you want change then go somewhere else to work.

If JW is for saving careers, then the W.H.O. is for the bird flu! JW operates to save face for the Sheriff/agency. Trust me.

I don't understand the big deal about the 43 hr work week. This is the second thread I have seen it in. We always have, and always will work 43. We get paid for it.

Maybe who ever is elected will get rid of some of the top brass that is not needed. Hunter created a lot of unnecessary position, increasing the budget, to give more money to his buddies. If the new sheriff gets rid of these unnecessary positions that money can flow down the chain and give substantial increases in pay to those that deserve it and reduce the budget at the same time. i.e. How many commanders and chiefs do you need? A chain of command is supposed to get smaller at the top not bigger. Not to mention all the sections created to give a special spot to friends. When you can't fill the positions you have you shouldn't be creating new ones.

Hmmmm. Hunter is not running because he wants to go into the private sector and spend more time with his family.....wonder what the real reason is for him not running.

[quote="guest 101"]Maybe who ever is elected will get rid of some of the top brass that is not needed. Hunter created a lot of unnecessary position, increasing the budget, to give more money to his buddies. If the new sheriff gets rid of these unnecessary positions that money can flow down the chain and give substantial increases in pay to those that deserve it and reduce the budget at the same time. i.e. How many commanders and chiefs do you need? A chain of command is supposed to get smaller at the top not bigger. Not to mention all the sections created to give a special spot to friends. When you can't fill the positions you have you shouldn't be creating new ones.

Hmmmm. Hunter is not running because he wants to go into the private sector and spend more time with his family.....wonder what the real reason is for him not running.[/quoteI agree!

Lets see who we have here...

1) some people that don't really understand anything at all about managment and delegation. ANY head of ANY organization should only really manage 5 to 10 people. Then those 5 to 10 delegate down, and so on. Hunter should of only really managed his Chiefs, but we all know THAT truth (can anyone say "micro-manage"?)

2) Then there are the people that think the deputy in the news last night isn't a RAT??? You know the one. The one stating the CCSO Lodge of the FOP really didn't like Ortino. Come on people. How long do you think he'll stay in ANY type of position in the FOP? Do you really think that the major players in the FOP Lodge 14 didn't speak with the State Lodge beforehand? The majority of CCSO FOP members fear possible retaliation the current (yes, Hunter AND Rambosk) administration would have on their jobs if they officially endorse Ortino. The solution? Have the Parent Lodge of the FOP do the endorsing.

The current administration fears any change in leadership as they then won't know where THEIR job stands. Of course, Rambosk as Sheriff would just be a changing of phone extentions for Rambosk. That's the extent of change the public would see. Don't kid yourselfs.

Yes Ortino has been managing a private compay, not a million dollar public agency. But remember, it has always been HIS money, not some bottomless pit of TAXPAYER funds. What better training for financial responsibilty could one have?

3) And finally, someone sticking up for JW????!!!! You have to be kidding!!!! Although I have no full idea of his military backgound, that is irrelevant with his, yes, I'll say it, "hatchet"-like background with CCSO. A union, any union, FOP, PBA, independant union would be good for BOTH the CCSO and it's deputies. All a contract is is a set of rules BOTH sides have to abide by. Written correctly, a union contract is a benifit to both sides.

Don't be fooled by those here and elsewhere that think the word "solid" is defined by what a wet noodle is. It's time to stand up for what's right and make a change for the better.

[Paradise]

Yetanotherguest you state “A union, any union, FOP, PBA, independant union would be good for BOTH the CCSO and it's deputies. All a contract is is a set of rules BOTH sides have to abide by. Written correctly, a union contract is a benifit to both sides.”

OH really. Then I beg you to PLEASE tell me one agency in this state that is unified with their Union and is happy they have them representing them!

Show me one Forum from Florida on this web site that praises the Union!

“A set of rules that both sides have to abide by?” Boy are you living in a fantasy world. I dare you to make that statement on any Florida Agency message board here at LeoAffairs and see what kind of responses you get.

Put your money where your mouth is. Show me just one!

As for CJ on the news last night at least he has the balls to publicly speak what he thinks! The only RAT I see is you talking behind peoples backs about the members you work next to everyday. That includes drawing a paycheck from the man who hired you. That makes you a RAT Hypocrite in my book.

