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Highlands Today

Good Old Boy

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Richard B. Reaney

Published: October 23, 2008

Four years ago, Highlands County voters saw an active campaign for sheriff. In the primaries, four qualified candidates squared off in debates, and the November election saw two very qualified candidates. This election campaign, while very heated, was run with no mud slinging and ranting promises.

The voters chose wisely. Susan Benton was elected because she represented the type of sheriff the county needed. Her opponent was a member of "the good old boys" organization, and represented more of the same. Sheriff Benton made few promises, but kept all of them. After elected, in a series of public meetings, she asked the public what they most wanted improved in the sheriff's office and successfully completed most of the requests.

Today in the mail, I received another "Sheriff Accused" flyer from the PBA. This is the type of good old boy organization that Mr. Grimming is a part of! They don't make mention of Mr. Grimming or his connection to this organization. In public appearances, he does not denounce this type of underhanded mudslinging, so one must assume that he approves or is part of it.

So, in the manner of Mr. Grimming and the PBA, with no proof, but with innuendos, "I Accuse..." That is Mr. Grimming trying to reestablish his power base that he once had.

When in Tallahassee with the Highway Patrol, Mr. Grimming had a somewhat adversarial relationship with the Florida County Sheriff's organization. After he resigned from his Tallahassee appointment, he went to a position at an obscure Miami college. So with massive backing from "the Good old Boys" he was able to get nominated as the Republican candidate. What a great way to get back into power and stick it to the Florida sheriff's organization!

I am a Republican, and I am ashamed that the GOP has fallen for Mr. Grimming. We don't need this type of campaign in Highlands County.

Let the big red signs be a warning of the coming of another "Good Old Boy."

Richard B. Reaney
Lake Placid

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