People like you are a drain on this system. What a waste.

[veteranrookie]

OH really. Then I beg you to PLEASE tell me one agency in this state that is unified with their Union and is happy they have them representing them!

Show me one Forum from Florida on this web site that praises the Union!

“A set of rules that both sides have to abide by?” Boy are you living in a fantasy world. I dare you to make that statement on any Florida Agency message board here at LeoAffairs and see what kind of responses you get.

Put your money where your mouth is. Show me just one!



Where have I seen this question posed before.....? Oh, it was right here and by the same person no less!!

Q: Was someone able to find a department in Florida that embraces the unions the last time this argument was made?

A: Negative, Ghostrider.

Q: Will "Yetanotherguest" be the one to come up with answer to this one?

A: Stay Tuned for the answer on the next episode of "The Union Supporters Lose Yet Again."

Somebody happy with a union? Any officer who faced the disciplinary process and had access to binding arbitration and representation - not the scrutiny of a king.

[Curios George]

Somebody happy with a union? Any officer who faced the disciplinary process and had access to binding arbitration and representation - not the scrutiny of a king.

I will echo Paradise request.

Name just one agency in Florida that has a union that praise their existence. That includes binding arbitration for disciplinary matters. That includes ANY function of a union.

Until you find one you should stop proclaiming their greatness on this forum. It tends to lend credibility that you do not know what you are talking about.

Good luck hunting :)

Your ignorance does not prove non-existence; furthermore, it is not my position to educate you on anything. You present yourself as an educated person. If you are truly that, you understand the world expands far beyond that which you personally know. We make probabilistic statements about individuals - we make deterministic statements about groups.

Should you choose to further educate yourself, you need not look farther than St. Petersburg. A true shambles of a department, but several officers have been reinstated in the past decade due to arbitration.

I can remember the big union debate and being uncertain as to which way I would vote. I was truly on the fence and looking for ether side to show me the light.

What swayed me was not Hunters point counter point, nor his allowing CCSO e-mail to be used to discuss the issues... but the Unions own mailers that I found in my home mailbox, sent to me as a citizen. The mistruths and scare tactics I read made my blood boil and I knew that my neighbors had the same trash in their mail seeking their assistance with pressure. I knew then what it was all about... power.

I never looked back and was very pleased when the results of the vote revealed a landslide on behalf of staying Union-Free.

On the topic of St Pete... I can recall a few years ago that they had over 40 (a whole district?) walk out one day and go to work for Tampa PD. I can't help but think that the few that were able to recover their St Pete positions through arbitration were those that couldn't get hired anywhere else. Good for them... but probably a continuation of the St Pete legacy.

"And in case you're wondering, JW came straight from the military, with NO INVESTIGATIVE experience,,just a desk job and a good sales pitch for Hunter."

Right...I gues 10 years as the Assistant inspector General for the MArine Corps has NOTHING to do with doing the exact same job for the CCSO...

As far as JW goes, i don't care either way, never really talked to him. But will somebody PLEASE tell me one deputy he fired that didn't deserve it. Which ones??? the one drag racing? Maybe the one with the kiddie porn? No no, i got it, the one who threw everyone under the bus and continually lied during an investigation; or maybe the one who was stalking news reporters....and so on.

Quit your crying, I go out and do my job and I have never had a problem. I go to PRB, asnwer their questions and thats it.

for a guy who doesn't care either way, you seem rather passionate about the JW topic....cheese anyone?

Hey, I thought JW didn't fire people....the Sheriff did. Maybe there is some truth to that misstatement my friend.

Not passionate, just want to set the facts straight...and yes, the Sheriff does fire people...but probably not without JW's recomendation.

Its a shame this forum has just turned into an area where people just complain about how they weren't promoted or how the Sheriff doesn't do what they want.

Maybe you smell "cheese" because its supposed to go with your whine.

Still waiting for all of those "unfair" terminations

[DevilDogg]

Holy CRAP! Go up to PRB and ask how the system works. They are NOT going to 'behead' you for asking.

Get a friggin' grip people!

After reading these postings over many months I feel compelled to send my first post. You people need to get a life. Medication may be the answer for the angry one's (you know who you are).

Many of you think you could do a better job or know a better candidate. The truth is we do not know. He has more experience then the other. My guy is better then your guy. Sticks and stones...Let's vote for Homecoming King and Queen.

In the 20 years or so Hunter has been Sheriff he has done nothing, what a bum. He just sat around counting his cash.

Let's just take a glance to the county north of us. No, not Lee, but Hendry. One Sheriff gets arrested. Vote one in, get him out and vote him back in again. Yea that's what makes for a stable environment. It's like having stepparent's every four years.

I'm sure that all of the CCSO members supporting Ortino don't want anything out of it. They'll be happy just staying were they are.


Hughjorgan, I love your humor.

Mongo and Depalma for King and Queen...You choose for which.

Yup, wouldn't that make us proud if Ortino got elected and those former fired members got re-hired and are your lieutenants? It's going to be a brew ha ha next year. Where's my checkbook...?

Well I bet it would be quite a party.

chekbook? fourget that wear is my drink? its gonna be a exciting 12 months for shure. i hope it does not gett like it di d back when pabst -- uh i mean coors -- raan for shrif.

Everybody keeps saying the election is a year away. Didn't the primary get moved up to January '08. All three current candidates are running as Republicans; so, the election will be decided in late January '08. Incidentally, how do you respect a guy, VO-Magnum P.I., who tells the FOP State President anything he wants to hear just to get the endorsement. No Sheriff is ever going to voluntarily go gently into that good night, with a union. They will all fight it.

What, a politician making empty promises? Call CID....after 0900 please...and get them on this one....

Maybe one of the candidates, if he loses the primary, will run as a Democrat or an Independent. That would stretch things out a bit. I am still not certain if Rambosk is the right guy. We need some fresh air in this place. Do any of you think Rambosk is the same old same old? Or is he really going to drive us toward good change? I have only been here 6 years, and while I like it, I do see need for big changes and improvements. Any intelligent thoughts would be helpful.

[veteranrookie]

The general public is going to vote for the guy with the track record.

It seems to be pretty cut and dry to me. Rambosk probably has a pair of socks that have more time in Law Enforcement than the other two guys combined.

It's going to be an easy pick for the "average joe civilian" in this county. Nevermind what we have come to know about how this agency has been run. A vote from even the most well-informed of our department members is only a small percentage of our county's population.

As far as I'm concerned, right now, Rambosk is winning on all fronts.

[Paparazzi LEO]

Maybe one of the candidates, if he loses the primary, will run as a Democrat or an Independent. That would stretch things out a bit. I am still not certain if Rambosk is the right guy. We need some fresh air in this place. Do any of you think Rambosk is the same old same old? Or is he really going to drive us toward good change? I have only been here 6 years, and while I like it, I do see need for big changes and improvements. Any intelligent thoughts would be helpful.

Rambosk will institute change! Think about it for a moment.

First, many people will retire when Hunter retires. That will create many positions for promotions. Then you have Rambosk who has only been here for 4 years who will have to promote to fill the empty positions. He has no real ties to anyone at CCSO. In other words he does not owe anyone anything!!

That is huge. All those who thought that they were going to get promoted (HM and CG in STEB) because they had history with Hunter will now be on an equal playing field with all others. Rambosk, due to lack of history or longtime friendships, will have to promote based on merit and reputation. Supervisors like HM, CG and many others who have no people skills and monster egos of themselves will be forced to be the total package of a supervisor and excel in ALL areas not just getting the job done at any cost. No longer can supervisors treat you like crap and demoralize you just to look good and get rewarded by a promotion for it.

Then you have Rambosk's vision of where he wants to take us. He stated that he wants to automate as much as possible, eliminating the need for additional personnel. (Civilian positions)

Change is on the way and I think it will be GOOD CHANGE. Everyone I have talked to from the city said they liked working for him and one thing is for sure, he does not have that knee jerk reaction when he hears something he does not like. There will be new standards and attitudes at the top and it will all trickle down hill.

I have enjoyed working for Hunter and I am also looking forward to a positive future with new changes, attitudes and opportunities.

Give the guy a chance: Rambosk in 08

Does this mean I have to change tattoos?

From what I've been lead to belive thus far KR has the most credentials for the position. Even with the credentials does that make him a LEADER? I'm concerned because I haven't seen any indication of strong leadersip from him. Degrees and prior management are great to have and should be sought after but does KR really have what it takes to lead in an era in which Cops are being killed in record numbers? At this point KR is the most qualified on paper but he'll have to do more than unload bales of dope in the middle of the night to assure me he can lead "My 2nd Family".

But he bought us pizza too....come on man....pizza!

paparraze is right in a few areas. no one has ben callin for change as mutch as i have. at this point i am stilll undeecided about who to vote for. the lection is a few wekks off yet. dont think kr has no ties and doees not owe anyone anyhing. he is mutch like Hunter in many ways. he is diferent two but not i think tath different. the campanes have not started too much yet. be open minded ------ like me -------- and give all the playres a fair chance. it mite be kr who wins your nod or maybee not. but be open minded. tink of what is best for the ccso and for its members and for the counnty.

The election is still 11 month away. The Republican primary for sheriff and any other statewide offices is held in September 08. The election that was moved to January is the presidential primary that will vote on who gets the states slate of delegates to the democratic convention. It has no bearing on the race for sheriff of Collier County. There is still a lot of time for other qualified candidates to step forward.

I like Rambosk but will have to wait and see whether he will retain the barbed wire boys and the members of their cadre. If he wants to keep them, then I would have to look for another candidate that will rid the SO of these inept, biased administrators. I look for him to call for a reduction in the top heavy, salary heavy administration and to assure that those who remain work at their jobs as administrators rather than chasing around the country conducting seminars.

So to JB, JW, MB, TG, RH and others I say........ the clock is ticking..... TICK, TICK, TICK

I encourage members to actually talk to Mr. Rambosk personally and ask him some questions that are important to YOU. You won't believe how he will take the time to dialouge with you about it and you will be able to tell that he is genuine in his responses. We already have a keen sense of truth from dealing with desperados on a daily basis. Give it a shot, he'll give you a needed insight into his personality, sense of humor and non-robotic demeanor. Just be careful about doing that while he's on the job because there's some sort of rule against campaigning on duty.

I believe you'll see one of those cats resign and run against kr. get ready...

I like Rambosk but will have to wait and see whether he will retain the barbed wire boys and the members of their cadre. If he wants to keep them, then I would have to look for another candidate that will rid the SO of these inept, biased administrators. I look for him to call for a reduction in the top heavy, salary heavy administration and to assure that those who remain work at their jobs as administrators rather than chasing around the country conducting seminars.

So to JB, JW, MB, TG, RH and others I say........ the clock is ticking..... TICK, TICK, TICK

I agree. For a sheriff to form a "gang" in his own department shows you the type of people and the mind set of those people running the place. And don't try and pawn it off as a show of unity. That's why all the street gang members get their tats. the show of unity in the sheriff's office is the badge you wear. By forming your own gang within (which is what the tat's signify) you have pretty much stated to the rest of the organization that you think you are better than the rest. You have isolated a small group from the rest thereby eliminating and type of respect from the ranks. It is unfortunate, but I do not believe you will see any change if someone in current administration is elected except for maybe a few close personal friends moved up. It is time to bring in someone new and unbiased. Someone whose intention is to improve the place, not continue it on its current downward dive.

The election is still 11 month away. The Republican primary for sheriff and any other statewide offices is held in September 08. The election that was moved to January is the presidential primary that will vote on who gets the states slate of delegates to the democratic convention. It has no bearing on the race for sheriff of Collier County. There is still a lot of time for other qualified candidates to step forward.

I like Rambosk but will have to wait and see whether he will retain the barbed wire boys and the members of their cadre. If he wants to keep them, then I would have to look for another candidate that will rid the SO of these inept, biased administrators. I look for him to call for a reduction in the top heavy, salary heavy administration and to assure that those who remain work at their jobs as administrators rather than chasing around the country conducting seminars.

So to JB, JW, MB, TG, RH and others I say........ the clock is ticking..... TICK, TICK, TICK


What do you care if someone, on their own PDO, decides to teach a seminar. If your qualified to teach, why don't you go. They make money, recruit and make contacts with other agencies. How does this effect you?

[Curios George]

It’s called jealousy.

I would rather deal with someone who shows their unity towards something or someone by an identifiable mark versus dealing with someone who does the same in secrecy.

It is part of the alpha dog, male testosterone, group behavior to show pride and unity. The few who sport the barbed wire are no different than the many Marines (And other groups) who proudly show off their unity and pride.

Personally I could care less that a few that we work for have a certain matching tattoo. It has absolutely no bearing on whom or what I am or have accomplished or will accomplish.

Grow up and stop whining like little babies; and to think some of you actually carry guns for a living…

Interesting George...problem is the glaring lack of military service amongst those gentleman...one was a Coastie (DOT)...the rest haven't opted for the privilege of military service...only to throw around the quotes of those who have...perhaps you should try another analogy.

Interesting George...problem is the glaring lack of military service amongst those gentleman...one was a Coastie (DOT)...the rest haven't opted for the privilege of military service...only to throw around the quotes of those who have...perhaps you should try another analogy.

You are an idiot Guest - George never said they were in the military so why are you adding that incorrect statement to your inept comprehension?

He compared those who choose to display their spirit and pride, by way of a tattoo or other visible means, LIKE the military and other groups ie...sports figures (NFL), bikers, hollywood stars, etc...

People like you never understand what is really being comunicated. You always have to twist the facts and add crap that was never intended, thereby, stiring the pot and self promoting your skewed views. $5 bucks says you are a democrat!!

I am not sure I understand the sniper comment about the seminar thing...

We have some personnel who are tremendous instructors and speakers in their own fields of interest. They are assets to our agency and have made personal sacrifices to that end. That they are also recognized for their knowledge and expertise across the country is a testament to them as professionals.

The fact that they do this "travel" on their own dime and on earned PDO should be reason enough to dismiss these complaints.

I know several "instructors" who have done a fair amount of their training on actual PDO... that is, they took vacation time to go do something that was intended to benefit the agency.

As far as the military comment? As former military myself, I have no problem with the mentioned administrators using military style leadership principles... as long as they get it right. In many cases, they do.

I believe he use the word "MARINES"....tantamount to military my friend.

[Paparazzi LEO]

I believe he use the word "MARINES"....tantamount to military my friend.

Dear Guest,

After reading George Supprter comments to you the first time "You are an idiot Guest" I thought he was being a little harsh on you but after reading your response, quoted above, I believe he was right. Just because he said the word marine does not imply that they were in the military. He was comparing the level of pride and listed examples of groups who also show their pride with a visible symbology. George Supporter tried to do the same thing but that does not mean that he is saying they are football players, bikers or movie stars.

The lack of understanding of what is being siad reminds me of that book "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus" :wink:

Fine...I am an idiot! I still have friends dying every day in service of our country. They are men of honor who I hold in the highest regard. That said, to compare them to a group of political hacks, who never served, and only run around spouting military quotes and calling themselves "warriors" is an insult. You can pretend all you like that these "worriers" are comparable to the real thing - I opt not to buy it. Simply my opinion. I respect yours, though I disagree, and honor you right to express yourself.

You sir, are not an idiot - I find you to be a charming imp.

[Paparazzi LEO]

And all that may be fine and dandy but just because they did not serve does not mean they were not capable to serve.

I served and I spent many of years next to some real idiots so just because you serve your country does not make you better than anyone else or have the right to judge a mans character or ability based on military service.

If this were a time of mandatory draft and they failed to serve then I could see your point, but it's not.

What makes the military stand out with others is the character and belief in support of a principle. Just because you draw your paycheck from a local government and not from the federal government makes no difference. Your character and belief in support of a principle can be just as effective to show the capability of a mans patriotism in defending it's laws.

So I guess we can agree to disagree...

I am not about to make light of the military or the sacrifices those men and women make for our country. I honor those who have served and those who gave their lives. I just have one fact that may surprise some folks.
About 4,000 troops (Americans) have died since 9/11 in Iraq. Thats alot.

About 40,000 people die each year right here in America in their cars.

*This post was removed by Mod 167.

You judge me as "an idiot", rather than challenging my statements as idiotic...you have judged me...so I judge as well.

[Paparazzi LEO]

You judge me as "an idiot", rather than challenging my statements as idiotic...you have judged me...so I judge as well.

I'll give you that - Point taken.

[shrek]

I'm not one to typically chime in other than my occasional sarcastic one liners. I enjoy reading the forums for entertainment value while sipping on a few fingers of Jack Daniels. But this has got to be the most retarded topic I've seen to date.

How can an organization endorse a candidate before all the candidates are announced. I'm currently a member of the FOP lodge and will be canceling my membership Monday morning. At least they didn't endorse the limo driver.

Read some of the other agency forums. It's all the same junk people are complaining about. It doesn't matter who sits in the golden throne at the emerald palace. There will always be the same political BS going on because it is an elected position, and there will always be people *****ing about it.

I personally wouldn't want the FOP representing me if this is how they conduct business. Basically what it comes down to is they jumped on the first person they found that would run against Hunter. In my honest opinion, Rambosk will be the next Sheriff because he is the most qualified. Not that it will change anything for me at my lowly rank. He's at least got more time in the squad room crapper than the other two combined.

Ok....my glass is empty. I'll shut up now.

[Paradise]

Thank you Shrek. I agree with you 100%. You are not the only person that has stated that they will be cancelling their mambership over this. This cost the FOP in more ways than one. What a foolish move. Don't get me wrong, I think the FOP is useless but this just tops the cake in stupidity.

Also if you saw the NDN article on Saturday the President of the FOP at the state level was quoted in saying that Ortino had made efforts to contact the FOP. I translate this as saying that Ortino made a deal with the devil and may have traded the endorsement for an unapposed opportunity to start a union at CCSO. I can see no other logical or practical reason for the FOP to humiliate themselves over this.

Union dues at any cost :!:

Come on, sometimes there is food at the meetings....pizza man....pizza!

Waa waa. Will you resign your membership in the Republican Party if your candidate is not chosen to run against Hillary or Obama? Grow up people. It's not about who the FOP endorses. It's not about you. It's about who the next sheriff will be, and the FOP, as always, will have very little to say about that.

[Curios George]

Waa waa. Will you resign your membership in the Republican Party if your candidate is not chosen to run against Hillary or Obama? Grow up people. It's not about who the FOP endorses. It's not about you. It's about who the next sheriff will be, and the FOP, as always, will have very little to say about that.

Yea but it does not cost me anything to be a member of the Republican party :P

I agree about the FOP having very little say about who the next Sheriff will be. At the end of the day it is not about what party you belong to but about who you think will do the best job.

[DevilDogg]

I'm a member of an organization, purely for the purpose of a possible criminal charge being brought against me. (And NO, not by my own actions you buncha clowns! :D )

I can see the reasons why one would want to be a member, of course on the flip side, and as I've said before, this is a right to work state. A union has NO bearing on your job here. There are a few agencies in Florida that use a union to negotiate their contract, however, since this a a right to work state, County, City Hall, or anyone else that makes a decision, can tell you to "pound sand" and you'll take what we give. Remember, "Binding Arbitration", we don't have it in Florida.

A union at the CCSO would be a huge waste of time and effort. Go join if you like, use it as you see fit. Otherwise, enjoy where you are working and try and realize we have it WAY better than most of the agencies in Florida.

(If this doesn't make sense, I apologize. To many cold ones this evening. :P )

Waa waa. Will you resign your membership in the Republican Party if your candidate is not chosen to run against Hillary or Obama? Grow up people. It's not about who the FOP endorses. It's not about you. It's about who the next sheriff will be, and the FOP, as always, will have very little to say about that.

This is not the first time that I have been a member of a union that has endorsed a candidate that the majority of the membership did not agree with. Unions always endorse union friendly candidates, but does not mean they are law and order candidates. My union dues paid for Ortino's FOP endorsement, and I'm very angry over it. As usual though, the union has blown us off on our request to correct the situation and make it right. The local President and the State president are the kind of people that have given unions a bad name. They do what they want without consulting the membership. What a couple of horsesarses. All I want is to have a say in the decisions my union makes with my dues. I'm thinking about a public FOP card burning event, anyone interested.

Chuck will just light his cigarette off of it.

Is the local president the same guy that was the front gate gaurd for Bentley Village just a few years back?